JPH0716343A - Delivering apparatus for playing balls - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate the need for changing an existing playing ball delivery controller when an exchange is made for a game board different in the number of prize balls to be delivered. CONSTITUTION:When a prize ball demand signal from a prize ball demand sensor 10 is inputted into a controller 12 for delivering playing balls, the controller 12 for delivery outputs a query signal of how many balls are delivered to a monitor controller 28. On the other hand, the monitor controller 28 which has the number of prize balls to be delivered counted by signals from prize ball identification sensors 18, 20 and 22 transmits signals of counts to the controller 12 for delivery. The controller 12 for delivery performs a control to deliver a specified number of playing balls based on the delivery number signal received.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game ball payout device, and more particularly to a game ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of different game balls.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there have been provided pachinko machines and the like in which the number of prize balls to be paid out varies depending on which winning opening of the game board the hitting ball has entered. ing. FIG. 4 shows an example of a conventional gaming machine of this type, and a gaming controller 1 having a microcomputer for controlling a gaming operation depending on which winning opening on the gaming board surface hits a gaming controller 1. It has a ball payout controller 2 having a microcomputer for controlling the number of prize balls to be paid out depending on whether a hit ball has entered the winning opening. In general, the game controller 1 is provided on the game board A, and the ball payout controller 2 is provided on the mechanism plate B. Thus, the hit ball entering the winning opening is provided with a winning ball identification sensor (in this example, two winning ball identification sensors 3 and 4 are provided for the time being, and one winning ball identification sensor 3 is, for example, seven prizes. The number of balls hit into the winning port is detected, and the other winning ball identification sensor 4 detects, for example, the number of hit balls entering the winning port of 15 prize balls). By sending a signal to the CPU of the game controller 1, the game operation is controlled by a program built in the ROM of the controller, while the hit balls that have entered the winning port are collected by the prize ball counting sensor 5. It is detected, and the detection signal is sent to the CPU of the ball payout controller 2.

The ROM of the ball payout controller 2 stores the number of payouts to be paid out when which hit hole enters the winning opening, and the detection signal from the winning ball counting sensor 5 is stored in the ROM. When it is received, it sends an inquiry signal to the CPU of the game controller 1 to inquire which winning opening (how many winning openings are paid out). On the other hand, in the gaming controller 1, which winning port the hit ball has already entered based on the detection signal from the winning ball identification sensor 3 or 4 is stored in each winning counter of the RAM of the gaming controller 1. Therefore, by reading it, a winning ball identification signal indicating which winning hole has entered the winning opening is transmitted to the CPU of the ball payout controller 2.

In response to this, the CPU of the ball payout controller 2 reads the corresponding memory from the payout number memory area of the ROM of the ball payout controller 2, and outputs a signal of the pulse number corresponding to the payout number as the prize ball. Output to a stepping motor that rotates a sprocket that is provided in the payout passage. The stepping motor rotates a phase angle corresponding to the number of pulses, thereby rotating the sprocket, and paying out a predetermined number of prize balls successively received by the ball receiver on its peripheral surface. For example, when a hit ball enters the winning opening for paying out 7 prize balls, a stepping motor is rotated by 7 pulses to pay out 7 prize balls, and a hit hole enters for winning 15 prize balls. In this case, the stepping motor is rotated by 15 pulses and 15 prize balls are paid out. The prize ball payout mechanism itself has already been disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Nos. Sho 64-37287, Sho 64-37288, and Shokai 64.
Since it is known from Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 37289/1997, the illustration thereof is omitted here.

[0005]

However, in this type of gaming machine, the gaming board is occasionally removed from the gaming machine body and replaced in consideration of the player's tiredness and introduction of a new gaming board. In that case, the payout number of prize balls may vary depending on the game content. Then, the above-mentioned ball payout controller 2 stores a program for executing the control of the payout operation of the game balls in the game board that has been used up to now in the read-only memory (ROM). When installing, the ball payout controller 2
The ROM setting itself must be changed according to the game content of the new game board (the number of prize balls to be paid out). Therefore, not only the game controller but also the ROM of the ball payout controller must be replaced, and there is a problem that the work is troublesome and troublesome. Furthermore, there is a concern that the player may forget to replace the ROM of the ball payout controller and a trouble may occur during the game. Furthermore, since the game controller 1 has a limited CPU capacity of about 2 Kbytes,
It is the CPU of the game controller 1 that causes the CPU of the game controller 1 to exchange data with the ball payout controller 2.
There is also a problem that the game operation on the game board surface and the payout operation of the prize balls tend to be delayed because of too much load.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and when exchanging the game board, it is not necessary to replace the ROM of the existing game ball payout controller normally attached to the mechanism plate. The purpose of this is to improve the efficiency of the game board exchange work, reduce the load on the game controller, and speed up the game operation and ball payout operation so that the player can enjoy the game comfortably.

