JPH04327873A - Card type pinball machine game system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To supply balls without running short thereof by converting a part of money amount data in a card to the number-of-balls data to make control of automatically additionally supplying game balls corresponding to the number- of-balls data after the decrease of the game balls on a supply tray is detected by a ball detecting means. CONSTITUTION:In a card type pinball machine game system provided with a pair of a pinball game machine 100 and ball lending machine 200 enclosing therein a card reader provided with a card inserting port 211, while a first ball detector 131 for detecting the presence of a ball is provided on the downstream end of a supply tray 120 a second ball detector 132 as a ball reserve detector is provided near an outflow port 129 on the upstream side of the supply tray 120. When the ball detector 131 detects the ball shortage, a signal for requiring conversion to ball lending is sent to the ball lending machine 200. Also, even if the first ball detector 131 detects the ball shortage, the signal for requiring the conversion to the ball lending can not be generated when the second ball detector 132 detects the presence of the balls.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a control technology for gaming machines, and a technology that is effective when applied to a control system for converting card balances into rental balls in a card-type pachinko gaming system.
For example, the present invention relates to a technique that can be effectively used for ball rental control in a system that discharges rented balls using a prize ball ejecting device of a pachinko game machine.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, card-type pachinko game systems have been proposed in which games are played using magnetic cards. The card system has the advantage that the player only has to carry the card, which is a storage medium, and can reduce the effort of carrying a large number of pachinko balls that are prone to falling. Card-based pachinko gaming systems that have been proposed in the past can be roughly divided into the following two systems. In the first method, when a card is issued, data on the number of balls held corresponding to the purchase price is stored on the card, pachinko is played within the range of this data on the number of balls held, and data on the number of balls held that increases or decreases during the playing process is stored on the card. (See Japanese Patent Publication No. 47-42227). The second card method is to issue a card with only a code number recorded at the time of card purchase, store the number of balls held in a central management device, and insert the card into the card reading device of the pachinko machine. This allows you to play a game by calling up the stored number of balls you have (Utility Model Publication No. 32709, 1983, Special Publication No. 51-1982).
17106). However, regardless of the type of conventional card-based gaming system, games with cards are only possible within the gaming arcade where the card was issued, and games cannot be played with cards issued at other gaming arcades. It turned out that there was no such thing. Additionally, issued cards were only valid on the day of issue. Therefore, gaming systems based on common prepaid cards have been put into practical use in some areas, allowing cards issued by other gaming parlors to be used without restrictions on expiration dates.

0003

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] However, if such a common prepaid card system is adopted, the player must first purchase a card, put the card into a ball rental machine, and convert it into a rental ball before playing the game. Since the card cannot be started, there is a problem in that it requires extra effort as the number of card purchases has increased compared to the past. Therefore, a card reader is installed in the ball lending machine placed between the pachinko gaming machines, and a part of the remaining balance on the card is transferred to the ball lending machine based on a command from a switch button provided on the operation panel of the pachinko gaming machine. A ball lending system that reduces the inconvenience to players by using a prize ball discharging device installed in the pachinko machine to eject the rented balls directly into the supply tray of the pachinko machine has been developed. Proposed. However, with this ball lending system, if the balls on the supply tray run out during a game, the player must insert the card into the ball lending machine again and operate the conversion button, making additional conversions cumbersome. At the same time, it has become clear that there is a problem in that if the ball runs out when a so-called jackpot occurs, the rights may be lost.

The present invention was made against the above-mentioned background, and its purpose is to solve the necessary steps from purchasing a card to starting a game in a card-based gaming system and adding balls to rental balls during a game. To provide a ball lending system which can reduce the troublesomeness of a game by simplifying a player's procedure at the time of conversion, and can prevent the extinguishment of rights due to running out of balls when a jackpot occurs. In that case, the automatic additional conversion function is restricted when a jackpot occurs or there are balls in the supply tray, and problems associated with the adoption of the automatic additional conversion function (incorrect button operation, ball jamming, ball removal when a jackpot is hit) can be avoided. (false signals) can be avoided.

[0005]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, a ball detector is disposed in the middle of the guide path from the supply tray to the batted ball launcher, and the control device of the gaming machine is equipped with a ball detector that detects the lack of balls. This system is configured to provide an automatic additional conversion function that sends a conversion request signal to the ball rental machine to the ball rental machine when the ball rental machine detects this. In addition, a second ball detector is provided on the upstream side of the supply tray, and even if the ball shortage detector detects a ball shortage, when the second detector detects the presence of balls, the above-mentioned rental A conversion request signal to balls is not generated, and the automatic additional conversion function is disabled when a game state such as a so-called jackpot occurs.

[0006]

[Operation] According to the above-described means, when there are no balls on the guide path from the supply tray to the ball launcher, a signal requesting conversion to rental balls is automatically sent to the ball lending machine. Players do not need to press the conversion button every time, which reduces the troublesomeness of the game, and even if balls run out when a jackpot occurs, additional balls are added immediately to prevent rights from extinguishing. In addition, a second ball detector is installed on the upstream side of the supply tray, so if a ball jams in the middle of the supply tray or if you accidentally press the conversion button during play, the ball lending machine A conversion request signal to a rental ball is never sent to the player. Furthermore, when a gaming state such as a jackpot occurs, the automatic addition conversion function is disabled, so when a large number of prize balls are generated and the balls are removed from the supply tray, a ball shortage detection signal is generated. Also, no conversion request signal is sent, and problems associated with the adoption of the automatic additional conversion function can be avoided.

[0007]

[Embodiment] An embodiment of the card-type pachinko game system according to the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine 100 and a ball lending machine 200 are configured to form a pair, each ball lending machine 200 has a built-in card reader, and the front panel 210 of the ball lending machine 200 has the above-mentioned A card insertion/ejection opening 211, an insertion balance display 220 for displaying the balance of the inserted card, and a valid indicator lamp 230 for displaying that the ball lending machine is in operation are provided corresponding to the card reader. On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 100, an operation panel 121 is formed on the upper surface of a supply tray 120 provided on a front panel 110, and the balance of the card inserted into the ball lending machine 200 is displayed on this operation panel 121. a balance display 122 for displaying a card, a conversion button 123 for instructing the ball rental machine 200 to convert the ball into a rental ball (gaming ball), a return button 124 for instructing the ejection (return) of a card, and the conversion button A ball number display 125 for displaying the number of rented balls converted by 123 is provided.

[0008] The operation panel 121 also includes a ball rental available display lamp 126 that indicates that the conversion button 123 is activated, and a ball rental display lamp 126 that allows the control device of the gaming machine to perform control in an automatic conversion mode that will be described later. A mode switching button 127 for issuing commands is provided. Furthermore, a first ball detector (ball shortage detector) 131 is provided at the downstream end of the supply tray 120 of the pachinko game machine 100 to detect the presence or absence of balls.
However, second ball detectors (ball possession detectors) 132 are provided near the outlet 129 on the upstream side of the supply tray 120, and the first ball detector 131 and the second ball detector When both the detectors 132 are off, it is determined that there are no balls in the supply tray 120, and when only the first ball detector 131 is off, it is determined that balls are clogged in the supply tray 120. It is now possible to do so.

Note that 111 is the mode switching button 1 mentioned above.
27, a mode indicator indicating that the automatic conversion mode is in effect; 112, a prize ball discharge indicator lamp that is lit when a prize ball is discharged; and 113, a rented ball that is lit when a rented ball is discharged according to a signal from the ball rental machine 200. Emission indicator lamp, 141
142 is an operation dial for a ball launcher that fires the balls falling from the supply tray 120 one by one into the game area. . The configuration of the game area on the front of the pachinko game board is similar to that of the conventional one, and can have any configuration. In this embodiment, the insertion display 220 on the front of the ball lending machine 200 displays the balance of the card at the time of card insertion, and the ball lending machine 200 directly drives the balance display 122 on the front of the pachinko gaming machine. A drive signal that can be used is output. When the conversion button 123 is pressed, a command is given to the ball lending machine 200 to convert the balance of the card into rental balls in units of 200 yen, etc., assuming that the card is inserted into the card reader. 200 sends an ejection request signal (two balls if the amount is 200 yen) to the control device of the ball ejecting device provided on the back of the pachinko game machine 100 in increments of 100 yen, etc. within the amount of money held by the card. is configured to do so. The remaining amount of the card after conversion is displayed on the balance display 122 in units of 100 yen (the amount before conversion is displayed on the inserted balance display 220), and the number of rental balls that have been converted is displayed. is displayed on the ball number display 125.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the structure of the back mechanism of the pachinko game machine 100. In FIG. 2, 170 is a ball discharging device that discharges a predetermined number of rented balls based on a discharge request signal from the ball rental machine 200 or a prize ball according to a request signal from a pachinko game machine, and 151 is a ball discharging device for discharging prize balls. The storage tank that stores the previous ball, 152 is storage tank 1
This guideway 152 is a guideway for aligning the balls in a line and guiding them to the ball ejecting device 170. Although not particularly limited, the guideway 152 is formed into two strips so that a large amount of balls can be supplied in a short time. , a ball leveler 153 and a standby ball detector 160 are provided in the middle to prevent balls from overlapping. Further, below the ball ejecting device 170, there is a discharge gutter 155 that guides the discharged balls to the outlet 129 of the supply tray 120 on the front of the gaming machine, and a discharge gutter 155 that guides the balls overflowing from the supply tray 120 to the receiving tray 141 below. Overflow gutter 15
6 are continuously provided, and the discharge gutter 15
A ball removal gutter 157 branched from the middle of the ball hole 5 is arranged parallel to the overflow gutter 156, and this ball removal gutter 15
7 and the discharge gutter 155 is provided with a flow path switching valve 158. 159 is a collection gutter that collects winning balls that have flowed into the winning opening provided at the front of the gaming machine in one place; 1
80 is a winning ball separation detection device provided at the lower end of the collection gutter 159.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the ball ejecting device 170. This ball discharge device 170 includes a guide gutter 710 configured to be continuous with the guide gutter 152 that guides the spare balls stored in the storage tank 151. This guide gutter 710 is formed into two channels corresponding to the guide gutter 152, and a discharge means 740 consisting of a stopper 745 as a flow prevention means and a discharge solenoid 741 for driving the stopper 745 is also provided corresponding to each channel. There are two sets. The guide trough 710 consists of three parts depending on its function, from the top to the bottom: a pressure reducing part 711, an edge cutting part 712, and a discharge part 7.
It is said to be 13. The pressure reducing section 711 includes the storage tank 1
This is to reduce the pressure of the spare balls sent from 51 through the guide trough 152.
It has a turned structure. The edge cutting part 712 is for creating a space between the balls passing through the discharge part 713 below and making it easier to stop the balls from flowing out by the discharge means 740 below. It is composed of a portion 721 and a direction changing passage portion 722 communicating with a discharge portion 713, which will be described later. A ball jam prevention protrusion 723 is provided at the lower end of the vertical passage portion 721 to protrude forward. This ball jam prevention protrusion 72
3, the center position of the lowest ball among the balls vertically lined up and stopped in the vertical passage portion 721 is always located in front of the center position of the ball above it. As a result, the downward movement pressure of the upper balls always acts to press the lowermost ball forward, thereby preventing the balls from clogging.

A non-contact discharge ball detection sensor 7 is installed in the middle of the discharge section 713 of each guide trough 710 to detect falling balls.
30 (emission sensors 1 and 2) are installed respectively. In addition, a notch 703 is provided in the middle of each discharge portion 713, immediately after the discharge sensor 730, through which a stopper 745 constituting the discharge means 740 can be inserted. Each of the stoppers 745 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 705, and on one side of the stopper 745,
Connecting pins 746 are provided respectively, and these connecting pins 7
46 and the lower end of the operating rod 742 of the discharge solenoid 741 are connected by a connecting plate 747, respectively. When the discharge solenoid 741 is in the demagnetized (off) state, the operating rod 742 is lowered and the stopper 745
The distal end of the notch 703 is connected to the discharge part 7 of the guide trough 710.
13 respectively to prevent the game balls in the discharge section 713 from flowing down. On the other hand, when the discharge solenoid 741 is energized (turned on), the operating rod 742
is raised, the stopper 745 is rotated in the upward direction, and comes out of the notch 703 of the discharge part 713.
3 is released from the state of preventing the balls from flowing down, and the spare balls in the guide gutter 710 are discharged to the discharge gutter 155 below. In this way, the ball ejecting device 170 of the above embodiment can detect the balls flowing down one by one with the ejection sensor 730 and actuate the stopper 745 to stop the ejection when a predetermined number is reached. It becomes possible to eject prize balls and rental balls, which have different numbers of ejected balls, by the same ball ejecting device.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 750 denotes a ball removal sensor 750 that detects that a ball removal rod is inserted through an operation hole (not shown) provided in the front frame 101 of the pachinko game machine 100. When the ball removal sensor 750 is turned on, the discharge solenoid 741 is continuously energized to discharge the spare ball from the guide gutter 710, and the discharge gutter 1
The driving means (solenoid) of the switching valve 158 in the ball 55 is operated to discharge the ejected balls to the outside of the machine through the ball removal gutter 157. The above ball removal sensor 750
The discharge solenoid 741 and the discharge sensor 730 are electrically connected to the discharge control device 600 (see FIG. 4).

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a control system for the pachinko game machine 100 and the ball rental machine 200. Broadly speaking, this control system is mainly used for pachinko gaming machines 100.
a game board control device 400 that controls the game board;
It is composed of a ball lending control device 500 that controls the card reader and the like in the ball lending machine 200, and a discharge control device 600 that controls the ball discharging device 170. Among the control devices described above, the game board control device 400 receives detection signals from various winning ball detectors provided on the game board 102 of the pachinko game machine and forms a driving signal for the accessory, In response to a signal from a detector (safe sensor) 181 in a winning ball separation detection device 180 provided on the mechanism panel, it operates a safe solenoid 182 for separating winning balls and forms a drive signal for a speaker 190. In addition, the gaming board control device 400 monitors the gaming status and notifies the pachinko parlor management device 700 of information regarding the status of the pachinko machine, such as whether it is in operation, the occurrence of a jackpot, or the occurrence of a stoppage. Signal processing device 90 described below
It also has a function that notifies you of the occurrence of a jackpot even for 0.

The discharge control device 600 controls the two guide troughs 7 in the ball discharge device 170 based on the discharge command signal from the ball rental control device 500 or the game board control device 400.
By energizing discharge solenoids 741a and 741b that actuate a pair of stoppers 745 provided in the middle of each guide gutter 710, a predetermined number of spare balls are discharged from each guide gutter 710 based on detection signals from discharge sensors 730a and 730b. Based on the ON signal from the bulb removal switch 750, the discharge solenoids 741a and 741b are excited, and the drive source of the flow path switching valve 158 is activated to discharge all the spare bulbs in the storage tank 151 and the guide gutter 152. do. The discharge control device 600 also includes an on/off switch 103 (see FIG. 1) provided on the base frame 109 of the pachinko game machine 100, an overflow detector 104 (see FIG. 2) provided in the middle of the overflow gutter 156, and an induction gutter. When a detection signal is received from the standby bulb detector 160 installed in the middle of the ball discharger 152, the excitation of the discharge solenoids 741a and 741b is suspended to stop the discharge by the ball discharger 170, and at the time of discharge, the content of the discharge command signal is Depending on the situation, for example, the prize ball discharge indicator lamp 112 or the rental ball discharge indicator lamp 1.
13, or sends a signal requesting the ejection sound of a prize ball or a rented ball to the game board control device 400.

Furthermore, the discharge control device 600, based on signals from the replenishment sensor 106 and the out sensor 107,
A completion lamp 108 is lit, a replenishment request signal K and a discharge prize ball count signal I are sent to the management device 700 of the pachinko parlor.
It is configured to transmit an ejected ball number signal J (one pulse indicates the number of ejected balls, for example, 25), an out ball number signal L, etc. as data. The ball lending control device 500 receives read data from the card reader 250 in the ball lending machine 200 and sends a driving signal to the inserted balance display 220 and an activation indicator lamp 230 and a pachinko machine that display that the ball lending machine is in an operating state. Balance display device 1 provided in the gaming machine
22 and the ball rental available display lamp 126, and also forms a balance data rewriting signal q, a punch hole processing signal m, and a card ejection signal n to the card reader 250. In addition, the ball rental control device 500 has a terminal that accepts the ON signal of the ball rental conversion switch and the card return switch, and also converts the card management company's management device 800 into a one-time (100 yen) worth of rental balls. It also has a function to transmit a card payment signal j to notify that a transaction has been made, and an output terminal thereof.

In this embodiment, a signal processing device 900 is provided which receives as an input signal a segment drive signal X outputted from the ball lending control device 500 to the balance display 122 of the pachinko game machine. This signal processing device 900 includes the balance display 122, a conversion button 123, a return button 124, an automatic conversion mode switching button 127, and a ball detector 13 in the supply tray, which are provided in the pachinko game machine 100.
1,132, the mode display 111 and the number of balls display 125 are connected, and it forms a drive signal for the balance display 122 based on the segment drive signal X, and sends a conversion request signal to the ball lending control device 500. In addition to sending (ball lending signal) Y and card return request signal Z, automatic conversion mode control is performed, automatic conversion mode control is canceled based on the jackpot signal from the game board control device 400, and balls on the supply tray are detected. It has a function of limiting automatic conversion mode control based on signals from the converters 131 and 132.

Further, the signal processing device 900 determines the balance of the card based on the segment display drive signal It sends generation request signals F and G, and sends a status signal S to the management device 700 of the pachinko parlor indicating that the pachinko game machine is currently playing.
It also has the ability to send .

FIG. 5 shows a specific example of the configuration of the game board control device 400. That is, the game board control device 400 of this embodiment includes a prize ball number determining means 410 that determines the number of prize balls to be ejected based on the detection signal from the safe sensor 181, and the determined prize ball data B and its strobe. Driving signals for the prize ball data transmitting means 420 that outputs the signal C to the discharge control device 600, the game control means 430 that controls the game based on the signal from the game board 102, and the safe solenoid 182 for separating winning balls. The output section 440 generates a status signal to the management device 700 of the pachinko parlor and the audio output means section 450 that drives the speaker 190.

The prize ball number determining means 410 includes, for example, a signal detecting means 411 that detects the rising edge of the detection signal from the safe sensor 181 to form a winning ball detection signal, and a signal detecting means 411 that forms a winning ball detection signal by detecting the rising edge of the detection signal from the safe sensor 181, and determining the number of prize balls for one winning ball detection signal. a prize ball number storage means 412 for storing the number of prize balls, and a special ball storage means 412 for storing the number of game balls that have won a prize in a specific winning area, which is provided on an accessory of the game board and gives a prize ball number different from the number of prize balls for general winning balls. It consists of a winning number storage means 413, and is configured to output prize ball data set in advance corresponding to each winning ball when a winning ball is detected. The safe sensor 181 is provided in the winning ball separation detection device 180, and a drive signal for the safe solenoid 182 is formed in response to a response signal (reading confirmation signal) H from the discharge control device 600, and the winning balls are separated and detected one by one. Therefore, the ejection command signal is accurately formed for the number of ordinary winning balls according to the number of winning balls.

However, since the detection signals of specific winning balls are continuously input to the game board control device 400, this embodiment is provided with a specific winning number storage means 413 for storing the detected number of specific winning balls. Then, this specific winning number storage means 413 finishes discharging one winning ball by feeding back the read signal through an AND gate 421 which uses the response signal H from the discharging control device 600 as a control signal. The memory is decremented by one each time. The game control means 430 includes a specific winning ball detecting means 431 similar to the above winning ball detecting means 411, and a signal forming means 432 that outputs a jackpot signal P and a control signal for driving a solenoid, a motor, etc. provided on the game board. etc.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of the audio output means 450. The audio output means 450 receives a game sound request signal x from the game control means 430 requesting generation of a game sound such as a sound effect accompanying the drive of a solenoid, and a prize ball ejection sound request signal D from the ejection control device 600. A rental ball ejection sound request signal E, a card insertion sound request signal F and a card ejection sound request signal G from the signal processing device 900 are input. The audio output unit 450 includes audio generation units 451 and 452, each of which is a ROM (read only memory) or the like that stores audio generation codes corresponding to each of the five types of request signals.
, 453, 454, 455, a sound generator 457 that generates a signal for driving the speaker 190 based on the signals output from these sound generating means, and a sound generator 457 that gives priority to any one of the above request signals and generates the corresponding sound. The voice generation means 458 is configured to select the voice generation means with the highest priority and output the voice code when a plurality of request signals are received at the same time.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of the emission control device 600. The discharge control device 600 of this embodiment is in a state where the ball discharge device 170 can discharge the ball based on signals from the control unit 610 including a microcomputer, the frame sensor 103, the overflow detector 104, and the standby ball detector 160. an ejection enable condition confirmation means 620 that forms an ejection enable signal indicating whether or not the ejection enable condition exists and supplies the ejection enable signal to the control unit 610;
Status output means 6 for outputting a status signal indicating the discharge status such as prize ball discharge, ball lending, replenishment, etc. to the management device 700
30, and by counting the signal from the out sensor 107, it is 10.
It is comprised of a counter 640 that supplies an out signal to the management device 700 for each ball, and a display drive means 650 that drives the segment-type rental ball discharge display lamp 113 and prize ball discharge display lamp 112, and the like.

The discharge control device 600 also includes an input buffer BFFi and a control unit 610 that receive control signals from various sensors, the game board control device 400, and the ball lending control device 500.
The output buffer BFFo outputs control signals from the controller to an external control device, and a driver DRV generates drive signals for various solenoids. The ejection enable condition confirmation means 620 includes an AND gate G2 that takes the logical product of the detection signals from the respective detectors 103, 104, and 160, and generates an ejection enable signal indicating that ejection is possible only when all the detectors are in the on state. A is given to the control unit 610. As a result, when the front frame 101 of the pachinko machine is open, the overflow gutter 156 is full of prize balls, or there are no spare balls in the guide gutter 152,
Ejection operation is suspended in situations where it is undesirable to perform ejection.

The control section 610 also includes a prize ball discharge control section 616 and a rental ball discharge control section 617, as shown in FIG.
, a ball removal control section 618 and a power outage control section 619. Of these, the prize ball ejection control section 616 receives the prize ball data B from the game board control device 400 and the data strobe signal C indicating the timing of taking in the prize ball data, stores the number of prize balls, and uses the detection signal from the ejection sensor 730 to store the number of prize balls. Prize ball discharge number storage calculation unit 661 that calculates the actual discharge number based on
and a discharge control signal forming section 662 that determines the remaining number of discharges based on the calculated number of discharges and forms a drive signal for the discharge solenoids 741a and 741b. The discharge control signal forming section 662 is connected to the discharge solenoid 741a.
, 741b, generates a prize ball discharge end signal M, a prize ball discharge number signal N indicating that the number of discharged balls has reached 10, and a status signal R indicating that the prize balls are being discharged, Output.

The ball rental control unit 617 includes a data storage unit 671 that stores the conversion rate to rental balls and the upper limit of the amount that can be continuously converted into rental balls at one time, and the ball rental control device 5.
A rental ball discharge number storage calculation unit 672 that starts discharging rental balls based on the ball rental request signal T from 00 and calculates the actual number of discharged balls based on detection signals from the discharge sensors 730a and 730b; A discharge control signal forming section 673 that determines the remaining number of discharges based on the number of discharges and forms a drive signal for the discharge solenoid 741, and a discharge control signal forming section 67.
A ball rental upper limit determination unit that determines whether the number of rental balls has reached the upper limit based on the signal indicating the number of discharges from 3 and the upper limit value from the data storage unit 671, and prohibits further discharge when the upper limit is reached. 674. The conversion rate stored in the data storage unit 671 is supplied to the rental ball discharge number storage calculation unit 672 when the ball rental request signal T is set to a high level, so that the formation of the rental ball discharge signal is started. It has become.

The discharge control signal forming unit 673 generates a ball rental ready signal U indicating that rental balls can be discharged, a signal Q indicating that rental balls are being discharged, and a signal Q indicating that rental balls are being discharged, provided that the prize ball discharge control unit 616 is not in the process of controlling prize ball discharge. A signal O indicating the end of ball ejection is generated and output. The ball ejection control section 618 is the prize ball ejection control section 6
16 and rental ball discharge control section 617 are activated by an on signal from ball removal sensor 75 on the condition that discharge control is not in progress, and discharge solenoid 741 and flow path switching valve 15
It has a function of outputting a signal to drive the solenoid No. 8 and a signal p indicating that the balls are being discharged. As shown in FIG. 9, the power outage control unit 619 includes a power outage detection means 691 that counts the number of waves in the power waveform of the AC power source and detects the occurrence of a power outage when the number becomes equal to or less than a predetermined number, a voltage level detection means, etc. A power failure recovery detection means 695 detects the recovery of the power supply voltage based on a signal from ejection mode storage means 692 for storing ejection mode storage means 692 for storing the number of ejected balls during each ejection operation based on ejection number signals a and b; and a continuation control means 694.

The discharge mode storage means 692 and the discharged ball number storage means 693 are constituted by, for example, a RAM (random access memory) backed up by a battery 696, and when the power failure determination means 691 detects the occurrence of a power failure, the current The discharge mode and the number of discharges are stored in the discharge mode storage means 692.
and stored in the ejected ball number storage means 693, and when the power outage is restored, the ejection continuation control means 694 is activated to determine which of the prize ball ejection control section 616 or the rental ball ejection control section 617 has interrupted ejection. In accordance with the result, the number of balls held in the number of ejected balls storage means 693 is stored in the prize ball ejection control section 616 or the rental ball ejection control section 617.
The system is designed to continue discharging the balls that was interrupted when a power outage occurs and eject the remaining number of balls.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the configuration of the ball lending control device 500. The ball lending control device 500 of this embodiment includes a control section 510 that receives read data from the card reader 250 and forms a control signal for the card reader 250;
A ball lending request control unit 520 that generates a ball lending request signal T to the emission control device 600 based on the ball lending request signal Y from the signal processing device 900, and a balance display 220 consisting of a segment type display. and 122, and drive circuits DRV1, DRV2, etc. that drive the ball lending available indicator lamp 126 and the ball lending machine valid indicator lamp 230.

The ball rental request control section 520 includes a ball rental number setting means 521 that can set the number of balls to be discharged, that is, how many yen worth of rental balls should be discharged in response to one request signal from the signal processing device 900. , when the ball rental conversion request signal Y is input from the signal processing device 900, the ball rental number setting means 521
a conversion control means 522 that generates a signal t corresponding to the number of balls set in , and a discharge control device 600 based on the signal t and a ball rental enable signal U indicating that ball rental and discharge is possible.
The discharge control device 6 asserts the ball lending request signal T to
The ball lending request signal forming means 523 receives the payout completion signal V from 00 and negates the ball lending request signal T. The drive circuit DRV1 that drives the ball lending available display lamp 126 receives the ball lending request signal T and lights the ball lending available display lamp 126 only while this is negated, and the ball lending request signal T is asserted. The lights are turned off during this period.

FIG. 11 shows a specific example of the configuration of the control section 510 of the ball lending control device 500. That is, this control section 510 includes a card balance reading means 511 that extracts the card balance from the read data sent from the card reader 250, and a first card balance reading means 511 that stores the read balance data.
balance storage means 512 and second balance storage means 513
, an amount subtraction means 514 that subtracts the stored contents of the balance storage means 512 based on the ball rental completion signal V from the discharge control device 600, and a card reader 250 each time the amount of money stored in the balance storage means 512 reaches a predetermined number. Punching hole processing control means 515 for giving a hole punching command to the punching device in the
, a card balance determination means 516 for determining whether the amount in the balance storage means 512 has become zero, and this determination means 51
6 to the card insertion/ejection control means 517 which forms a card ejection command signal n to the insertion/ejection motor of the card reader 250 based on the zero amount signal u, the card return request signal Z from the signal processing device 900, etc.; A card management device 8 that manages the amounts of all cards, indicating that the prepaid card has been used once (100 yen, etc.) based on the signal V.
00 is provided. This payment signal j can be transmitted to the card management company's computer via a transmission line.

The second balance storage means 513 stores the first balance storage means 5 when the card is inserted and when a rental ball conversion request is made.
The contents of 12 (card balance) are copied. On the other hand, the first
The contents of the balance storage means 512 are updated every time discharge is completed. The contents of the two storage means are displayed on the inserted balance display 220 and the balance display 122 provided in the ball lending machine 200 and the pachinko gaming machine 100, respectively. Thereby, by reading the difference between the amounts on the two displays, it is possible to know the amount of money converted into rental balls by operating the conversion button 123.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the configuration of the signal processing device 900. The signal processing device 900 receives the balance display drive signal X from the ball lending control device 500 and displays a specific balance display 122 (not limited to the segment type) and ball number display 125 provided in the pachinko game machine. a card information control means 910 that forms display drive signals for and card insertion and discharge sound request signals F and G for the game board control device 400, commands from a conversion button 123 provided on the pachinko game machine, and a ball shortage detector 131. from the ball rental request control means 930 that forms a ball rental conversion request signal Y to the ball rental control device 500 when the ball-out state is determined based on the signal from the pachinko machine, and the return button 124 provided in the pachinko game machine. and a return signal forming means 940 that forms a card return request signal Z based on a command from the management device 700 of the pachinko parlor and a stop command from the management device 700 of the pachinko parlor.

FIG. 13 shows the card information control means 91.
0 is shown. The card information control means 910 includes a display content reading means 91 that receives the balance display drive signal X from the ball lending control device 500 and holds the display content.
1, it is determined whether the balance is zero based on the read display content, and if the balance is zero, a signal r indicating that the balance has become zero is sent to the ball lending request control means 930, and if the balance is not zero, is a balance determining means 912 that supplies a signal S indicating that a game is in progress to the management device 700;
and S as input signals, and when the balance changes from "zero" to "available", it is determined that the card has been inserted into the ball lending machine 200,
Further, when the balance changes to "zero", it is determined that the card is ejected from the ball lending machine 200, and a card insertion/ejection determination means 913 outputs a corresponding signal. Audio output request means 914 forms request signals F and G for insertion sound or card ejection sound and sends them to the gaming board control device 400, and numerical display data suitable for the balance display 122 provided in the pachinko gaming machine are provided. Numerical display data storage means 91 for outputting balance data from display contents stored and read by display content reading means 911
5, a conversion rate storage means 916 that stores the conversion rate for rental balls, a display data conversion means 917 that outputs ball number data converted based on this conversion rate, and a balance display 122 and a ball number display 125. is configured with a dot matrix type display, message storage means 918 stores display data such as a message other than the balance and number of balls, and the balance display 122 and the number of balls display 125 display the display data. Display driving means 921 and 922 are provided for determining data to be displayed and forming a display driving signal.

