JPH0523425A - Ball discharge controller of pinball machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate such illegality as utilizes a signal return by sending continuously the set number of prize balls at the time when a holding ball in a prize-winning ball discharge mechanism is detected, discharging a prize-winning ball by one piece each, whenever prize ball discharge is finished, and stopping data transmission at the time when it is detected that there is no ball. CONSTITUTION:When it is detected that there is a ball by a prize-winning ball detecting means A in a prize-winning ball discharge mechanism, the set number of prize balls is converted to serial data by a data transmission control means B and sent continuously together with a synchronizing signal. Based on these input signals, the number of prize balls is read by a data reception control means C, a ball. discharge device is controlled in accordance with the number of prize balls by a discharge control means D, and a discharge mechanism is controlled so that a prize-winning ball is discharged by one piece each, whenever discharge of the prize ball is finished by a prize-winning ball discharge control means E. When it is detected that there is no ball by the prize-winning ball detecting means A, the data transmission is stopped by a transmission finishing means F. Accordingly, there is no room at all for committing illegality by utilizing a return of a signal to a control unit, and high reliability for giving and receiving a signal is obtained.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ball ejection control device for a pachinko machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a ball discharging device for a pachinko machine, a ball is ejected from the prize ball tank on the back side of the pachinko machine to a supply tray of the hitting ball launching device on the front side and a catch tray for the prize ball in the middle of the discharge trough. There is provided a stopper means for restricting the flow-down of the above, and when the discharge request is generated, it is opened only for the operation time corresponding to the number of requests.

In this case, the control unit of the game board is provided with data for the number of discharged prize balls determined in advance for each prize hole for the prize of the game ball. For example, when the prize of the game ball to a prize hole is detected, this is detected. Once the number of prize balls is stored in memory, the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize hole is obtained from the number data of discharged prize balls, and the signal of the number of prize balls is transmitted to the control unit of the ball discharging device through a parallel line.

When the control unit of the ball discharging device receives the prize ball number signal, it controls the operation of the stopper means so as to discharge the prize balls according to the requested number, and pays out the winning balls at the end of the discharge. The discharge completion signal of the required number of prize balls is returned to the control unit of the game board through the same parallel line.
Further, when the prize ball number signal cannot be normally received due to the influence of noise or the like, a retransmission request signal requesting retransmission of data is also transmitted through the parallel line.

[0005]

However, the control unit of the game board has an important function of controlling the operation of the electric accessory of the game board, in addition to the function of controlling the discharge command of the prize ball based on the winning of the game ball. As described above, the control system that frequently sends and receives signals to and from the control unit of the ball ejection device uses the return of the signal from the control unit of the ball ejection device to drive the electric role. Fraud that invites malfunction of objects, for example, when a player uses an electronic writer to discharge to the metal part of a pachinko machine, the generated noise may cause the accessory control to malfunction, or the game store side may play the opposite. There is also a possibility that the person may perform disadvantageous control of the role.

[0006] In addition, the parallel line requires a line corresponding to the number of transmitted data (types of winning different in the number of prize balls),
The more lines you have, the easier it is to pick up noise.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, the present invention has a high reliability by connecting the control unit of the game board and the control unit of the ball discharging device by one-way communication means. The purpose is to obtain ball emission control.

[0008]

Therefore, according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the winning ball detecting means A for detecting a waiting ball in the winning ball payout mechanism and the number of winning balls set when the presence of the ball is detected as serial data. Data transmission control means B for converting the data into serial data and continuously transmitting them together with the synchronization signal, and data reception control means C for reading the number of prize balls from the serial data based on these input signals.
And a discharge control means D for controlling the operation of the ball discharging device according to the number of prize balls in the read data, and a winning mechanism for controlling the operation of the payout mechanism so as to discharge one winning ball each time the discharging of the prize balls is completed. A ball payout control means E and a transmission terminating means F for stopping the data transmission when the winning ball detection means detects the absence of a ball are provided.

[0009]

[Function] All winning balls on the game board are guided to the winning ball payout mechanism on the back side, and when the winning ball detection means detects the presence of the waiting ball in the payout mechanism on the gaming board side, the set winning ball number is serialized. Converted to and transmitted in sync with the sync signal.

On the side of the ball discharging device, the number of prize balls is read from the serial data in synchronization with the synchronizing signals based on these input signals, and the discharge of the number of prize balls according to the read data is controlled, and at the end of discharging the prize balls. The payout process for winning balls is performed.

On the game board side, when one of the waiting balls in the payout ball payout mechanism is discharged, the data transmission is stopped when the absence of the winning ball is detected.

Therefore, the control unit of the ball discharging device only receives the continuous transmission of the prize ball data from the control unit of the game board, and dares to send the data resend request signal even when a part of the data cannot be received normally. Since there is no need and the end signal of the discharge process corresponding to the received data is not returned, there is no room for fraud by using the return of these signals to the control unit of the game board. Also, since the serial communication is used to transmit the prize ball data to the control unit of the ball discharging device, even if the number of prize ball data is increased, it is possible to easily cope with the increase without increasing the number of lines. Furthermore, since the same prize ball data is repeatedly converted into serial data for continuous transmission, high reliability of signal transfer can be obtained.