[0007]

In order to achieve this object, the game ball payout device of the present invention is a prize ball request sensor for collectively detecting the hit balls that have entered the winning opening, and the hit balls pay out. A plurality of winning ball identification sensors that identify which winning openings with different numbers of prize balls have entered, and the number of gaming balls to be paid out by inputting the winning ball identification signals output from the respective winning ball identification sensors Based on the winning ball request signal from the winning ball request sensor, the inquiry signal of how many gaming balls to pay out to the winning ball monitoring means is output, and is output from the winning ball monitoring means. Based on the input of the payout number signal, a payout control means for controlling the game balls to be paid out is provided.

[0008]

According to the gaming ball payout device of the present invention having the above-described structure, when a winning ball request sensor detects that a hitting ball has entered any of the winning openings, the winning ball request signal is a payout control means. Is input to. On the other hand, it is detected by any of the winning ball identification sensors which winning hole the hit ball entered, and the winning ball identification signal is input to the winning ball monitoring means. The winning ball monitoring means stores how many prize balls are to be paid out depending on which winning ball identification sensor detects a hit ball, and also stores the number of unprocessed winning balls. Thus, when a prize-ball request signal is input to the payout control means from the prize-ball request sensor, the payout control means outputs an inquiry signal as to how many game balls to pay out to the prize-ball monitor means. Therefore, the prize ball monitor means outputs the payout number signal of the prize balls to be paid out, which is stored in itself to the payout control means. Therefore, when the payout number signal from the prize ball monitor means is input to the payout control means, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out based on the input signal.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a control block diagram of the game ball payout device of the present invention. As shown in this figure, in this device, a winning ball request sensor 10 for detecting that a hit ball has entered any of the winning ports is connected to a microcomputer (CPU) 13 of a game ball payout controller 12. It The CP 14 of this controller 12 is stored in the ROM 14 of this payout controller 12.
The execution program by U13 is stored, and the prize winning request sensor 1 is stored in the RAM 15 of the payout controller 12.
A prize number counter 1 for adding / subtracting and storing the detection signal from 0
5a and a ball payout counter 15b. A game ball dispenser 16 is connected to the output side of the dispense controller 12, and prize balls are electrically dispensed to the player from the dispenser 16. The winning ball request sensor 10 is schematically shown in FIG. 2, but the gaming machine of the present embodiment has three types of winning holes (7, 10, 15, prize balls) on the gaming board. As a result, it is provided in one main outflow passage where the hit balls entering the respective winning openings are joined.

On the other hand, the winning ball identification sensors 18, 20 for detecting the hit balls entering the respective winning openings are provided in the branch outflow paths until the hitting balls entering the respective winning openings reach the main outflow path.
22 is provided. Here, the winning ball identification sensor 1 provided in the branch outflow path of the ball hitting the winning opening with 10 prize balls
8 is a first prize ball identification sensor, and a prize ball identification sensor 20 is provided in a branch outflow passage of a hit ball having 7 prize balls.
Is a second prize ball identification sensor, and a prize ball identification sensor 22 provided in a branch outflow path of a ball hitting the prize hole with 15 prize balls.
Is referred to as a third winning ball identification sensor. In this embodiment, one prize hole having 10 prize balls is provided, three prize holes having 7 prize balls are provided, and a prize hole having 15 prize balls is relatively provided. And Then, the detection signals from the respective winning ball identification sensors 18, 20, 22 are sent to the game controller 24 which controls the game operation of the game board. In the ROM 30 of the game controller 24, each of the winning ball identification sensors 1
A program for executing the game contents on the game board surface based on the detection signals from 8 and 20 is stored.

Thus, in the present invention, the game controller 2
4 has a monitor controller 28. This monitor controller 28
Has a first prize counter 36, a second prize counter 38, and a third prize counter 40. Here, the first prize winning counter 36 stores the detection signal from the above-mentioned first prize winning ball identification sensor 18 by addition and subtraction storage, and the second prize winning counter 38 stores the detection signal from the second prize winning ball identification sensor 20 by addition and subtraction storage, The winning counter 40 is an area for adding / subtracting and storing the detection signal from the third winning ball identification sensor 22. The CPU 13 of the payout controller 12 and the counters 36 and 38 of the monitor controller 28 are also signal-connected so that signal-based data exchange is performed.