FIG. 14 shows a specific configuration example of the ball lending request control means 930. That is, the ball lending request control means 930 includes a conversion operation detection means 931 that detects a signal from the conversion button 123, a ball shortage detection means 932 that detects a signal from the ball shortage detector 131, and an automatic conversion mode switching button 127. automatic conversion mode switching detection means 933 that detects a signal from the ball possession detector 132, ball possession detection means 934 that detects a signal from the ball possession detector 132, and jackpot signal detection means 935 that detects a jackpot signal from the game board control device 400. , a ball rental request signal generating means 936 that generates a ball rental conversion request signal Y to the ball rental control device 500 when a signal from the conversion button 123 is detected by the conversion operation detection means 931; and an automatic conversion mode display lamp 111. Display driving means 937 that forms a signal to light up the
When the automatic conversion mode switching detection means 933 detects the operation of the switching button 127, the automatic conversion mode is memorized, and when the signal from the ball shortage detector 131 is detected, the automatic conversion mode is switched on. The lending request signal generating means 936 is activated to generate the ball lending conversion request signal Y, and the display driving means 937 is activated to display the lamp 11.
The automatic conversion mode control means 938 lights up 1, and the automatic conversion mode control is performed when a zero balance signal is received from the balance information control means 910 or when a jackpot signal is detected with the ball possession detection signal being input. Conversion prohibition that cancels the automatic conversion mode set in the means 938 and prohibits the generation of the ball rental conversion request signal Y even if the ball shortage detection signal is input while the ball possession detection signal is input. and release means 939.

Next, the procedure for controlling the discharge of rental balls and prize balls performed by the above-described discharge control device 600 will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 15 to 53. The ejection control of the prize balls includes a so-called background control process (FIG. 15) in which the ejection control device 600 is started at the same time as the power is turned on and the process is repeated as long as the power is turned on (FIG. 15); There are also two control processes: an interrupt process (Figure 16) in which the background control process is interrupted and executed every predetermined time (for example, 0.5 msec) by a timer interrupt. These two control processes are classified into C
This is executed by a control unit 610 consisting of a PU.

First, the main routine of the background control process for controlling the ejection of prize balls will be explained with reference to FIG. This main routine is repeatedly performed after the emission control device 600 is powered on as described above.

When the power is turned on, first, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the "power outage flag" is "1". This "power outage flag" is set to "1" when a power outage is detected in the process described later (FIG. 29). If the determination result in step S1 is "No", proceed to step 2; if "Yes", proceed to step 13, set the "processing number" prepared in the reference area in the RAM to "5", and then step Proceed to S3. Later, power outage recovery processing (
This is to cause step S15) to be performed. Step S
In step 2, initial settings such as clearing the RAM, setting flags, and resetting the output buffer are performed.

In the subsequent step S3, a discharge device fraud monitoring process (FIG. 30), which will be described later, is performed to confirm that no unauthorized discharge is being performed. It is determined whether the flag is "1" or not, and when the flag is "1", the illegal cancellation process of step S13 is performed, and when the flag is "0", the process proceeds to step S5. In steps S5 to S9, it is determined with reference to the processing number (processing NO) whether the number is "5", "4", "3", "2", or "1", respectively. This process number starts the power failure recovery process (Figure 53) described later when its value is "5", and starts the ball removal process (Figures 43 to 45) described later when its value is "4". , when the value is "3", the ball lending process (described below) is performed (
42), and when the value is "2", the prize ball discharge process (FIG. 35) described later is started, and when the value is "1", the prize ball start process (FIG. 32) described later is started. It is something that gets you started. When each corresponding process is executed, this process number is changed to another number or reset to "0" in the process flow.

On the other hand, when the processing number is "0", the process proceeds to step S10, and it is determined whether or not the ball removal flag is "1", and when the flag is "1", the processing number is set to "1" in step S20. Set to 4”. This is to cause the process to proceed to the ball removal process in step S16 when the main routine is executed again. Also, in step S10, the ball removal flag is set to “
0'', the process advances to step S11. In step S11, it is checked whether or not there is a ball lending request signal V from the ball lending control device 500, and if the signal is present, the ball lending start process (FIG. 41) is executed, and if there is no ball lending request signal, step S12 Proceed to. In step S12, it is checked whether a prize ball discharge request (strobe signal C of prize ball data) has been received from the game board control device 400. If yes, the processing number is set to "1" in step S22. This is to cause the process to proceed to the prize ball start process of step S19 when the main routine is executed again. Also, step S1
If there is no discharge request in step 2, the replenishment process (FIG. 46) and the information output process (FIG. 47) are executed, and then the process returns to step S3.

FIG. 16 shows the procedure of timer interrupt processing, which is performed by the emission control device 600 every predetermined period of time (for example, 0.5 msec) in priority to the main routine (background processing) of FIG. 15. There is. This interrupt processing is performed for reading various input signals. When this interrupt processing is started, first, the count values of various timers are updated (step S40), then ball lending request detection processing (step S41), prize ball data detection processing (step S42), frame sensor input processing (
Step S43), Input processing for the discharge sensor 1 (Step S44), Input processing for the discharge sensor 2 (Step S46)
, discharge sensor 1 level input process (step S48), discharge sensor 2 level input process (step S50), bulb removal sensor input process (step S52), replenishment sensor input process (step S54), overflow detector input process ( Step S56), waiting ball detector input processing (Step S58) and out sensor input processing (Step S
60) are performed sequentially.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the ball lending request detection processing routine carried out in step S41. In this processing routine, it is first determined whether the value of the continuous ball lending counter prepared in the RAM and updated in the ball lending discharge processing routine of FIG. 42 is "5" (step S4102), and if "No" is determined. If so, step S41
The process advances to S4118 to check whether or not the prize balls are being ejected, and if the prize balls are being ejected, the ball lending request flag is reset and the process ends (step S4118). Moreover, if the prize ball is not being discharged, it is determined in the next step S4106 whether or not the ball rental is being discharged, and if the ball rental is being discharged, the process is ended without doing anything. In this embodiment, even if one conversion to rental balls is set to units such as 200 yen or 300 yen, the ejection solenoid is converted to 100 yen.
This was done in consideration of the fact that emission orders are issued in units of 0 yen.

If it is determined in the above step S4106 that the ball lending is not being discharged, the process advances to step S4108, where it is determined whether the ball lending request signal T is set to a low level, and "Ye" is determined.
If the signal is "low level" for 5 msec consecutively (step S4120), it is determined that the ball lending request signal has been asserted by confirming that the signal has been low level for 5 msec consecutively. This is to prevent malfunctions.If the determination in step S4120 is "No", nothing is done, and if the determination is "Yes", the ball lending request flag is set and the process ends (step S4120).
4122). As a result, "Yes" is determined in step S11 in the main routine of FIG. 15, and ball lending start processing S21 is started. Furthermore, step S410
If it is determined in step S4110 that the ball lending request signal T is at a high level, the process advances to step S4110.
It is determined whether the ball lending request signal T is at a high level (H level) for 5 m seconds continuously. If it remains at a high level for 5 m seconds continuously, it is determined that there is no longer a ball lending request, clears the continuous ball lending counter, resets the ball lending request flag, and sets the P stand ready flag indicating that ball lending is possible. "
0” and terminates the process (step S4124
, S4126, S4128).

On the other hand, the determination in step S4102 is “Yes.
s'', the process advances to step S4112 and it is determined whether the ball lending request signal T from the ball lending control device 500 is at a high level.Here, if the ball lending request signal T is at a low level (L level), If this routine is ended without any change and the ball lending request signal T is at a high level, the process advances to step S4114, and the ball lending request signal T is continuously output for 5 m.
Determine whether the level is high for a second. If the ball lending request signal T is at a high level for 5 m seconds continuously, it is determined that the ball lending request signal T has been negated, the continuous ball lending counter is cleared, and the process ends (step S4116).
. This is to avoid converting more than 500 yen at a time.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the prize ball data detection processing routine carried out in step S42. In this process, it is first checked whether or not balls are being ejected (step S4202), and if they are not being ejected, the process advances to step S4204 to determine whether or not the prize ball ejecting process has already begun. Finish the process without doing anything,
If the prize balls are not being ejected, the process advances to step S4206 to check whether the data strobe signal C from the game board control device 400 is asserted to a low level. If it is determined that the data strobe signal C is at a low level, the process moves to step S4212, where it is determined whether the signal has been at a low level for 10 msec or more continuously, and if "Yes", the number of prize balls from the game board control device 400 is determined. After reading the data B, the prize ball request flag is set and the process ends (steps S4214, S4216). By this, Figure 1
In step S12 of the main routine No. 5, the determination is "Yes", and the processing number is set to "1", and then, in step S9, the determination is "Yes", and the prize ball start process S19 is started.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4202 that the ball is being rented out, the process moves to step S4208, resets the prize ball number data and the prize ball request flag set in steps S4214 and S4216, and ends the process. (Step S4210). This is to give priority to ball lending processing over prize ball discharging processing. However, the ball lending process is given priority only when the prize ball number data and the prize ball request flag are set, and once the prize ball ejecting operation has started, the prize ball ejecting process cannot be reset. To prevent this from happening, measures are taken in the ball lending request detection process in FIG. 17 (see steps S4104 and S4118).

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the frame sensor input processing routine carried out in step S43. This frame sensor input processing takes in the signal of the frame sensor 103 provided in the pachinko game machine and performs the information output processing S.
In order to set the frame open flag and frame blockage flag used in the process of forming the frame open signal in the game machine information output processing flow (FIG. 51) that forms the signal output to the hall management device 700 in step 24. This is the process. When this routine is started, first step S4300
It is determined whether the output signal of the frame sensor 103 is at a high level (frame sensor output=“1”). Assume now that the front frame 101 of the pachinko game machine is closed. Then, the determination result in step S4300 becomes "Yes",
Proceeding to step S4302, it is determined whether the frame blockage flag is "1". Here, in the initial setting, all the determination flags are set to "0" (step S2 in FIG. 15), so the determination in step S4302 and the next step S4
The results of the determination in step S4304 (whether the frame blockage monitoring flag is "1" or not) are both "No", the frame blockage monitoring flag is set to "1" (step S4306), and the frame opening monitoring flag is set to "1".
0'' (step S4308), and further sets the frame occlusion timer to a predetermined value (100 msec) (step S4308).
310), this routine ends.

[0048] Then, when the next loop is started, if the frame sensor is still on, step S430 is executed.
The determination result of step S4302 is “No,” and the determination result of step S4304 is “Yes.”
” and step S4312 is executed. In this step S4312, it is determined whether or not the frame closure timer started in step S4310 has timed up.
When the determination result is "No", the following step S431
4. Skip S4316 and end this routine. On the other hand, the determination result in step S4312 is “Yes”.
In this case, the frame sensor blockage flag is set to "1" in step S4314, and the frame sensor blockage flag is set to "1" in step S4316.
, reset the frame sensor open flag (set to “0”)
to end this routine.

On the other hand, “No” in the above step S4300
That is, when it is determined that the frame sensor 103 is off,
Proceeding to step S4318, a routine consisting of steps S4318 to S4332, which are complementary steps to steps S4302 to S4316, is executed to set the frame open flag to "1" and the frame blockage flag to "0". to end this routine. That is, first, the determination results of step S4302 (whether or not the frame opening flag is "1") and the next step S4304 (whether or not the frame opening monitoring flag is "1") are both "No", and step S43
The frame open monitoring flag is set to "1" in step S4322, and the frame blockage monitoring flag is set to "0" (step S4324).
, further starts the frame blockage timer (step S4326).
, this routine ends. Then, if the frame sensor is still off when the next loop is started, the determination result in step S4300 is "No", and the subsequent step S4300 is "No".
The determination result in step S4302 is "No", the determination result in S4304 is "Yes", and step S4328 is executed. In this step S4328, the step S432
It is determined whether the frame closing timer activated in step 6 has timed up, and if the determination result is "No", the following steps S4330 and S4332 are skipped and this routine is ended.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S4328 is "Yes", the frame sensor open flag is set to "1" in step S4330, and the frame sensor closed flag is reset ("
0") and ends this routine. However, the setting time of the frame opening timer started in step S4326 is selected to be 1000 msec, which is much longer than the frame closing timer (step S4310). .

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the input processing routine for the exhaust sensor 1 carried out in step S44. This routine is for detecting the state of the ejection sensor 730a, and when there is a prize ball inside the sensor, its output signal becomes high level, and the prize ball flows out temporarily or continuously. The output signal is configured to be at a low level when the sensor no longer exists in the sensor. Therefore, in this routine, when the output signal of the sensor 730a rises from a low level to a high level, the ejection sensor 1 rising flag, which will be described later, is set to "1" to remember that the prize ball has reached the sensor. It has become. On the other hand, the sensor 730a (hereinafter, discharge sensor 1
When the output signal (denoted as ) falls from a high level to a low level, a discharge sensor fall flag, which will be described later, is set to "1" to remember that the prize ball has escaped from within the sensor.

When this routine is started, first, in step S4402, it is determined whether the output signal of the sensor 1 is at a high level (emission sensor 1 output="1"). Let us now consider a situation in which one prize ball remains within the sensor 1 without being ejected. At this time, step S
The determination result of 4402 is “Yes” and the process proceeds to step S4.
404 and subsequent steps are executed.

In step S4404, it is determined whether the discharge 1 rise change flag is "1", in step S4406 it is determined whether the discharge 1 fall change flag is "1", and in step S4408, the discharge 1 low level flag is determined It is then determined in step S4410 whether or not the discharge 1 high level flag is "1". By the way, immediately after the CPU 610 is initialized, all flags are set to "0", so steps S4404 to S4404 are set to "0".
All the determination results in step S4410 are "No", and in step S4412, the discharge 1 high level flag is set to "1" to remember that the output signal of discharge sensor 1 was high level in this loop. End the routine.

In the subsequent loop, since the discharge 1 high level flag is set to "1", as long as the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 maintains the high level state, step S44 is performed.
02, S4404, S4406, S4408, S441
0 will be executed repeatedly. After that, the ejection of the prize ball is started, and when the prize ball that had been staying in the sensor 1 moves outward from the inside of the ejection sensor 1 and escapes from the sensor 1, the output signal of the ejection sensor 1 falls to a low level. , the determination result in step S4402 is "No" and steps S4432 and subsequent steps are executed.

When the processing after step S4432 is performed for the first time, the discharge 1 high level flag is set to "1".
”, and all other flags are “0”, so the judgment in step S4432 (if the discharge 1 fall change flag is “1”)
”), the next step S4434 determines (discharge 1
Whether the rising change flag is “1”), both results are “No”.
", the result of the determination in step S4436 (whether the discharge 1 high level flag is "1") is "Yes", and steps S4438 and S4440 are executed. In step S4438, the discharge from the previous loop to the current loop is In order to memorize that the output signal of the sensor 1 changes from high level to low level (falls), the discharge 1 falling change flag is set to "1", followed by step S4.
At 440, the discharge 1 high level flag, which had been set to "1" up to this point, is reset (set to "0"), and this routine ends.

Furthermore, when the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 is still at a low level in the next loop, since the discharge 1 fall change flag was set to "1" in step S4438 of the previous loop, the determination result in step S4432 is “
"Yes".Then, the next step S4442~
In S4448, the ejection sensor 1 fall flag is set to "1" to remember that the prize ball has escaped from the ejection sensor 1 (
Step S4442), and when the value is "1", the ejection sensor 1 start-up flag indicates that there is a prize ball in sensor 1 (when this step is executed for the first time after initialization, it is set to "0"). ) is reset to "0" (step S4444), and then the discharge 1 fall change flag is reset to "0" (step S4446), and the output signal of discharge sensor 1 in this loop is at low level. Set the emission 1 high level flag to “1” to remember something.
” (step S4448) and ends this routine.

In the subsequent loops as well, if the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 is at a low level, the discharge 1 fall change flag,
Since the discharge 1 rise change flag and the discharge 1 high level flag are all "0" and the discharge 1 low level flag is "1", steps S4402, S4432, and S443 are performed.
4, S4436 and step S4450 (determining whether the discharge 1 low level flag is "1") are repeatedly executed (at this time, the determination result of step S4450 is "Y").
es”), at this time, the discharge sensor 1 fall flag is “
1”, and the discharge sensor 1 startup flag is held at “0”.

On the other hand, in the loop immediately after the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 falls from high level to low level,
If the output signal rises to a high level again (step S4438 was executed in the previous loop and the discharge 1 fall change flag became "1", and the sensor output rose to a high level in the current loop) ), the determination result of step S4402 changes to "Yes", and furthermore, the determination result of step S4404 changes to "No", and step S44
06 is determined as "Yes", and in step S4428, the discharge 1 rise change flag is set to "1" to remember that the output signal rose from the previous loop to the current loop. , step S443
0, the discharge 1 fall change flag, which was set to "1" in the previous loop, is reset to "0" and this routine ends.

As a result, the discharge 1 fall flag is set to "1" unless a low level state is detected for a predetermined period of time or longer (while this interrupt processing is performed at least twice) after the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 falls. (Prize ball is sensor 1
Processing (indicating that the discharge has occurred from the inside) is not performed, and if noise occurs in the output signal of discharge sensor 1 and the signal falls momentarily, the discharge 1 falling flag may be set by mistake. It is designed not to be set to “1”.

Next, consider the case where after the previous prize ball escapes from inside the sensor 1, the next prize ball reaches inside the sensor 1. At this time, the determination in step S4402 (determination as to whether the output signal of sensor 1 is at a low level) is "Yes", and the determination in step S4404 (the discharge 1 rise change flag is "1") is performed. In this case, the judgment result is “No.
”, and it is determined in step S4406 whether or not the discharge 1 fall change flag is “1”.At this time, the determination result in step S4406 is also “No” (it is set to “0” in step S4446). ), the process advances to step S4408, and the discharge 1 low level flag is set to "1".
A determination is made as to whether or not this is the case.

At this point, the discharge 1 low level flag has been set to "1" in step S4448, so the determination result in step S4408 is "Yes", and the process advances to step S4414, where the discharge sensor is set from the previous loop to the current loop. In order to remember that the output signal of No. 1 has changed from a low level to a high level (has risen), the ejection 1 rise change flag is set to "1", followed by step S4.
At 416, Emission 1, which had been set to “1” up until this point,
The low level flag is reset (set to "0") and this routine ends.

Furthermore, when the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 is still at a high level in the next loop, since the discharge 1 rise change flag was set to "1" in step S4414 of the previous loop, the determination result of step S4404 is but"
"Yes".Then, the next step S4418~
In S4424, the discharge sensor 1 startup flag is set to "1" to remember that there is a prize ball in the discharge sensor 1 (step S4418), and when the value is "1", the prize ball is released from the sensor. The discharge sensor 1 fall flag indicating that the discharge sensor 1 has changed is reset to "0" (step S4420), and the discharge sensor 1 rise change flag is then reset to "0" (step S4422). The discharge 1 high level flag is set to "1" to remember that the output signal of No. 1 is at a high level (step S4424), and this routine ends.

Thereafter, as long as the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 is at a high level, steps S4402 and S4404 are performed.
, S4406, S4408, and S4410 are executed repeatedly, and at this time, the discharge 1 startup flag is set to "1".
, the discharge 1 falling flag is held at "0".

On the other hand, in the loop immediately after the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 rises from the low level to the high level,
If the output signal has fallen to a low level (step S4414 was executed in the previous loop and the discharge 1 rise change flag became "1", and the output signal of the current loop is at a low level), step S4402 is executed. The determination result of step S4432 is "No", and the determination result of step S4432 is "N".
o", the determination result in step S4434 is "Yes", and in step S4452, the discharge 1 fall change flag is set to "1" to remember that the output signal fell from the previous loop to the current loop. At the same time, in step S4454, the discharge 1 rise change flag, which was set to "1" during the previous loop, is reset to "0" and this routine ends.As explained above, the output of the discharge sensor 1 After the signal rises, unless a high-level state is detected for a predetermined period of time or longer (at least while this interrupt processing is performed twice), the discharge 1 rise flag is set to "1" (the discharge sensor 1 is Processing (indicating that there is a prize ball) is not performed, so that the ejection 1 start-up flag is not set to "1" by mistake when noise occurs in the output signal of ejection sensor 1. ing.

By executing the above routine,
After the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 rises, the discharge sensor 1 rise flag becomes "1" only when that state is maintained for a predetermined period or longer (while the interrupt processing is performed at least twice).
”, and therefore, the rise flag indicates that the prize ball has reached the ejection sensor 1. Conversely, after the output signal of the ejection sensor 1 falls, the rise flag is set to is carried out twice), the ejection sensor 1 fall flag is set to "1" only when this state is maintained, and therefore the ejection sensor 1 fall flag indicates that the prize ball has escaped from the ejection sensor 1. The discharge sensor 1 rise flag and discharge sensor 1 fall flag are referenced in the alternate discharge process or combined discharge process (see FIGS. 38 and 39 described later) in the background process (main routine). Ru.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the input processing routine for the discharge sensor 2 carried out in step S46 of the interrupt processing (FIG. 16). This routine
This is to detect the state of the discharge sensor 30b, and is performed in the same procedure as the input processing routine of the discharge sensor 1 described above. In this routine, similarly to the input processing of the exhaust sensor 1 described above, when the output signal of the sensor 730b (hereinafter referred to as the exhaust sensor 2) rises from the low level to the high level, the exhaust sensor 2 rise flag is set to "1". ” to memorize that the prize ball has reached the sensor, and on the other hand, set the ejection sensor 2 falling flag to “1” when the prize ball reaches the sensor when it falls from the high level to the low level. I try to remember things that I escaped more easily.

Specifically, when this routine is started,
First, in step S4602, it is determined whether the output signal of the sensor 2 is at a high level (emission sensor 2 output = "1"). Let us now consider a situation in which one prize ball remains within the sensor 2 without being ejected. At this time, the determination result in step S4602 becomes "Yes" and steps S4604 and subsequent steps are executed.

In step S4604, whether the discharge 2 rise change flag is "1" or not is determined in step S4606.
In step S4608, the discharge 2 low level flag is determined to be "1".
Then, in step S4610, the discharge 2
It is determined whether the high level flag is "1" or not.

By the way, immediately after the CPU 610 is initialized, all flags are set to "0", so step S
All the determination results from 4604 to S4610 are "No", and in step S4612, the discharge 2 high level flag is set to "1" to remember that the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 was high level in this loop. This routine ends. In the subsequent loop, the discharge 2 high level flag is set to "1", so as long as the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 remains high level, step S4602
, S4604, S4606, S4608, and S4610 are repeatedly executed. After that, the ejection of the prize ball starts, and when the prize ball that had been staying in the sensor 2 moves to the outside and escapes from the sensor 2, the output signal of the ejection sensor 2 falls to a low level. ,
The determination result in step S4602 is "No" and steps S4632 and subsequent steps are executed.

When the processing after step S4632 is performed for the first time, the discharge 2 high level flag is set to "1".
”, and all other flags are “0”, so the determination in step S4632 (emission 2 falling change flag is “1”)
”) and the next step S4634 (whether the discharge 2 rise change flag is “1”) are both “No”, and the following step S4636 (the discharge 2 high level flag is “1”?) is “No”. The result of the determination is "Yes" and steps S4638 and S4640 are executed. In step S4638, the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 has changed from high level to low level (falling) from the previous loop to the current loop. In order to remember this, the discharge 2 fall change flag is set to "1", and the subsequent step S4
At 640, the discharge 2 high level flag, which had been set to "1" up to this point, is reset (set to "0"), and this routine ends.

Furthermore, when the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 is still at a low level in the next loop, the discharge 2 fall change flag was set to "1" in step S4638 of the previous loop, so the determination result in step S4632 is “
"Yes".Then, the next step S4642~
In S4648, the ejection sensor 2 fall flag is set to "1" to remember that the prize ball has escaped from the ejection sensor 2 (
Step S4642), and when the value is "1", the discharge sensor 2 start-up flag indicates that there is a prize ball in the sensor 2 (when this step is executed for the first time after initialization, it is set to "0"). ) is reset to "0" (step S4644), and then the discharge 2 falling change flag is reset to "0" (step S4646), and the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 in this loop is at low level. Set the emission 2 high level flag to “1” to remember something.
” (step S4648) and ends this routine.

In the next and subsequent loops, if the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 is at a low level, the discharge 2 fall change flag,
Since the discharge 2 rise change flag and the discharge 2 high level flag are all "0" and the discharge 2 low level flag is "1", steps S4602, S4632, and S463 are performed.
4, S4636 and step S4650 (determining whether the discharge 2 low level flag is "1") are repeatedly executed (at this time, the determination result of step S4650 is "Y").
es”), at this time, the discharge sensor 2 fall flag is “
1", and the discharge sensor 2 startup flag is held at "0".

On the other hand, in the loop immediately after the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 falls from high level to low level,
If the output signal rises to a high level again (step S4638 was executed in the previous loop and the discharge 2 fall change flag became "1", and the sensor output rose to a high level in the current loop) ), the determination result in step S4602 changes to "Yes", and furthermore, the determination result in step S4604 changes to "No", and step S46
06 is determined as "Yes", and in step S4628, the discharge 2 rise change flag is set to "1" to remember that the output signal rose from the previous loop to the current loop. , step S463
0, the discharge 2 fall change flag, which was set to "1" in the previous loop, is reset to "0" and this routine ends. As a result, the discharge 2 fall flag is set to "1" unless a low level state is detected for a predetermined period of time or longer (at least while this interrupt processing is performed twice) after the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 falls. The process (indicating that the prize ball has escaped from inside the sensor 2) is not performed, so if noise occurs in the output signal of the ejection sensor 2 and the signal drops momentarily, the ejection 2 The falling flag is not set to "1".

Next, consider the case where after the previous prize ball escapes from inside the sensor 2, the next prize ball reaches inside the sensor 2. At this time, the determination in step S4602 (determination as to whether the output signal of the sensor 2 is at a low level) is "Yes", and the determination in step S4604 (as to whether the discharge 2 rise change flag is "1") is performed. , in this case the judgment result is “N
o", and it is determined in step S4606 whether or not the discharge 2 falling change flag is "1". At this time, the determination result in step S4606 is also "No"("0" in step S4646). ), the process advances to step S4608, and the discharge 2 low level flag is set to "1".
”. At this point, the discharge 2 low level flag is set to “1” in step S4648.
”, the determination result in step S4608 is “Yes”, and the process advances to step S4614, where the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 changes from low level to high level (rises) from the previous loop to the current loop.
In order to remember this, the discharge 2 rise change flag is set to "1", and in the subsequent step S4616, the discharge 2 rise change flag is set to "1" until this point.
Reset the discharge 2 low level flag that was set to (
(set to “0”) and end this routine.

Furthermore, when the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 is still at a high level in the next loop, since the discharge 2 rise change flag was set to "1" in step S4614 of the previous loop, the determination result of step S4604 is but"
"Yes".Then, the next step S4618~
In S4624, the ejection sensor 2 startup flag is set to "1" to remember that there is a prize ball in the ejection sensor 2 (step S4618), and when the value is "1", the prize ball is ejected from the sensor. The discharge sensor 2 fall flag indicating that the discharge sensor 2 has changed is reset to "0" (step S4620), and the discharge sensor 2 rise change flag is then reset to "0" (step S4622). The discharge 2 high level flag is set to "1" to remember that the output signal of No. 2 is at a high level (step S4624), and this routine ends. Thereafter, as long as the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 is at a high level, steps S4602, S4604, S4606, S4608, S
4610 is repeatedly executed, and at this time, the discharge 2 rise flag is held at "1" and the discharge 2 fall flag is held at "0".

On the other hand, in the loop immediately after the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 rises from the low level to the high level,
If the output signal falls to a low level (step S4614 was executed in the previous loop and the discharge 2 rising change flag became "1", and the output signal of the current loop was at a low level), the process proceeds to step S4602. The determination result of step S4632 is “No”, and the determination result of step S4632 is “N”.
o”, the determination result in step S4634 is “Yes”, and in step S4652, the discharge 2 fall change flag is set to “1” to remember that the output signal fell from the previous loop to the current loop. At the same time, in step S4654, the discharge 2 rise change flag, which was set to "1" in the previous loop, is reset to "0", and this routine ends.

As described above, after the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 rises, unless a high level state is detected for a predetermined period of time or longer (while this interrupt processing is performed at least twice), the discharge 2 rise flag is The process of setting the prize ball to "1" (indicating that there is a prize ball in the ejection sensor 2) is not performed, and if noise occurs in the output signal of the ejection sensor 2, the ejection 2 The start-up flag is not set to "1". By executing the above routine, after the output signal of the exhaust sensor 2 rises, the exhaust sensor 2 rise flag is set only when that state is maintained for a predetermined period or longer (while the interrupt processing is performed at least twice). is set to "1", so that the rise flag indicates that the prize ball has reached the ejection sensor 2. On the contrary, after the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 falls, the discharge sensor 2 fall flag is set to "1" only when that state is maintained for a predetermined period or longer (while the interrupt processing is performed at least twice). Therefore, the fall flag indicates that the prize ball has escaped from the ejection sensor 2. The discharge sensor 2 rising flag and the discharge sensor 2 falling flag are
It is used in alternate discharge processing or combined discharge processing (described later in FIGS. 38 and 39) in the background process (main routine).

FIG. 22 shows step S of interrupt processing (FIG. 16).
48 is a flowchart showing a routine for level input processing of the discharge sensor 1 performed in step 48. In this level input process, the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 is at a high level (sensor 1
This is a routine for determining whether a period in which the player is detecting a prize ball continues for a predetermined period or longer, and after the state changes from the state where there is no prize ball to the state where there is a prize ball, the first predetermined period (50 msec), set the discharge sensor 1 bulb presence flag to "1" and memorize this,
This is stored by setting the discharge 1 error release flag to "1" when a second predetermined period (2 seconds) has elapsed after the above change. These two flags are used in the ejection device unauthorized release process (Figure 31), which will be described in detail later.
, prize ball start processing (Figure 32), ball lending start process (Figure 41)
, used in the discharge error recovery process (FIG. 40).

[0079] When this routine is started, step S7
At step 200, it is determined whether the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 is at a high level (discharge sensor 1 output = "1"). When the determination result is "No", that is, the output signal is at a low level, the discharge one ball presence monitoring flag is set to "0" (step S7202), and the above-mentioned discharge sensor one ball presence flag is set to "0".
” (step S7204), the discharge 1 error monitoring flag is set to “0” (step S7206), and the aforementioned discharge 1 error cancellation flag is set to “0” (step S7208), and this routine ends. The 1 ball presence monitoring flag and the discharge 1 error monitoring flag are both discharge sensor 1.
In a loop whose output signal is determined to be at a high level, this is used to determine whether or not the loop is a loop immediately after rising from a low level to a high level (steps S7212 and S7224 described later). It is.