[0013]

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front side of a pachinko machine 1. On the right side (left side in the figure) of the pachinko machine 1, a card-type ball lending machine 2 dedicated to the machine is attached. Front frame 3 of the pachinko machine 1
In the upper part of the cover glass 4 that covers the front surface of the game board (not shown), a discharge indicator lamp 5 for prize balls, etc.,
Below the table, there are provided a pachinko ball supply tray 6 and a receiving tray 7, and an operating section 8 of a ball striking device for ejecting one pachinko ball from the supply tray 6 one by one.

On the cut surface of the outer periphery of the supply tray 6, a balance indicator 9 to be read from the inserted card of the ball lending machine 2, a ball lending button 10 for prompting the discharge of the ball, and a card return button 11 for instructing the return of the card. And a button operation enable indicator 12 that lights up when the operation of these buttons 10 and 11 is enabled
Are placed. The ball lending machine 2 has a magnetic card insertion portion 13
A (reader), a reader operation indicator LED 14 that lights up when a card is inserted, and a confirmation indicator lamp 15 that lights up when the ball lending machine 2 is normal.

When the ball lending button 10 is pushed with the card inserted in the insertion portion 13 of the ball lending machine 2, a predetermined number of lending balls will be described later for each turn-on of the button 10 within the balance of the card. When the card is returned to the tray 6 or the tray 7 through the ball ejecting device and the card return button 11 is pressed, the inserted card of the ball lending machine 2 is ejected. In addition, a discharge ball number indicator 16 is provided on the mounting panel of the supply tray 6 to display the number of balls to be rented and the prize balls to be discharged. Reference numeral 17 is a display conversion button for switching the balance of the inserted card to a frequency display in units of the minimum ball lending conversion amount (for example, 100 yen) and an amount display including a digit less than 1 frequency.

Here, the cover glass 4 is openably and closably attached to the front frame 3 via a glass frame, and the front frame 3 is also hinged to the machine frame 18. The game board is detachably mounted in the frame of the front frame 3.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, on the back surface of the front frame 3, a ball discharging device 20 is arranged from the upper part to the right side and the lower part, and a winning ball processing device 22 is arranged below the frame 21.
On the lower right side of the rear surface of the front frame 3, a hitting ball launching device 23 including a ball feeding mechanism, a launch lever, a motor and the like is attached.

The winning ball processing device 22 processes winning balls from the collecting gutter on the back surface of the game board, and has a guide gutter 24 connected to the collecting gutter, a straightening gutter 25 continuous to the guiding gutter 24, and a straightening gutter 25. It is composed of a continuous outflow gutter 26, a stopper mechanism 27 installed in the rectifying gutter 25, and a winning ball detector 28. These gutters 24 to 26 have a gradual difference, but are formed in a downward slope that promotes the natural flow of the winning ball.

The stopper mechanism 27 (discharging mechanism) is, as shown in FIG. 5, two locking claws 30a, 30b which enter the trough 25 from the side of the flow straightening gutter 25 to restrict the flow of the winning ball, and a locking claw. A solenoid 31 is provided as a driving unit for driving 30a and 30b.

The locking claw 30a is formed in a hook shape, and the detector 2
It is swingably supported via a support shaft 32 on the side of the downstream side of 8. The tip of the claw 30a is formed on an arc-shaped sphere blocking surface that coincides with the swing locus, and the solenoid 31 is pin-connected in the vicinity thereof (position offset with respect to the support shaft 32).
The locking claw 30b is formed in a semicircular shape having an engaging portion with the outer periphery of the locking claw 30a at the rear part, and is swingably supported via a support shaft 33 obliquely above the locking claw 30a. The tip end of the claw 30b is formed on an arc-shaped sphere blocking surface that matches the swing locus, and a weight 34 that urges in the opening direction is attached to the rear end side of the support shaft 33.

The side walls of the straightening gutter 25 have locking claws 30a, 30.
A slit corresponding to b is formed, and the interval between the slits is set so that only one winning ball is sandwiched between the engaging claws 30a and 30b when the engaging claws 30a and 30b enter.

In the non-energized state of the solenoid 31, FIG.
As shown in (A), while the locking claw 30a enters the straightening gutter 25, the locking claw 30b retracts from the gutter 25 by the weight 34, and the winning ball in the gutter 25 is moved by the ball blocking surface of the locking claw 30a. It is prevented from flowing down. When the solenoid 31 is energized from this state, the locking claw 30a moves to the gutter 2 as shown in FIG.
5, the locking claw 30b is pushed toward the entrance side, and thereby the leading prize ball in the gutter 25 is released from the locking claw 30a, while the subsequent winning ball is locked by the locking claw 30b. Downflow is blocked by the ball blocking surface.

When the solenoid 31 is de-energized, the return spring 35 urges the locking claw 30.
a returns to the initial state and enters the gutter 25, while the locking claw 30b is retracted from the gutter 25 by the weight 34 accordingly, and the subsequent winning ball rolls down to the locking claw 30a and is prevented from flowing down.

