JP3510566B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a coin gaming machine, a slot machine or the like in which a game is played according to a player's operation, and particularly, a player's operation in a gaming area of a gaming board. A gaming machine in which a game is played according to

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a game machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium is won in a prize area such as a winning opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are provided. There are things that are paid out to the player.
The payout of the game medium is performed by a payout mechanism. In addition, in some gaming machines, when a player lends a ball, a predetermined number of balls are dispensed.

The payout mechanism is generally controlled by a payout control means mounted on a payout control board. Since the progress of the game is controlled by the game control means mounted on the main board, the stop of the payout due to the out-of-ball is determined by the game control means and transmitted to the payout control board. Therefore, when the ball runs out, the payout control means performs the payout stop control.

[0004]

When a payout request for more than the number of stocked game media is made, the player may be out of ball. If a shortage of balls occurs during the payout of one unit of prize balls, the payout will be stopped in a poorly divided state where only a part of the game balls to be continuously paid out has been paid out. There was a risk that the remaining game balls would not be paid out even if the out-of-ball state was released.
As described above, it has been a problem that proper payout control is not achieved. In addition, the same problem occurs not only in the out-of-ball condition but also in the case where the dispensing is stopped due to other causes.

Further, payouts are made without breaks, and the payout operation is often too fast compared to the supply of game balls, so that the balance between the payout operation and the supply of game balls is lacking. , There was also a risk of frequent ball out.

Therefore, according to the present invention, even when the payout is stopped, the payout of the game medium can be interrupted in a good break state and the smooth payout operation can be performed properly. The purpose is to realize control.

[0007]

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
A game machine in which a player performs a predetermined game, and a predetermined number of game media are paid out as prizes according to the game, and a payout means for paying out the game media according to a predetermined payout control command, The payout control means capable of controlling the payout means and the payout control means continuously perform payout control so that the payout of the game medium according to the plurality of payout control commands is performed continuously without being divided for each payout control command. It comprises a continuous payout setting means for setting the number of continuous payouts that can be performed, and the payout control means performs continuous payout control within the range of the continuous payout number, and payout before the completion of the continuous payout control. When the control stop condition is satisfied (for example, when the ball runs out or when the lower plate is full), the payout is interrupted after the continuous payout control is completed. It is a thing.

A payout counter for counting the number of payouts of the game medium based on the payout control is provided, and the payout control means can carry out continuous payout control until the continuous payout number is counted by the payout counter. It is good also as a structure characterized by that.

A planned payout number counter capable of storing the planned payout number of game media according to a plurality of payout control commands may be provided.

It is preferable that the continuous payout setting means can set the continuous payout number more than the maximum payout number of the game medium according to one payout control command.

The payout control means can control the payout of the game medium based on the lending command, and can set the continuous payout number to the number of payout of one unit or more of the game medium based on the lending command. Good.

The payout control means may be provided with game control means for determining a payout stop condition and instructing the payout control means to stop the payout, and the payout control means may perform the payout stop control in response to the payout stop command.

The game control means may be capable of instructing the payout to be stopped when a predetermined number of payable game media are not secured (for example, when a ball has run out).

It is preferable that the predetermined number secured as a payable game medium is equal to or larger than the continuous payout number.

The game control means is provided with a game medium storage unit (for example, a lower plate) for storing the game medium paid out by the payout unit, and the game control unit, when there is a predetermined amount or more of the game medium in the game medium storage unit (for example, the lower plate). It is also possible to instruct to stop the payout when the tank is full.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, will be described. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 seen from the front, FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing the internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mechanism board of the pachinko gaming machine 1 seen from the back. In the following embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example, but the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine.
For example, it may be a coin game machine or the like. Further, it can be applied to an image-type game machine or a slot machine.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is
It has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2, there is a hit ball supply tray 3. Below the hitting ball supply tray 3, a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing the reserved balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting ball operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hit ball are provided. Behind the glass door frame 2,
The game board 6 is detachably attached. Further, a game area 7 is provided on the front surface of the game board 6.

In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, a variable display section 9 for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols and a 7 segment L
A variable display device 8 including a variable display 10 by an ED is provided. In this embodiment, the variable display section 9 has three symbol display areas of "left", "middle", and "right". On the side of the variable display device 8, a pass gate 11 for guiding a hit ball is provided. The hit ball that has passed through the passage gate 11 is guided to the starting winning opening 14 through the ball outlet 13. In the passage between the passage gate 11 and the ball outlet 13, there is a gate switch 12 that detects a hit ball that has passed through the passage gate 11. In addition, the winning ball that entered the starting winning opening 14,
It is guided to the rear surface of the game board 6 and detected by the starting opening switch 17. A variable winning ball device 15 that opens and closes is provided below the starting winning opening 14. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by the solenoid 16.