After that, when the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 changes from low level to high level, the determination result of step S7200 becomes "Yes" in the loop immediately after that.
Then, in the subsequent step S7210, it is determined whether the discharge sensor 1 bulb presence flag is "1" or not.
At step 212, it is determined whether or not the discharge one ball presence monitoring flag is "1". In this case, the determination results are both "No", and in the following step S7214, the one discharged ball presence monitoring flag is set to "
1'', and in step S7216, the ejected one-ball timer is set to the first predetermined period (50 msec), and the process advances to step S7222.

In step S7222, it is determined whether the discharge 1 error release flag is "1". in this case(
Immediately after the output signal of sensor 1 changes from low level to high level) the determination result is "No", and the following step S
At 7224, it is determined whether the discharge 1 error monitoring flag is "1". In this loop, this discrimination result is also “N”
o", the discharge 1 error monitoring flag is set to "1" in step S7226, and the discharge 1 error timer is set to a second predetermined period (2 sec) in the subsequent step S7228, and this routine ends.

[0082] If the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 is still maintained at a high level in the next loop, step S720 is performed.
The determination result of 0 is "Yes", the determination result of step S7210 is "No", and the determination result of step S7212 is "Y".
es", and the process proceeds to step S7218. In step S7218, it is determined whether or not the ball presence timer set in step S7216 has timed up. If the result of this determination is "No" (the output signal is at a high level) (When the first predetermined period has not yet passed since the change to
If so, skip the following step S7220 and proceed to step S7222. In this loop, the determination result of this step S7222 is "No", and the following step S7
The determination result of 224 is “Yes”, and the process proceeds to step S7.
Proceed to 230. In step S7230, the step S
It is determined whether or not the discharge 1 error timer set in 7228 has timed up, and if the determination result is "No" (after the output signal changes to high level, the second
(when the predetermined period of time has not elapsed), the following step S7232 is skipped and this routine is ended.

Furthermore, in the next and subsequent loops, as long as the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 is at a high level, step S7 is executed.
200, S7210, S7212, S7218 and steps S7222 and subsequent steps are repeatedly executed, and step S72
When the determination result of No. 18 changes from “No” to “Yes” (immediately after the first predetermined period has elapsed), step S7220
In step S7200, step S7210, step S7222 and subsequent steps are repeatedly executed.

Regarding the processing after step S7222, steps S7222, S7224, and S7230 are repeatedly executed as long as the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 is at a high level, and the determination result in step S7230 changes from "No" to "Yes". When the change occurs (immediately after the second predetermined period has elapsed), the discharge 1 error cancellation flag described above is set to "1" in step S7232, and thereafter in step S7200.
, S7210, and S7222 (when the discharge 1 error release flag is "1", naturally the discharge sensor 1 ball presence flag is "1") are repeatedly executed. When the output signal of the discharge sensor 1 changes to low level even once, each flag is reset to "0" in steps S7202 to S7208. Processing will start from the beginning.

FIG. 23 shows step S of interrupt processing (FIG. 16).
50 is a flowchart showing a routine of level input processing for the exhaust sensor 2 performed in step 50, and this routine is performed in the same procedure as the level input processing for the exhaust sensor 1 described above. This level input processing is a routine for determining whether the period in which the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 is at a high level (the state in which the sensor 2 is detecting the prize ball) continues for a predetermined period or more, After the state changes from the state where there is no prize ball to the state where there is a prize ball, when the first predetermined period (50 msec) has elapsed, the discharge sensor 2 ball presence flag is set to "1" and this is stored, and the above change is performed. This is stored by setting the discharge 2 error release flag to "1" when the second predetermined period (2 seconds) has elapsed. These two flags are also used in prize ball start processing (FIG. 32), discharge error recovery processing (FIG. 40), etc., which will be described in detail later.

When this routine is started, first, in step S7400, it is determined whether the output signal of the exhaust sensor 2 is at a high level (the output of the exhaust sensor 2 = "1"). When the determination result is "No", that is, the output signal is at a low level, the ejected 2-ball presence monitoring flag is set to "0" (step S7402), the above-mentioned ejection sensor 2-ball presence flag is set to "0" (step S7404), and the ejected 2-ball presence monitoring flag is set to "0" (step S7404). 2 error monitoring flag is set to "0" (step S7406), and the above-mentioned discharge 2 error cancellation flag is set to "0" (step S7408), and this routine ends.

Here, both the ejection 2 bulb presence monitoring flag and the ejection 2 error monitoring flag are set when the output signal of the ejection sensor 2 is determined to be at a high level, immediately after the loop rises from a low level to a high level. This is used to determine whether it is a loop (steps S7412 and S7424, which will be described later). Thereafter, when the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 changes from low level to high level, in the loop immediately after that, the determination result in step S7400 becomes "Yes", and in the subsequent step S7410, the discharge sensor 2 ball presence flag is set to "1". Further, in the following step S7412, whether or not there is a discharge 2
It is determined whether the ball presence monitoring flag is "1". In this case, the determination results are both "No", and in the subsequent step S7414, the two discharged balls presence monitoring flag is set to "1",
In step S7416, the timer with two ejected balls is set to the first predetermined period (50 msec), and the process advances to step S7422.

In step S7422, it is determined whether the discharge 2 error release flag is "1". in this case(
Immediately after the output signal of sensor 2 changes from low level to high level) the determination result is "No" and the following step S
At 7424, it is determined whether the discharge 2 error monitoring flag is "1". In this loop, this discrimination result is also “N”
o'', the discharge 2 error monitoring flag is set to "1" in step S7426, and the discharge 2 error timer is set to a second predetermined period (2 sec) in the subsequent step S7428, and this routine ends.

[0089] If the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 is still maintained at a high level in the next loop, step S740 is performed.
The determination result of 0 is "Yes", the determination result of step S7410 is "No", and the determination result of step S7412 is "Y".
es" and the process proceeds to step S7418. In step S7418, it is determined whether or not the ball presence timer set in step S7416 has timed up. If the result of this determination is "No" (the output signal is at a high level) (When the first predetermined period has not yet passed since the change to
If so, skip the subsequent step S7420 and proceed to step S7422. In this loop, the determination result of this step S7422 is "No", and the following step S7
The determination result of 424 is "Yes", and the process proceeds to step S7.
Proceed to 430. In step S7430, the step S
It is determined whether or not the discharge 2 error timer set in 7428 has timed up, and if the determination result is "No" (after the output signal changes to high level, the second
(when the predetermined period of time has not elapsed), the following step S7432 is skipped and this routine is ended.

Furthermore, in the next and subsequent loops, as long as the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 is at a high level, step S7 is performed.
400, S7410, S7412, S7418 and steps S7422 and subsequent steps are repeatedly executed, and step S74
When the determination result of No. 18 changes from “No” to “Yes” (immediately after the first predetermined period has elapsed), step S7420
In step S7400, step S7410, step S7422 and subsequent steps are repeatedly executed. Also, regarding the processing after step S7422, the discharge sensor 2
As long as the output signal of is high level, step S7422
, S7424, and S7430 are repeatedly executed, and when the determination result in step S7430 changes from "No" to "Yes" (immediately after the second predetermined period has elapsed), step S7
In step 432, the discharge 2 error cancellation flag described above is set to "1", and thereafter steps S7400, S7410, and S7
422 (When the discharge 2 error release flag is “1”,
Naturally, the discharge sensor 2-ball presence flag is "1") is repeatedly executed. When the output signal of the discharge sensor 2 changes to low level even once, step S
Since each flag is reset to "0" in steps 7402 to S7408, even if it returns to a high level immediately thereafter, the processing from step S7410 onwards will be restarted from the beginning.

FIG. 24 shows step S of the interrupt processing in FIG.
52 is a flowchart of the input processing routine of the ball removal sensor 750 performed in step 52. As mentioned above, the ball removal sensor 750 is operated by an operator at the game parlor to start the ball removal process, that is, insert a ball removal stick (not shown) into the operation hole provided on the front surface of the pachinko game machine 10. The output signal of the sensor 750 is configured to be at a high level when the insertion of the ball extraction rod is detected, and to be held at a low level when the insertion of the ball extraction rod is not detected. has been done.

By the way, in this flow, when the output signal from the sensor 750 changes from low level to high level, the ball removal flag, which will be described later, is set to "1", and the ball removal process is performed by the staff at the game parlor. It has come to be determined that Then, the prize ball discharge control device starts a ball withdrawal process (FIGS. 43 to 45), which will be described later, with the ball withdrawal flag set to "1" (step S16 of the main routine). When this routine is started, first, in step S5300, it is determined whether or not the above-mentioned processing number is "0". In the main routine (Figure 15), the prize ball (ball rental) discharge start process and the prize ball (ball rental)
When the processing number is not set to "0", such as when the discharge processing is being performed (at this time, the above step S5
The determination result of 300 is "No") Without proceeding to step S5303 and subsequent steps, the ball removal sensor change flag is set to "0" (step S5301), and the ball removal sensor L level flag is set to "0" (step S5301). S5302), this routine ends. Here, the ball removal sensor change flag is a flag for storing that the output signal of the sensor 750 has changed from low level (L) to high level (H) in this loop (at this time, it is set to "1"). The ball removal sensor L level flag is a flag for storing that the output signal of the sensor was low level (L) in the current loop.

By making the determination in step S5300 described above, even if the game parlor staff performs the ball extraction operation, when executing the prize ball ejection process, etc., the ball extraction process (see FIGS. 43 to 43) described below is performed. Figure 45) is now prohibited. Suppose now that the prize balls have not been ejected (processing NO = “0”), and the ball ejecting rod is not inserted into the operating hole of the gaming machine 10, a staff member at the gaming parlor Consider the case where the state changes to the state where the ball extraction rod is inserted. If the prize ball has not been ejected, the determination result in step S5300 is "Yes", and in step S5303 it is determined whether the ball removal sensor change flag is "1", and in step S5304 it is determined whether or not the ball removal sensor change flag is "1". It is determined whether or not the removal sensor L level flag is "1".

By the way, as mentioned above, all the discrimination flags are set to "0" in the main routine (step S2 in FIG. 15) immediately after the power in the prize ball discharge control device 600 is turned on.
Even after initialization is performed, processing N
When O is other than "0", the steps S5301 and S5
Since it is set to "0" in step S302, the step S5
The determination results in steps 303 and S5304 are both "No", and in step S5306, the output signal of the ball removal sensor is set to L level (
It is determined whether or not the ball removal sensor output is "0". When the ball extraction rod is not inserted into the operation hole 261, the output signal of the sensor 750 remains at L level,
Therefore, the determination result in step S5306 is "Yes", and the process proceeds to step S5308, where the ball removal sensor L level flag is set to "1" and this routine is ended.

When the output signal of the ball removal sensor is still at the L level in the subsequent loop, the ball removal sensor L level flag is set to "1", so the determination result in step S5304 is "1". In the subsequent step S5310, it is determined whether the output signal of the ball removal sensor in the current loop is at a high level (ball removal sensor output = "1"). At this time (the output signal of the ball removal sensor remains at a low level), the determination result becomes "No" and the present routine is immediately terminated. Therefore, as long as the output signal of the ball removal sensor maintains the L level, step S5300
, S5303, S5304, and S5310 are repeatedly executed. From this state, when the ball removal rod is inserted into the operating hole and the output signal of the ball removal sensor changes from L level to H level, the determination result in step S5310 is "Y".
es", and in the subsequent step S5312, the ball removal sensor change flag is set to "1" in order to remember that the output signal of the ball removal sensor 750 went from low level to high level in this loop, and then in step S5314. The ball removal sensor L level flag is reset to "0", and this routine ends.

When the output signal is at the H level in the current loop following the previous loop, the ball removal sensor change flag is set to "1" by executing step S5312 in the previous loop.
is set, the determination result in step S5303 is “Y”.
es", the process advances to step S5316, and it is determined whether the output signal of the ball removal sensor in this loop is at a high level (ball removal sensor output = "1"). This determination result is "Yes". That is, when the output signal is at a high level in the current loop as well as in the previous loop, the subsequent step S5
In step S5320, the ball removal flag is set to "1", and in step S5320, the ball removal sensor change flag is reset to "0", and this routine ends. In the subsequent loop, if the output signal of the ball removal sensor is still at a high level, the determination result in step S5303 changes to "No" (the ball removal sensor change flag has been reset to "0"), and then steps S5304 and S5306 Both of the determination results are "No", and thereafter steps S5303 and S53 are performed.
04, S5306 will be repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, immediately after the output signal of the ball removal sensor changes from low level to high level (step S531
2. Immediately after step S5314 is executed), when the output signal of the ball removal sensor changes to low level again, the determination result of step S5316 is "No".
Then, step S5318 (ball removal flag = “1”)
After setting the ball removal sensor L level flag to "1" in step S5322 without executing step S
5320 is executed to end this routine. In this way, when the output signal of the ball removal sensor changes from low level to high level, the ball removal flag is set only when the output signal maintains the H level while at least two processing loops are executed. Since this is set to "1", the ball-out flag will not be erroneously set to "1" when noise or the like occurs.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of input processing for the replenishment sensor 106 performed in step S54 of the interrupt processing shown in FIG. As mentioned above, the replenishment sensor 106 detects the shortage of game balls (spare balls) in the storage tank 201, and the stored spare balls accumulate up to the installation position of the replenishment sensor 106 in the tank 201. The configuration is such that it outputs a low level signal when it is present, and a high level signal when it is not. Let us now consider a situation in which the tank 201 is not filled with spare balls up to the sensor installation position (insufficient state). When the power is turned on to the prize ball ejection control device 600 in this state and the routine is started, first, in step S5002, the output signal of the sensor 106 is at a high level (replenishment sensor output = "1"). It is determined whether or not. In this case, the determination result is "Yes" and the process advances to step S5004.

By the way, immediately after the CPU 610 is initialized, all flags are set to "0", so step S
The determination results in steps 5004 to S5010 are all "No", and in step S5012, the replenishment H level flag is set to "1" to remember that the output signal of the replenishment sensor was high level in this loop, and the main process is started. End the routine. Since the replenishment H level flag is set to "1" in the subsequent loop, steps S5002, S5004, and S5006 are performed as long as the output signal remains at a high level.
, S5008, and S5010 are repeatedly executed.

[0100] Thereafter, when the game balls (spare balls) are replenished to the position where the replenishment sensor 106 is installed in the storage tank 201, the output signal of the replenishment sensor 106 changes to low level, and the step S5002 is completed. The determination result becomes "No" and the process advances to step S5030 and subsequent steps. When step S5030 is performed for the first time, the replenishment H level flag is "1" and all other flags are "0", so the determination results of step S5030 and the next step S5032 are both "No" and continue. Step S5034 becomes “Yes” and step S5036
, S5038 are executed.

[0101] In step S5036, a replenishment fall change flag is set to "1" to remember that the output signal of the replenishment sensor 106 changed from high level to low level (falling) from the previous loop to the current loop. , In the following step S5038, the replenishment H level flag that was set to "1" in the previous loop is reset (set to "0").
Then, this routine ends.

When the output signal of the replenishment sensor 106 is still at a low level in the next loop, the determination result in step S5030 is "Yes" because the replenishment fall change flag was set to "1" in step S5036 of the previous loop.
”.Then, the subsequent steps S5040 to S50
In step S5040, the replenishment sensor falling flag is set to "1" to remember that the reserve bulb is filled up to the installation position of the replenishment sensor 106 in the storage tank 201 (step S5040).
At the same time, when the value is "1", a replenishment sensor start-up flag (
When this step is executed for the first time after initialization, it is set to "0") to "0" (step S504).
2) Then, the replenishment fall change flag is reset to "0" (step S5044), and the replenishment L level flag is set to "1" to remember that the output signal of the replenishment sensor 106 in this loop is low level. ” (step S5046) and ends this routine.

Thereafter, as long as the output signal of the replenishment sensor 106 is at a low level, steps S5002 and S50 are performed.
30, S5032, S5034, and S5048 are repeatedly executed, and at this time, the replenishment sensor fall flag is held at "1" and the replenishment sensor rise flag is held at "0".

On the other hand, if in the loop immediately after the output signal of the replenishment sensor 106 falls from high level to low level, the output signal rises to high level (step S5036 was executed in the previous loop and replenishment was started). If the lower change flag becomes "1" and the sensor output is at a high level in this loop), step S500 is performed.
The determination result in step S5004 is “No,” and the determination result in step S5006 is “Y.”
In step S5028, the replenishment rise change flag is set to "1" to remember that the output signal rose from the previous loop to the current loop, and in step S5029, the output signal rises in the previous loop. Sometimes “
The replenishment fall change flag set to "1" is returned to "0" and this routine ends.

As a result, unless a high level state is detected for a predetermined period of time or longer after the output signal of the replenishment sensor 106 falls (at least while this interrupt processing is performed twice), the replenishment fall flag is set to "1". (storage tank 20
The process (indicating that the spare bulbs are filled up to the sensor 106 set position in 1) is not performed.
It is possible to deal with cases where noise occurs in the output signal of the replenishment sensor.

[0106] Next, let us consider a case where the prize ball discharge control device 600 is powered on and this routine is started in a state where the storage tank 201 is filled with spare balls up to the sensor 106 installation position. First, in step S5002, the output signal of the sensor 106 is at a high level (replenishment sensor output = "1").
”), but in this case, the determination result is “No” and the process advances to step S5030.

Immediately after the CPU 610 is initialized, all flags are set to "0", so step S5030
, S5032, S5034, and S5048 are all "No", and in step S5054, the replenishment L level flag is set to "1" to remember that the output signal of the replenishment sensor was low level in this loop. hand,
This routine ends. In the subsequent loop, the replenishment L level flag is set to "1", so as long as the output signal remains low level, steps S5002 and S50 are performed.
30, S5032, S5034, and S5048 are repeatedly executed. Thereafter, when the installation position of the preliminary replenishment sensor 106 in the tank 201 is insufficient due to the ejection of the prize balls, the output signal of the replenishment sensor 106 becomes high level, and the determination result in step S5002 becomes "Yes".
” and the process advances to step S5004 and subsequent steps.

When step S5004 is performed for the first time, the supply L level flag is "1" and all other flags are "0", so step S5004 is
, the determination results in the next step S5006 are both "No",
Subsequent step S5008 becomes "Yes", and step S5014 is executed. In this step S5014, the replenishment sensor 106 is
To remember that the output signal has changed from low level to high level (rise), set the supply rise change flag to “1”.
", and in the subsequent step S5016, the replenishment L level flag, which had been set to "1" in step S5054 before the previous loop, is reset (set to "0"), and this routine ends.

When the output signal of the replenishment sensor 106 is still at a high level in the next loop, the replenishment rise change flag was set to "1" in step S5014 of the previous loop, so after the determination in step S5002 is performed, the The determination result in step S5004 changes to "Yes". Then, in the following steps S5018 to S5024,
The replenishment sensor startup flag is set to "1" to record that the replenishment sensor 106 has lost the prize ball at the installation position of the replenishment sensor 106 in the storage tank 201 (step S
5018), and when the value is "1", a replenishment sensor fall flag indicating that there is a prize ball at the sensor installation position in the storage tank 201 (when this step is executed for the first time during initialization, it is set to "0"). ) is set to "0" (step S5020), and then the replenishment start-up change flag is reset to "0" (step S5022), and the output signal of the replenishment sensor 106 in this loop is set to high. The replenishment H level flag is set to "1" to memorize this level (step S5024), and this routine ends.

Thereafter, as long as the output signal of the replenishment sensor 106 is at a high level, steps S5002 and S50 are performed.
04, S5006, S5008, and S5010 will be executed repeatedly, and at this time, the replenishment start-up flag will be “1”.
", the replenishment fall flag is held at "0". On the other hand, if the output signal of the replenishment sensor 106 falls to a low level in the loop immediately after it rises from a low level to a high level ( If step S5414 was executed in the previous loop and the replenishment rise change flag became "1" and the current loop is at low level), the determination result in step S5002 is "No" and step S50
The determination result of step S5030 is "No" and the determination result of step S5032 is "Yes".
At 050, the replenishment fall change flag is set to "
At the same time, in step S5052, the replenishment start-up change flag, which was set to "1" during the previous loop, is set to "0".
to end this routine.

As described above, after the output signal of the replenishment sensor 106 rises, unless a high level state is detected for a predetermined period of time or longer (while this interrupt processing is performed at least twice), the replenishment rise flag is set to "1" (indicating that there is no prize ball at the sensor 106 installation position in the storage tank 201) is not performed, and this is done in case noise occurs in the output signal of the replenishment sensor. It is now possible to do so. In this way, “0” or “1”
The replenishment sensor rise flag and replenishment sensor fall flag that are set to
It is used in the replenishment process (FIG. 46) executed in 23.

FIG. 26 shows step S of interrupt processing (FIG. 16).
56 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of input processing of the overflow detector 104 performed in step 56. The overflow detector 104 performs the main processing routine (FIG.
This is for outputting a signal for determining the value of the no overflow ball flag used in the processes performed in steps S19 and S21 (FIGS. 32 and 41) of 5), and the prize in the overflow gutter 156. The output signal is configured to be high level when the balls are accumulated above a certain level, and to be low level when the balls are accumulated below the certain level.

[0113] When this routine is started, first, in step S5400, it is determined whether the output of the detector is at a high level (overflow output = "1"). Suppose now that the state changes from the state in which the prize ball has not reached the installation position of the overflow detector in the ball deriving gutter 750 to the state in which the prize ball has been ejected and has reached the position of the detector 104 in the ball deriving gutter 750. think.

[0114] In a state where the prize ball has not reached the position of the detector, the determination result in step S5400 becomes "No". At the beginning of this routine, all the determination flags are reset to "0" (step S2 in FIG. 15), so the determination in the subsequent step S5402 (whether the no overflow ball flag is "1") and the determination in step S5404 ( Whether the overflow ball unmonitored flag is “1”), the results are both “N”
o", the overflow ball non-monitoring flag is set to "1" (step S5406), the overflow ball presence monitoring flag is set to "0" (step S5408), and the overflow ball non-monitoring timer is set to a predetermined value (2 seconds). The overflow ball non-monitoring flag is set (step S5410) and the routine is terminated.Here, the overflow ball non-monitoring flag is determined by determining whether or not the state in which the prize ball has not reached the detector position is detected two or more times in a row (step S5404). On the other hand, the overflow ball presence monitoring flag is used to determine whether or not the prize ball reaching the detector position is detected two or more times in a row (step S542).
This is a flag used to make a judgment of 0).

[0115] Continuing in the next loop, if the prize ball has not reached the above position, steps S5400 and S540 are performed.
If the determination results of 2 are both "No", the subsequent step S54
The determination result of 04 is “Yes” and the process proceeds to step S541.
2 is executed. In this step S5412, after it is determined for the first time whether the no-ball timer has timed up, that is, the prize ball has not reached the mounting position of the detector (
After executing steps S5406 to S5410 described above), it is determined whether a predetermined period of time (2 seconds) has elapsed, and if the determination result is "No", subsequent steps S5414 and S54 are performed.
Skip step 16 and end this routine. On the other hand, when the determination result is "Yes", in step S5414, the no overflow ball flag is set to "1" to indicate that the prize ball has not reached the position of the detector, and in the next step S5416, The overflow ball presence flag (which is set to an initial value of "0" when this step is performed for the first time after initialization) is reset (set to "0") and this routine ends.

[0116] In the subsequent loop, unless the prize ball has reached the position of the detector, the determination result in step S5400 is "
"No", the determination result in step S5402 becomes "Yes", and these steps are repeatedly executed. Next, from this state, the ejected prize balls are accumulated and sent to the detector 10.
Let's consider the case where it reaches position 4. At this time, step S
The determination result in step S5400 is "Yes", and in the following step S5418, it is determined whether or not the overflow ball presence flag is "1". Since this overflow ball presence flag was set to "0" by the previous loop (step S5416), the result of this determination is "No". In the following step S5420, it is determined whether the overflow ball presence monitoring flag is "1", but this overflow ball presence monitoring flag was also set to "0" by the previous loop (
Since the above step S5408) has been carried out, the result of this determination is "No" and the overflow ball presence monitoring flag is set to "
1" (step S5422), the overflow ball non-monitoring flag is set to "0" (step S5424), and the overflow ball presence timer is set to a predetermined value (2 sec) (step S5426). This routine end.

[0117] Continuing in the next loop, the prize ball is placed on detector 1.
When the position reaches position 04, step S5400 is executed.
The determination result in step S5418 is "No", the determination result in step S5420 is "Yes", and step S5428 is executed. This step S5428 further determines whether or not the ball presence timer has timed up, that is, after it is determined for the first time that the prize ball has reached the above position (in step S5422 described above).
- After execution of S5426) It is determined whether a predetermined time (2 sec) has elapsed, and if the determination result is "No", the following steps S5430 and S5432 are skipped and this routine is ended. On the other hand, when the determination result is "Yes", in step S5430, the overflow ball presence flag is set to indicate that the prize ball has reached the detector position.
1” and in the next step S5432,
Reset the no overflow ball flag (set to “0”)
to end this routine.

[0118] In the subsequent loop, the overflow gutter 156
As long as the prize ball reaches the position of the detector 104 in
The determination result in step S5400 is "Yes", the determination result in step S5418 is "Yes", and these steps are repeatedly executed. As described above, in this input processing, the output signal changes from low level to high level (or from high level to low level), as in the case of the safe sensor.
In the loop immediately after the change from low level to high level (or change from high level to low level), the change from low level to high level (or change from high level to low level) is only stored (the monitoring flag is set to "1"), and the next loop will still have high level (or change from high level to low level). low level) and further for a predetermined period of time (2 seconds) from the time of the above change.
The overflow ball presence flag, which is the final output value of this routine, is changed to "1" (or the overflow ball no flag to "1") only after the period of time has elapsed. By adopting such a control procedure, even if the overflow output signal level changes instantaneously due to noise generation, the change will not be immediately judged as a normal change, and the change will not be immediately judged as a normal change. It is possible to prevent malfunctions.

FIG. 27 shows step S of interrupt processing (FIG. 16).
58 is a flowchart showing the input processing routine of the standby ball detector 160 (hereinafter referred to as an odd sensor) performed in step 58. The half-end sensor 160 performs a prize ball start process (described later).
This outputs a signal to set the half-ball presence flag used in Figure 32), and when there are enough prize balls stored in the guide gutter 152 (the number of spare balls exceeds the number of prize balls discharged twice). The output signal is configured to be high level (when stored) and to be low level when the number is less than the above number and is in an irregular state. When this routine is started, first, in step S5200, it is determined whether the output of the waiting ball detector is at a high level (standby ball detector output = "1").

Let us now consider a case where, from a state where no spare balls are stored up to the standby ball detector installation position in the guide gutter 152, the spare balls are replenished and reach the installation position. If the spare ball has not reached the above installation position, step S52
The determination result of 00 is "No". At this time, all the determination flags have been reset to "0" (step S2 in FIG. 15), so the determination in the subsequent step S5202 (whether the no hemispherical flag is "1") and the determination in step S5204 (no hemispherical monitoring) is necessary. Whether the flag is “1”), both results are “No”.
”, the hemispherical non-monitoring flag is set to “1” (step S5206), the hemispherical presence monitoring flag is set to “0” (step S5208), and the hemispherical non-monitoring timer is set to a predetermined value (2 sec). Then (step S5210) this routine ends.

[0121] Here, the half-end ball non-monitoring flag is a flag used to judge whether or not a state in which the spare ball has not reached the above-mentioned installation position is detected (step S5204), while the half-end ball presence monitoring flag , is a flag used to determine whether or not a state in which spare balls have accumulated up to the above-mentioned installation position has been detected twice in a row (step S5220).

[0122] Continuing in the next loop, if the spare balls have not accumulated to the above installation position, steps S5200 and S
Both the determination results in step S5202 are "No", and the determination result in the subsequent step S5204 is "Yes", and the process proceeds to step S.
5212 is executed. In this step S5212, it is further determined whether or not the no-ball timer has timed up, that is,
After it is determined for the first time that the spare balls are not accumulated at the installation position (after executing steps S5206 to S5210 described above), it is determined whether a predetermined period of time (2 seconds) has elapsed;
When the determination result is "No", the following step S521
4. Skip S5216 and end this routine. On the other hand, the determination result in step S5212 is “Yes”.
In this case, in step S5214, the no half-ball flag is set to "1" to indicate that the spare balls have not accumulated up to the sensor installation position of the guide gutter 152, and in the next step S5216, the half-ball presence flag is set to "1". (When this step is performed for the first time after initialization, the initial value is set to "0") is reset (set to "0") and this routine ends.

[0123] In the subsequent loop, unless the spare balls are accumulated up to the above installation position, the determination result in step S5200 is "N".
o", the determination result in step S5202 becomes "Yes", and these steps are repeatedly executed. From this state, by supplying game balls to the storage tank 151, the spare balls are installed at the half-end sensor 160 of the guide gutter 152. When it reaches the position, the determination result in step S5200 becomes "Yes".The half-sphere existence flag, which is determined to be "1" in the subsequent step S5218, still has the initial value "0" at this point.
Since it is set to , this determination result is “No”,
The result of the determination in the subsequent step S5220 (whether the half-sphere presence monitoring flag is "1") also becomes "No" by executing the above-described step S5208, and the process proceeds to step S5222.

In step S5222, the hemispherical presence monitoring flag is set to "1", and in step S5224, the hemispherical non-monitoring flag is set to "0", and the hemispherical presence timer is set to a predetermined value (2 sec). (Step S
5226) End this routine. In the next loop, when the spare balls are accumulated up to the half-end sensor installation position,
The determination result in step S5200 is "Yes", the determination result in step S5218 is "No", and the determination result in subsequent step S5220 is "Yes" (set to "1" in step S5222 of the previous loop). Step S5228 is executed.

[0125] In this step S5228, a predetermined determination is made as to whether or not the ball presence timer has timed out, that is, after it is determined for the first time that the spare balls have accumulated up to the above installation position (after executing steps S5222 to S5226 described above). time(
2 sec) has elapsed, and the determination result is “N
o”, the following steps S5230 and S5232
Skip and end this routine. On the other hand, when the determination result is "Yes", that is, when the predetermined time has elapsed after the spare balls have accumulated up to the sensor mounting position, step S
In step S5230, the half-end ball present flag is set to "1" to indicate that the spare balls have accumulated up to the installation position of the half-end sensor 221, and in the next step S5232, the half-end ball absent flag is reset ("0"). ”) and end this routine. In subsequent loops, as long as the spare balls are stored up to the halfway sensor installation position in the guide gutter 152, the determination result in step S5200 is "Yes", and step S521
The determination result of step 8 becomes "Yes", and these steps are repeatedly executed.