The prize ball detector 28 is installed in a storage unit 36 formed integrally with the gutter 25 in the middle of the upper and lower slits of the rectifying gutter 25. If there is a prize ball in the detector 28, an ON signal is output, and if there is no prize ball, an OFF signal is output. Is output.

The ball discharging device 20 is for discharging prize balls based on winning in each winning opening of the game board and renting balls based on a command from the ball lending machine 2. The prize ball tank 40 that stores the pachinko balls, the discharge trough 42 that guides the pachinko balls from the tank 40 to the front side supply tray 6 and the receiving tray 7, and the stopper mechanism that regulates the flow of the balls on the upstream side of the discharge trough 42. 41 and the like.

An opening facing the upstream part of the guide gutter 43 is formed at the bottom of the inclined bottom wall of the prize ball tank 40, and the downstream side of the guide gutter 43 is connected to the upper part of the discharge gutter 42. The guide gutter 43 flows down the pachinko balls from the prize ball tank 40 while rectifying the pachinko balls into two rows, and a ball retaining device 44 also serving as a ball arranging is arranged on the downstream side of the gutter 43.

The ball retaining device 44 is provided with a warp plate which is rotatably supported by a support shaft installed on the gutter 43. Normally, the warp plate is a pachinko ball that flows down in the gutter 43 under the weight of the tip side. While descending like a cover to prevent overlapping of balls,
When the pachinko ball is inspected for maintenance or when it breaks down, it is held by spring force when it is raised almost upright, and this time the rear end of the warp plate penetrates into the gutter 43 and blocks the flow of the pachinko ball. There is. A part of the bottom wall of the guide trough 43 is composed of a movable plate that oscillates with the weight of the sphere immediately downstream of the ball retaining position of the warp plate, and a detector 45 that detects the severing of the sphere from the oscillation of the movable plate.
Is provided.

The discharge gutter 42 is formed so that the upstream side corresponds to the guide gutter 43 in two parallel paths, and the downstream side is a joint path connected to these. Introductory gutter 4 connected to the parallel gutter 43
6, a rectifying gutter 48 continuous to the introduction gutter 46 via a U-turn path 47, and an inclined gutter 49 having a predetermined angle for opening the rectifying gutter 48 in a joint flow path. A stopper mechanism 41 is installed in the inclined gutter 49. To be done.

The joint channel is a meandering trough 50 for reducing the falling speed of the discharge balls from the parallel path, and a distribution trough 5 continuous to the meandering trough 50.
1, the outlet 52 is formed on the upstream side of the distribution gutter 51 and connected to the supply tray 6 on the front of the pachinko machine 1. Distribution gutter 51
The downstream side of the same is through the gently inclined trough 53 and also the saucer 7
Connected to. A movable wall 54 that is tilted by the pressing force when the inside of the gutter 51 is filled with the discharge balls is provided on the gutter wall directly below the outlet 52 of the distribution gutter 51, and the tilting of the movable wall 54 causes the overflow of the discharge balls in the gutter 51. A detector 55 for detecting the state is installed. 56 is a bell that hits the discharge ball and emits a bell.

The stopper mechanism 41 (discharging mechanism) is, as shown in FIG. 6, a pair of locking members 60a and 60b capable of moving forward and backward in the parallel path of the slant gutter 49, and solenoids 61a and 61b for respectively moving them forward and backward. Etc. The locking members 60a and 60b are formed in a fan shape, and are swingably supported by a support shaft 62 on the downstream side of the gutter through its main part. The outer circumferences of the locking members 60a and 60b are formed into arc-shaped sphere blocking surfaces that coincide with the swing locus, and links 63 are provided in the vicinity thereof (positions offset with respect to the support shaft 62).
The solenoids 61a and 61b are pin-coupled via a and 63b.

Locking members 60a, 6 are provided on the side walls of the slant gutter 49.
A slit corresponding to 0b is formed. The positional relationship of the locking members 60a and 60b and the slit with respect to the gutter 49 is set such that two pachinko balls are arranged in the gutter 49 when the locking members 60a and 60b enter.

When the solenoids 61a and 61b are in the non-energized state, the locking members 60a and 60b enter into the inclined trough 49, and the ball blocking surface thereof regulates the flow of the pachinko ball. When the solenoids 61a and 61b are energized from this state, the locking members 60a and 60b retract from the trough 49 via the links 63a and 63b, allowing the pachinko balls to flow down. When the energization of the solenoids 61a and 61b is cut off,
The locking members 60a and 60b are returned to the initial state by the urging force of the return springs 64a and 64b, enter the trough 49, and regulate the downward flow of the pachinko ball again.

The detector 65 detects the prize ball in the parallel road.
The a and 65b are installed in the accommodating portion 66 integrally formed with the slant gutter 49 at a position that encloses substantially the center of the second pachinko ball following the head when the locking members 60a and 60b are in the entry state, and is used for discharging the prize ball Along with this, an on / off signal is output.