Next, the operation will be described. It is assumed that a hit ball has entered one of the prize holes on the game board. Then, the outflow route of the ball (branch outflow route to the winning opening containing the ball)
Any one of the first, second or third winning ball identification sensors 18, 20, or 22 provided in
While the detection signal is input to the CPU 26 of the game controller 24, the first or third winning ball identification sensor 18,
The detection signal from 22 is directly input to the first winning prize counter 36 and the third winning prize counter 40 of the monitor controller 28, and the detection signal from the second winning prize discriminating sensor 20 is the CPU.
The output signal from 26 is input to the second winning prize counter 38 of the monitor controller 28. With this, the game controller 2
In 4, the execution of the program stored in the ROM 30 is conventionally known, but if there is a detection signal from the second winning ball identification sensor 20, the numbers on the game board surface and the rotary drum for pattern matching are set for a certain period of time. It is operated to rotate or to open the prize door on the game board surface for a certain period of time if there is a detection signal from the first prize ball identification sensor 18. Also, in the monitor controller 28, each winning counter 3
The count values of 6, 38, and 40 are incremented by the input of the detection signal.

On the other hand, the hit ball entering the above-mentioned winning opening is detected by the winning ball request sensor 10 provided in the outflow path, and the winning ball request signal is input to the CPU 13 of the payout controller 12. Therefore, when the winning prize request signal from the winning prize request sensor 10 is input, the CPU 13 of the payout controller 12 outputs an inquiry signal for inquiring to the monitor controller 28 how many prize balls should be paid out. In the monitor controller 28, each of the above-mentioned winning ball identification sensors 18, 20,
Based on the identification signal from 22, how many prize balls should be paid out is determined by each winning counter 36, 3
Since it has been recognized in advance by 8 and 40, a number signal (7, 10, 15 and the like is a binary number) for instructing the payout number is output to the CPU 13 of the payout controller 12, and the count value is decremented. Therefore, the CPU 1 of the payout controller 12
3 sends a command signal to the payout device 16 so that a predetermined number of prize balls is paid out to the player based on the number signal from the monitor controller 28. The dispenser 16 electrically opens and closes the prize ball payout opening by a known means based on a command signal from the CPU 13 of the payout controller 12, and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player.

Next, the payout operation of the game balls controlled by the above control circuit will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the flowchart of FIG. 3 shows a processing procedure of the CPU 13 of the payout controller 12. First, with the power turned on, as step 1 RA of the payout controller 12
The count value a of the winning counter 15a of M15 is set to the initial value [1]. Next, it is determined whether or not there is a winning ball request signal from the winning ball request sensor 10 (step 2).
Is incremented (step 3). Whether or not the prize balls are being paid out, that is, the flag is set (F =
1) It is judged whether or not (step 4), and if it is judged that the payout is not being carried out (the flag is not set), then it is judged whether or not the value a of the prize coin number counter 15a is larger than 1. (Step 5). If there is a hit ball in any of the winning holes, the value a of the winning ball number counter 15a is incremented in step 3, so it is judged to be larger than 1 in step 5, and in this case, the value of the ball payout controller 12 is increased. Monitor controller 28 from CPU 13
An inquiry signal is output to (step 6). On the other hand, in the monitor controller 28, the first to third winning ball identification sensors 1
The count value of the first to third counters 36, 38, 40 should be incremented by the input of the detection signal from 8, 20, 22. Therefore, the count value is decremented and the count signal is calculated based on the count value. S is output, and this is received by the CPU 13 of the ball payout controller 12 (step 7). So the ball payout counter 1
The value H of 5b is set to the value S of the received number signal (step 8), the flag is set (step 9), and the CPU 13 of the ball payout controller 12 transfers the stepping motor of the prize ball payout device 16 to the stepping motor. A signal of 1 pulse is sent to dispense one prize ball (step 10). Next, it is judged whether or not one prize ball has been paid out (step 11), and if it has been paid out, the value H of the ball payout counter 15b is subtracted (step 1).
2). Then, it is judged whether or not the value H of the ball payout counter 15b is 0 (step 13). In this case, however, since there are still prize balls to be paid out, it is judged as not 0 and the process returns to step 2, It is determined whether or not the next prize-winning request signal is input.