As described above, in this input processing, in the loop immediately after the output signal of the half-end sensor 221 changes from low level to high level (or from high level to low level), the output signal changes from the low level to high level (or from high level to high level). (change in low level from
1”), and the final output value of this routine is the hemisphere, which is still at high level (or low level) in the next loop and only after a predetermined time (2 seconds) has elapsed from the time of the above change. Set the presence flag to “1” (
Alternatively, the no-hemispherical flag is changed to "1"). By adopting such a control procedure, even if the output signal level of an odd sensor changes instantaneously due to noise occurrence, the change will not be immediately judged as a normal change, and the noise occurrence etc. It is possible to prevent malfunction due to

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of a processing routine for inputting the output signal of the out sensor 107 performed in step S60 of the interrupt processing (FIG. 16), and the number of out balls is counted by this processing. When this routine is started, first in step S6002 it is determined whether the out-sensor change flag is "1". All flags used during this flow are “0” at first initialization.
The out sensor change flag is “0” until the first out ball detection signal is received.
First, in step S6002, the determination is "No". Then, in step S6004, it is determined whether the outlaw level flag is "1". here,"
If "No", the output of the out sensor 107 is checked in step S6006 to determine whether it is low level or not, and if it is low, the out low level flag is set to "1" (step S6008
), if high, exit the routine without doing anything. Once the outlaw level flag is set to "1" in this way, in the next routine the answer is "Yes" in step S6004.
”, the process moves to step S6010, and it is determined whether the signal from the out sensor 107 is at a high level (“1”).Here, if the signal from the out sensor 107 is at a high level, the out sensor has changed. The flag is set to "1", the outlaw level flag is cleared to "0", and the process ends (steps S6012, S6014).

Next, when the routine is started, step S
If the determination in step S6002 is “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S6016.
Then, it is determined whether the outlaw level flag is "0" or not. Normally, when the out sensor change flag is "1", the out low level flag is "0" (step S6
012 and S6014), the determination is "Yes" and the process advances to step S6018. In step S6018, the signal from the out sensor 107 is at a high level (“1”)
Determine whether or not. Here, if the signal from the out sensor 107 is high level, the out sensor change flag is set to “
0" and increment the out counter (+
1) and end (steps S6020, S6022)
. After that, steps S6002 to S6004, S60
06 and the above steps are repeated to count the number of out balls.

[0129] Since the above routine is repeated every 0.5 msec by a timer interrupt, if noise of 0.5 msec or less is picked up in step S6010 and the out-sensor change flag is set to "1", Step S6
Since the determination in 018 is “No”, step S602
4, the outlaw level flag is set to "1", and the process ends. That is, in the above routine, the number of out balls is not counted only by the rising edge of the out sensor, but the number of out balls is incremented only after the rising edge is detected and the high level is confirmed.

[0130] This prevents noise from being erroneously counted as a sensor output. Moreover, the above step S602
When the outlaw level flag is set to “1” in 4,
In the next routine, the determination in step S6016 is "No" and the out-sensor change flag is cleared to "0" (step S6026), so the setting of the out-sensor change flag due to noise is also canceled. Figure 29
In addition to the above-mentioned interrupt processing, there is also a specific example of a power outage interrupt processing performed by an interrupt signal from a power outage detection means 691 that counts the number of power waveforms of an AC power source and detects the occurrence of a power outage when the number becomes less than or equal to a predetermined number. An example of a typical procedure is shown.

[0131] In this interrupt routine, it is first checked whether or not the discharge process is in progress, and if the discharge process is not in progress, the process ends without doing anything (step S3002). In addition, if the discharge process is in progress, each discharge solenoid 741a, 7 of the two discharge routes
41b and then store the values of ejection registers 1 and 2 (see Figure 34) in the backed up RAM (
Steps S3004-S3010). Then, it is determined whether the prize ball is being ejected or the ball rental ball is being ejected (step S3012).
If the prize ball is being discharged, the data on the number of undischarged prize balls is stored in the RAM (step S3014), and if the ball rental ball is being discharged, the data on the number of undischarged rental balls and the fact that the interrupted discharge is the ball rental discharge are stored in the RAM. (Steps S3014, S30
18). Then, the power outage flag assigned to the last backed up address in the RAM is set to "1" and the routine ends (step S3020). Since the above-mentioned interrupt processing can be performed in an extremely short time, it can be completed between the time when the interrupt signal from the power failure detection means 691 is received and the time when the power is actually lost.

FIG. 30 shows an example of a specific procedure of the discharge device fraud monitoring process S3 executed in the main process flow of FIG. 15, which is performed in parallel with the timer interrupt and power outage interrupt processes. In this monitoring process S3, first, one discharge solenoid 741a of the two discharge systems is
is turned on (step S1101), and “N
o", it is determined whether the rising flag indicating that the detection signal of the discharge sensor 730a has risen is "1" (step S1102), and if "Yes", the discharge fraud monitoring counter 1 is incremented (step S1104). This is to detect the presence of an ejection bulb as illegal ejection even though the ejection solenoid is not turned on.

[0133] If "Yes" is determined in step S1101, that is, the discharge solenoid is turned off, the process proceeds to step S1103, where the discharge fraud monitoring counter 1 is cleared. If there is an ejection bulb even though the ejection solenoid is not turned on, and after incrementing the emission irregularity monitoring counter 1 in step S1104, the rising flag of the emission sensor 1 is once cleared to "0", and then the above-mentioned emission irregularity monitoring is performed. It is determined whether the value of counter 1 has become "3" or more (steps S1105, S1106). Since the discharge stopper 745 and the discharge sensor 730 are provided at a separate position, even if the discharge solenoid is turned off, the signal from the sensor does not immediately disappear, but at least the signal from the sensor is present between the discharge sensor and the discharge solenoid. The number of possible spare balls is determined by taking into consideration the incoming detection signal. Therefore, this threshold value "3" is a value that should be changed as appropriate depending on the distance from the discharge sensor to the discharge solenoid.

[0134] If it is determined in step S1106 that the value of the discharge fraud monitoring counter 1 has become ``3'' or more, the process moves to step S1113, and the solenoid for driving the flow path switching valve 158 (hereinafter referred to as the ball removal solenoid) is activated. ) is turned on. As a result, when the discharge solenoid is erroneously operated, the discharged balls are guided to the collection gutter of the pachinko game parlor through the ball extraction path instead of through the supply tray 121, and it is possible to prevent unfair profits from being given. . After turning on the ball ejection solenoid, set "1" to the illegal ejection flag indicating that there has been an illegal ejection, and then turn on the ball lending ejection display lamp 113.
and causes the prize ball rental display lamp 112 to blink to externally indicate the occurrence of an illegal state (step S1114).
, S1115, S1116). Above step S1101
If the determination is "No" in step S1104, the process S110 is performed for the other discharge system 2, which is similar to the processes S1101 to S1106 described above regarding the first discharge system 1.
7-S1112 is executed, and when it is determined that the value of the discharge fraud monitoring counter 2 has become "3" or more, step S11 is executed.
Move to step 13 and turn on the ball removal solenoid.

[0135] FIG. 31 shows an example of a specific procedure of the ejection device unauthorized release process S14. If the discharge fraud flag is set to "1" in step S1114 of the main flow of FIG. 16 and "Yes" is determined in step S4 of the flow of FIG. 15, the discharge device fraud cancellation process S14 of FIG. 32 is started. In this ejecting device unauthorized release processing S14, first, in steps S1121 and S1122, it is determined whether the error release flags for ejection routes 1 and 2 set in the routines of FIGS. 22 and 23 are "1", and both flags are When it is "1", the discharge irregularity flag is cleared to "0" in step S1123, and then the ball removal solenoid 158 is turned off (step S1124). Then, the rental ball ejection display lamp 113 and the prize ball ejection display lamp 112, which are in a blinking state indicating an illegal ejection, are turned off, and the ejection device illegal release process is completed (
Steps S1125, S1126).

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the prize ball start process executed in step S19 of the main routine (FIG. 15) of the prize ball discharge control device described above. This subroutine is started when a prize ball request is detected in step S12 of the main routine (FIG. 15), the processing number is set to "1", and a determination of "Yes" is made in step S9.

When this subroutine is started, first, the discharge sensor 1 flag and the discharge sensor 2 flag set in the discharge sensor level input processing routine shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, and the partial sensor input shown in FIG. Check the incomplete sensor ball presence flag set in the processing routine and the overflow sensor ball presence flag set in the overflow detector input processing routine of FIG. 26 (steps S81-S
84), if any one flag is "0", the discharge possible flag is cleared to "0" and the process ends (step S85). On the other hand, if all the flags are "1", the discharge possible flag is set to "1" (step S86), and the prize ball data read in the prize ball data detection processing routine of FIG. 18 is stored in the discharge register 0. (step S87). In addition, the prize ball discharge indicator lamp 1
12 is turned on, the prize ball sound request flag is set to "1", and then the ejection start processing routine shown in FIG. ). The prize ball sound request flag set in step S89 is used to assert the prize ball ejection sound generation request signal D output to the game board control device 400 to a low level in the sound request output process (FIG. 49) described later. belongs to.

In the discharge start processing routine shown in FIG.
When discharging a predetermined number of prize balls for one winning ball (safe ball), the above-mentioned predetermined number (set number of prize balls) is transferred to the prize ball derivation provided in Article 2. Gutter 710 (
(See Figure 3), the mode of ejection is determined in advance, such as how many balls are ejected from one side and how many are ejected from the other, and the ejection solenoid 1 and/or the ejection solenoid 2 are energized (ON) to produce prize balls according to the above-mentioned form. This is to start the discharge of. When this routine is started, first, in step S102, it is determined whether the value of discharge register 0 is set to "1". When the value of the discharge register 0 is not "1", it is determined in step S104 whether the value of the discharge register 0 is "8" or less.

As a result of these judgments in steps S102 and S104, if the value of the discharge register 0 is "1", the process moves to step S106, where the single discharge flag is set to "1" and the alternate discharge flag is cleared to "0". (Step S
108, S110), a one-piece ejection timer is set, and the process moves to step S116, where the reversal flag is determined. on the other hand,
As a result of the determination in step S104, the discharge register 0
When it is determined that the value of is "8" or more, step S
Move to 112 and clear the one piece discharge flag to “0”,
After setting the alternate discharge flag to "1" (step S114), the process moves to step S118 to determine the reversal flag. Further, as a result of the determination in step S104, if it is determined that the value of the discharge register 0 is "8" or less, the processes from step S124 onwards are executed.

[0140] Here, the alternate discharge flag specifies the mode of prize ball discharge in the discharge process (FIG. 36) that is performed following this routine. This is a determination flag used when selecting from an alternate discharge process in which prize balls are discharged or a combined discharge process in which discharge solenoids 1 and 2 are activated simultaneously to discharge prize balls, and the alternate discharge flag is set to "1". Sometimes, the alternate ejection process (when the number of prize balls set is 1 to 8) is
When it is set to "0", the combined discharge process (the set number of prize balls is 9 to 15) is performed.

After the value of the alternate discharge flag is set to "1" in this manner, the reversal flag is determined in step S116. This reversal flag is set by alternately operating the first ejection solenoid 1 (741a) and the second ejection solenoid 2 (741b) of the ball ejection device 170 when ejecting prize balls in an alternate ejection process. This is provided to improve durability by using the two higher discharge paths equally, and the value of the "reversal flag" changes every time the solenoid is activated, that is, every time one discharge is completed. 1
” or inverted to “0”.

[0142] When the determination result of this reversal flag is "Yes", the discharge solenoid 1 is energized in step S120 to start discharging from the first prize ball deriving gutter, and then,
Invert the inversion flag to “0” (step S121)
. Further, when the determination result in step S118 is "No", the discharge solenoid 2 is excited in step S122 to start discharging the prize ball from the second prize ball derivation gutter, and then the reversal flag is set to "1". Invert (step S12)
3).

On the other hand, when the number of prize balls discharged is 9 or more (when the determination result in step S104 is "No"), the process advances to step S124 to perform a combined discharge process. In this combined discharge process, first, in step S124, a discharge number division process (FIG. 34), which will be described later, is performed, and then the one-piece discharge flag and the alternate discharge flag are set to "0" (steps S126, S128), which will be described later. Set the values of the discharge 1 end flag and discharge 2 end flag used in the combined discharge process to “0”.
(Step S130, Step S132
), the discharge solenoid 1 and the discharge solenoid 2 are both excited to start combined discharge (steps S134 and S136). Thereafter, in step S138, the discharge weight flag, which is set to "1" when starting the discharge weight timer in the prize ball discharge process (FIG. 35) to be described later, is reset to "0".

[0144] In the next step S140, the discharge end flag, which is set to "1" to indicate when the single discharge process, alternate discharge process, or combined discharge process is completed, is set to "0".
”, and in the subsequent step S142, a discharge monitoring timer (for example, 3 seconds) is set and the process ends. This is provided to monitor whether or not all the prize balls to be ejected through the alternate ejection process or the combined ejection process have been completely ejected.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the discharge number division process executed in step S124 of the discharge start process (FIG. 33). This routine is a process that is performed when the ball is ejected in the combined ejection process described later (when the value of the ejection register 0 is 9 or more and 25 or less). This is the discharge solenoid 1 in combined discharge processing.
, 2 are operated simultaneously in one control loop, the value stored in the discharge register 0 is divided into two parts and set in the discharge registers 1 and 2, respectively. The discharge solenoids 1 and 2 are operated independently according to the values of these two discharge registers 1 and 2, respectively.

[0146] When this routine is started, step S1
In steps 51 to S175, the value of the discharge register is set to "9" in sequence.
(Step S151), “10” (Step S152), “11” (Step S153), and “12” (Step S152).
154), and thereafter, up to "25" are determined in the same manner (step S175). The reason why the judgment is made up to ``25'' is that when discharging balls for rent, 25 is determined for one discharge request.
This is because individual balls are ejected. Said step S151
If the result of the determination is "Yes", the value of the discharge register 1 is set to "5" in step S181, and the value of the discharge register 2 is set to "4" in step S182, and this routine ends.

[0147] Thereafter, when the judgment result in step S152 is "Yes", the values of discharge registers 1 and 2 are both set to "
5” (step S183, step S184)
When the determination result in step S153 is "Yes", the value of discharge register 1 is set to "6" (step S185), and the value of discharge register 2 is set to "5" (step S186), and the value of discharge register 2 is set to "5" (step S186), and the value of discharge register 2 is set to "5" (step S186). When the determination result is "Yes", the values of discharge registers 1 and 2 are both set to "6" (step S187, step S1
88). Similarly, if the value of discharge register 0 is an odd number, set the value in discharge register 1 to one value larger than discharge register 2, and if the value of discharge register 0 is an even number, set the same value to discharge register 1 and discharge register 2. Set the value.

FIG. 35 shows the main routine (FIG. 1) executed by the CPU 610 of the prize ball discharge control device described above.
It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the prize ball discharge process performed in step S18 of 5). This routine is started when the processing number is determined to be "2" in step S8 of the main routine (FIG. 15),
First, in step S202, the discharge weight flag is set to "1".
”.This ejection weight flag is set when a predetermined number of prize balls corresponding to one safe ball (number of prize balls ejected) has been ejected and the weight timer described below is activated. (Step S210) The value is set to "1", and step S138 of the above-mentioned discharge start process (FIG. 33)
It is reset to "0" at Therefore, the determination result in step S202 becomes "Yes" only after a predetermined number (number of prize balls ejected) corresponding to one safe ball has been ejected. As long as the determination result in step S202 is "No", the process proceeds to step S204, where the prize ball is ejected by the ejection process (FIG. 36), and then the process proceeds to step S206. In this step S206, it is determined whether the discharge end flag is "1". This discharge completion flag indicates single discharge (Figure 37), alternate discharge processing (
The value is set to "1" when a predetermined number (set number of prize balls) corresponding to one prize ball, etc. has been discharged by the combined discharge process (Figure 38) or the combined discharge process (Figure 39). be. Therefore, when the result of this determination is "No", the following steps S208 to S216 are skipped, and this routine is ended.

[0149] When the ejection of a predetermined number of prize balls is completed and the determination result in step S206 changes to "Yes", the ejection weight flag is set to "1" (step S206).
208), the discharge wait timer is set to a predetermined time (for example, 40
0 msec) (step S210), and after turning off the prize ball ejection display lamp 112 (off step S212), the reading confirmation flag is set to "1" and the prize ball number data is stored in the prize ball ejection counter. , and then ends this routine (steps S214, S216). The reading confirmation flag and the prize ball discharge counter are used when informing the pachinko game machine data to the hall management device 700 in the prize ball information output process (FIG. 50), which will be described later. In the loop after the determination result in step S206 changes to "Yes", the discharge weight flag is set to "1" in step S208, so that the discharge weight flag in step S206 is set to "1".
The determination result of 02 changes to “Yes” and the process proceeds to step S218.
is executed. In this step S218, it is determined whether or not the ejection wait timer has timed up. If the determination result is "No", that is, the predetermined time has not yet elapsed after the ejection of a predetermined number of prize balls has been completed, the main game is continued. The routine is ended, and only steps S202 and S218 are repeatedly executed until the predetermined time period has elapsed. Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed, step S218
If the determination result becomes "Yes", the process advances to step S220, the processing number is set to "0", and this routine ends.

FIG. 36 shows the above-mentioned prize ball ejection process (FIG. 35).
) is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the discharge process performed in step S204. When this routine is started, first, in step S222, it is determined whether or not the discharge error flag is "1". This discharge error flag is set when the discharge start process is executed (step S14 in FIG. 33).
2) When the ejection of a predetermined number of prize balls is not completed by the time the ejection monitoring timer set in 2) counts up, the value is set to "1" to indicate an abnormality in the ejection control system (
(set to "1" in step S230, which will be described later). Therefore, when the determination result in step S222 is "Yes", a discharge error recovery process (FIG. 40) to be described later is performed in step S252, and this routine is ended.

On the other hand, the determination result in step S222 is “N
o", the process advances to step S224, and it is determined whether or not the discharge end flag is "1". As described above, this discharge end flag is used for single discharge (FIG. 37), alternate discharge processing (FIG. 38) or the combined discharge process (Fig. 39), the value is set to "1" when the discharge of a predetermined number (set number of prize balls) corresponding to one winning ball, etc. is completed. .The determination result of this step S222 is “No”.
If so, the process advances to step S226, and it is determined whether the discharge monitoring timer set at the time of execution of the discharge start process (step S142 in FIG. 33) has timed up. If "No", the process advances to steps S228 and S230, and the one-piece discharge flag and the alternate discharge flag set in the above-mentioned discharge start process (FIG. 33) are checked, and if the one-piece discharge flag is "1", The single discharge process of step S232 (see FIG. 37) is performed, and when the alternate discharge flag is "1", step S234 (see FIG. 38) is executed, and when the alternate discharge flag is "0", the combined discharge process of step S236 is performed. (Figure 39) is executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S226 that the discharge monitoring timer times up, that is, if it is determined that the discharge does not end even after a certain period of time has passed after the start of discharge, it is determined that a discharge abnormality has occurred and discharge solenoids 1 and 2 are turned off. (steps S238, S240) and set the discharge error flag to "1".
” (step S242), the prize ball discharge display lamp 112 is made to blink if the prize ball discharge process is in progress, and the ball loan discharge display is blinked if the ball loan is being discharged, to display an error. The process ends (steps S244, S246, S248, S250).

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the one-piece ejection process performed in step S232 of the above-described ejection process (FIG. 36). When this process is started, 1 is first set in step S110 in FIG.
It is determined whether the piece discharge timer has timed up (step S262), and if "No", nothing is done, or "Yes"
That is, when the time set in the one-piece discharge timer has elapsed, the process moves to step S264 and it is determined whether the reversal flag is "1" or not.
If the reversal flag is "0", discharge solenoid 1 is turned off (step S266), and if the reversal flag is "1", discharge solenoid 2 is turned off (step S26).
68) to finish discharging one piece, and then setting the discharging end flag to "1" and ending the routine (step S2
70).

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the alternate discharge process performed in step S234 of the above-described discharge process (FIG. 36). As mentioned above, this routine is a process that is performed when the number of prize balls to be ejected (prize ball setting number) is "8" or less, and in this routine, the ejection solenoids 1 and 2 of the above-mentioned prize ball ejecting device 170 are activated. The prize balls are ejected by taking turns using the balls. When this routine starts, first, in step S272, the inversion flag is set to “
0" or "1". Then, when the reversal flag is "0", the process advances to step S274, and it is determined whether the discharge sensor 1 rise flag is "1".This discharge 1 rise flag is set to "1" when the spare ball escapes from inside the ejection sensor 1. Therefore, if the judgment result is "No", nothing will be done, and if it is "Yes", the ejection will be performed. After decrementing the value of register 0 (number of balls ejected) by one, the ejection sensor 1 rising flag is cleared (steps S276, S278).Next, it is determined whether the value of ejection register 0 has become "1" or not. In other words, it is determined whether a preset number of balls have been ejected (step S28).
0), when the value of the discharge register 0 becomes "1", the discharge solenoid 1 is turned off, the discharge end flag is set to "1", and the routine ends (steps S282 and S282).
284).

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S272 is "No", that is, the inversion flag is "1", the process advances to step S286. In step S286, the discharge sensor 2
It is determined whether the rising flag is "1". The value of this ejection 2 rising flag is set to "1" when the spare ball escapes from the ejection sensor 2. Therefore,
If this judgment result is “No”, do nothing, and “Yes”
When this happens, the value of the discharge register 0 (number of balls discharged) is set to 1.
After subtracting by one, the discharge sensor 2 rise flag is cleared (steps S288, S290). Next, it is determined whether the value of the ejection register 0 has become "1", that is, whether or not a preset number of balls have been ejected (step S292), and the value of the ejection register 0 has become "1". Then, after turning off the discharge solenoid 1, the discharge end flag is set to "1" and the routine is terminated (step S2).
94, S284). In this routine, discharge solenoid 1
The reason why the discharge according to or 2 is ended when the value of the discharge register 0 becomes "1" is to adjust the off timing of the discharge solenoid. In other words, in this embodiment, since the stopper is placed downstream of the ejection sensor, if ejection ends when the value of ejection register 0 reaches "0", one extra ball will actually be ejected. This is because it will be done.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the combined discharge process performed in step S236 of the above-described discharge process (FIG. 36). As mentioned above, this routine is a process that is performed when the number of prize balls to be ejected (prize ball setting number) is "9" or more, and in this routine, the ejection solenoids 1 and 2 of the above-mentioned prize ball ejecting device 170 are activated. The prize balls are ejected by simultaneously operating the balls. When this routine is started, first, step S of the discharge start process in FIG.
It is determined whether the discharge 1 end flag reset in step 130 has become "1" (step S302). Immediately after the discharge starts, the discharge 1 end flag is "0", so the determination is "No" and the process proceeds to step S304, where it is determined whether the discharge sensor 1 rise flag is "1". If the judgment result is "No", nothing is done, and if "Yes", the value of the discharge register 1 (the number of balls discharged) is subtracted by one, and then the discharge sensor 1 rising flag is cleared (step S
306, S308). Next, it is determined whether the value of the ejection register 0 has become "1", that is, whether or not a preset number of balls have been ejected (step S310), and the value of the ejection register 0 has become "1". If so, turn off the discharge solenoid 1 and set the discharge 1 end flag to "1" (
Steps S312, S314).

Next, the process advances to step S316, and it is determined whether or not the discharge 2 end flag reset in step S132 of the discharge start process in FIG. 33 has become "1". Immediately after the start of discharge, the discharge 2 end flag is “0”, so “No.
”, the process proceeds to step S318, and it is determined whether or not the discharge sensor 2 rise flag is "1". If the determination result is "No", nothing is done, and if the determination result is "Yes", the discharge sensor 2 is After clearing the rising flag, the value of the discharge register 2 (the number of balls to be discharged) is subtracted by one (steps S320, S322).Next, it is determined whether the value of the discharge register 2 has become "1" or not. It is determined whether or not the set number of balls have been ejected (step S324), and if the value of the ejection register 2 becomes "1", the ejection solenoid 2 is activated.
is turned off, and the discharge 2 end flag is set to "1" (steps S326, S328). Then, it is determined whether the discharge 1 end flag is “1” (step S330),
If "Yes", the discharge end flag is set to "1" in the next step S332, and the routine ends. If the discharge system 1 side finishes discharging first, step S330-S
332 and ends.

On the other hand, if the discharge system 2 side finishes discharging first, the determination in step S330 is "No", and then when this routine is executed again, the process returns to step S3.
At step S14, the discharge 1 end flag is set to "1" and the process proceeds to step S316, where the determination is "Yes" and the process jumps to step S332, where the discharge end flag is set to "1" and the routine ends. As described above, when the set number of prize balls is set to a large value (9 to 15), the set number is divided and the values are stored in the two ejection registers 1 and 2. By operating the first and second ejection solenoids independently based on the value of , ejection of a large number of prize balls can be performed more quickly.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the ejection error recovery process performed in step S252 of the above-mentioned ejection process (FIG. 36). When this routine is started, it is first determined whether the discharge 1 error release flag set in step S4832 of the discharge sensor 1 level input process in FIG. 22 is "1", and whether or not the discharge sensor 2 level input process in FIG. It is determined whether the discharge 2 error release flag set in step S5032 is "1" (steps S342, S344). If both determinations result in "Yes", step S34
6 or below. In steps S346-S352, steps S81-S in the prize ball start process of FIG.
86, the discharge sensor 1 flag and the discharge sensor 2 flag set in the discharge sensor level input processing routine of FIGS. 22 and 23, and the discharge sensor 2 flag set in FIG.
Checking the odd sensor error flag set in the odd sensor input processing routine in Figure 26 and the overflow error flag set in the overflow detector input processing routine in Figure 26, any one of the flags is "0". If so, clear the ejectable flag to “0” and exit (
Step S354).

On the other hand, if all the flags are set to "1", the ejectable flag is set to "1" (step S356), and in the next step S358, the ejectable flag is set to "1". If it is "1", it is determined in steps S360 and S362 whether the values of discharge register 1 and discharge register 2 each exceed "1",
When the value of ejection register 1 is "1" or less, the value of ejection register 2 is used, and when the value of ejection register 2 is "1" or less, the value of ejection register 1 is used, and the value of ejection register 1 and ejection register 2 is If both values exceed "1", both values are set in the discharge register 0 (step S364,
S366, S368). Then, the same process as the discharge start process in FIG. 33 is performed (step S378). As a result, even if one of the two ejection systems becomes clogged with balls and causes an ejection error, the number of unejected balls remaining in the ejection register will be reset to 0 in the ejection register.
Since the setting is set to 1 and the discharge is started again, the discharge is performed using the other normal discharge system, and it is possible to avoid interrupting the game of the pachinko game machine due to a malfunction.

[0161] In this routine, prior to the above-mentioned discharge start processing (step S378), the processing number is checked, and if the number is "2", the prize ball discharge display lamp 112 is turned on, and if the number is "3", the prize ball discharge display lamp 112 is turned on. The ball rental indicator lamp 113 is lit respectively (
Steps S370, S372, S374, S376). Further, after the discharge start process (step S378) is completed, the discharge error flag is cleared to "0" and this routine is ended (step S380). Above step S36
0 and the value of the discharge register 1 is less than "1", the value of the discharge register 2 is set to the discharge register 0 in step S364.The reason why the value of the discharge register is "1" means that the discharge has ended. Despite this, the error recovery process of this routine is entered because it can be estimated that the number of balls that have not been ejected remains in the ejection register 2. Similarly, in step S362, the value of the discharge register 2 is "1".
In the following cases, the value of the discharge register 1 is set to the discharge register 0 in step S366 because it can be estimated that the number of undischarged balls remains in the discharge register 2.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the subroutine of the ball lending start process executed in step S21 of the main routine (FIG. 15) of the discharge control device described above. In this subroutine, the ball lending request flag is set in step S4122 of the ball lending request detection processing routine in FIG.
When this subroutine is started, first the discharge sensor 1 flag and the discharge sensor 2 flag set in the discharge sensor level input processing routine of FIGS. 22 and 23 are set. The flag, the odd sensor error flag set in the odd sensor input processing routine of FIG. 27, and the overflow error flag set in the overflow detector input processing routine of FIG. 26 are checked (steps S402-S408), and either If even one flag is “0”, the discharge possible flag is cleared to “0” and the process ends (step S410).
).

On the other hand, if all the flags are set to "1", the discharge possible flag is set to "1" (step S412), and the conversion rate (ball rental number data) set in advance in the ROM is set. Set to discharge register 0 (
Step S414). In addition, the ball rental indicator lamp 113
is turned on (step S416), and the ball rental sound request flag and the P unit ready flag are set to "1" (step S416).
418, S420), executes the discharge start processing routine (see FIG. 33) common to the prize ball discharge process to start discharge by the ball discharge device 170, and then sets the process number to "
3'' and ends (steps S422, S424). In ball rental discharge, the ball rental number data is set to a value such as 25 (>8), so when the discharge start processing routine of step S422 is executed, discharge using two discharge systems simultaneously is not possible. will be started.

[0164] Note that the ball rental sound request flag set in steps S418 and S420 is set by the game board control device 40.
The ball rental sound generation request signal E output for the ball rental controller 500 is set to low level in the sound request output process (FIG. 49) described later, and the P machine ready flag is set to the ball rental ready signal U output to the ball rental control device 500. The ball rental information output process (Figure 48) will be described later.
This is for asserting each at low level.

FIG. 42 shows the CP on the emission control device side described above.
Main routine executed by U610 (Figure 15)
It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the ball rental discharge process performed in step S17 of. In this routine, the processing number is set to "3" in step S424 of the above subroutine (FIG. 41), and the main routine (FIG. 1
The process starts when the process number is determined to be "3" in step S7 of 5), and first, in step S432, it is determined whether or not the discharge weight flag is "1". The value of this discharge weight flag is set to "1" when the discharge of a predetermined number of rented balls corresponding to one ball rental request signal is completed and the wait timer described below is activated (step S440), and the value is set to "1", Discharge start process (Figure 33)
It is reset to "0" in step S138. Therefore, the determination result in step S432 becomes "Yes" only after a predetermined number of rental balls corresponding to one ball rental request signal have been discharged. As long as the determination result in step S432 is "No", the process proceeds to step S434, where the rented balls are ejected by the ejecting process (FIG. 36) that is common to the prize ball ejecting process, and then the process proceeds to step S436. In this step S436, the discharge end flag is set to "1".
It is determined whether or not. This discharge end flag is set by the combined discharge process shown in FIG. 39 (single-piece discharge and alternate discharge processes are not performed in this rented ball discharge) performed in the above-mentioned discharge process routine (FIG. 36). The value is set to "1" when the ejection of a predetermined number of balls corresponding to the ball lending request signal is completed. Therefore, when the result of this determination is "No", the following steps S438 to S446 are skipped, and this routine is ended.