At the bottom of the variable winning ball device 15, there is provided an opening / closing plate 20 which is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific game state (big hit state). In this embodiment, the opening / closing plate 20 serves as a means for opening / closing the special winning opening. The winning ball that enters one (V zone) of the winning balls guided from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back surface of the game board 6 is detected by the V count switch 22. The winning ball from the opening / closing plate 20 is detected by the count switch 23. Variable display device 8
In the lower part of the, there is provided a start winning prize memory display 18 having four display parts for displaying the number of winning balls that have entered the starting winning opening 14. In this example, with the upper limit of four, each time there is a start prize, the start prize memory display device 18 increases the number of lit display portions by one. Then, each time the variable display of the variable display unit 9 is started, the number of the display units that are turned on is reduced by one.

The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning openings 19 and 24, and the winning of each of the gaming balls into the winning openings 19 and 24 is achieved by a corresponding winning opening switch 19a.
24a. Decorative lamps 25 that are displayed blinking during the game are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7, and there is an outlet 26 at the bottom for absorbing hit balls that have not been won. Also, on the upper left and right outside the game area 7,
Two speakers 27 are provided which emit sound effects.
A game effect LED 28a and game effect lamps 28b and 28c are provided on the outer periphery of the game area 7.

In this example, one speaker 27
A prize ball lamp 51 that lights up when the prize ball is paid out is provided in the vicinity of, and a ball-out lamp 52 that lights up when the supply ball runs out is provided near the other speaker 27. Further, FIG. 1 also shows a card unit 50 which is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and allows a ball lending by inserting a prepaid card.

In the card unit 50, a usable indicator lamp 151 indicating whether or not the card unit 50 is usable, and a fraction (a number less than 100 yen) in the balance information recorded in the card, the fraction is displayed. A fraction display switch 1 for displaying on a frequency display LED provided in the vicinity of the hit ball supply tray 3
52, the connection stand direction indicator 15 showing which side the pachinko gaming machine 1 the card unit 50 corresponds to
3, a card insertion display lamp 154 indicating that a card has been inserted into the card unit 50, a card insertion slot 155 into which a card as a recording medium is inserted, and a card reader provided on the back surface of the card insertion slot 155. A card unit lock 156 is provided for releasing the card unit 50 when checking the mechanism of the writer.

The batted ball launched from the batted ball launching device enters the game area 7 through the batted ball rail, and thereafter, the game area 7
Come down. When a hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12 through the passage gate 11, the displayed number on the variable display 10 is continuously changed. Further, when the ball hits the start winning opening 14 and is detected by the start opening switch 17, if the variation of the symbol can be started, the symbol in the variable display portion 9 starts to rotate. If it is not in a state where the variation of the symbol can be started, the start winning memory is incremented by 1.

The rotation of the image in the variable display section 9 is stopped when a certain time has elapsed. When the combination of the images at the time of stop is the combination of the big hit symbols, the big hit game state is entered. That is, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened until a certain period of time elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls are won. Then, when a hit ball enters the specific winning area and is detected by the V count switch 22 while the opening / closing plate 20 is open, a continuation right is generated and the opening / closing plate 20 is opened again. The continuation right can be generated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

When the combination of the images in the variable display portion 9 at the time of stop is the combination of the big hit symbols accompanied by the probability variation, the probability of the big hit next increases. That is, the high probability state is more advantageous for the player. Further, when the stop symbol on the variable display 10 is a predetermined symbol (hit symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time. Further, in the high probability state, the probability that the stop symbol on the variable display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening the variable winning ball device 15 are increased.

Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. On the rear surface of the variable display device 8, as shown in FIG. 2, a ball storage tank 38 is provided on the upper part of the mechanism plate 36, and the game ball is from above the pachinko game machine 1 in a state where it is installed on the game machine installation island. Sphere storage tank 3
8 are supplied. The game balls in the ball storage tank 38 reach the ball payout device through the guide gutter 39.