Then, in step 2, it is judged that there is no signal from the prize request sensor, and the process proceeds to step 4. In step 4, the flag has already been set in step 9 (F = 1), so YES. The determination is made and the process proceeds to step 10, and the next one prize ball is paid out. If, for example, a hit ball enters the winning opening of 10 winning ball payouts, the first counter 38 of the monitor controller 28 is incremented based on the detection signal from the first winning ball identification sensor 18. A signal for 10 pulses is repeatedly sent by the CPU 13 of the ball payout controller 12
The program will be repeated. If this is, for example, if a hit ball has entered the winning opening of 15 winning ball payouts, the third counter 40 is incremented by the detection signal of the third winning ball identification sensor 22 and the signal for 15 pulses is repeatedly transmitted. The program is repeated. In the monitor controller 28, when there is an inquiry from the ball payout controller 18, the first
If the value of the counter is 0 or more, the number signal is sent out based on the value of the first counter. When the value of the first counter is 0, the count signal is sent based on the value of the second counter,
When the value of the second counter is 0, the number signal is sent out based on the value of the third counter. When the value H of the ball discharge counter is determined to be 0 in step 13, the flag is reset because all the prize balls to be paid out have been paid out (step 14), and then the value a of the prize number counter 15a is set. Subtracted (Step 1
5) Return to step 2.

Incidentally, in step 5, the prize ball number counter 15a
If the value a of 1 is judged to be 1, it means that there are no more prize balls to be paid out, so the process returns to step 2 and waits for the input of the next prize ball request signal, and step 11
However, if the answer is NO, it means that no prize balls have been paid out, and therefore the process returns to step 2 and waits for the input of the next prize winning request signal.

As described above, the balls are sequentially paid out to the prize-winning balls according to this flow chart. When the game board is replaced with a new one, the new game board is detected by the first prize-winning ball identification sensor. 6 (not 7) prize balls
The number of prize balls of the hit ball detected by the winning ball identification sensor is 1
It is assumed that there are two (not 15). Then, the payout controller 12 may be left as it is, and the game controller 24 and the monitor controller 28 may be replaced. In general, a game controller 24 including a monitor controller 28 is provided on the game board A,
The ball payout controller 12 is provided toward the mechanical plate B.
Therefore, when a new game board is attached, the payout controller 12 provided on the mechanical board B is left as it is, and the game board A is
Game controller 24 including monitor controller 28 provided in
Only will be replaced. Then, the monitor controller 28 provided in the new game board sets and stores the number of payouts according to the game contents of the new game board, and the contents are instructed to the CPU 13 of the existing payout controller 12. To do. Then, by executing the ROM program built in the existing payout controller 12 based on the payout number signal, the number of game balls suitable for the game content of the new game board is paid out from the game ball payout device 16. become.

In this embodiment, the third winning ball identification sensor 22 which does not affect the game contents is provided, but the winning ball identification sensor 22 is omitted and the number signal is output even when the value of the third counter is 0. You may In this case, the winning ball request sensor 10 also serves as the third winning ball identification sensor 22, which does not depart from the gist of the present invention.

Also, this embodiment can be applied to ball rental. For example, although not shown, there is a game machine equipped with a ball lending device, but when the player operates the ball lending switch, the signal is C of the payout controller 12.
The CPU of the payout controller 12 receives a command from the monitor controller 28, which is input to the PU 13 and how many are paid out.
A configuration is added so that the data is output to 13. that way,
The payout controller 12 of the mechanism plate 42 does not change even when the unit price of the rental ball changes (for example, one 4 yen changes to 1 5 yen).
Need not be replaced. It goes without saying that other various modes are conceivable without changing the gist of the present invention.

[0020]

As is apparent from the above description,
In the gaming ball payout device of the present invention, the gaming ball payout control means does not have a memory for how many coins are paid out with respect to the identification signal from the winning ball identification sensor, and is based on the payout number signal from the separately provided monitor control means. Game balls are paid out. Therefore, the payout controller itself does not need to be replaced even if the game board is replaced with a new one, and the ROM execution program of the payout controller can be used without any change. Therefore, the payout controller provided on the mechanism plate can be continuously used as it is, and there is an advantage that even if the payout number of the game balls is changed by exchanging the game board, no trouble occurs.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a game ball payout device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of an arrangement state of a hitting ball detection sensor that has entered a winning opening of a game board.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an execution operation of a game ball payout controller CPU of the control circuit shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of a conventional game ball payout device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 prize ball request sensor 12 game ball payout controller 16 game ball payout device 18, 20, 22 prize ball identification sensor 24 game controller 28 monitor controller A game board B mechanism board

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A winning ball request sensor for collectively detecting hit balls entering a winning opening, and a plurality of winning ball identification sensors for identifying which winning opening with a different number of prize balls paid out by the hitting ball. And, a winning ball monitor means for storing how many gaming balls are to be paid out by inputting a winning ball identification signal output from each winning ball identification sensor, based on a winning ball request signal from the winning ball request sensor A payout control which outputs an inquiry signal as to how many game balls are to be paid out to the prize ball monitoring means, and controls so as to pay out the game balls based on the input of the payout number signal outputted from the prize ball monitoring means. And a means for paying out game balls.