[0166] When the ejection of a predetermined number of prize balls is completed and the determination result in step S436 changes to "Yes", the ejection weight flag is set to "1" (step S436).
438), the ejection wait timer is set to a predetermined time (for example, 40
After setting the payout end flag to "1" (step S212), the ball rental display lamp 113 is turned off (OFF), the continuous ball rental counter is incremented, and the payout end flag is set to "1" (step S212). The routine ends (steps S444, S446). The payout end flag is referred to in order to set the payout completion signal V to low level in the ball lending information output process (FIG. 48) described later, and the continuous ball lending counter is used in the step of the ball lending request detection process (FIG. 17) described above. It is referred to in S4102, and six or more consecutive conversions, that is, ball lending of more than 600 yen is avoided.

[0167] The determination result in step S436 is "Yes".
In the loop after changing to "S", the discharge weight flag is set to "1" in step S438, so that the determination result in step S432 changes to "Yes", and step S448 is executed.This step S448 Then, it is determined whether the ejection weight timer has timed up or not, and if the determination result is "No", that is, the predetermined time has not yet elapsed after the ejection of a predetermined number of prize balls has been completed, this routine is directly terminated. Then, only steps S432 and S448 are repeatedly executed until the predetermined time has elapsed. When the predetermined time has elapsed and the determination result in step S448 becomes "Yes", the process proceeds to step S450 and the processing number is set to " Set it to 0” and
This routine ends.

FIGS. 43 to 45 are flowcharts showing the subroutine of the ball removal process executed in step S16 of the main routine (FIG. 15) executed by the CPU 610 on the side of the emission control device described above. This ball removal processing routine is based on the aforementioned ball removal sensor input processing (Fig. 24), which indicates that the ball removal switch has been pressed by the staff at the game parlor.
is detected, the ball removal flag is set to "1", it is determined as "Yes" in step S10 of the main routine, the processing number is changed to "4" in step S20,
Further, in step S6 of the main routine, the process is started when the process number is determined to be "4".

When this routine is started, first in step S602 it is determined whether the forced termination flag is "1". This forced termination flag is activated when the ball removal switch is pressed twice (when the ball removal switch is pressed again during the execution of this routine and the determination result in step S616 or step S626 described later becomes "Yes"). ) The value is set to "1" in step S696 immediately before the forced termination process of steps S700 to S736 is executed. Therefore, once the flag is set to "1" by executing step S696, the determination result of step S602 is set to "1" in the subsequent loop.
"Yes," and only the forced termination processing from step S700 onward, which will be described later, will be executed.
When the determination result in 602 is “No”, step S6
In step S606, it is determined whether the ball removal execution flag is "1" or not, and in the subsequent step S606, it is determined whether the ball removal start flag is "1". Among these, the value of the ball removal start flag is set to "1" in step S614 in order to memorize the fact that when the subsequent steps S608 to S612 have been performed even once.
In addition, the ball removal execution flag is set in step S624 to store this fact when the excitation of the discharge solenoids 1 and 2 is started in steps S620 and S622, which will be described later, and the ball removal process is executed. This is set to "1" at

[0170] Let us now consider the case where the main ball removal processing routine is performed for the first time. In this case, the step S604
, S606 are both "No", and the process advances to step S608, where the ball removal flag set to "1" by the first press of the ball removal switch (press to start the ball removal process) is set to " Reset to 0”. In the next steps S609 and S610, the discharge 1 end flag and the discharge 2 end flag, which are used to remember that the ball extraction process by the first and second prize ball discharge devices has ended, are reset to "0". . These discharge 1 end flag and discharge 2 end flag used in the above-mentioned combined discharge process can be used as they are, and these two flags can be used in step S628, which will be described later.
It is used for determinations such as S646. Further next step S6
At step 11, a ball removal start timer is set/started. This ball removal start timer is used to provide a predetermined idle time sufficient to switch the switching gate 762 of the ball removal device in advance before actually energizing (ON) the discharge solenoids 1 and 2. .

In the next step S612, the bulb removal solenoid 761 is energized (ON) to switch the switching gate 762.
), and then the ball removal start flag is set to "1" (step S614). In the subsequent step S616, it is determined whether the ball removal flag was set to "1" again during the execution of steps S602 to S614, that is, whether the ball removal switch was pressed again (whether it was pressed twice). be done. If this determination result is "Yes", step S69
After executing Steps 2 to S698, the process proceeds to forced termination processing starting from step S700 in order to forcibly terminate the ball extraction process.

More specifically, first, step S692 and step S694, and then steps S628 to S64, which will be described later.
Discharge 1 ball no flag used in the process of step 4 and discharge 2 used in the process of steps S646 to S662 described later.
The no-ball flags are each reset to "0", and step S6
In step 96, the forced termination flag is set to "1" to indicate that the process has shifted to the forced termination process, and the forced termination flag is set to "1" to indicate that the forced termination process has proceeded, and the forced termination flag is further provided to determine whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since immediately after the transition to the forced termination process. A timer is set, and forced termination processing from step S700, which will be described later, is performed.

On the other hand, when the result of this determination is "No", it is determined whether the ball removal start timer started in step S611 has timed out. If the ball removal start timer has not expired yet (the judgment result is “
No"), this routine ends without performing any further processing. In the next and subsequent loops, steps S602 to S606 and S61 are executed until the timer times up.
6, only S618 will be repeatedly executed. When the timer times out and the determination result in step S618 changes to "Yes", steps S620 and S622
At this point, the ejection solenoids 1 and 2 are energized (ON) and the prize ball begins to flow out, and the above-mentioned ball extraction execution flag is set to "
1'' (step S624).

[0174] Once the discharge solenoids 1 and 2 are energized (ON) and the bulb removal execution flag is set to "1", in the next and subsequent loops, step S604 is performed.
The determination result is "Yes", and steps S606-6
24 processes will be skipped. In the next step S626, it is again determined whether the ball removal flag is "1", that is, whether the ball removal switch has been pressed twice to forcibly end the ball removal process. When this determination result is "Yes", steps S684 to S684
After performing step S690, the steps S692 to S698,
Furthermore, the process proceeds to forced termination processing starting from step S700, which will be described later.

[0175] In the processing of steps S684 to S690,
First, it is determined whether or not the ejection 1 end flag is "1" (step S684), and the result of this judgment is "Yes", that is, at this point, the prize ball flows out from the first ejection solenoid side of the prize ball ejecting device 170. When all of the prize balls have been completely discharged from the first discharge solenoid side, the value of this flag is set to "1" in step S642, which will be described later.
In step S686, the discharge solenoid 1 is demagnetized (OFF), and then in step S688. On the other hand, if the determination result is "No", step S68
6 and proceeds to step S688.

[0176] In step S688, it is further determined whether or not the discharge 2 end flag is "1", and the determination result is "Y".
es'', that is, at this point, when all the prize balls have been discharged from the second discharge solenoid side of the prize ball discharge device (
The value of this flag is set to "1" in step S660, which will be described later, when all the prize balls on the second discharge solenoid side have been completely discharged.
”), the process proceeds to step S690, where the discharge solenoid 2 is demagnetized (OFF), and then the process proceeds to step S692; on the other hand, when the determination result is “No”, the process proceeds to step S690.
90 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S692 and subsequent steps. If the second ball ejection switch is not pressed at this point and the determination result in step S626 is "No", the ejection 1 end flag is set to "1" in step S628.
It is determined whether or not. This discharge 1 end flag is
When the main ball extraction process is executed for the first time, the above-mentioned step S
It is reset to "0" in step S609, and is set to "1" in step S642, which will be described later, when all the prize balls are drained by the ball removal process.

[0177] Therefore, the prize ball ejecting device 17 is
If the ejection of the prize ball from the first ejection solenoid side of No. 0 is not completed yet, the determination result of step S628 is “
No”, and the processes from step S630 onwards are executed. First, in step S630, it is determined whether the ejected 1 ball no flag is “1”. In step S4 or when the ball extraction process on the first ejection solenoid side of the prize ball ejection device is completed (step S644), it is reset to "0", and the prize ball is flowed out by the main ball extraction process and the first prize ball is derived. When there are no prize balls in the gutter (inside the discharge sensor 1) and the sensor output becomes "0", the value is set to "1". Until there are no more prize balls, this determination result will be "No" and the output of the discharge sensor 1 will be at a low level ("0") in step S632.
). If the ball removal process is not completed and the prize ball still remains in the discharge sensor 1, the determination result becomes "No" and the process directly proceeds to step S646 and subsequent steps.

[0178] From this state, when the prize ball disappears in the first prize ball deriving gutter (inside sensor 1) by the ball extraction process, the determination result in step S632 changes to "Yes", and the above-mentioned discharge 1
The no-ball flag is set to “1” (step S634),
Next, an ejected one-ball no-ball timer is set to measure the passage of time from the time when no prize balls are left in the sensor 1 (step S636), and the process proceeds to steps S646 and thereafter. In the subsequent loop, the determination result in step S630 is “Ye”.
Then, in step S638, it is determined again whether the output level of the discharge sensor 1 is a low level ("0").

[0179] If the result of this determination is "Yes", that is, it is determined that the output level of the discharge sensor 1 is maintained at a low level in the current loop following the previous loop, the process advances to step S640 and the discharge level set in step S636 is It is determined whether or not the one-ball no-ball timer has timed out. If this determination result is "No", that is, if the predetermined time has not yet passed since it was determined that there is no prize ball in the first prize ball derivation gutter (inside the discharge sensor 1), steps S642 and S644 are performed. Skip to step S
Proceed to 646 onwards.

[0180] Thereafter, until the predetermined time elapses, the determination results of steps S630 and S638 are both "Yes".
”, the determination result in step S640 is “No”. When the predetermined period of time has elapsed while the output level of the discharge sensor 1 is maintained at the low level, the determination result in step S640 is “No”.
The determination result of step 640 changes to "Yes", and the discharge 1 end flag is set to "1" (step S642), and the discharge 1 ball no flag is reset to "0" (step S6).
44), the process proceeds to step S646 and subsequent steps. In this way, once the discharge 1 end flag is set to "1", the determination result of step S628 will be "1" in the next and subsequent loops.
Yes”, the process skips steps S630 to S644 and directly proceeds to steps S646 and subsequent steps.

[0181] By the way, after this routine is started and the output of the ejection sensor 1 becomes low level (at this time, the ejected 1 ball no flag is "1"), the ejection 1 ball no timer times out again. When the output level of the discharge sensor 1 changes to a high level (“1”), the step S63
8 turns to "No", and the discharge 1 ball no flag is reset to "0" in step S644 without setting the discharge 1 end flag to "1" (skipping step S642). Then, the process proceeds to step S646 and subsequent steps. As a result, the fall of the output signal that occurs after one prize ball passes through the ejection sensor 1 until the next prize ball reaches the sensor 1, or noise occurs in the output signal of the sensor 1, etc. Therefore, when the waveform of the output signal temporarily falls, it is not erroneously determined that the outflow of the prize balls in the prize ball guiding gutter has been completed.

[0182] In the next step S646, it is further determined whether or not the discharge 2 end flag is "1". This discharge 2
The end flag is reset to "0" in the above-mentioned step S610 when the main ball extraction process is executed for the first time, and conversely, when all the prize balls have been drained by the ball extraction process, it is reset to "0" as described below. It is set to "1" in step S660. Therefore, if the ejection of the prize ball from the second ejection solenoid side of the prize ball ejecting device 170 has not yet been completed due to the main ball extraction process, the determination result of step S646 is "No".
Then, the processing from step S648 onwards is executed.

[0183] First, in step S648, it is determined whether or not the two-ball no-ejected ball flag is "1". This flag with no ejected 2 balls is reset to "0" at step S4 of the main routine or when the ball removal process on the second ejection solenoid side of the prize ball ejection device is completed (step S662), and the prize is awarded by the main ball removal process. The ball flows out and enters the second prize ball guiding gutter (
There is no prize ball in the ejection sensor 2) and the sensor output is “
0", the value is set to "1". Therefore, from the start of ball removal until there are no prize balls in the ejection sensor 2, the determination result will be "No". In step S650, the output of the discharge sensor 2 is at a low level (
“0”) is determined. If the ball removal process is not completed and the prize ball still remains in the discharge sensor 2, the determination result becomes "No" and the process continues at step S66.
Proceed to step 4 onwards. In this state, when there are no prize balls in the second prize ball deriving gutter (inside sensor 2) by the ball extraction process, the determination result in step S650 changes to "Yes" and the two-ball no-ejected flag becomes "1". is set (step S652)
Next, a timer for measuring the elapsed time from the time when no prize balls are left in the sensor 2 is set (step S654), and the process proceeds to steps S664 and thereafter.

[0184] In the subsequent loop, step S64 is performed.
The determination result in step S656 changes to "Yes", and the output level of the discharge sensor 2 becomes low level ("0") again in step S656.
) is determined. This judgment result is “Yes”
``In other words, when it is determined that the output level of the ejection sensor 2 is maintained at a low level in the current loop following the previous loop, the process advances to step S658 to determine whether the ejected 2-ball non-timer set in step S654 has timed out. If the result of this determination is "No", that is, the predetermined time has not yet passed since it was determined that there is no prize ball in the second prize ball derivation gutter (inside the discharge sensor 2). Sometimes, steps S660 and S662 are skipped and the process proceeds to steps S664 and subsequent steps.

[0185] Thereafter, until the predetermined time elapses, the determination results of steps S648 and S656 are both "Yes".
”, the determination result in step S658 is “No”. When the predetermined time elapses while the output level of the discharge sensor 2 is maintained at the low level, the determination result in step S658 is determined as “No”.
The determination result of step 658 changes to "Yes", and the ejection 2 end flag is set to "1" (step S660), and the ejection 2 ball no flag is reset to "0" (step S6
62), the process proceeds to step S664 and subsequent steps. In this way, once the discharge 2 end flag is set to "1", in the next and subsequent loops, the determination result of step S646 will be "1".
Yes”, the process skips steps S648 to S662 and proceeds to step S664.

By the way, after this routine is started and once the output of the ejection sensor 2 becomes low level (at this time, the 2-ball no-ejected ball flag is "1"), the output of the ejected 2-ball no-ball flag is set to "1" again. When the output level of the discharge sensor 2 changes to a high level (“1”), the step S65
If the determination result in step 6 turns to "No", the discharge 2 ball no flag is reset to "0" in step S662 without setting the discharge 2 end flag to "1" (skipping step S660). The process then proceeds to step S664 and subsequent steps. As a result, the fall of the output signal that occurs after one prize ball passes through the ejection sensor 2 until the next prize ball reaches the sensor 2, or noise occurs in the output signal of the sensor 2, etc. Therefore, when the waveform of the output signal temporarily falls, it is not erroneously determined that the outflow of the prize balls in the prize ball guiding gutter has been completed.

[0187] As a result of executing steps S646 to S662, after it is determined that the outflow of the prize ball from the second discharge solenoid side of the prize ball discharge device is completed, step S646 is executed.
The determination result changes to "Yes" and in step S664, it is determined whether or not the ball removal of the prize ball on the first ejection solenoid side is completed (
The determination as to whether the discharge 1 end flag is "1" is made again. If the result of this determination is "No", the process in the current loop is immediately terminated, and the process proceeds to the next loop (steps S628 to S644 will be executed again in the next loop).

On the other hand, when the determination result is "Yes", that is, it is determined that the ball extraction process by the first and second discharge solenoids of the prize ball discharge device are both completed at this point, the ball extraction execution flag and the ball extraction execution flag are first set. Both the ball removal start flags are reset to "0" (steps S666 and S668), and the discharge solenoids 1 and 2 are demagnetized (OFF) to end the ball removal process.
(Steps S674, S676), and further demagnetizes (OFF) the bulb removal solenoid (Step S678), and then resets the process NO to "0" (Step S6).
80), this routine ends.

Next, the steps S602, S616, S
The forced termination process (processing after step S700) that is performed when any of the determination results in step S726 is "Yes" will be described. This process is executed when the ball removal switch is pressed and the ball removal process is once started, and then the switch is pressed again (push twice). First, in step S700, it is determined whether the forced termination timer has timed out. This forced termination timer starts when the switch is pressed for the second time (steps S616 and S62).
Counting is started at step S698), which is executed immediately after the 6 determination result becomes "No". If the determination result is "No", that is, the predetermined time has not yet passed since the second switch press, step S702
It is determined whether the discharge 1 end flag is "1" or not.

[0190] The determination result of this step S702 is “No”.
”, that is, the forced termination process was started before the ball extraction process was completed (when the value of the flag is “1”, it indicates that the ball extraction on the first ejection solenoid side of the prize ball ejection device was completed). In some cases, it is further determined in step S704 whether or not the discharge sensor 1 start-up flag is "1".If the result of this determination is "Yes", that is, after the forced termination process has been performed, a new When the prize ball reaches inside the sensor 1, the ejection solenoid 1 is demagnetized (OFF) at this point (step S706), and then the ejection 1 end flag is forcibly set to "1" (step S708). Step S7
On the other hand, if the answer is "No", steps S706 and S708 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S710.
Proceed to.

[0191] In step S710, it is determined whether the discharge 2 end flag is "1". This step S71
If the judgment result of 0 is “No”, that is, before the ball extraction process is completed (
When the value of the flag is “1”, the second flag of the prize ball ejecting device
When the forced termination process is started (indicating that the bulb removal on the discharge solenoid side has been completed), step S71 is further performed.
At step 2, it is determined whether or not the discharge sensor 2 startup flag is "1". When this judgment result is “Yes”, that is,
After the forced termination process is once performed, when a new prize ball reaches the sensor 2, the discharge solenoid 2 is demagnetized (OFF) at this point (step S714), and then the discharge 2 end flag is forcibly set to " 1” (step S7).
16) End this routine.

On the other hand, if the determination result is "No", steps S714 and S716 are skipped, and this routine is ended. In this way, the forced termination process (step S
The rise of the output signal of the ejection sensor 2 (that a new prize ball has reached the sensor) is detected before a predetermined time elapses after the process (processing after 700) is started, and the ejection 2 end flag is set to "1". ”, in the next and subsequent loops, the determination result in step S710 becomes “Yes”, and it is further determined whether or not the discharge 1 end flag is “1” (step S718). If this determination result is "No", that is, at this point, the first ejection sensor 1 of the prize ball ejecting device has not detected a new prize ball after the start of the forced termination process,
This routine ends immediately. In this case, the processes of steps S702 to S708 will continue to be executed in subsequent loops.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S718 is "Yes", that is, after the forced termination process is executed, both the first and second ejection sensors 1 and 2 of the prize ball ejecting device detect the new prize balls. When it is detected that the light has reached the inside of the sensors 1 and 2, the processes from step S724 to be described later are performed. Also, while the processes in steps S702 to S718 are being executed, a predetermined period of time passes and the forced termination timer times out, and the determination result in step S700 is "Yes".
(At this time, the discharge 1 end flag and discharge 2
Either one of the end flags is “0”), step S
In steps 720 and S722, discharge solenoid 1 and discharge solenoid 2 are forcibly demagnetized (OFF), respectively, and step S724
Proceed to the following.

[0194] In step S724, the foregoing forced termination flag is reset to "0", and further steps S726 and S
At 728, both the ball removal execution flag and the ball removal start flag are reset to "0", and the ball removal solenoid is demagnetized (O
FF) (step S734), the process NO is reset to "0" (step S736), and this routine ends.

FIG. 46 shows an example of a specific procedure of the replenishment process performed in step S23 in the main process flow of FIG. 15. When this replenishment process is started, first, the replenishment sensor rising flag set during the replenishment sensor input process (FIG. 25) for detecting the detection signal of the replenishment sensor 106 is checked (step S752), and if "Yes" Proceeding to step S754, the completion lamp 108 is turned on, the replenishment request flag is set to "1", the replenishment sensor rise flag is cleared to "0", and this routine ends (steps S756, S758). This replenishment flag is referred to in order to assert a replenishment signal K to the management device 700 in a game machine information output process (FIG. 51) to be described later.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S752 is "No", the process proceeds to step S760, where it is determined whether the falling flag indicating that the replenishment sensor has fallen is "1", and the determination is "No". If so, do nothing and if the answer is "Yes", the completion lamp 108 turned on in step S754 above.
After turning off the light (step S762), the replenishment request flag and the replenishment sensor fall flag are cleared to "0", and this routine ends (step S764).
, S766).

FIG. 47 shows the specific contents of the information output process performed in step S24 in the main process flow of FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 47, this information output process includes a ball rental information output process S800 that forms an output signal to the ball rental control device 500, and a sound request output process that forms an output signal to the game board control device 400. S850, prize ball information output processing S900 for forming an output signal to the hall management device 700, gaming machine information output processing S950, and error information output processing S990.

FIG. 48 shows an example of a specific procedure of the ball rental information output process S800 in the above information output process flow. When this routine starts, first step S
At 802, it is checked whether the ball lending request flag is set. This ball lending request flag indicates that during the ball lending request detection processing routine shown in FIG.
This is a flag that is set when it is detected that the signal has been at a low level for more than a second (step S4122).

[0199] As a result of the determination in step S802, “Ye
If "s", that is, the ball lending request flag is set, leave it as is, or if "No", that is, the ball lending request flag is reset, clear the P machine ready flag to "0" in step S804, and then Proceed to step S806.The above-mentioned P unit ready flag is a flag used to determine whether the ball lending ready signal U is changed to a high level or a low level in step S810, which will be described later. When step S41) is executed and ball rental discharge is started, step S42
Set to 0.

[0200] In this step S806, it is determined whether the payout completion signal V output to the ball lending control device 500 is at a low level (valid) or a high level (invalid). If the result is a high level, the process advances to step S808, and it is determined whether or not the payout end flag, which is set when the ball lending and discharging process routine (FIG. 42) ends, is "1". If "No", the process moves to step S810, where it is determined whether or not the P ready flag is "1", and "N
o”, the ball lending ready signal U is negated to high level, and if “Yes”, the ball lending ready signal U is asserted to low level, and this routine ends (step S812,
S814). Therefore, the ball lending request detection process (Figure 1
7), when the ball lending request signal T from the ball lending control device 500 is detected and the ball lending request flag is set, "Yes" is determined in step S11 of the main routine, and the ball lending start processing routine (Fig. 41 ) is executed and ball rental discharge is started and the P machine ready flag is set to "1", so the main ball rental information output processing routine jumps from step S802 to step S806, and in steps S806 and S808, respectively. The determination is "No", and in step S810, the determination is "Yes" and the ball lending ready signal U is asserted to a low level.

[0201] After that, the ball lending and discharging is completed and the payout end flag is set to "1" in the ball lending and discharging processing routine (FIG. 42).
”, it is determined “Yes” in step S808 of this routine and the process moves to step S816, where the payout completion signal V to the ball rental control device 500 and the number of discharged rental balls are output to the hall management device 700. Signal J (
One pulse represents the number of balls in the minimum conversion unit) are asserted to low level, the payout completion timer is set (activated), the payout completion flag is cleared to "0", and then (
Steps S816, S818, S820, S822),
Proceeding to steps S810 to S814, the ball lending ready signal U is subsequently asserted to a low level.

Next, when this routine is executed again, it is determined in step S806 as "Yes", that is, the payout completion signal V is at a low level, and the process moves to step S824, and the timer set in step S820 has timed out. It is determined whether or not. Here, if the timer has not yet timed out, the process directly proceeds to step S810, and if the timer has timed up, the payout completion signal V and the number of balls to be discharged signal J are each negated to a high level (step S826). , S828) and steps S810 to S814, and the ball lending ready signal U is continuously asserted to a low level. When the payout completion signal V is negated to high level by the above processing,
Since the ball lending control device 500 detects this and negates the ball lending request signal to a high level, the ball lending request detection process (FIG. 17) detects that the ball lending request signal T has changed to a high level. and the ball lending request flag is reset. Then, when this routine is executed again, the determination in step S802 is "No", so the process moves to step S804 and the P ready flag is cleared to "0". Further, since the payout completion signal V is negated to a high level, the determination in step S806 is "No", and the process proceeds to steps S808 and S810, and in step S810, "No" is determined, that is, the P machine ready flag is "0".
As a result, the ball lending ready signal U is negated to a high level and the process ends.

FIG. 49 shows an example of a specific procedure of the sound request output process S850 in the above information output process flow. When this routine is started, first step S85
In step S854, it is checked whether the ball rental sound generation request signal E to the game board control device 400 is asserted to a low level, and if it is high, the process advances to step S854 and it is determined whether the ball rental sound request flag is set to "1". do. The above-mentioned ball lending request flag is set to the ball lending start processing routine (Fig. 4) described above.
This flag is set in step S418 when step 1) is executed and rental ball discharge is started.

[0204] If it is determined as "Yes" in step S854, the process moves to step S856, where the ball rental sound generation request signal E is asserted to low level, the ball rental sound timer is set, and the ball rental sound request flag is set. It is cleared to "0" and this routine ends (steps S858, S860). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S854 that it is "No", that is, the ball rental sound request flag is "0", the process advances to step S872, and it is checked whether the prize ball discharge sound generation request signal D to the game board control device 400 is asserted to a low level; If the level is high, the process advances to step S874 and it is determined whether the prize ball sound request flag is set to "1". The above-mentioned prize ball sound request flag is set in step S89 when the aforementioned prize ball start processing routine (FIG. 32) is executed and prize ball discharge is started.
This is a flag set by .

If the determination in step S874 is "Yes", the process moves to step S876, where the prize ball ejection sound generation request signal D is asserted to low level, the prize ball sound timer is set, and the prize ball sound request flag is set. It is cleared to "0" and this routine ends (steps S878, S880). Then, when this routine is started again, when it comes to step S852, it is determined to be "Yes", that is, the rented ball ejection sound generation request signal E is at a low level, and the process moves to step S862, where the signal set in step S858 is determined to be low. Determine whether or not the ball rental sound timer has timed up. Then, if the time is not up, the routine is terminated, and if the time is up, the rental ball discharge sound generation request signal E is negated to a high level and the routine is terminated (
Step S864).

On the other hand, after the award ball ejection sound generation request signal D is asserted to a low level in step S876, this routine is started again, and when step S872 is reached, "Ye" is output.
s'', that is, the prize ball ejection sound generation request signal D is determined to be at a low level, the process moves to step S882, and it is determined whether or not the prize ball sound timer set in step S878 has timed up. If not, the routine ends, and if the time is up, the prize ball ejection sound generation request signal D is negated to a high level and the routine ends (step S884).

FIG. 50 shows an example of a specific procedure of the prize ball information output process S900 to the hole management device 700 in the information output process flow. This prize ball information is output to the hole management device 700. When this routine is started, first in step S902 it is checked whether the read confirmation signal H output to the game board control device 400 is asserted to a low level. If it is high, the process advances to step S904, and the read confirmation flag is set to "
1". The reading confirmation flag is a flag that is set in step S214 when the aforementioned prize ball discharge processing routine (FIG. 35) is executed and prize ball discharge is started. be.

If "Yes" is determined in step S904, the process moves to step S906, where the read confirmation signal H is asserted to low level, the read confirmation timer is set, and the read confirmation flag is cleared to "0". This routine ends (steps S908, S910). Then, after the read confirmation signal H is asserted to low level, this routine is started again, and when it reaches step S902, it is determined "Yes", that is, the read confirmation signal H is low level, and the process moves to step S912, and the above-mentioned It is determined whether the read confirmation timer set in step S908 has timed up. Then, if the time has not expired, the routine is terminated, and if the time has expired, the read confirmation signal H is negated to a high level and the routine is terminated (step S914).

On the other hand, if it is determined "No" in step S904, that is, the read confirmation flag is "0", step
The process proceeds to step S920, and it is checked whether the prize ball number signal I (one pulse represents 10 ejected balls) to the game board control device 400 is asserted to a low level, and if the level is high, the process proceeds to step S922, where the prize ball transmission prohibition flag is set. is set to "1". The prize ball transmission prohibition flag is a flag that is set to prohibit transmission of the signal for a predetermined period of time when the prize ball number signal I is negated in step S932, which will be described later.

[0210] If the determination in step S922 is "No", the process moves to step S924, and the prize ball ejection counter (Fig. 3
In step S216 during the prize ball discharge process in step 5, when the discharge is completed, the value of 10 is updated by the number of discharged balls (number of prize balls) at once.
If the number is 9 or less, the routine is terminated, and if the number is 10 or more, the prize number signal I
is asserted to a low level, then the prize pitch count timer 1 is set and this routine ends (steps S926 and S926).
928). This is to output one pulse of the prize ball number signal I having a predetermined pulse width for 10 ejected balls. after that,
When this routine is started again, step S920
If "Yes" is determined, that is, the prize ball number signal I is at a low level, the process moves to step S930, and it is determined whether or not the prize ball number timer 1 set in step S928 has timed up. If the time is not up, the routine is immediately terminated; if the time is up, the prize ball count signal I is negated to a high level in step S932, and the value of the prize ball discharge counter is subtracted by "10". (The value of the counter is updated even while timer 1 is operating, so it cannot be cleared to "0".) Also, set the prize ball transmission prohibition flag to "1", start prize ball timer 2, and start the real timer. End the routine (steps S934, S93
6, S938).

[0211] In this way, the prize ball transmission prohibition flag is set to “
When this routine is restarted after being set to 1, the determination in step S922 is "Yes", that is, the prize ball transmission prohibition flag is determined to be "1", so the process moves to step S940 and the prize ball count timer 2 is It is determined whether or not the time is up. If the time is not up, the routine is immediately terminated. If the time is up, the prize ball transmission prohibition flag is cleared to "0" and the routine is terminated (step S942). By doing this, it is possible to output the prize ball number signal I with a predetermined pulse width (timer 1 setting time) every 10 prize balls, and after outputting one pulse of the prize ball number signal I, the number of prize balls signal I is output for a certain period of time. The transmission of signals is prohibited.As a result,
A management device 700 that receives prize ball number signals from a large number of pachinko gaming machines can reliably take in the prize ball number signal I from each pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 51 shows the above information output processing (FIG. 47).
An example of a specific procedure of the game machine information output process S950 in the flow is shown. This game machine information is also output to the hall management device 700. When this routine is started, the replenishment request flag is set to "1" in step S952.
The replenishment request flag is set when the input of the replenishment sensor 106 is detected by the replenishment sensor input processing routine (FIG. 25) described above, and the replenishment processing (FIG. 46) in the main routine is executed. This is the flag that is set in step S756 by the
At 953, the replenishment request signal K is negated to high level, and “
If the determination is ``Yes'', the process moves to step S954, where the replenishment request signal K is asserted to low level, a read confirmation timer is set, and then the process moves to step S956.