In the confluent channel of the discharge gutter 42, a ball discharge gutter 67 is formed so as to branch from the lower part of the meandering gutter 50 as shown in FIG. 4, and an opening / closing door 68 is arranged at the branch part. Door 68
Is driven by a solenoid (not shown) to shut off the ball draining gutter 67 in the closed state, while connecting the ball draining gutter 67 to the meandering gutter 50 and shutting off the downstream side of the meandering gutter 50 when opened. There is. The pachinko balls that flow down the ball removal gutter 67 are discharged to a collection gutter (not shown) at the rear of the pachinko machine, like the payout winning balls of the winning ball processing device 22 and the out balls from the out ball deriving gutter 69. .

Here, the game board 70 attached to the front frame 3 of the pachinko machine 1 has a guide rail 71 as shown in FIG.
Around the center of the game area surrounded by
A variable display device 72 that variably displays 9) and a variable winning device 73 (electric accessory) that can be converted into an open state in which a game ball can be easily received are provided below the variable display device 72.

A first specific winning opening 74 is provided between the variable display device 72 and the variable winning device 73, and the variable winning device 73 is also provided.
Second specific winning openings 75 are arranged on the left and right sides of the, and detectors 76 and 77 for detecting winning balls are installed on these specific winning openings 74 and 75, respectively. Reference numeral 78 is a general winning opening on the left and right of the upper part of the game area, and 79 is a general winning opening on the left and right of the same (providing mechanically operating opening and closing blades, which are converted into a closed state and an open state for each winning of the game ball).

When the pachinko ball is launched into the game area and the first specific winning opening 74 is won, the variable display 7 is displayed.
2 display conversion, the special game right is generated when the combination of these display symbols at the time of stop is a specific jackpot mode, and another game ball is the second while the right of the special game is generated.
When the specific winning opening 75 is won, the variable winning device 73 is converted into an open state so that a special game with a high winning rate can be played. In addition, all the winning balls enter the collecting gutter on the back side of the game board 70 and are guided to the winning ball processing device 22 therebelow.

In this case, for example, the number of prize balls is set to be different for the first specific winning, the second specific winning, and the general winning including the winning in the variable winning apparatus 73.

FIG. 8 shows a block configuration of the entire control system of the pachinko machine 1, 100 is a control unit of the game board 70, 200 is a control unit of the ball discharging device 20, and 300 is a control unit of the ball lending machine 2. is there.

The control unit 100 of the game board is the game board 70
Based on the signals from the first and second specific winning detectors 76, 77 and various detectors (such as the winning counter of the variable winning device 73) and the winning ball detector 28 of the winning ball processing device 22, the game board 70. Variable display 72 and variable winning device 7
It controls the operation of 3 and the output of the award ball number signal for the winning of the game balls.

The control unit 200 of the ball discharging device receives the number of prize balls from the control unit 100 of the game board or the discharge request signal of the rental ball from the control unit 300 of the ball lending machine, and the discharge ball detectors 65a and 65b. It controls the ejection of pachinko balls based on the signal of.

The control unit 300 of the ball lending machine comprises a card reader control device 301 and a ball lending control device 302. When the ball lending button 10 is pressed, a predetermined number of buttons are turned on once within the balance of the inserted card. Commanding the discharge of the loaned ball, and controlling the subtraction process of the card balance frequency at the end of the discharge.

Here, the block configuration in the control unit 100 of the game board is shown in FIG. The accessory control means 101 is the first
The display conversion of the variable display device 72 is controlled based on the detection of the specific winning prize, and it is determined whether or not the combination of the display symbols at the time of the stop is a specific jackpot mode, and the special game right is generated when the jackpot is determined. On the other hand, while the right is generated, the variable winning device 73 is opened on the basis of the detection of the second specific winning, and is controlled to be closed when a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number of winnings of the game balls are detected, so that the fluctuation. Even if the number of operations of the winning device 73 does not reach the specified value, the second
When the number of times of detection of the specific winning prize reaches a predetermined number, or when it is determined that the combination mode of the stop symbols of the variable display device 72 is a big hit, the generated right disappears.

In order to instruct the discharge of the number of prize balls different between the first specific winning, the second specific winning, and the general winning including the winning in the variable winning device 73, the first and second specific winnings. First and second specific prize counting means 1 for storing the numbers respectively
02, 103 and the winning ball detector 2 of the winning ball processing device 22
Emission priority control means 10 for instructing the discharge of the number of prize balls of the first priority at that time in accordance with a priority order determined in advance according to the presence or absence of the specific winning memory when the presence of eight balls is detected.
4, the prize ball data determining means 105 for determining the number of discharged prize balls in the transmitted data upon receiving the discharge command of the first priority when detecting the presence of a ball by the prize ball detector, the prize ball data transmission control means 106 and the like. It is provided.