On the mechanism plate 36, a variable display control unit 29 for controlling the variable display unit 9 via the relay board 30, a game control board covered with a board case 32 and mounted with a game control microcomputer (main board). ) 31, a relay substrate 33 for relaying signals between the variable display control unit 29 and the game control board 31, and a payout control board 37 on which a prize ball control microcomputer for controlling the payout of game balls is mounted. Is installed. Further, in the lower part of the mechanism plate 36, a hitting ball is utilized in the game area 7 by utilizing the rotational force of the motor.
A ball-striking device 34 for launching to a game effect lamp / LE
D28a, 28b, 28c, a prize ball lamp 51 and a lamp control board 35 for sending signals to the out-of-ball lamp 52 are installed.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mechanism plate of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the back. The balls stored in the ball storage tank 38 pass through the guide trough 39, and as shown in FIG. 3, pass the ball break detectors (ball break switches) 187a and 187b, and then the ball supply troughs 186a and 186b to dispense the balls. Device 9
To 7. The out-of-ball switches 187a and 187b are switches for detecting the presence / absence of game balls in the game ball passage, but a out-of-ball detection switch 167 for detecting the shortage of supply balls in the ball tank 38 is also provided. The game balls paid out from the ball payout device 97 are supplied to the hitting ball supply plate 3 provided on the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 through the communication port 45.
A surplus ball passage 46 communicating with the surplus ball tray 4 provided on the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is formed on the side of the communication port 45. A large number of prize balls based on winnings are paid out, the hitting ball supply tray 3 becomes full, and finally when the game balls reach the communication port 45 and further game balls are paid out, the game balls are surplus through the surplus ball passage 46. Guided to the ball saucer 4. When the game ball is further paid out, the sensing lever 47 pushes the full tank switch 48 and the full tank switch 48 is turned on. In this state, the rotation of the stepping motor in the ball payout device 97 is stopped, the operation of the ball payout device 97 is stopped, and the driving of the hitting ball launching device 34 is stopped.

Next, the structure of the intermediate base unit installed on the mechanism plate 36 will be described. The intermediate base unit includes a ball supply gutter 186a, 186b and a ball dispensing device 9
7 is installed. As shown in FIG. 4, connecting concave protrusions 182 are formed above and below the intermediate base unit. The connecting concave protrusion 182 connects and fixes the intermediate base unit and the upper base unit and the lower base unit of the mechanism plate 36.

A passage body 18 is provided above the intermediate base unit.
4 is fixed. The ball payout device 97 is fixed to the lower portion of the passage body 184. The passage body 184 is a payout ball passage 186 for letting down the two rows of game balls whose flow-down direction has been converted to the left-right direction by the curve gutter 174 (see FIG. 3).
a, 186b. Delivery ball passage 186a, 186b
Ball cut switches 187a and 187b are installed on the upstream side of. The ball break switches 187a and 187b are
The presence or absence of a game ball in the payout ball passage 186a, 186b is detected, and the ball break switch 187a, 187b is detected.
When the game ball is no longer detected, the rotation of the payout motor (not shown in FIG. 4) in the ball payout device 97 is stopped and the ball payout is immobilized.

The ball break switches 187a, 187b
Is locked by a locking piece 188 at a position where it is possible to detect the presence of about 27 to 28 gaming balls in the payout ball passages 186a, 186b. That is, the out-of-ball switches 187a and 187b are the maximum payout amount of one unit of prize balls (15 in this embodiment) and the maximum payout amount of one unit of ball lending (100 yen: 25 in this embodiment).
It is installed at a position where the above can be confirmed.

The central portion of the passage body 184 is formed in a curved shape to the left and right so as to weaken the ball pressure of the game ball flowing down inside. And the payout ball passages 186a, 186b
A stop hole 189 is formed between them. A mounting boss provided on the intermediate base unit is fitted into the back surface of the stop hole 189. In that state, the set screw is screwed,
The passage body 184 is fixed to the intermediate base unit. It should be noted that the passage body 184 can be aligned with the locking projection 185 provided on the intermediate base unit before being screwed.

Below the passage body 184, a ball payout device 97 is provided.
A game ball is supplied to the game machine and a ball payout device 9 is provided in the event of a malfunction.
A ball stopping device 190 for stopping the supply of the game balls to 7 is provided. The ball dispensing device 97 installed below the ball stopping device 190 is housed inside a rectangular parallelepiped case 198. Protrusions are provided at four positions on the left and right of the case 198. The lower end of the case 198 is fitted into the elastic engaging piece provided in the lower portion of the intermediate base unit in a state where each of the projecting portions is engaged with the positioning projecting piece provided in the intermediate base unit.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ball payout device 97. The configuration and operation of the ball payout device 97 will be described with reference to FIG. Ball dispensing device 97 in this embodiment
The stepping motor (delivery motor) 289 rotates the screw 288 to deliver the pachinko balls one by one. The ball payout device 97 pays out not only prize balls based on winning prizes but also game balls to be lent.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ball payout device 97 has two
It has two cases 198a and 198b. The ball payout device 9 is provided at two positions on the left and right of each case 198a and 198b.
An engaging projection 280 is provided that abuts a positioning projection provided on the upper portion of the installation position of No. 7. Further, in each case 198a, 198b, a ball supply path 281a, 2 is provided.
81b is formed. Sphere supply path 281a, 281b
Has curved surfaces 282a and 282b,
Below the end of 282b, the ball feed horizontal path 284a, 2
84b is formed. Further, the ball feeding horizontal path 284
Ball discharge paths 283a and 283b are formed at the ends of a and 284b.