In step S956, the frame release flag that is set by detecting a change in the signal from the frame sensor 103 in the frame sensor input processing routine (FIG. 19) is set, and in the subsequent step S958, the frame release flag is set in the frame sensor input processing routine (FIG. 1
Check each frame blockage flag set in step 9), and if the frame release flag is "1", assert the frame release signal to low level, and if the frame release flag is "1", negate the frame blockage signal to high level ( Steps S957, S959) move to step S960.

[0214] In step S960, the game board control device 4
It is checked whether the out number signal L (one pulse represents 10 out balls) output for 00 is asserted to low level, and if it is high level, the process advances to step S962, and the out transmission prohibition flag is set to "1". Determine whether or not. The out transmission prohibition flag is a flag that is set to prohibit transmission of the signal for a predetermined period of time when the out number signal L is negated in step S972, which will be described later.

[0215] If the determination in step S962 is "No", the process moves to step S964, and the out counter (FIG. 28
Step S602 in the out-sensor input processing routine of
2 (updated every pitch) is 10 or more, and if it is 9 or less, the routine ends as is, and if it is 10 or more, the out number signal L is asserted to low level, and then the out timer is set. Set 1 and end this routine (
Steps S966, S968). This is to output one pulse of the out number signal L having a predetermined pulse width for 10 out balls. Then, when this routine is started again, when it reaches step S960, it is determined "Yes", that is, the out number signal L is at a low level, and the process moves to step S970, where the out timer 1 set in step S968 Determine whether it has been uploaded. Then, if the time is not up, the routine ends, and if the time is up, step S972 is executed.
After negating the out number signal L to high level, subtract "10" from the out counter value (the counter value is updated even while timer 1 is operating, so it cannot be cleared to "0". ), and also set the out send prohibition flag “
1”, starts out timer 2, and ends this routine (steps S974, S976, S978).
.

[0216] When this routine is started again after the out transmission prohibition flag is set to "1" in this way, it is determined as "Yes" in step S962, that is, the out transmission prohibition flag is determined to be "1". , step S98
0, and it is determined whether or not out timer 2 has timed up. If the time has not expired, the routine is immediately terminated; if the time has expired, the out transmission prohibition flag is cleared to "0" and the routine is terminated (step S982).

FIG. 52 shows the above information output processing (FIG. 47).
An example of a specific procedure of the error information output process S990 in the flow is shown. This error information is also output to the hall management device 700. When this routine starts, first in step S992 the discharge error flag is set to “
1". This step S99
If the determination in step S994 is "No", it is determined in step S994 whether or not the discharge irregularity flag is set to "1". The above discharge error flag is used in the discharge processing routine (
In FIG. 36), if the ejection of a predetermined number of prize balls is not completed by the time the ejection monitoring timer set in step S142 of the ejection start processing routine (FIG. 33) counts up, the ejection control system is activated in step S230. The value is set to "1" to indicate an abnormality. When this ejection error flag is set to "1", the above-mentioned ejection error recovery process (FIG. 40) is executed, and error information of this routine is output.

[0218] On the other hand, the above-mentioned discharge fraud flag is set in step S114 by detecting the input of the discharge sensor even though the discharge solenoid is in the OFF state by the discharge device fraud monitoring processing routine (FIG. 30) described above. This is the flag to be used. Above step S992 or S
If it is determined as "No" in any of the determinations in step S994, the error signal is negated to a high level in the next routine 996, and "Yes" is determined in either step S992 or S994.
If it is determined that "s", the process moves to step S998, asserts the error signal to low level, and ends the process.

FIG. 53 shows an example of a specific procedure of the power failure recovery process performed in step S15 in the main process flow of FIG. 15. In this power outage recovery process, the data being ejected (the number of prize balls ejected or the number of rental balls ejected) is saved by the above-mentioned power outage interrupt process (FIG. 29), and the power outage flag is set to "1" in the final step S3020. After the power outage is restored and power is supplied to the CPU and the main routine is started, the power outage flag is determined to be "1" in step S1, the process moves to step S13, and the processing number is set to "5". The process starts when a determination of "Yes" is made when the process moves to step S5.

[0220] When the power outage flag is determined to be "1" in step S1 and the process moves to step S13, the main power outage recovery process is not executed immediately, but the process number is set to "1".
5" and the determination is "Yes" in step S5, the process is started by first executing the discharge device fraud monitoring process in step S3 to confirm that there is no discharge fraud. This is to restart the discharge that was interrupted due to a power outage.When the power outage recovery process shown in FIG. Then, check the discharge sensor 2 ball presence flag, the half sensor ball presence flag set in the half sensor input processing routine of FIG. 27, and the overflow sensor ball presence flag set in the overflow detector input processing routine of FIG. 26 (step S1
002-S1008), any one flag is “0”.
”, the discharge enable flag is cleared to “0” and the process ends (step S1010).

On the other hand, if all the flags are set to "1", the discharge possible flag is set to "1" (step S1012), and then the value of the discharge register saved in the backup RAM and the interrupted Save data such as a flag indicating that the discharge is a ball rental discharge is restored to the original register and flag (step S1014). In the next step S1016, it is checked whether the discharge possible flag is set to "1", and if it is "1", step S1018
And in S1020, it is determined whether the values of discharge register 1 and discharge register 2 each exceed "1", and if the value of discharge register 1 is "1" or less, the value of discharge register 2 is changed to
In addition, when the value of discharge register 2 is less than "1", the value of discharge register 1 is added to discharge register 1 and discharge register 2.
When both values exceed "1", both values are set in the discharge register 0 (steps S1022, S102
4, S1026).

[0222] Then, it is determined whether or not the interrupted discharge was a ball rental discharge (step S1028). Then, if "Yes", continuous ball lending discharge is performed after step S1030, and if "No", that is, the interrupted discharge is ball lending discharge, continuous prize ball discharge is performed after step S1042. As a result, even if the number of balls that have not been ejected remains in either of the two ejection systems when a power outage occurs, the number of balls that have not been ejected will be set to ejection register 0 again and ejection will start again. Therefore, the balls that have not been ejected can be ejected immediately after the power is restored. Note that when the value of the discharge register 1 is "1" or less in step S1018, the value of the discharge register 2 is set to the discharge register 0 in step S1022. This does not mean that the value of the discharge register is "1". This is because it means that the ejection has ended, and it can be estimated that the number of balls that have not been ejected remains in the ejection register 2. Similarly, if the value of the discharge register 2 is "1" or less in step S1020, step S1024
The reason why the value of the ejection register 1 is set to ejection register 0 is because it can be estimated that the number of unejected balls remains in the ejection register 1.

[0223] In the above-mentioned continuous ball rental discharge, first, the ball rental sound request flag and the P machine ready flag are set to "1" (steps S1030, S1032), and the ball rental display lamp 113 is turned on (step S1034). Then, the same routine as the discharge start process shown in FIG. 33 is executed to start discharge by the ball discharge device 170 (
Step S1036). Then, erase the memory that the ball was being discharged and set the processing number to "3" (
After steps S1038 and S1040), step S
The process moves to 1050, the power outage flag is cleared to "0", and this routine ends. The reason why the processing number is set to "3" is to end the rental ball discharge process started in step S1036 in the ball rental discharge process S17 of the main routine.

On the other hand, in the continuous prize ball ejection after step S1042, after lighting the prize ball ejection display lamp 112, the same routine as the ejection start process shown in FIG. Start draining (
Step S1044). Then, after erasing the memory that the prize ball was being ejected and setting the processing number to "2" (steps S1046, S1048), step S1
The process moves to 050, the power failure flag is cleared to "0", and this routine ends. The reason why the processing number is set to "2" is to end the prize ball discharge started in step S1044 in the prize ball discharge process S18 of the main routine. Next, a ball lending request signal, etc. to the discharge control device 600 is formed using a control signal for the card reader 250, a drive signal for the balance display 122, and a signal from the ball lending conversion button 123 provided on the pachinko gaming machine. The control procedure of the ball lending control device 500 to output will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 54 to 65.

FIG. 54 shows an outline of the main routine of the ball lending control device. This main routine is repeatedly executed when the ball lending control device 500 is powered on. When the power is turned on, first, initial settings such as clearing the RAM, setting flags, and resetting the output buffer are performed (step S8002). Next step S800
In step 4, it is determined whether the card in flag is "1" or "0". This card in flag is set in card insertion process S8, which will be described later.
It is set to “1” in 008, and the card return process S8
This flag is cleared to "0" in 024, and the fact that this flag is set to "1" means that the card is loaded into the card reader. If the determination in step S8004 is "No", that is, the card in flag is "0", the process advances to step S8006, and the signal from the card reader 250 is checked to determine whether a card has been inserted. If “No” here, leave it as is, or if “Yes”, execute the card insertion process (step S8008) in FIG. 55, and then proceed to step S8010.
The display processing (see FIG. 59) and the information transmission processing (see FIG. 60) are executed (step S8012).

[0226] Then, the process returns to step S8004 and it is again determined whether the card in flag is "1" or "0". When returning to this step S8004 after executing the card insertion process in step S8008, the card in flag is set to "1", so it is determined as "Yes" and the process moves to step S8014, and the ball lending request flag is It is determined whether or not is "1". This ball lending request flag is set in step S80 above.
In the ball lending request start process S8020 executed when the ball lending SW startup flag is determined to be "1" in step 18, "1" is set.
”.When the ball lending request flag is “1”,
At step S8020, a ball lending request process (FIG. 57) to be described later is executed, and at the same time, a ball lending request signal T is asserted in an information transmission process (FIG. 60). On the other hand, step S8
If the determination in step S8014 is “No”, step S8016
It is determined whether the card return flag is "1" or not. This card return flag is set when the card balance is zero during the return SW input process described later (see FIG. 62) that detects that the return button 124 provided on the pachinko machine is turned on or during the card insertion process described above. is set to “1”. When this card return flag is "1", card return processing (FIG. 58) is executed in step S8022.

[0227] If it is determined in step S8016 that the card return flag is "0", the process proceeds to step S8018, and it is determined whether or not the ball lending SW startup flag is "1". This ball rental SW startup flag is set to "1" during the ball rental SW input process (see FIG. 61), which will be described later, to detect that the ball rental conversion button 123 provided on the pachinko machine is turned on. Ru. Ball lending SW startup flag is “1”
In this case, ball lending request start processing (FIG. 56) is executed in step S8024. Note that regardless of the determination result of each of the above flags, the display process (step S8010)
The information transmission process (step S8012) is executed every time the main routine is repeated.

FIG. 55 shows the main routine (FIG. 54).
) shows an example of a specific procedure of the card insertion process executed in step S8008. When this process is started, the card balance is first read from the data sent from the card reader 250, and it is determined whether the card balance is zero (steps S8102, S8104). Then, if the card balance is not zero, step S8106
Then, the read card balance data is written to the inserted balance storage section and the current balance storage section in the RAM (steps S8106 and S8108), and then the card in flag is set to "1" and the process ends (step S81
10). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8104 that the card balance is zero, the process moves to step S8112, where the card return flag is set to "1", and the card return flag is set to "1" in step S8110.
When the card in flag and card return flag are set to "1", steps S8004-S8016-S8 are executed when returning to the main routine.
022, a card return process (FIG. 58) to be described later is executed, and a card ejection command is given to the card reader 250.

FIG. 56 shows the main routine (FIG. 54).
) An example of a specific procedure of the ball lending request start process executed in step S8024 is shown. When this process starts, first, the number of ball rentals (the number of times the ball is discharged for one operation of the conversion button) set in advance by a setting device etc. is RA.
Set within M (step S8202). Subsequently, after writing the balance storage value into the insertion balance storage section, the ball lending request flag is set to "1" (steps S8204 and S8204).
8206). To write the balance memory value into the insertion balance memory section, the balance display 220 of the ball lending machine displays the card balance before the conversion button is operated, and the balance display 1 of the pachinko machine
This is to display the card balance after conversion at 22. The balance storage value is output to the outside (signal processing device 900 in the embodiment). Above step S820
After the ball lending request flag is set to "1" in step 6, it is set to "1" in the later-described ball lending SW input process (see FIG. 61) that detects that the ball lending conversion button 123 is turned on. The ball lending SW startup flag is cleared to "0", a ball lending request timer (for example, 3 seconds) is started, and the process ends (steps S8208, S8210).

FIG. 57 shows the above main routine (FIG. 54).
) An example of a specific procedure of the ball loan request process executed in step S8020 is shown. This ball lending request process is
The ball lending request flag is set to "1" by the above-described ball lending request start process (FIG. 56), and the process is started when it is determined "Yes" in step S8014 of the main routine. When this process starts, first the ball lending flag is set to “1”.
” (step S8302). All flags are initialized when the power is turned on (step S8002).
Since it is cleared to "0" in step S8302, when this ball lending request process is executed for the first time, "
No”, the process advances to step S8304, and the ball lending enable signal U is received in the ball lending ready reception process (FIG. 65), which will be described later.
It is determined whether or not the P unit ready fall flag, which is set when detecting , is "1". Here, if the P unit ready falling flag is "0", the process moves to step S8306 and checks whether the ball lending request timer set in step S8210 of the ball lending request start process (FIG. 56) has timed up. judge. This is to cancel the ball lending request if the ball lending enable signal U does not return within a predetermined time (3 seconds) after the ball lending request signal T is asserted. That is,
If it is determined in step S8306 that the ball lending request timer has not timed up, the process returns to the main routine and repeats steps S8302-S8304-S8306. Then, if the ball lending request timer times out before the P stand ready falling flag becomes "1", step S8308
, reset the ball lending number and set the ball lending request flag to “0”.
”, the card return flag is set to “1”, and the process ends (steps S8310, S8312).

[0231] The card in flag and card return flag are “
If set to 1, the card in flag is already set to 1.
”, when returning to the main routine, the process proceeds to steps S8004-S8016-S8022, and the card return process (FIG. 58) described later is executed, and the card reader 2
A card ejection command is given to 50. On the other hand, before the ball lending request timer times out, step S830
When it is determined that the P machine ready fall flag has become "1" in step S8, the ball lending flag is set to "1", the P machine ready fall flag is cleared to "0", and the process ends (step S8
314, S8316).

[0232] In the above step S8314, the ball lending flag is set to “
1", when the ball lending request process is started again, it is determined as "Yes" in step S8302 and the process moves to step S8320, and is set in the payout completion signal reception process (FIG. 64), which will be described later. It is determined whether the payout completion start-up flag is set to "1" or not. If "No" is determined, the process is immediately terminated, and when the result is "Yes", the process proceeds to step S8322, and the payout completion start-up flag is set to "1". “0”
is cleared, and the balance memory value is subtracted by the amount corresponding to the minimum unit of discharge (step S8324). and,
In the next step S8326, it is determined whether the balance memory value has become "0", and if it has become "0", step S832
8, sets the card return flag to "1", resets the number of balls rented, clears the ball lending flag and ball lending request flag to "0", and ends (step S
8330, S8332, S8334).

[0233] As a result, even if the card balance is less (for example, 100 yen) than the amount converted by one operation of the ball lending conversion button 123 (for example, 300 yen), a ball lending request can be made, and the balance becomes "0". When the ball lending request process ends, the ball lending number is also set to "0" (step S83).
30), there is no need to cause any inconvenience in subsequent processing.

[0234] On the other hand, in step S8326, “there is a balance”
If it is determined that this is the case, the process advances to step S8336, where the number of borrowed balls is subtracted by the conversion rate, and the card return flag is set to "1".
It is determined whether or not (step S8338). If the card return flag is "1", the process moves to step S8330 and the ball lending request process is ended. This is to make it possible to end ball lending and discharging by pressing the return button 124 even during ball lending and discharging. As a result, the amount converted by one operation of the ball rental conversion button 123 (for example, 300 yen)
If the return button 124 is pressed when the ejection of 200 yen worth of rented balls is completed, the ejection of 100 yen worth of balls will be completed without being converted. In step S8338 above, “
If it is determined that the card return flag is "No", that is, the card return flag is "0", the process advances to step S8340, and the number of balls lent is "0".
If it is "0", step S8332
, the ball lending flag and the ball lending request flag are cleared to "0" and the process ends.

FIG. 58 shows the main routine (FIG. 54).
) shows an example of a specific procedure of the card return process executed in step S8024. When this process is started, first, the final balance of the card stored in the current balance storage unit is sent to the card reader 250 to give a command to rewrite the card balance, and a command is given to punch holes representing the approximate balance. (steps S8402, S840
4). Next, the values of the inserted balance storage section and the balance storage section in the RAM are cleared (steps S8406 and S8408).
, after giving the card ejection command to the card reader (
Step S8410), the card in flag and the card return flag are cleared to "0", and the card return process is ended (steps S8412, S8414).

FIG. 59 shows the main routine (FIG. 54).
) shows an example of a specific procedure of the display process executed in step S8010. Once this process starts,
First, it is checked whether the card in flag set in step S8110 of the card insertion process (FIG. 55) is "1" (step S8422), and if "No", step S
Proceed to 8424 and turn on the valid indicator lamp 230 of the ball lending machine 200.
is turned on, and the ball rental available lamp 126 provided in the pachinko game machine is turned off (step S8426). Then, the data in the inserted balance storage section is read out and the balance display 220 provided in the ball lending machine 200 and the balance display 122 provided in the pachinko game machine display the card balance (the validity indicator lamp 230 is lit). 0) is displayed (steps S8428, S8
430).

[0237] On the other hand, "Yes" in step S8322 above.
”, the process moves to step S8332, where the valid indicator lamp 230 of the ball rental machine 200 is turned off, and then
Determine whether the ball rental frequency is “0” (step S8434
). Here, if the ball rental frequency is not "0", the process advances to step S8426 and the ball rental valid display lamp 12
6 is turned off, and if the ball lending frequency is "0", the process advances to step S8436, where the ball lending valid display lamp 126 is turned on, and then steps S8428 and S are turned on.
8430 to display the balance at the time of insertion of the card on the balance display 220, read the data in the balance storage section, and display the balance display 1 provided in the pachinko gaming machine.
22 displays the current balance of the card, and the process ends. Therefore, if the valid display lamp 230 of the ball lending machine 200 is turned off by the above process and the ball lending display lamp 126 of the pachinko game machine is lit, it means that a valid card is inserted into the ball lending machine. I understand.

FIG. 60 shows the above main routine (FIG. 54).
) shows an example of a specific procedure of the information transmission process executed in step S8012. When this process is started, it is first checked whether the ball lending request flag set in step S8206 of the ball lending request start processing routine in FIG. 56 is "1" (step S8452), and if "No", the emission control device The ball lending request signal T for 600 is negated to high level, and if "Yes", the ball lending request signal T is asserted to low level (steps S8454, S84
56). Then, the process advances to step S8458 and the payment flag is checked. All flags are set to “0” by default.
”, the initial determination is “No” and the process proceeds to step S8460, where the payout completion fall flag is set to “
It is checked whether it is "1". If it is not "1", the process is terminated, and if it is determined to be "1", step S846
2, set the payment flag to "1", set the payment timer, assert the payment information signal j to the card management device 800 to low level, and clear the payout completion falling flag to "0". and ends (step S8
464, S8466, S8468).

[0239] In the above step S8462, the payment flag is set to “
When this information transmission process is started again after being set to ``1'', it is determined as ``Yes'' in step S8458, and the process moves to step S8470, and the above-mentioned step S8464 is
Determine whether the payment timer set in has timed out. Then, the above routine is repeated until the payment timer times out. When the payment timer times out, the process moves to step S8472, negates the payment information signal j to low level, and then clears the payment flag to "0". The process ends (step S8474). The above payment timer is set to a time such as 50ms,
When the payout completion fall flag is set to "1", a payment information signal j having a pulse width of 50 msec is generated and transmitted to the card management device 800. By receiving this signal, the card management device 800 can know the amount of money converted into rented balls from the card balance.

FIG. 61 shows the procedure of timer interrupt processing which is carried out by the ball rental control device 500 every predetermined period of time (for example, 0.5 msec) in priority to the main routine (background processing) of FIG. 54. ing. This timer interrupt processing is periodically executed exclusively to detect input signals to the ball lending control device 500. When this interrupt process is started, the interrupt timer is first updated (step S8502), and then the ball lending SW input process S85
04, return SW input processing S8506, payout completion signal reception processing S8508, and ball lending enable reception processing S8510 are executed.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart of the ball lending SW input processing routine carried out in step S8504 of the interrupt processing (FIG. 61). When the conversion button 123 provided on the pachinko game machine is turned on, this is detected. The ball lending control device 500 reads the conversion request signal Y sent by the signal processing device 900, and sets the ball lending SW startup flag referred to in step S8018 as a transition condition to the ball lending request start process in the main routine. It is executed to set the When this routine is started, first, in steps S8602 and S8604, the card in flag and the ball loan request flag are checked, and if the card in flag is "0" or the ball loan request flag is "1", the card in flag and the ball loan request flag are checked. , the routine ends without doing anything. This prevents the conversion switch input signal from being read in a state where no card has been inserted into the ball lending machine or in a state where the ball lending request process has already started.

[0242] If "Yes" in both steps S8602 and S8604, that is, the card in flag is "1" and the ball lending request flag is "0", the process proceeds to step S86.
Proceed to step 06 and check whether the card return flag is "0". If the determination is "Yes" here, step S86
The process proceeds to step 08, where it is determined whether the ball lending change flag is "1" or not. The ball lending change flag and the next ball lending low level flag are used only in this subroutine, and like other flags, they are cleared to "0" by default, and the first signal is Since the ball lending change flag is "0" until the ball is entered, step S
At 8608, the determination is "No". Then, in step S8610, the ball lending low level flag is set to "1".
”.Here, if “No”, the signal from the ball lending conversion button 123 is checked in step S8612 to determine whether the switch is on, and if it is off, the above ball lending low level flag is set. Set it to "1" (step S8614), and if it is on, end the routine without doing anything.In this way, once the ball lending low level flag is set to "1".
If set to , the next routine will proceed to step S8610.
If the answer is "Yes", the process moves to step S8616, and the signal from the ball rental conversion button is checked to determine whether the switch is on. Here, if it is determined that the ball lending conversion switch is on, the ball lending change flag is set to "1", the ball lending low level flag is cleared to "0", and the process ends (steps S8618, S8620).

[0243] Next, when this routine is started, a determination of "Yes" is made in step S8608, and the process proceeds to step S86.
22, it is determined whether or not the ball rental conversion switch (123) is on. Normally, when the ball lending change flag is "1", the ball lending conversion switch is on (step S8616).
(see S8618), the determination is "Yes" and the process advances to step S8624. In step S8624, ball rental S
The W start flag is set to "1", and then the ball lending change flag is cleared to "0" and the process ends (step S8626).
. However, if it is determined in step S8622 that the ball lending conversion switch is off even though the ball lending change flag is "1", the ball lending low level flag is reset to "1" in step S8628. This is to make it possible to cancel when the ball lending change flag is set to "1" due to noise picked up in step S8616. In step S8626 above, the ball lending change flag is set to “0”.
When this subroutine is executed again after clearing the flag to "1," the determination in step S8608 is "No," so the process advances to step S8610, where the ball lending low level flag is set to "1."
” is determined. Once the rising edge of the ball rental conversion switch signal is detected and this step is reached,
Since the determination is “No” here, step S8612
It is determined whether the ball lending conversion switch is off or not, and the ball lending low level flag is set to "1" (step S8614), and if it is on, the routine is ended without doing anything. If the ball rental conversion switch turns off while repeating the above routine, “Y” is displayed in step S8612.
es", so the above ball lending low level flag is set to "
1” and ends (step S8614).

Note that if the card return flag is set to "1" in another process (card insertion process in FIG. 55) while repeating the above routine, step S860
6 is determined as “No”, and the ball lending change flag is immediately changed to “
0" (step S8630). As a result, the ball lending change flag is temporarily set to "1" in step S8618.
”, if the card return flag is set to “1” by the time this routine is executed by the next timer interrupt, the ball lending SW startup flag will not be set in step S8624. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the ball lending SW startup flag is set even though the card return process has been executed.

FIG. 63 shows a flowchart of the return SW input processing routine performed in step S8506 of the interrupt processing (FIG. 61). This routine is
When the return button 124 provided on the pachinko game machine is turned on, the ball lending control device 500 reads the return request signal Z sent by the signal processing device 900 upon detecting this, and requests the ball lending in the main routine. This is executed to set the card return flag referred to in step S8016 as a transition condition to the start process. This routine (steps S8702-S8730)
The procedure is almost the same as the ball lending SW input processing routine (FIG. 62), and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. The only difference is that the ball lending request flag is not determined in step S8604 of the ball lending SW input processing routine. The reason why there is no determination of the ball lending request flag is so that even if the ball lending conversion button 123 is turned on, the ball lending can be canceled by immediately turning on the return button 124. Note that the return change flag and return low level flag are flags used only in this subroutine.

FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing the subroutine of the payout completion signal reception process performed in step S8508 of the interrupt process shown in FIG. As mentioned above, the payout completion signal V is a signal sent from the discharge control device 600 on the pachinko gaming machine side every time, for example, 100 yen worth of rented balls is finished being discharged, and the payout completion signal V is a signal sent from the discharge control device 600 on the pachinko gaming machine side, for example, every time the rental balls worth 100 yen are finished being discharged.
08 is a process for reading this signal into the ball lending control device 500. This subroutine (step S880
2-S8854) is executed according to the same procedure as the replenishment sensor input processing routine by the emission control device shown in FIG. 25, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 65 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the ball lending enable reception process for reading the ball lending enable signal U performed in step S8510 of the interrupt processing shown in FIG. The ball lending enable signal U is
As mentioned above, the emission control device 600 on the pachinko gaming machine side
The ball lending request signal T is generated by the information output process shown in FIG.
This is a signal that is returned when discharge conditions are met on the discharge control device 600 side. When this routine is started, first, in step S8902, the P unit change flag is checked to determine whether the P unit change flag is "1". The P unit change flag and the next P unit high level flag are used only in this subroutine, and like other flags, they are cleared to “0” by default, and when the first signal Since the P unit change flag is "0" until the P level change flag is entered, the determination in step S8902 is first "No". Then, in step S8904, it is determined whether the P level high level flag is "1". here,
If "No", it is determined in step S8906 whether the ball lending enable signal U is at a high level (invalid) or not, and if it is high level, the P level high level flag is set to "1" (step S8908), and if it is low level (valid). Exit the routine without doing anything.

[0248] Once the P level high level flag is set to "1" in this way, in the next routine step S
If “Yes” is determined in step S8904, the process proceeds to step S8910.
, it is determined whether the ball lending enable signal U is at low level or not, and if it is determined to be low level, the P machine change flag is set to "1", the P machine high level flag is cleared to "0", and the process ends. (Steps S8912, S8914)
.

[0249] Next, when this routine is started, a determination of "Yes" is made in step S8902, and the process proceeds to step S89.
The process advances to step 16, where it is determined whether or not the ball lending enable signal U is at a low level. Normally, when the P unit change flag is "1", the ball lending enable signal U is at a low level (step S8
910 and S8912), the determination is "Yes" and the process advances to step S8918. In step S8918, the P unit ready fall flag is set to "1", and then the P unit change flag is cleared to "0", and the process ends (step S8918).
920). However, even though the P unit change flag is "1", the ball lending enable signal U is set in step S8916.
If it is determined that is at a high level, the P level high level flag is reset to "1" in step S8922. This is to make it possible to cancel when the P unit change flag is set to "1" due to noise being picked up in step S8910.

[0250] When this subroutine is executed again after clearing the P unit change flag to "0" in step S8920, the determination in step S8902 is "No", so the process advances to step S8904, and the P unit high level is cleared. It is determined whether the flag is "1" or not. Once this step is reached after detecting the low level of the ball lending enable signal U, the determination is "No", so step S8
Proceeding to 906, it is determined whether the ball lending enable signal U is at high level or not, and if "Yes", the P unit high level flag is set to "1".
” (step S8908), and if the level is low, the routine ends without doing anything. If the ball lending enable signal U becomes high level while repeating the above routine, it is determined as “Yes” in step S8906, so
The P level high level flag is set to "1" and the process ends (step S8908).

Next, the ball rental control device 500 is controlled by signals from the ball rental conversion button 123, the return button 124, the mode switching button 127, the ball shortage detector 131, and the ball possession detector 132 provided on the pachinko game machine. Control procedure for the signal processing device 900 that forms a request signal and forms and outputs drive signals for the balance display 122, number of balls display 125, mode display 111, etc. based on signals from the ball lending control device 500. will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 66 to 80.

FIG. 66 shows an outline of the main routine of the signal processing device 900. This main routine is repeatedly executed when the signal processing device 900 is powered on. When the power is turned on, first, initial settings such as clearing the RAM, setting flags, and resetting the output buffer are performed (step S8002). Next, return request processing S9004, conversion request processing S9006, display processing S90
08, voice request processing S9010, signal transmission processing S901
Repeat step 2.

FIG. 67 shows the main routine (FIG. 66).
) shows an example of a specific procedure of the return request process executed in step S9004. When this process is started, first, in step S9102, it is checked whether the return flag is set to "1". This return flag is set when the return button 124 provided on the pachinko game machine is pressed or when a stop occurs, and based on this, a return request signal Z is asserted to a low level in signal transmission processing S9012, which will be described later. This is a flag used to If it is determined “No” in step S9102, that is, the return flag is “0”, the process advances to step S9104,
Check whether the return SW startup flag is set to "1". This return SW startup flag is set to "1" when it is detected that the return button 124 has been pressed by return SW input processing (FIG. 74), which will be described later. Here, return SW
If the startup flag is “1”, step S910
6 and sets the return flag to "1", starts a return timer (for example, 10 msec), clears the return SW startup flag to "0", and ends the process (step S9108, S9110).

[0254] On the other hand, "No" in step S9104 above.
That is, if it is determined that the return SW start flag is "0", the process advances to step S9112, and it is checked whether the stop flag is "1". This stop flag is set to "1" when it is received that a stop has occurred in the pachinko game machine through a stop signal input process (FIG. 78) to be described later. Here, if the stop flag is "1", step S
The process moves to 9114 to check whether the balance zero flag is set to "1". This balance zero flag is set to "1" when it is determined that the balance data of the card has become "0" by the balance display drive signal input process (FIG. 80), which will be described later. If "Yes" is determined in step S9114, that is, the balance zero flag is "1", the routine is ended without doing anything. Card balance data is “0”
Then, as described above, the ball lending control device 500 issues a card ejection command to the card reader 250 at its own discretion (see FIG. 57), so it is necessary to send the return request signal Z from the signal processing device 900. That's because there isn't.

[0255] If the determination in step S9114 is "No", the process advances to step S9116 and the return flag is set to "
1", then set the return timer (e.g. 10ms)
and ends the routine (step S9118).
. This is because if the pachinko machine is discontinued, the same player cannot continue playing the pachinko game machine, so there is no reason to keep the card in the ball lending machine. Rather, this routine sets the return flag to “1” when termination occurs.
By setting the card return request signal Z to a low level in the signal transmission process (steps S9274 and S9276 in FIG. 71) to be described later based on this, the card can be ejected from the ball lending machine. To prevent a player from leaving a game machine while forgetting a card in a ball lending machine when a stop occurs.