In this case, if there are first and second specific winning prize memories, the number of prize balls for the first specific winning prize is sequentially determined as prize ball data, and there is no second specific winning prize memory. When only 28 balls are detected, the number of prize balls for the general prize is determined as prize ball data. In addition,
Although it is the number of prize balls set for each winning opening, the stopper mechanism 41 of FIG. 6 cannot detect the first discharged ball by the detectors 65a, 65b from the positional relationship with the locking members 60a, 60b, so subtract that amount in advance. Is set.

The first and second specific prize counting means 10
2 and 103 are prize-winning ball detectors 2 associated with payout of prize-winning balls each time the discharging process corresponding to the winning prize memory is completed.
In response to the detection of no ball, the count value of the winning memory is subtracted (-1).

The prize ball data transmission control means 106 and the synchronization signal generating means 108 for generating a data set / read timing signal (clock pulse) of the number of prize balls based on the reset pulse of the accessory control system as shown in FIG. , Transmission interval control means 109 for outputting a clock control pulse for spacing a predetermined interval (for example, for one character) between transmission data, and repeating prize ball number data as serial data in synchronization with these pulse signals. The serial conversion control means 110 for converting the serial data is sent continuously along with the synchronization signal while the winning ball detector 28 detects the presence of a ball, and the winning detector 28 detects the absence of the ball. The data transmission process ends.

The winning sphere detection signal dividing means 111 divides the detection signal (on / off signal) with or without a sphere from the winning sphere detector 28 into the transmitting side and the receiving side of the winning sphere data and inputs it. 11 shows its specific circuit configuration. In this example, the output level of the signal to the receiving side, that is, the control unit 200 of the ball discharging device is amplified.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a control unit 200 of the ball discharging device.
To 112 for transmitting the winning ball detection signal, the number of prize balls data (serial data) and its synchronization signal, 112 is a transmission means for transmitting game sound data corresponding to the game situation from the accessory control means 101 ( Driver).

Further, FIG. 12 shows the block structure in the control unit 200 of the ball discharging device, in addition to the receiving means 201, 202 (receiver) corresponding to the transmitting means 107, 112 of the control unit 100 of the game board, respectively. To
A means 203 (receiver) for receiving a discharge request signal of a loan ball and a discharge operation signal thereof from the control unit 300 of the ball lending machine, and a means 204 for sending a discharge processing enable signal of the loan ball and a discharge end signal thereof to the control unit 300 as well.
(Driver).

The prize ball number data reception control means 205 is used when a request for discharging prize balls is generated (when the prize ball detector 28 detects the presence of a ball).
Then, the number of prize balls is read from the received data (serial data) in accordance with the synchronization signal, and a discharge process is instructed. When the discharge request signal from the ball lending machine 2 is received, the number-of-lending-balls storage means 206 outputs predetermined number-of-lending-balls data. Then, these pieces of emission number data are input to the emission control means 208 via the emission priority control means 207 which performs priority control of the emission processing (priority is given to the discharge of the lending balls except when the prize balls are being discharged). The discharge priority control means 2
07 outputs a control sound (discharging sound) command for distinguishing the discharge of a prize ball and a loan ball together with the discharge number data.

The discharge control means 208 controls the discharge of the pachinko balls based on the input data from the prize ball number data reception control means 205 or the discharged number storage means 206 of the rented balls, and the ball discharge device 20 at the time of discharging the prize balls. Solenoid 6
1a and 61b are driven, and the number of discharges is counted based on the signals from the detectors 65a and 65b, and when the number reaches the required number, the driving of the solenoids 61a and 61b is stopped. Further, the payout command of the winning ball is output at the end of the discharge of the winning ball, whereby the payout control means 20 for the winning ball is output.
9 is a winning ball processing device 2 based on the signal from the detector 28
The solenoid 31 is controlled so as to eject one winning ball of 2.

Similarly, at the time of discharging the lending balls, the driving of the solenoids 61a and 61b of the ball discharging device is controlled according to the requested number, and at the end of the discharging, the control unit 3 of the ball lending machine.
The discharge end signal for instructing the subtraction processing of the card balance frequency is output to 00.

The discharge control means 208 controls the operation of the discharge ball number indicator 16 on the front of the pachinko machine 1 in accordance with the discharge of the prize balls and the lending balls, and further controls the lighting of the display lamp 5 during the discharge of the prize balls. The solenoid 61 of the ball discharging device 20
Depending on the number of discharge requests, it is preferable to perform sequential discharge control from only one side locking member 60a or 60b or simultaneous simultaneous discharge control from both side locking members 60a and 60b.

The control sound storage means 210 stores data such as discharge sounds and error sounds of prize balls and rental balls.
The control sound data corresponding to the discharge distinction signal from the discharge priority control means 207 and the reception error signal from the reception monitoring means 211 are output. The reception monitoring means 211 monitors the reception of prize ball data from the control unit 100 of the game board, and when the detection of the presence of a ball from the prize ball detector 28 is received, the prize ball number data is obtained within a predetermined time from that point. Reception control means 2
When no reception completion signal is input from 05, a reception error signal is output. The sound priority control means 212 is effect sound data from the control unit 100 of the game board and the control sound storage means 21.
Priority processing with control sound data from 0 (priority is given to processing of discharge sound data) is performed, and driving of the speaker 214 is controlled via the sound effect generating means 213. The reception error signal is also input to the discharge control means 208, and the discharge display lamp 5 of the prize ball is turned on during the reception error. Reference numeral 215 denotes an amplifying means for amplifying the output to the speaker 214.

Further, the prize ball number data reception control means 205
13 is a data read control means 216 for reading the number of prize balls from the received data (serial data) from the control unit 100 of the game board as shown in FIG. (3) received data storage means 217 to 219 and data contents (number of prize balls) of these storage means 217 to 219 are compared, and if the same data content continues for a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times), prize ball data is received. The winning ball detector 2 comprises a reception data determining means 220 for outputting the award ball number data together with the completion signal.
When the absence of the sphere 8 is detected, the storage of received data is cleared.

In FIG. 3, the control unit 10 of the game board
0 is on the back of the collecting gutter, and the control unit 20 of the discharge device.
0s are attached to the back surface of the front frame 3, and these are connected by a serial line or the like. 80 is the discharging device 2
0 control unit 200 and ball lending machine 2 control unit 3
It is a relay board such as a signal line connecting 00.

Next, the discharge control of prize balls will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 14 shows the main flow of the control unit 100 side of the game board, and when the first or second specific prize detectors 76, 77 detect the prize of the game ball, the respective prize memory is added (+1) ( 1.01-1.04). When the winning ball detector 28 detects that there is a ball, the process of starting the number of winning balls is followed by the transmission start process (1.10 to 1.12). When the winning ball detector 28 detects the absence of a ball, the process proceeds to the ending process of the transmission, and if the sending process at that time is based on the winning memory, it corresponds to the process. The subtraction process (-1) for winning memory is performed (1.05 to 1.0)
9).

The determination processing of the number of award balls is carried out when the award ball detector 28 detects the presence of a ball, as shown in FIG. If there is no prize memory and there is a second specific prize memory, the number of prize balls for the second specific prize is determined, and if there is no first and second specific prize memory, the number of prize balls for the general prize is determined as prize ball data. (2.01 to 2.05).

When the number of prize balls is converted into 4-bit (D3 to D0) serial data as shown in FIG. 16, the transmission start process outputs the data set of D3 at the same time when the number of prize balls is determined and the accessory Clears the reset counter of the control system reset pulse and the clock counter of the data set read clock pulse (3.01 to 3.0).
3).

In the prize ball data transmission processing, the reset counter is activated after the transmission start processing is completed as shown in FIG. 17, and when the reset counter becomes “2”, the reset counter is cleared and the clock counter is activated at the same time (4. 01-4.04). When the clock counter is 8 or less, the clock output is inverted, and when the clock counter is "2", "4", "6", the data sets of D2, D1, and D0 are output (4.05).
~ 4.12). When the clock counter becomes "8", the data output is fixed to "H" and the transmission data interval is separated by one character. When the clock counter becomes "16", the clock counter is cleared and the D3 data set is output at the same time. (4.13 to 4.17), the transmission operation of the prize ball number data is repeated until the winning ball detector detects no ball.

In the process of ending the transmission of the prize ball data, both the clock output and the data output are fixed to "H" as shown in FIG. 18 when the winning ball detector 28 detects no ball (5.01, 5.0).
2).

In the subtraction process of the winning prize memory, when the winning ball detector 28 detects that there is no ball, when the winning ball data is the number of winning balls for the first specified winning prize, the first specified winning memory is stored. Similarly, when the number of prize balls for the second specific prize is reached, the second specific prize memory is subtracted (-1) (6.0).
1-6.04).

FIG. 20 shows a control unit 200 of the ball discharging device.
The main flow on the side is shown. First, the discharge request signal from the ball lending machine 2 is read, and then the winning ball detector 28 detects the presence of a ball.
The process of reading the prize ball data from (7.05 to 7.
07). Then, when the rented balls are discharged, the rented balls are discharged, and when the prize balls are discharged, the prize balls are discharged (7.01 to 7.04).

In the process of reading the prize ball data, the reception counter is incremented (+1) while sequentially reading the serial data D3 to D0 in synchronization with the falling edge of the clock as shown in FIG.
Then, these data are stored in the bit position corresponding to the reception counter in the storage unit corresponding to the storage counter (8.01 to 8.04). When the reception counter is "5", that is, when the storage of the data D3 to D0 in one storage unit is completed, the reception counter is returned to "1" and the storage counter is incremented (+1). When the data contents of the storage units corresponding to the storage counters 1 and 2 are the same and the data contents of the storage units corresponding to the storage counters 1 and 3 are the same, the award is made. The discharging process according to the number of balls is started (8.05 to 8.12). When the storage counter is 4, the storage counter is returned to "1" (8.09).

The prize ball discharge processing is to control the operation of the discharge solenoids 61a and 61b while counting the on / off signals of the discharge ball detectors 65a and 65b according to the number of discharge requests, and as shown in FIG. When the discharging is completed, the payout ball payout solenoid 31 is turned on (9.05 to 9.
07). Along with this, one winning ball is discharged, and when the winning ball detector 28 detects that there is no ball, the payout solenoid 31 for the winning ball is turned off, all received data memory is cleared, and the receiving counter is set to "1". To "" (9.01 to 9.04).

FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing an example of the data reading process similar to the prize ball data transmission start and transmission process. In the control unit 100 of the game board, a clock pulse having a 1/2 frequency of the reset pulse is generated with the start of transmission. In serial conversion of prize ball data, the output of D3 at the start of transmission is "2" of the clock counter,
The outputs of D2, D1 and D0 are set in data in synchronization with "4" and "6", respectively. Clock counter is "1"
When it becomes 6 ", it is cleared, and the data output between" 8 "and" 16 "is" H ", that is, no data is set, and at the same time when the clock counter is cleared, the same data is set again from the output of D3, This data set is repeated until the end processing of transmission, for example, 1 prize ball.
In the three data sets, the output of D3 is high, the output of D2 is high, the output of D1 is low, and the output of D0 is high.

In the control unit 200 of the ball discharging device, the received data is read at the falling edge thereof in synchronization with the clock pulse, and these data are stored in the bit position corresponding to the receiving counter in the storage section corresponding to the storing counter. It Then, the number of discharged prize balls is determined when the data contents of each storage unit (in this case, the data read of 13 prize balls is illustrated) are all the same. Note that the storage unit corresponding to the storage counter 3 is omitted in the drawing for convenience.

Next, the overall operation will be described. Game board 7
When a game ball is won in each of the 0 winning holes 73 to 75, 78, 79, all of the winning balls enter the collecting gutter on the back side of the game board 70, are guided to the winning ball processing device 22 therebelow, and the stopper mechanism 27. Then the flow is stopped once.

In the control unit 100 of the game board, when the winning ball detector 28 detects that there is a ball, a prize determined in advance for each winning opening depending on whether or not the first and second winning detectors 76 and 77 are on-memorized. Prize ball data is determined according to a predetermined priority from the number of balls, the prize ball data is converted into serial data, and the data is continuously sent together with a synchronization signal.

In the control unit 200 of the ball discharging device, the number of prize balls is read from the received data in accordance with the synchronization signal, and the solenoids 61a and 61b are opened to open the stopper mechanism 41 of the ball discharging device 20 for the operating time corresponding to the read data.
To control. In that case, the stopper mechanism 41 is converted to an open state by turning on the solenoids 61a and 61b, and the count value of the discharged balls (pachinko balls flowing down in the gutter) detected by the prize ball detectors 65a and 65b becomes the required number. When you reach
When the solenoids 61a and 61b are turned off, they are returned to the closed state. Further, when the discharge of the prize balls is completed, a payout command of the prize balls is output, and when the solenoid 31 of the prize ball processing device 22 is turned on / off once by this,
One winning ball is discharged from the stopper mechanism 27.

In the control unit 100 of the game board, when the detector 28 detects the absence of a ball in association with the payout of the winning ball, the transmission of the prize ball data is stopped in response to the detection.
The winning memory corresponding to the discharging process is subtracted, and when the detector 28 detects the presence of a ball by the next winning ball, a request for discharging the winning ball is generated again.

The solenoid 61 of the ball discharging device 20
a and 61b, the solenoids 61a and 61b on both sides are operated when the number of balls is large, and only the solenoid 61a or 61b on one side is operated when the number is small, that is, the combined discharge and the alternate discharge are selectively performed according to the number of balls. It is good to

Thus, the control unit 2 of the ball discharging device
00 only receives continuous transmission of prize ball data from the control unit 100 of the game board, and does not need to send a data resend request signal even when a part of the data cannot be received normally, and corresponds to the received data. Since the end signal of the discharging process to be performed is not returned, there is no room for trying to act illegally by utilizing the return of these signals to the control unit 100 of the game board. Moreover, since serial communication is used to transmit the prize ball data to the control unit 200 of the ball discharging device, it is not necessary to increase the number of lines even if the number of prize ball data (the type of winning different in the number of prize balls) increases. Since it is easy to deal with it, and a single serial line is sufficient, it is effective in terms of noise suppression.

The control unit 100 of the game board continuously sends the prize ball data at a predetermined interval, while the control unit 200 of the ball discharging device reads the prize ball data and compares the data contents to compare the same data. Since the number of prize balls to be discharged is determined on the condition that a predetermined number of times is continuously set, accurate discharge processing of the number of prize balls can be performed even if some of the transmitted data may be disturbed due to noise or the like. Can be secured.

Furthermore, a prize ball discharge request is generated by the detection of the ball by the prize ball detector 28, and the process of ending the transmission of the prize ball data and the process of subtracting the prize memory are performed by detecting the absence of the ball accompanying the payout of the prize ball. Since this is done, it is not necessary to provide a separate command means for these processes, and the end of discharge of prize balls can be accurately grasped.