FIG. 68 shows the main routine (FIG. 66).
) shows an example of a specific procedure of the conversion request process executed in step S9006. When this process is started, first, in step S9152, it is checked whether the conversion flag is set to "1". This conversion flag is set when the conversion button 123 provided on the pachinko game machine is pressed or when there are no balls on the supply tray in automatic conversion mode, and based on this, conversion is performed in signal transmission processing S9012 described later. This flag is used to assert the request signal Y to low level.

[0257] If it is determined "No" in step S9152, that is, the conversion flag is "0", step S91
The process advances to step 54, and it is checked whether the conversion SW start-up flag is set to "1". This conversion SW startup flag is set to the conversion SW startup flag described later.
It is set to "1" when it is detected through input processing (FIG. 73) that the conversion button 123 has been pressed. If the conversion SW startup flag is set to "1" in step S9154, the process moves to step S9156, and it is checked whether the holding flag is set to "1". This holding flag is set to "1" when it is detected that the signal of the ball holding detector 132 provided on the upstream side of the supply tray is turned on by the ball holding SW input processing (FIG. 77) described later. ” is set. If it is determined “No” in step S9156, that is, the possession flag is “0”, step S9158
Step S91 sets the conversion flag to "1", starts a conversion timer (for example, 1 second), clears the conversion SW startup flag to "0", and ends the process (step S91).
60, S9162).

[0258] Also, if "Yes" is selected in step S9160 above,
” That is, if it is determined that the holding flag is “1”, the process jumps to step S9162 and the conversion SW startup flag is set as “
This is because the conversion button would not normally be pressed even though there are enough balls on the supply tray of the pachinko machine. Rather, the ball possession detector 132 By clearing the conversion SW start-up flag as described above when it is on, it is possible to prevent rental balls from being ejected even if the conversion button is accidentally touched during a game. On the other hand, the above step S91
If the determination in step S9164 is "No", that is, the conversion SW start-up flag is "0", the process advances to step S9164, and it is checked whether the automatic conversion flag is "1". This automatic conversion flag is set to "1" when it is detected that the automatic conversion mode switching button provided on the pachinko game machine is turned on by automatic conversion signal input processing (FIG. 75) to be described later. If the automatic conversion flag is set to "1" in step S9164, the process moves to step S9166 to check whether the balance zero flag is set to "1". As described above, the zero balance flag is set to "1" when the balance data of the card becomes "0". If it is determined in step S9166 that it is "Yes", that is, that the balance zero flag is "1", the process moves to step S9168, the automatic conversion flag is cleared to "0", and the routine ends. This is because if the balance data of the card is "0", there is no amount to be converted, so there is no need to send the conversion request signal Y. Further, by clearing the automatic conversion flag to "0" and canceling the automatic conversion mode, it is possible to avoid a problem in which the next player is automatically converted even though he does not desire automatic conversion.

[0259] If it is determined in step S9166 that there is a balance, the process advances to step S9170, and it is checked whether the jackpot flag is set to "1". This jackpot flag is used in the jackpot signal input process (Fig. 76), which will be described later.
) is set to "1" when it is received that a jackpot has occurred in the pachinko game machine. In this step S9170, if the jackpot flag is set to "1", the process moves to step S9172, and it is checked whether the possession flag is set to "1". Then, the holding flag is “1”
”, the process moves to step S9168, where the automatic conversion flag is cleared to “0” and the routine ends.Normally, if a jackpot occurs and there are enough balls in the supply tray, there is no way to press the conversion button. This is because if it was pressed, it would be because it was touched by mistake.

[0260] If it is determined "No" in step S9170, that is, the jackpot flag is "0", or in step S91
If it is determined in step S9172 that "No", that is, the possession flag is "0", the process advances to step S9174, and the ball shortage flag is "1".
Check if it is. This ball shortage flag is set when it is detected that the signal of the ball shortage detector 131 provided on the downstream side of the supply tray is turned on by the ball shortage SW input process (FIG. 79), which will be described later. Set to 1”. If it is determined in step S9174 that "No", that is, the ball shortage flag is "0", the process advances to step S9176, and it is checked whether the possession flag is "1". If it is determined "No", that is, the holding flag is "0", the process advances to step S9178, and the conversion flag is set to "1".
Then, a conversion timer (for example, 15 msec) is started and the routine is ended (step S9180). On the other hand, if it is determined "Yes" in step S9176, that is, the possession flag is "0", step S9178 and S
Skip 9180 and end. The state where both the ball shortage flag and the possession flag are "1" occurs when the ball shortage detector 131 on the downstream side is off and the ball possession detector 13 on the upstream side is off.
2 is on, and this is because the supply tray is clogged. If you follow the above flow, the conversion flag will be set to “
1” and the conversion request signal Y is sent to the ball lending control device 5.
00 can be avoided.

FIG. 69 shows the above main routine (FIG. 66).
) shows an example of a specific procedure of the display process executed in step S9008. Once this process starts,
First, in step S9202, it is checked whether the zero balance flag is set to "1". This balance zero flag is set to "1" when it is determined that the balance data of the card has become "0" by the balance display drive signal input process (FIG. 80), which will be described later. If the balance zero flag is "0", that is, the balance data is not "0", the process advances to step S9204, and the amount corresponding to the balance data is displayed as a frequency (value divided by 100) on the balance display 122 provided in the pachinko gaming machine. A display drive signal for display is formed. Next, the balance data is multiplied by the conversion rate to calculate the number of balls data (step S9206), and then a display drive signal is sent to display the number of balls data on the number of balls display 125 provided in the pachinko machine. (step S920
8) and proceeds to step S9212.

[0262] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9202 that the balance zero flag is "1", that is, the balance data is "0", the process moves to step S9210, and the balance data is stored in advance in the balance display 122 and ball number display 125. A display drive signal for displaying a message about the game method, etc. that has been set is generated, and the process advances to step S9212. Step S
In step S9212, the automatic conversion flag is checked, and if it is "1", the automatic conversion mode indicator 111 is turned on, and if it is "0", the automatic conversion mode indicator 111 is turned off, and the routine ends (step S9214, S9216).

FIG. 70 shows the above main routine (FIG. 66).
) An example of a specific procedure of the voice request process executed in step S9010 is shown. When this routine starts,
First, in step S9222, it is checked whether the card ejection sound generation request signal G to the game board control device 400 is asserted to low level, and if it is high level, step S922
The process advances to step 24 and it is determined whether the card ejection flag is set to "1". The card discharge flag is set to "1" when it is determined that the balance data of the card has become "0" in the balance display drive signal input processing routine (FIG. 80), which will be described later.
This is a flag set to . In step S9224 “
If the determination is “Yes”, the process moves to step S9226,
After asserting the card ejection sound generation request signal G to low level, the card sound timer is set, the card ejection flag is cleared to "0", and this routine ends (steps S9228, S9230).

On the other hand, if the determination in step S9224 is "No", that is, the card ejection flag is "0", the process proceeds to step 9242, and checks whether the card insertion sound generation request signal F to the game board control device 400 is asserted to a low level. If the level is high, the process advances to step 9244 and it is determined whether the card insertion flag is set to "1". The card insertion flag is a flag that is set to "1" when it is determined in the balance display drive signal input processing routine (FIG. 80), which will be described later, that the balance data of the card has changed from "0" to present. “Yes” in step 9244.
s", the process moves to step 9246, where the card insertion sound generation request signal F is asserted to low level, the card sound timer is set, and the card insertion flag is set to "0.
” and ends this routine (step 924
8, S9250).

[0265] Then, when this routine is started again, if it is determined in step S9222 that it is "Yes", that is, that the card ejection sound generation request signal G is at a low level, the process moves to step S9232 and the step S922 described above is performed.
It is determined whether the card sound timer set in step 8 has timed up. Then, if the time has not expired, the routine ends, and if the time has elapsed, the card ejection sound generation request signal G is negated to a high level and the routine ends (step S9234). As a result, a pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width (the set time of the card sound timer) can be output. On the other hand, step 92
After the card insertion sound generation request signal F is asserted to a low level in step S9246, this routine is started again.
52, it is determined whether the card sound timer set in step 9248 has timed up. Then, if the time has not expired, the routine is terminated, and if the time has expired, the card insertion sound generation request signal F is negated to a high level and the routine is terminated (step S9254).

FIG. 71 shows the above main routine (FIG. 66).
) shows an example of a specific procedure of the signal transmission process executed in step S9012. When this process is started, first, in step S9262, it is checked whether the conversion flag is set to "1". This conversion flag is set in the aforementioned conversion request processing routine (FIG. 68) when the conversion button 123 provided on the pachinko game machine is pressed or when the balls on the supply tray run out in the automatic conversion mode. It's a flag. If it is determined “No” in step S9262, that is, the conversion flag is “0”, step S
Proceed to 9264 and set conversion request signal Y to high level (invalid)
to negate. Also, in step S9262, “Yes” is selected.
”In other words, if the conversion flag is determined to be “1”, the process moves to step S9266, and it is determined whether the conversion timer (1 second) set in step S9160 or S9180 of the conversion request processing routine (FIG. 68) has timed up. Here, if the time is not up, step S92
Proceeding to step 68, the conversion request signal Y is asserted to low level (valid). When the conversion timer times out while repeating the main routine, the process moves from step S9266 to S9270, negates the conversion request signal Y to high level, and then clears the conversion flag to "0" (step S9270). S9272). As a result, a conversion request signal Y with a predetermined pulse width (1 second) is output to the game board control device 400.

[0267] In the following step S9274, it is checked whether the return flag is set to "1". This return flag is a flag that is set when the return button 124 provided on the pachinko game machine is pressed or when a stop occurs in the pachinko game machine in the above-mentioned return request processing routine (FIG. 67). . “No” in step S9274 above.
” In other words, if the return flag is determined to be “0”, the process advances to step S9276 and the return request signal Z is negated to high level (invalid).
es", that is, the return flag is determined to be "1", the process moves to step S9278 and checks whether the return timer (10 msec) set in step S9108 or S9118 of the return request processing routine (FIG. 67) has timed up. Here, if the time is not up, the process advances to step S9280 and the return request signal Z is set to low level (
valid). Then, when the above return timer times out while repeating the main routine,
After moving from step S9274 to S9282 and negating the return request signal Z to a high level, the return flag is cleared to "0" (step S9284). As a result, a return request signal Z with a predetermined pulse width (10 msec) is output to the game board control device 400.

[0268] In the following step S9286, it is checked whether the balance flag is "1". This balance flag, this balance zero flag, the balance display drive signal input process (described later).
80), it is set to "1" when it is determined that the balance data of the card has become "0". If it is determined in step S9286 that there is a balance, the process advances to step S9288, and the hall management device 7
The game in-game signal S output for 00 is asserted to low level (valid). Also, in step S9286, “Y
If it is determined that the card balance is "0", that is, the card balance is "0", the process moves to step S9290 and it is checked whether the ball shortage flag is "1". This ball shortage flag is set when it is detected that the signal of the ball shortage detector 131 provided on the downstream side of the supply tray is turned off by the ball shortage SW input process (FIG. 76), which will be described later. Set to 1”. If it is determined in step S9290 that it is "No", that is, the ball shortage flag is determined to be "0", the process moves to step S9288, and the gaming signal S is asserted to a low level (valid). Therefore, even if the card balance becomes "0", the ball shortage detector 13
1 is on, that is, while there are still game balls remaining on the supply tray, the game signal S is asserted to a low level (valid).

[0269] On the other hand, "Yes" in step S9290 above.
"In other words, if it is determined that the ball shortage flag is "1", the process moves to step S9292 to check whether the possession flag is "0".The possession flag is determined by the ball possession SW input process (FIG. 77) described later. It is set to "1" when it is detected that the signal of the ball possession detector 132 provided on the upstream side of the ball holding detector 132 is turned on.Step S
If the holding flag is determined to be "1" in step S9292, the process moves to step S9288 and the gaming signal S is asserted to a low level (valid). Even if the ball shortage flag is "1", that is, the ball shortage detector 131 is off, the ball possession detector 132
This is because if it is on, it is considered that there are still game balls left on the supply tray. In contrast, the card balance is “0”.
”, and when there are no more balls on the supply tray, the ball shortage detector 131 and the ball possession detector 132 are turned off. Therefore, the determination in steps S9286, S9290, and S9292 is "Yes", and the process proceeds to step S9294. , the game signal S is negated to a high level (invalid), and this routine ends.

FIG. 72 shows the signal processing device 900 in priority to the main routine (background processing) in FIG. 66.
shows the procedure of timer interrupt processing that is performed every predetermined time (for example, 0.5 msec). This timer interrupt processing is periodically executed exclusively for detecting input signals to the signal processing device 900. When this interrupt processing is started, the interrupt timer is first updated (step S9302), and then the conversion SW input processing S93
04, Return SW input processing S9306, Automatic conversion switching SW
Input processing S9308, ball shortage SW input processing S9310,
Ball possession SW input processing S9312, stop signal reception processing S9
314, jackpot signal reception processing S9316 and balance display drive signal reception processing S9318 are sequentially executed. Among the above received signals, the stop signal and the jackpot signal are sent to the game board control device 40.
0, the balance display drive signal is converted and the control device 500
It is sent from.

FIG. 73 is a flowchart of the conversion SW input processing routine performed in step S9304 of the above-mentioned interrupt processing (FIG. 72). Through this processing, it is detected that the conversion button 123 provided on the pachinko game machine has been turned on. This is executed to set the conversion SW startup flag. The conversion SW start-up flag is referred to in step S9154 as a transition condition for setting the conversion flag in the conversion request process (FIG. 68), and setting the conversion flag means that the conversion SW start-up flag is set by the conversion request signal Y in the signal transmission process (FIG. 71). is now asserted. When this routine is started, first in step S9402 it is determined whether the conversion change flag is "1". This conversion change flag and the next conversion low level flag are used only in this subroutine, and like other flags, they are cleared to "0" by default, and when the first signal is input Since the conversion change flag is "0" until this point is reached, "No" is first determined in step S9402. Then, step S9 follows.
At 404, it is determined whether the conversion low level flag is "1". Here, if “No”, step S940
At step S9408, the signal from the ball lending conversion button 123 is checked to determine whether the switch is on or not, and if it is off, the conversion low level flag is set to "1" (step S9408).
, if on, exits the routine without doing anything.

[0272] Once the conversion low level flag is set to "1" in this way, in the next routine step S
If “Yes” is determined in step S9404, the process proceeds to step S9410.
, and determines whether the conversion switch is on. Here, if it is determined that the conversion switch is on, the conversion change flag is set to "1" and the conversion low level flag is set to "0".
is cleared and ends (steps S9412, S941
4). Next, when this routine is started, step S9
If "Yes" is determined in 402, the process advances to step S9416, where it is determined whether the conversion switch is on. Normally, when the conversion change flag is “1”, the conversion switch is on (see steps S9410 and S9412), so “Y
es" and the process proceeds to step S9418. In step S9418, the conversion SW startup flag is set to "1", and then the conversion change flag is cleared to "0" and the process ends (step S9420). The change flag is “
If it is determined in step S9416 that the conversion switch is off even though the flag is "1", the conversion low level flag is reset to "1" in step S9422.Step S
This is to make it possible to cancel when the conversion change flag is set to "1" due to noise picked up at 9410.

When this subroutine is executed again after clearing the conversion change flag to "0" in step S9420, the determination in step S9402 is "No", so the process advances to step S9404, and the conversion low level flag is set to "0". 1” is determined. Once you come to this step after detecting the rising edge of the conversion switch signal,
Since the determination is “No” here, step S9406
Go to and determine whether the conversion switch is turned off,
The conversion low level flag is set to "1" (step S9408), and if it is on, the routine ends without doing anything. If the conversion switch is turned off while repeating the above routine, the determination in step S9406 is "Yes", so the conversion low level flag is set to "1" and the process ends (step S9408).

FIG. 74 is a flowchart of the return SW input processing routine performed in step S9306 of the above-mentioned interrupt processing (FIG. 72). Through this processing, it is detected that the return button 124 provided on the pachinko game machine has been turned on. This is executed to set the return SW startup flag. The return SW startup flag is referred to in step S9104 as a transition condition for setting the return flag in the return request process (FIG. 67), and setting the return flag means that the return request signal Z is set in the signal transmission process (FIG. 71). is now asserted. Return SW
The input processing routine is executed according to almost the same procedure as the conversion SW input processing routine shown in FIG. That is, when this routine is started, first step S
At 9452, it is determined whether the return change flag is "1". This return change flag and the next return low level flag are used only in this subroutine, and like other flags, they are cleared to "0" by default, and when the first signal is input Since the return change flag is "0" until the time comes, the determination in step S9452 is "No". Then,
Subsequently, in step S9454, it is determined whether the return low level flag is "1". Here, if "No", the signal from the ball lending and return button 124 is checked in step S9456 to determine whether the switch is on, and if it is off, the return low level flag is set to "1" (step S9458), and the switch is turned on. Then exit the routine without doing anything.

[0275] Once the return low level flag is set to "1" in this way, in the next routine step S
If “Yes” is determined in step S9454, the process proceeds to step S9460.
, and determines whether the return switch is on. Here, if it is determined that the return switch is on, the return change flag is set to "1" and the return low level flag is set to "0".
is cleared and ends (steps S9462, S946
4). Next, when this routine is started, step S9
If the result in step S452 is "Yes," the process advances to step S9466, where it is determined whether the return switch is on. Normally, when the return change flag is "1", the return switch is on (see steps S9460 and S9462), so "Y
es" and proceeds to step S9468. In step S9468, the return SW startup flag is set to "1", and then the return change flag is cleared to "0" and the process ends (step S9470). The change flag is “
If the return switch is determined to be off in step S9466 even though the flag is "1", the return low level flag is reset to "1" in step S9472.Step S
This is to make it possible to cancel when the return change flag is set to "1" due to noise picked up at 9460.

When this subroutine is executed again after clearing the return change flag to "0" in step S9470, the determination in step S9452 is "No", so the process advances to step S9454, and the return low level flag is set to "0". 1” is determined. Once you come to this step after detecting the rising edge of the return switch signal,
Since the determination is "No" here, step S9456
Proceed to and determine whether the return switch is turned off.
The return low level flag is set to "1" (step S9458), and if it is on, the routine ends without doing anything. If the return switch is turned off while repeating the above routine, the determination in step S9456 is "Yes", so the return low level flag is set to "1" and the process ends (step S9458).

FIG. 75 shows the automatic conversion changeover switch (1) performed in step S9308 of the interrupt processing shown in FIG.
27) is a flowchart showing a subroutine of input processing. As mentioned above, the automatic conversion changeover switch (127
) is an automatic conversion control function that is one of the functions of the signal processing device 900 that generates a conversion request signal Y for automatically converting the balance of the card into rental balls when there are no balls on the supply tray 121. This is a switch provided to enable or cancel the mode. When this routine is started, first, in step S9502, it is determined whether the automatic conversion changeover switch (127) is on, that is, whether the output signal of the switch is at a high level.

[0278] By the way, the automatic conversion changeover switch will not be turned on unless the changeover button 127 is pressed, so if it is off, a determination of "No" is made in step S9502, and the process moves to steps S9504 and subsequent steps to set the automatic fall change flag. , an automatic rise change flag, an automatic high level flag, and an automatic low level flag are determined to be "1" (steps S9504 to S9510). Immediately after the power is turned on, all flags are set to "0", so when this routine is first started, steps S9504 to S95 are executed.
10 determination results are all "No", and step S9
At step 512, the automatic low level flag is set to "1" to remember that the automatic conversion changeover switch was off in this loop, that is, the output signal was at low level, and the routine ends. Since the automatic low level flag is set to "1" in the subsequent loop, steps S9502 and S9 are performed as long as the automatic conversion switch remains in the OFF state.
504, S9506, S9508, and S9510 are repeatedly executed.

[0279] Thereafter, when the automatic conversion changeover button 127 is pressed by the player and the switch is turned on, the output signal of the automatic conversion changeover switch changes to a low level, and the determination result in step S9502 becomes "Yes", and the process proceeds to step S9530. Proceed to. In step S9530, it is determined whether the automatic startup change flag is "1". However, when step S9530 is performed for the first time, all flags other than the automatic low level flag are "0", so the determination result in step S9530 is "No", and the process proceeds to step S9532 and subsequent steps, and the automatic low level flag is set to "0". It is determined whether the change flag and automatic low level flag are “1” (
Steps S9532, S9534). Then, if the determination result in step S9532 is "No", the subsequent step S95
34 becomes “Yes” and steps S9536 and S95
38 is executed. In step S9536, the automatic rise change flag is set to "1" to remember that the automatic conversion switch was turned on from off, that is, the output signal changed from high level to low level (rise) from the previous loop to the current loop. ”, followed by step S95.
At step 38, the automatic low level flag that was set to "1" in the previous loop is reset (set to "0"), and this routine ends.

[0280] When the output signal of the automatic conversion changeover switch is still at the low level in the next loop, the automatic start-up change flag was set to "1" in step S9536 of the previous loop, so the determination result in step S9530 is " “Yes”. Then, the following step S9540
~ In S9544, the automatic conversion fall flag is set to "0" (step S9540) to remember that the automatic conversion changeover switch is turned on, and at the same time, in step S9
The automatic start-up change flag set to “1” in 536 is set to “0”.
(step S9542), and then sets the automatic high level flag to "1" (step S9544).
), the process advances to step S9546, and it is determined whether the automatic conversion flag is "1". If "Yes" here, the automatic conversion flag is reset to "0", if "No" it is set to "1", and if "Yes" it is set to "0", and this routine ends (steps S9548, S9550). This is so that the automatic conversion mode and its cancellation can be alternately performed each time the automatic conversion switching button 127 is pressed.

[0281] In this way, unless a high level state is detected for a predetermined period of time or longer after the output signal of the automatic conversion changeover switch rises (at least while this interrupt processing is performed twice), the automatic high level flag and The process of setting the automatic conversion flag is not performed, so that it is possible to deal with cases such as noise occurring in the output signal of the automatic conversion changeover switch.

Next, when this routine is executed again, if the automatic conversion switch is on, that is, the output signal is at a high level, steps S9502, S9530, and S
9532 and S9534, the determination result in step S9534 is changed to "No", and the process moves to step S9552, where it is determined whether the automatic high level flag is "1". Then, as long as the determination in step S9552 is "Yes" and the automatic conversion switch is on, that is, the output signal is at a high level, the step S9550 is
2, S9530, S9532, S9534, S9552
is executed repeatedly. On the other hand, in the loop immediately after the automatic conversion switch changes from on to off, that is, the output signal falls from high level to low level, step S
The determination result at step S9502 changes from "Yes" to "No," the determination result at the next step S9504 becomes "No," and then the determination result at step S9506 becomes "Yes," and so on, and the process advances to step S9514. Then, in step S9514, a falling change flag is set to "1" to remember that the output signal fell from the previous loop to the current loop, and in the next step S95
At step 16, the automatic high level flag that was set to "1" during the previous loop is returned to "0", and this routine ends.

[0283] Thereafter, when this routine is started again, if the automatic conversion switch is still off, the process proceeds from step S9502 to S9504, and the determination is "Yes", and the process proceeds to step S9518, in which the automatic conversion switch is turned off. After setting the lower flag to "1", the automatic fall change flag is reset to "0", and the automatic low level flag is set to "1", and this routine ends (steps S9520, S9522). In this way, the automatic low level flag is set to "1" unless a low level state is detected for a predetermined period of time or longer (at least while this interrupt processing is performed twice) after the output signal of the automatic conversion changeover switch falls. This processing is not performed, so that it is possible to deal with cases such as when noise occurs in the output signal of the automatic conversion changeover switch.

[0284] Next, when this routine is executed again, if the automatic conversion switch is on, that is, the output signal is at a high level, steps S9502, S9504, and S
9506 and S9508, the determination result in step S9508 is changed to "No", and the process moves to step S9510, where it is determined whether the automatic low level flag is "1". Then, as long as "Yes" is determined in this step S9552, and the automatic conversion changeover switch is turned off, that is, the output signal is at a low level, the step S9550
2, S9504, S9506, S9508, S9510
is executed repeatedly.

Next, consider the case where the on signal is picked up by noise while the automatic conversion changeover switch is off. First, in step S9502, the output signal of the automatic conversion changeover switch is determined to be high level, and the process advances to step S9530. After that, steps S9532, S
9534, S9536, and S9538, set the automatic rise change flag to "1", and set the automatic low level flag to "1".
0" and ends this routine. Then, in the next loop, when it is detected that the output of the automatic conversion changeover switch is at the original low level, steps S9502 to S9502
The process proceeds to step S9504 and S9506, and since the automatic rise change flag is set to "1", it is determined as "Yes" and the process proceeds to step S9524, where the automatic fall change flag is set to "1".
”, the automatic start-up change flag is reset to “0”, and the routine ends. Then, when the routine starts again, if the output of the automatic conversion changeover switch is at the original low level, step S9502 From S9504
The automatic start-up change flag has already been set to "0" (step S9524), so the determination is "Yes" and the process advances to step S9518, where the automatic fall flag is set to "1" and the automatic start-up change flag is set to "1". The fall change flag is reset to "0", the automatic low level flag is set to "1", and this routine ends (steps S9520, S952).
2). Thereafter, as long as the automatic conversion switch is off, that is, the output signal is at a low level, step S9502
, S9504, S9506, S9508, and S9510 are repeatedly executed. As a result, if noise occurs in the output signal when the automatic conversion selector switch is off, the automatic high level flag will not be set to "1", so the automatic conversion flag will not be set to "1" due to noise. It will be possible to prevent this.

Next, consider a case where an off signal is picked up due to noise while the automatic conversion switch is on. In this case, steps S9530-S95 have already been performed.
48, the automatic conversion fall flag is set to "0", the automatic rise change flag is set to "0", the automatic high level flag is set to "1", and the automatic conversion flag is set to "1". In this state, if the output signal of the automatic conversion switch is determined to be high level in step S9502 due to noise, step S9
The process proceeds from step S9502 to S9504, S9506, and S9508. Here, since the automatic high level flag has already been set to "1" (step S9544), it is determined as "Yes" and the process advances to step S9514, where the automatic fall change flag is set to "1". 1", the automatic high level flag is reset to "0", and the routine ends.

[0287] Then, when this routine is started again, if the output of the automatic conversion changeover switch is at the original high level, the process advances from step S9502 to S9530, where it is determined "No" and the automatic start-up change flag is set. is already “0”
” (step S9542), so “Yes”
After determining this, the process proceeds to step S9532, where it is determined whether the automatic fall change flag is "1". Therefore, the automatic fall change flag has already been set to "0" (step S951).
4) Therefore, proceed to step S9556, set the automatic start flag to "1", and then set the automatic fall change flag to "0".
” to end this routine (step S955
8). Thereafter, as long as the automatic conversion switch is off, that is, the output signal is at a low level, step S9502
, S9530, S9532, S9534, and S9552 are repeatedly executed. As a result, if noise occurs in the output signal when the automatic conversion switch is on, the automatic low level flag will not be set to "1", thereby preventing the automatic conversion flag from being set to "0" due to noise. You will be able to do this.

FIG. 76 shows step S of interrupt processing (FIG. 72)
93 is a flowchart showing the input processing routine of the ball shortage detector 131 performed in step 9310. The ball shortage detector 131 is a switch that is placed downstream of the supply tray 121 of the pachinko game machine and is provided to detect the presence or absence of game balls on the supply tray. is turned off, and when there are no more balls, the detector is turned on and the output becomes high level. When this routine is started, first, in step S9600, the output signal of the ball shortage detector 131 is checked to determine whether or not the detector is on.

[0289] When there are no more game balls on the supply tray 121 of the pachinko game machine, or when the game balls are jammed in the supply tray and the game balls have not reached the installation position of the ball shortage detector. In this case, the determination result in step S9600 is "Yes", and the process moves to step S9602 to check whether the ball shortage flag is "1". Since all flags are reset to "0" in the initial setting (step S9002 in FIG. 66), step S9602
The determination is "No", and the process moves to step S9604, where it is determined whether the ball shortage monitoring flag is "1". here"
If the determination is "No", the process moves to step S9606, the ball shortage monitoring flag is set to "1", and the ball availability monitoring flag is set to "1".
0'' (step S9608), and further sets the ball shortage timer to a predetermined value (100 msec) (step S9
610), this routine ends. Here, the ball shortage monitoring flag is a flag used to determine whether or not game balls are on the supply tray 121 (step S9604). On the other hand, the ball monitoring flag indicates that the game balls are detected by the ball shortage detector 13.
This flag is used to determine whether or not a state in which the number of installation positions has been accumulated up to the first installation position has been continuously detected (step S9620).

[0290] Continuing in the next loop, if no game balls are present on the supply tray, steps S9600 and S96 are performed.
If the determination results of 02 are both "Yes", the subsequent step S
The determination result of 9604 is “No” and the process proceeds to step S96.
Move to 12. In step S9612, it is determined whether the ball shortage timer set in step S9610 has timed up, and if the determination result is "No",
This routine is ended by skipping the following steps S9614 and S9616. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S9612 is "Yes", step S9614
In step S961, the ball shortage flag is set to "1" to indicate that there are no game balls on the supply tray.
At step 6, the Tamari flag (which is set to the initial value "0" when this step is performed for the first time after initialization) is reset (set to "0") and this routine ends. In the subsequent loop, unless the game balls accumulate up to the detector installation position, step S9600 and step S9602
The determination result becomes "Yes" and these steps are repeatedly executed.

[0291] From this state, when game balls are placed on the supply tray 121 or the ball clogging is cleared, the ball shortage detector 131 is turned off and the determination result in step S9600 is "
No” and the process moves to step S9618. In step S9618, it is determined whether or not the ball flag is “1”. Since the ball flag is set to “0” in step S9616, This judgment result is “No”
Therefore, in step S9620, the Tamari monitoring flag is set to “1”.
A determination is made whether or not. Since the Tamari monitoring flag was set to "0" in step S9608 described above, the determination result in step S9120 is "No" and step S9608 is set to "0".
Proceed to 9622.

[0292] In step S9622, the ball count monitoring flag is set to "1", and in step S9624, the ball shortage monitoring flag is set to "0", and the ball count timer is set to a predetermined value (100 msec). (Step S9626
) End this routine. In the next loop, if the game balls have accumulated to the installation position of the ball shortage detector, the determination result of step S9600 and step S9618
The determination result of step S9620 is "No", and the determination result of the subsequent step S9620 is "Yes" (step S962 of the previous loop).
2 is set to “1”), and step S
Move to 9628.