When a request for discharging a loaned ball is generated based on a command from the control unit 300 of the ball lending machine, the control unit 200 of the ball discharging device causes the solenoids 61a and 61b to operate in the same manner as above based on the discharge number data of the loaned ball. Therefore, the set number of lent balls is discharged through the stopper mechanism 41. By pushing the ball lending button 10 on the front of the pachinko machine 1, the lending balls can be repeatedly discharged within the range of the balance frequency of the insertion card.

[0078]

As described above, according to the present invention, a winning ball detecting means for detecting a waiting ball in the winning ball payout mechanism, and a synchronization signal by converting the set number of winning balls into serial data when the presence of the ball is detected. And data transmission control means for continuously transmitting the data, data reception control means for reading the number of prize balls from the serial data based on these input signals, and controlling the operation of the ball discharging device according to the number of prize balls in the read data. Emission control means,
The winning ball payout control means for controlling the operation of the payout mechanism so as to discharge one winning ball each time the prize balls are discharged, and the transmission ending means for stopping the data transmission when the winning ball detecting means detects the absence of the ball. Therefore, the control unit on the game board side and the control unit on the ejector side can be connected by a one-way communication line, and therefore the control unit on the ejector side is connected to the prize ball data from the control unit on the game board side. Since it is not necessary to send back the data resend request signal and the discharge processing end signal just by receiving the sending, use the sending back of the signal to the control unit on the game board side to perform fraud that invites malfunction of the electric accessory Becomes impossible. Further, since the prize ball data is serially converted and continuously transmitted, high reliability of signal transmission / reception can be obtained, and an increase in the number of prize ball data can be easily dealt with.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pachinko machine front side.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway rear view of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an operating state of a stopper mechanism of the winning ball processing device.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a stopper mechanism of the ball discharging device.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the game board.

FIG. 8 is a block configuration diagram of an entire control system.

FIG. 9 is a block configuration diagram in the control unit of the game board.

FIG. 10 is a block configuration diagram in a prize ball data transmission control means.

FIG. 11 is a circuit configuration diagram of a winning ball detection signal dividing unit.

FIG. 12 is a block configuration diagram in a control unit of the ball discharging device.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the award ball data receiving means.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating control content.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating control content.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating control content.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating control content.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating control content.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating control content.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating control content.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating control content.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating control content.

FIG. 23 is a timing chart illustrating an example of a control operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

20 ball discharge device 22 Prize Ball Processing Device 28 Prize Ball Detector 31 prize ball payout solenoid 61a, 61b Ball discharge solenoid 65a, 65b discharge ball detector 76 First specific prize detector 77 Second specific prize detector 100 game board control unit 102 First Specific Winning Counting Means 103 Second Specific Prize Counting Means 105 Prize Ball Data Confirmation Means 106 prize ball data transmission control means 111 winning ball detection signal dividing means 200 Ball Ejector Control Unit 205 Award ball data reception control means 208 Emission control means 209 winning ball payout control means

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A winning ball detecting means for detecting a waiting ball in a winning ball payout mechanism, and a data transmission control for converting a set number of winning balls into serial data when the presence of the ball is detected and transmitting the serial data together with a synchronization signal. Means, data reception control means for reading the number of prize balls from serial data based on these input signals, discharge control means for controlling the operation of the ball discharge device according to the number of prize balls in the read data, and discharge of prize balls It is characterized by comprising a winning ball payout control means for controlling the operation of the payout mechanism so that one winning ball is discharged at each end, and a transmission ending means for stopping the data transmission when the winning ball detection means detects the absence of a ball. Ball emission control device for pachinko machines. 2. The data transmission control means includes a synchronization signal generating means for generating a timing signal for data set / read of the number of prize balls, and a serial conversion control means for converting the prize ball data into serial data according to the synchronization signal. 2. The ball ejection control device for a pachinko machine according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission interval control unit that sets a predetermined interval between the continuous transmission data. 3. The data reception control means compares the contents of the stored data with the data read control means for reading the number of prize balls from the serial data in accordance with the synchronization signal, the received data storage means for storing the read data, and the same data. 3. The ball ejection control device for a pachinko machine according to claim 1, further comprising: an ejected ball number determining means for determining the data as the number of ejected prize balls when the number of consecutive times is determined. 4. A winning detection means for detecting a winning of a game ball, a winning storage means for counting the number of winnings, and a plurality of set winning balls depending on whether or not the winning memory is detected by the winning ball detecting means. The number-of-prize determining means for selectively determining the number of prize-winning balls to be discharged is provided, and the memory subtracting means for deducting the prize-winning memory corresponding to the discharge processing by the ball-less detection of the prize-winning ball detecting means accompanying the payout of the prize-winning balls is provided. The ball ejection control device for a pachinko machine according to claim 1, wherein. 5. A determination processing order control means for instructing the determination of the number of discharged prize balls in accordance with a priority determined in advance according to the presence / absence of storage in the prize storage means when the presence of the balls in the prize ball detection means is detected. The ball ejection control device for a pachinko machine according to claim 1, characterized in that. 6. The ball ejection control device for a pachinko machine according to claim 4, wherein the winning detection means detects a specific winning of the game ball.