[0293] In step S9628, it is determined whether or not the ball shortage timer set in step S9624 has timed up. If the determination result is "No", the following steps S9630 and S9632 are skipped and this routine is ended. On the other hand, when the determination result in step S9628 is "Yes", in step S9630 the ball flag is set to "1" to indicate that the game ball is on the supply tray, and in the next step S9632 , reset the ball shortage flag (set it to "0") and end this routine. In the subsequent loop, as long as the game balls are stored on the supply tray up to the installation position of the ball shortage detector, the determination result in step S9600 is "No" and step S9
The determination result at step 618 is "Yes", and these steps are repeatedly executed.

As described above, in this input processing, in the loop immediately after the output signal of the ball shortage detector 131 changes from low level to high level (or from high level to low level), the change from low level to high level (or high level) is performed. change from level to low level) (changes from low level to
The Tamaari flag, which is the final output value of this routine, is set only after the flag is still at a high level (or low level) in the next loop and a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the above change. 1" (or the ball shortage flag to "1").By adopting this control procedure, if the output signal level of the ball shortage detector changes momentarily due to noise, etc. Even if the change occurs, the change is not immediately determined to be a normal change, and malfunctions due to the occurrence of such noise can be prevented.

FIG. 77 shows step S of interrupt processing (FIG. 72).
93 is a flowchart showing the input processing routine of the ball possession detector 132 performed in step 9312. The ball possession detector 132 is a switch that is placed upstream of the supply tray 121 of the pachinko game machine and is provided to detect whether there are enough game balls on the supply tray. When the ball is detected, the detector is turned on, and when the ball is no longer detected, the detector is turned off and the output becomes low level. When this routine is started, first, in step S9700, the output signal of the ball possession detector 132 is checked to determine whether or not the detector is on.

[0296] If there are enough game balls in the vicinity of the ball outlet 120 upstream of the supply tray 121 of the pachinko game machine, the determination result in step S9700 is "Yes", and the process moves to step S9702 to hold the balls. Flag is “1”
Check if it is. All flags are reset to "0" by default (step S9 in FIG. 66).
002), the determination in step S9702 is "No", and the process proceeds to step S9704, where it is determined whether the ball possession monitoring flag is "1". If the determination is "No" here, the process moves to step S9706, the ball possession monitoring flag is set to "1", the ball non-monitoring flag is set to "0" (step S9708), and the ball possession timer is set to a predetermined value. (500 msec) (step S9710),
This routine ends.

[0297] Here, the ball possession monitoring flag is a flag used to judge whether or not game balls are accumulated upstream of the supply tray 121 (step S9704). On the other hand, the no-ball monitoring flag is a flag used to determine whether a state in which the game balls have not accumulated to the installation position of the ball possession detector 132 has been continuously detected (step S9720). In the next loop, if the game balls have accumulated up to the upstream side of the supply tray, step S9700,
The determination result in S9702 is both "Yes", and the determination result in the subsequent step S9704 is "No", and the process moves to step S9712.

[0298] In step S9712, it is determined whether the ball possession timer set in step S9710 has timed up, and if the determination result is "No", the following steps S9714 and S9716 are skipped and this routine is ended. On the other hand, when the determination result in step S9712 is "Yes", in step S9714, the possession flag is set to "1" to indicate that the game balls have accumulated upstream of the supply tray, and the next step S9716 At , the no-balls flag (which is set to an initial value of "0" when this step is performed for the first time after initialization) is reset (set to "0"), and this routine ends. In the subsequent loop, as long as the game balls have accumulated up to the detector installation position, the determination result of step S9700 and the determination result of step S9702 become "Yes", and these steps are repeatedly executed.

[0299] When the number of game balls decreases on the supply tray 121 from this state, the ball possession detector 132 turns off, and the process proceeds to step S.
The determination result of 9700 is “No” and the process proceeds to step S97.
Move to 18. In step S9718, it is determined whether the ballless flag is "1". Since the ballless flag is set to "0" in step S9716 above,
The result of this determination is "No", and it is determined in step S9720 whether or not the no-ball monitoring flag is "1". Since the ballless monitoring flag was set to "0" in step S9708 described above, the determination result in step S9120 is "N".
o'', and the process advances to step S9722.

[0300] In step S9722, the ball-free monitoring flag is set to "1", and in step S9724, the ball possession monitoring flag is set to "0", and the ball-free timer is set to a predetermined value (500 msec). (Step S9726
) End this routine. Continuing in the next loop, if the game balls have not accumulated to the installation position of the ball possession detector, the judgment result of step S9700 and step S97
If the determination result of step 18 is “No”, the subsequent step S972
The determination result of 0 is “Yes” (step S9 of the previous loop).
722) and the process moves to step S9728.

[0301] In this step S9728, it is determined whether or not the ball possession timer set in the above step S9724 has timed out. If the determination result is "No", the following steps S9730 and S9732 are skipped and this routine is ended. On the other hand, when the determination result in step S9728 is "Yes", in step S9730, the no-ball flag is set to "1" to indicate that the game ball is not upstream of the supply tray, and at the same time, in the next step S97
At step 32, the holding flag is reset (set to "0") and this routine ends. In subsequent loops, unless the game balls accumulate on the supply tray to the installation position of the ball possession detector,
If the determination result in step S9700 is “No”, step S
The determination result of 9718 becomes "Yes", and these steps are repeatedly executed.

As described above, in this input processing, in the loop immediately after the output signal of the ball possession detector 132 changes from low level to high level (or from high level to low level), the change from the low level to high level (or high level) is performed. change from level to low level) (changes from low level to
The final output value of this routine, the ballless flag, is set to "1"), and the flag is still at a high level (or low level) in the next loop, and only after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the above-mentioned change. 1" (or the possession flag to "1"). By adopting this control procedure, even if the output signal level of the ball possession detector changes momentarily due to noise, etc. Even if there is a change, the change is not immediately judged as a normal change, and malfunctions due to the occurrence of such noise can be prevented.

FIG. 78 shows step S of interrupt processing (FIG. 72).
93 is a flowchart showing a routine for input processing of a stop signal W performed in step 9314; FIG. The stop signal W is a signal sent from the hall management device 700 when a stop state occurs in the pachinko game machine. When this routine is started, first, in step S9800, the stop signal W is checked to determine whether it is at a high level or a low level.

[0304] When a stop has not occurred in the pachinko game machine, the stop signal W is negated to a high level, so the determination result in step S9800 is "No".
Proceeding to step S9802, it is checked whether the release flag is set to "1". All flags are set to “
0” (step S900 in FIG. 66).
2), the determination in step S9802 is “No”, and the process moves to step S9804 where the release monitoring flag is set to “1”.
”. If the determination is “No” here, the process moves to step S9806, where the release monitoring flag is set to “1” and the discontinuation monitoring flag is set to “0” (step S9806).
808), and further sets a release timer to a predetermined value (50 msec) (step S9810), and ends this routine. Here, the release monitoring flag determines whether the pachinko game machine is released, that is, in a state where it can be played (step S98).
04). On the other hand, the discontinuation monitoring flag is a flag used to determine whether the pachinko game machine is discontinued, that is, in a non-playable state (step S9820).

[0305] When the next loop is started, if the pachinko game machine is still in the released state, step S98 is executed.
00, the determination result of S9802 is "No", and the determination result of the subsequent step S9804 is "No", and the process moves to step S9812. In step S9812, it is determined whether the release timer set in step S9810 has timed up, and if the determination result is "No", the following steps S9814 and S9816 are skipped and this routine is ended. On the other hand, the step S9
When the determination result in 812 is “Yes”, step S
At step S9814, the release flag is set to "1" to indicate that the pachinko game machine is in the release state, and at the next step S9816, the stop flag (if this step is performed for the first time after initialization, the initial value is set). (set to "0") is reset (set to "0") and this routine ends.

[0306] In the subsequent loop, unless the pachinko game machine enters the stopped state, the determination result of step S9800 will be "
The determination result in step S9802 is “No”, and the determination result in step S9802 is “Yes”, and these steps are repeatedly executed.
When a stop occurs in the pachinko game machine, the stop signal becomes low level and the determination result in step S9800 is "Y".
es" and the process moves to step S9818. In step S9818, it is determined whether the abort flag is "1". Since the abort flag was set to "0" in step S9816, This judgment result is “No”
Therefore, the discontinuation monitoring flag is set to "1" in step S9820.
A determination is made whether or not. Since the discontinuation monitoring flag was set to "0" in step S9808 described above, the determination result in step S9120 is "No" and step S9808 is set to "0".
Proceed to 9822.

[0307] In step S9822, the discontinuation monitoring flag is set to "1", and in step S9824, the release monitoring flag is set to "0", and furthermore, the discontinuation timer is set to a predetermined value (50 msec). Step S9826) This routine ends. If the stop signal continues to be at a low level in the next loop, step S9800
The determination result in step S9818 is "No", and the determination result in step S9820 is "Yes"("1" in step S9822 of the previous loop).
”) and step S9828
Move to.

[0308] In this step S9828, it is determined whether or not the release timer set in the above step S9824 has timed up. If the determination result is "No", the following steps S9830 and S9832 are skipped and this routine is ended. On the other hand, when the determination result in step S9828 is "Yes", in step S9830,
A stop flag is set to "1" to indicate that a stop has occurred in the pachinko game machine, and the next step S
At 9832, reset the release flag (set it to “0”)
to end this routine. In subsequent loops, as long as the abort signal is at low level, step S9800 is executed.
and the determination results in step S9818 are both “Yes”.
” and these steps are repeated.

As described above, in this input processing, in the loop immediately after the output signal of the stop signal changes from low level to high level (or from high level to low level), the change from low level to high level (or from high level to high level) is performed. Changes in the low level) are only memorized (the monitoring flag is set to "1"), and the next loop will still have the high level (changes in the low level).
or low level), and only after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time of the above change, the abort flag, which is the final output value of this routine, is changed to "1" (or the release flag is changed to "1"). . By adopting such a control procedure, even if the level of the stop signal changes instantaneously due to the occurrence of noise, the change will not be immediately judged as a normal change, and the change will not be immediately judged as a normal change. It is possible to prevent malfunctions.

FIG. 79 shows step S of interrupt processing (FIG. 72).
93 is a flowchart showing a routine for input processing of the jackpot signal P performed in step 9316. The jackpot signal P is a signal sent from the game board control device 400 when a jackpot state occurs in the pachinko game machine. When this routine is started, first, in step S9900, the jackpot signal P is checked to determine whether it is high level or low level.

[0311] When a jackpot has not occurred in the pachinko game machine, the jackpot signal P is negated to a high level, so the determination result in step S9900 is "No", and the process moves to step S9902, where the normal flag is set to "1".
Check if it is. All flags are reset to "0" by default (step S9 in FIG. 66).
002), the determination in step S9902 is "No", and the process moves to step S9904, where it is determined whether the normal monitoring flag is "1". If the judgment is “No” here,
Proceed to step S9906 and set the normal monitoring flag to “1”
, the jackpot monitoring flag is set to "0" (step S9908), and the normal timer is set to a predetermined value (50 msec).
(step S9910), and ends this routine.

[0312] Here, the normal monitoring flag determines whether or not the pachinko gaming machine is in the normal gaming state (step S9904).
) is the flag used to do this. On the other hand, the jackpot monitoring flag is a flag used to determine whether the pachinko game machine is in a jackpot state (step S9920). When the next loop is started, if the pachinko game machine is still in the normal gaming state, the step S
The determination results of both S9900 and S9902 are "No", and the determination result of the subsequent step S9904 is "No", and the process moves to step S9912.

[0313] In step S9912, it is determined whether or not the normal timer set in step S9910 has timed up. If the determination result is "No", subsequent steps S9914 and S9916 are skipped and this routine is ended. On the other hand, when the determination result in step S9912 is "Yes", in step S9914,
The normal flag is set to "1" to indicate that the pachinko gaming machine is in the normal gaming state, and the next step S9
In step 916, the jackpot flag (which is set to an initial value of "0" when this step is performed for the first time after initialization) is reset (set to "0") and this routine ends. In the subsequent loop, unless the pachinko machine enters a jackpot state, the determination result in step S9900 is "No".
, the determination result in step S9902 becomes "Yes", and these steps are repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, when a jackpot occurs in the pachinko game machine, the jackpot signal becomes low level and step S9
The determination result of 900 is "Yes" and the process proceeds to step S99.
Move to 18. In step S9918, it is determined whether the jackpot flag is "1". Since the jackpot flag was set to "0" in step S9916, this determination result is "No" and step S992
0, it is determined whether the jackpot monitoring flag is "1" or not. The jackpot monitoring flag is set to “0” in step S9908 mentioned above.
”, the determination result in step S9120 is “No” and the process advances to step S9922.

[0315] In step S9922, the jackpot monitoring flag is set to "1", and in step S9924, the normal monitoring flag is set to "0", and furthermore, the jackpot timer is set to a predetermined value (50 msec) (step S9926).
) End this routine. If the jackpot signal continues to be at a low level in the next loop, step S9
The determination result of step S900 is "Yes", the determination result of step S9918 is "No", and the determination result of the subsequent step S9920 is "Yes" (step S9922 of the previous loop).
is set to "1"), and the process proceeds to step S9.
Transition to 928.

[0316] In this step S9928, it is determined whether or not the normal timer set in the above step S9924 has timed out. If the determination result is "No", the following steps S9930 and S9932 are skipped and this routine is ended. On the other hand, when the determination result in step S9928 is "Yes", in step S9930,
A jackpot flag is set to "1" to indicate that a jackpot has occurred in the pachinko game machine, and at the next step S9932, the normal flag is reset (set to "0"), and this routine ends. In the subsequent loop, as long as the jackpot signal is at low level, step S9
900 and step S9918 are both "
“Yes” and these steps are repeated.

As described above, in this input processing, in the loop immediately after the output signal of the jackpot signal changes from low level to high level (or from high level to low level), the output signal changes from low level to high level (or from high level to low level). This routine is only executed after a certain amount of time has elapsed from the time of the above change, and the level is still high (or low) in the next loop. The final output value of the jackpot flag is set to “1” (or the normal flag is set to “1”)
). By adopting such a control procedure, even if the level of the jackpot signal changes instantaneously due to noise generation, the change will not be immediately judged as a normal change, and errors caused by the noise generation etc. will be avoided. It is possible to prevent the operation.

FIG. 80 shows step S of interrupt processing (FIG. 72)
93 is a flowchart showing a routine for input processing of balance display drive signal X performed in step 9318. The balance display drive signal X is a drive signal for the segment type display sent from the ball lending control device 500.

When this routine is started, the balance driving signal X is first read in step S9950, and then the signal is converted into display data (numeric value) (step S9
952). Then, determine whether that number is "0" or not (
Step S9954), if “No”, step S995
Proceeding to step 6, the balance data of the card read and held in the previous routine is checked to determine whether the balance is "0". This data area is set to "0" by default, so when non-zero balance data (>0) is read for the first time and the process moves to step S9956, "Yes" is selected.
If so, the process moves to step S9958, and the card insertion flag is set to "1". The fact that the read numerical value is no longer "0" when the balance data is "0" (steps S9954, S9956) is because it can be assumed that a valid card has been inserted into the card reader 250. This card insertion flag is referred to in the sound request processing routine of FIG. 70, and when it becomes "1", a card insertion sound generation request signal is output to the game board control device 400. After setting the card insertion flag to "1" in step S9958, the zero balance flag is set to "0" in step S9960.
Reset to . The zero balance flag is a flag that indicates that the balance data is “0” when it is “1”.
In the next step S9962, the read numerical value (≠0) is written to the balance data area, so before that, the balance flag is set to “0”.
” to indicate that the balance data is not “0”.

[0320] On the other hand, in step S9956 above, “Yes” is determined.
”In other words, even when it is determined that the balance data is not “0”, the read numerical value (≠0) is written in the balance data area in step S9962, and this routine is ended. The reason why the balance data is rewritten even when the balance data is not "0" is that when the discharge in response to the ball lending conversion request is made, the ball lending control device 500 outputs a display drive signal that subtracts the balance data by the amount of conversion. It is from. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9954 that the read value is "0", the process moves to step S9964 and it is determined whether the balance data is "0". If "Yes" here, that is, the balance data is "0", the routine ends without doing anything; if "No", that is, the balance data is not "0", the process moves to step S9966 and the card discharge flag is set. Set to “1”. Balance data is “0”
”, the read value became “0” (
This is because it can be assumed that the card has been ejected from the card reader 250 in steps S9954 and S9964). This card ejection flag is referred to in the sound request processing routine of FIG. 70, and when it becomes "1", a card ejection sound generation request signal is output to the game board control device 400. After setting the card discharge flag to “1” in step S9966, the zero balance flag is set to “1” in step S9968.
The zero balance flag is a flag that indicates that the balance data is "0" when it is "1", and the read numerical value (=0) is written to the balance data area in the next step S9962. This is to set the balance flag to "1" before that to indicate that the balance data is "0". In the next step S9962, the read numerical value (
=0) in the balance data area, this routine ends.

[0321] Next, the card is inserted into the ball lending machine 200,
The figure shows the specific timing of the signals transmitted and received between the ball lending control device 500 and the discharge control device 600 when the conversion button 123 provided on the pachinko game machine 100 is pressed and a ball lending request is made. This will be explained using 81. When the conversion button 123 is pressed, the signal processing device 9
00 detects this and sends a conversion request signal Y (pulse) to the ball lending control device 500 (timing t1). Then,
The ball lending control device 500 detects this and asserts the ball lending request signal T (BRQ) to the discharge control device 600 to a low level (timing t2). The discharge control device 600 that has received the ball lending request signal T (BRQ) outputs a drive signal for the discharge solenoids 741a and 741b and a drive signal for the ball rental display lamp 113 if the ball discharge device 170 is in a state where it can be discharged. At the same time, it transmits a ball rental sound request signal E (pulse) to the game board control device 400, and asserts the ball rental enable signal U (PRQ) supplied to the ball rental control device 500 to a low level. (timing t3).

Then, the discharge control device 600 monitors the detection signals from the discharge sensors 730a and 730b, and when the number of discharges reaches 25 (worth 100 yen), the discharge solenoid 7 is activated.
41a, 741b and the drive signal of the rental ball discharge indicator lamp 113 are turned off, and a payout completion signal V (pulse) is sent to the ball rental control device 500, and 25 signals are sent to the hall management device 700. Transmits the discharged rental ball number signal J indicating the discharge of rental balls (timing t4
). When the ball lending control device 500 receives the payout completion signal V, it subtracts the card balance, and if it determines that the balance is not zero and the predetermined number of balls have not been discharged, it asserts the ball lending request signal T to a low level as it is. Keep it (
timing t5). Then, the discharge control device 600 again outputs a drive signal for the discharge solenoids 741a and 741b and a drive signal for the rental ball discharge display lamp 113, and also outputs a rental ball discharge sound request signal E (pulse) to the game board control device 400. (timing t6).

[0323] Then, when the number of balls to be discharged reaches 25 (worth 100 yen), the drive signals for the discharge solenoids 741a and 741b and the drive signal for the ball rental display lamp 113 are turned off, and the ball rental control device 500 is The payout completion signal V (pulse) is sent to the hall management device 700.
transmits the discharged ball rental number signal J to (timing t
7). When the ball lending control device 500 determines that the balance becomes zero or that a predetermined number of balls have been discharged, the ball lending control device 500 issues a ball lending request signal T.
is negated to a high level (timing t8). Then, the discharge control device 600 negates the ball rental enable signal U supplied to the ball rental control device 500 to a high level, and ends the ball rental discharge process. The signal processing device 900 set to automatic conversion mode detects the ball shortage detector 13.
Similar signal exchange occurs when the player sends the conversion request signal Y to the ball lending control device 500 based on signals from the player 1 and the ball possession detector 132.

[0324] In the above embodiment, when a ball shortage is detected based on the signal from the ball detector installed in the middle of the guide path from the supply tray to the batted ball ejecting section, the ball rental machine sends the ball to the rental ball. The signal processing device 900 is provided with an automatic additional conversion function for transmitting a conversion request signal and its restriction function.
0, so that the emission control device 600 has the automatic additional conversion function and its restriction function. In addition, in the above embodiment, the conversion button 12 to rental balls
3, return button 124, balance display 122, etc. are the supply tray 1.
However, these positions are not limited to the supply tray, and can be provided at any position on the front surface of the pachinko game machine.

0325]

Effects of the Invention As explained above, the present invention includes a ball detector disposed in the middle of the guide path from the supply tray to the batted ball launcher, and a control device that detects a lack of balls by the detector. Since the system is configured to have an automatic additional conversion function that sends a conversion request signal to the ball rental machine to the ball rental machine,
When there are no balls on the guide path from the supply tray to the ball launcher, a signal is automatically sent to the ball rental machine to request conversion to rental balls, eliminating the need for players to press the conversion button each time. This has the effect of making the game less troublesome. In addition, a second ball detector is provided on the upstream side of the supply tray, and even if the ball shortage detector detects a ball shortage, when the second detector detects the presence of balls, the above-mentioned rental Since the signal to request conversion to balls is not generated, if a ball jams in the middle of the supply tray or if the conversion button is pressed by mistake during a game, the ball lending machine will send a request signal to the rental ball. No conversion request signal is sent. Furthermore, when a gaming state such as a jackpot occurs, the automatic addition conversion function is disabled, so when a large number of prize balls are generated and the balls are removed from the supply tray, a ball shortage detection signal is generated. Even if the automatic additional conversion function is adopted, no conversion request signal is transmitted, and problems associated with the adoption of the automatic additional conversion function can be avoided.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a card-type pachinko gaming system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view showing an example of the configuration of the back mechanism of the pachinko gaming machine 100.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional front view showing one embodiment of a ball ejecting device 170.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the control system of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and the ball rental machine 200.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a specific example of the configuration of a game board control device 400.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of audio output means 450.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an emission control device 600.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control section 610 of the emission control device 600.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a power outage control section 619 of the emission control device 600.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a ball lending control device 500.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration example of a control unit 510 of the ball lending control device 500.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a signal processing device 900.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration example of card information control means 910.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration example of ball lending request control means 930.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a main routine of background control processing by the emission control device 600.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a timer interrupt processing procedure performed by the emission control device 600 every predetermined period of time (for example, 0.5 msec).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a ball lending request detection processing routine.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a prize ball data detection processing routine.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a frame sensor input processing routine.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of an input processing routine for the discharge sensor 1.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of an input processing routine for the discharge sensor 2.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a routine for level input processing of the discharge sensor 1.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a routine for level input processing of the discharge sensor 2;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of an input processing routine of the ball removal sensor 750.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of input processing of the replenishment sensor 106.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of input processing of the overflow detector 104.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an input processing routine of the standby ball detector 160 (half-shot sensor).

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of an input processing routine for the output signal of the out sensor 107.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of power failure interrupt processing.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific procedure of the discharge device fraud monitoring process S3 performed in the main process flow of FIG. 15;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific procedure of the ejection device unauthorized release process S14.

[Figure 32] Main routine of prize ball discharge control device (Figure 15)
) is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the prize ball start process executed in step S19.

[FIG. 33] Step S9 of the prize ball start process (FIG. 32)
3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a discharge start process executed in step 0.

FIG. 34: Step S1 of the discharge start process (FIG. 33)
24 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the discharge number division process executed in step 24.

[Fig. 35] Step S18 of the main routine (Fig. 15) executed by the CPU 610 on the prize ball discharge control device side
It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the prize ball discharge process performed in .

[Figure 36] Step S2 of the prize ball ejection process (Figure 35)
3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of discharge processing performed in step 04.

FIG. 37: Step S232 of the discharge process (FIG. 36)
3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of one-piece discharge processing performed in FIG.

FIG. 38: Step S234 of the discharge process (FIG. 36)
3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of alternate discharge processing performed in FIG.

FIG. 39: Step S236 of the discharge process (FIG. 36)
3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a combined discharge process performed in FIG.

FIG. 40: Step S252 of the discharge process (FIG. 36)
3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of ejection error recovery processing performed in FIG.

[Figure 41] Main routine of prize ball discharge control device (Figure 15)
) is a flowchart showing a subroutine of ball lending start processing executed in step S21.

FIG. 42 Step S17 of the main routine (FIG. 15) executed by the CPU 610 on the prize ball discharge control device side
It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the ball loan discharge process performed in .

FIG. 43 Step S16 of the main routine (FIG. 15) executed by the CPU 610 on the prize ball discharge control device side
It is a flowchart which shows a part of subroutine of the ball removal process performed in .

FIG. 44 Step S16 of the main routine (FIG. 15) executed by the CPU 610 on the prize ball discharge control device side
It is a flowchart which shows a part of subroutine of the ball removal process performed in .

FIG. 45 Step S16 of the main routine (FIG. 15) executed by the CPU 610 on the prize ball discharge control device side
It is a flowchart which shows a part of subroutine of the ball removal process performed in .

FIG. 46: Step S2 in the main processing flow of FIG. 15
3 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific procedure of replenishment processing performed in step 3;

FIG. 47: Step S2 in the main processing flow of FIG. 15
4 is a flowchart showing specific details of the information output processing performed in step 4. FIG.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific procedure of ball rental information output processing S800 in the above information output processing flow.

FIG. 49 shows an example of a specific procedure of sound request output processing S850 in the above information output processing flow.

FIG. 50: The prize ball information output process S900 to the hall management device 700 during the information output process flow.
2 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific procedure.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific procedure of the game machine information output process S950 in the flow of the information output process (FIG. 47).

FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific procedure of the error information output process S990 in the flow of the information output process (FIG. 47).

[Fig. 53] Step S1 in the main processing flow of Fig. 15
5 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific procedure of the power failure recovery process performed in step 5.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing an outline of the main routine of the ball lending control device. It is a flowchart which shows.

[Figure 55] Step S of the above main routine (Figure 54)
80 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of card insertion processing executed in step 8008. FIG.

[Figure 56] Step S of the above main routine (Figure 54)
It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the ball lending request process performed in 8020.

[Fig. 57] Fig. 57 shows the above main routine (Fig. 54).
It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the ball lending request process performed in step S8020.

[Figure 58] Step S of the above main routine (Figure 54)
80 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific procedure of card return processing executed in step 8024.

[Figure 59] Step S of the above main routine (Figure 54)
80 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of display processing executed in step 8010.

[Fig. 60] Step S of the above main routine (Fig. 54)
80 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of information transmission processing executed in step 8012.

61 is a flowchart showing the procedure of timer interrupt processing performed by the ball lending control device 500 every predetermined period of time (for example, 0.5 msec) in priority to the main routine (background processing) of FIG. 54; FIG.

FIG. 62: Step S850 of interrupt processing (FIG. 61)
4 is a flowchart showing a ball lending SW input processing routine performed in step 4.

FIG. 63: Step S850 of interrupt processing (FIG. 61)
6 is a flowchart showing a return SW input processing routine performed in step 6.

FIG. 64: Step S850 of interrupt processing (FIG. 61)
8 is a flowchart showing a discharge completion signal reception processing routine performed in step 8.

FIG. 65: Step S8510 of interrupt processing shown in FIG. 61.
12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a ball lending enable reception process for reading a ball lending enable signal U, which is carried out in FIG.

FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing an outline of the main routine of the signal processing device 900.

[Figure 67] Step S of the above main routine (Figure 66)
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of return request processing executed in step 9004;

[Figure 68] Step S of the above main routine (Figure 66)
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of conversion request processing executed in step 9006;

[Figure 69] Step S of the above main routine (Figure 66)
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of display processing executed in step 9008;

[Figure 70] Step S of the above main routine (Figure 66)
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of voice request processing executed in step 9010;

[Figure 71] Step S of the above main routine (Figure 66)
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of signal transmission processing executed in step 9012;

72 is a flowchart showing the procedure of timer interrupt processing performed by the signal processing device 900 every predetermined period of time (for example, 0.5 msec) in priority to the main routine (background processing) of FIG. 66; FIG.

FIG. 73: Step S930 of the above interrupt processing (FIG. 72)
4 is a flowchart showing a conversion SW input processing routine performed in step 4.

[FIG. 74] Step S930 of the above interrupt processing (FIG. 72)
6 is a flowchart showing a return SW input processing routine performed in step 6.

75] Step S9308 of interrupt processing shown in FIG. 72
12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the input processing of the automatic conversion changeover switch (127) performed in FIG.

FIG. 76 is a flowchart showing the input processing routine of the ball shortage detector 131 performed in step S9310 of the interrupt processing (FIG. 72).

FIG. 77 is a flowchart showing the input processing routine of the ball possession detector 132 performed in step S9312 of the interrupt processing (FIG. 72).

FIG. 78 is a flowchart showing a routine of input processing of a stop signal W performed in step S9314 of the interrupt processing (FIG. 72).

FIG. 79 is a flowchart showing a routine for input processing of the jackpot signal P performed in step S9316 of the interrupt processing (FIG. 72).

FIG. 80 is a flowchart showing a routine for input processing of balance display drive signal X performed in step S9318 of interrupt processing (FIG. 72).

[Fig. 81] The ball rental control device 500 and the discharge control device 6
FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 Pachinko machine 121 Supply tray 122 Balance display 123 Ball rental conversion button 124 Return button 125 Ball number indicator 131 Ball shortage detector 132 Ball possession detector 200 Ball rental machine 211 Card insertion/ejection port 220 Insert balance display 230 Valid indicator lamp 400 Game board control device 500 Ball rental control device 600 Emission control device 700 Hall management device 800 Card management device 900 Signal processing equipment

Claims (3)

[Claims] [Claim 1] Consisting of a pachinko game machine equipped with a ball ejecting device capable of ejecting an arbitrary number of game balls, and a ball lending machine that has a built-in card reader and is in one-to-one correspondence with the pachinko game machine, The amount data of the card inserted into the card reader is converted into ball number data based on a signal from the conversion command means provided in the pachinko game machine or ball rental machine, and the number of games corresponding to the ball number data is played. In a card-type pachinko gaming system configured to be able to directly discharge balls from the ball ejecting device to a supply tray of a pachinko game machine, the supply tray is provided with one or more game ball detection means, and the detection means is provided with one or more game ball detection means. It recognizes that the number of game balls on the supply tray has decreased based on the signal from the card, converts a part of the amount data of the card into number data, and distributes the number of game balls according to the number of balls data to the above ball. A card-type pachinko game system characterized by being provided with a control means having an automatic additional conversion function for ejecting the card from the ejecting device. 2. The automatic additional conversion function by the control means is configured to be restricted or canceled under predetermined conditions based on a signal from the game ball detection means or a status signal from a game control device. The card-type pachinko game system according to claim 1, characterized in that: 3. The card-type pachinko game system according to claim 2, further comprising instruction means for externally specifying whether or not the automatic addition/conversion function by the control means is enabled/disabled.