Ball supply paths 281a, 281b, ball feed horizontal paths 284a, 284b, ball discharge paths 283a, 283b.
Are formed in front of partition walls 295a and 295b that partition the cases 198a and 198b into front and rear, respectively.
Further, the ball pressure cushioning member 285 is sandwiched between the cases 198a and 198b in front of the partition walls 295a and 295b. The ball pressure buffering member 285 distributes the balls supplied to the ball payout device 97 to the left and right sides to distribute the ball supply paths 281a, 281a, 2b.
Lead to 81b.

Further, below the ball pressure buffer member 285, there is provided a payout motor position sensor including a light emitting element (LED) 286 and a light receiving element (not shown). Light emitting element 2
86 and the light receiving element are provided with a predetermined gap. Then, the tip of the screw 288 is inserted into this space. The ball pressure cushioning member 28
When the cases 198a and 198b are attached to each other, 5 is completely housed and fixed in the inside.

A screw 28 rotated by a payout motor 289 is provided in each of the ball feeding horizontal paths 284a and 284b.
8 are arranged. The payout motor 289 is fixed to the motor fixing plate 290, and the motor fixing plate 290 defines the partition wall 29.
Fixing grooves 291a, 2 formed behind 5a, 295b
It is fitted in 91b. In this state, the motor shaft of the payout motor 289 projects in front of the partition walls 295a and 295b, so that the screw 288 is fixed in front of the projection. On the outer periphery of the screw 288, a spiral protrusion 288a for moving the game balls placed on the ball feeding horizontal paths 284a, 284b forward by the rotation of the payout motor 289.
Is provided.

A recess is formed at the tip of the screw 288 so as to accommodate the light emitting element 286, and two notches 292 are formed 180 degrees apart from each other on the outer periphery of the recess. Therefore, while the screw 288 makes one rotation, the light from the light emitting element 286 is not emitted from the notch 292.
Is detected twice by the light receiving element via.

That is, the payout motor position sensor including the light emitting element 286 and the light receiving element serves to stop the screw 288 at a fixed position and detects that the payout operation has been performed. The wirings from the light emitting element 286, the light receiving element and the payout motor 289 are collected and led out to the outside from the lead holes formed in the lower rear portions of the cases 198a and 198b and connected to the connector.

A game ball is a ball feeding horizontal path 284a, 284b.
When the payout motor 289 rotates in the state of being mounted on the
The game ball moves forward on the ball feed horizontal paths 284a and 284b. And finally, the ball feeding horizontal path 28
4a, 284b to the ball discharge path 283a, 283b
To fall. At this time, the left and right ball feed horizontal paths 284a,
The drops from 284b are alternated. That is, every time the screw 288 makes a half rotation, one game ball falls from one side. Therefore, the light from the light emitting element 286 is detected by the light receiving element each time one game ball falls.

As shown in FIG. 4, a ball distributing member 311 is provided below the ball payout device 97. The ball distribution member 311 is driven by the distribution solenoid 310. For example, when the solenoid 310 is off, the ball distributing member 311 falls to the right side, and when it is on, it falls to the left side. Below the distribution solenoid 310, a prize ball count switch 301A and a ball lending count switch 301B, which are proximity switches, are provided. At the time of a prize ball based on winning, the ball sorting member 311 falls to the right side, and the ball discharge path 283.
Balls from a and 283b are both prize ball count switches 3
Pass 01A. Also, when lending a ball, the ball distribution member 3
11 falls to the left, and the balls from the ball discharge paths 283a and 283b both pass the ball lending count switch 301B. Therefore, the ball payout device 97 can switch the payout flow-down path between the time of winning the ball and the time of lending the ball to pay out a predetermined number of game media.

As described above, by providing the ball distributing member 311, the balls that have fallen in the two ball passages are the prize ball count switch 301A and the ball lending count switch 30.
Only one of 1B and 1B passes. Therefore,
The number of prize balls or the number of ball lends can be immediately grasped from the detection output of the prize ball count switch 301A and the ball lend count switch 301B without determining whether it is a prize ball or a ball lend.

In this embodiment, a ball payout device 97 for paying out game balls by rotating a stepping motor is used as a ball payout device for paying out game balls by driving an electric drive source. You may use the ball payout device of the structure which sends out a game ball by the drive source, or you may use the ball payout device of the structure which removes a stopper by the drive of an electric drive source and pays out by the own weight of the game ball.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board 31. Note that FIG. 6 also shows the payout control board 37, the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, the firing control board 91, and the display control board 80.
On the main board 31, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the program
And a basic circuit 53 for controlling the gate switch 12, the start switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, the winning opening switches 19a, 24a and the prize ball counting switch 301A switch circuit 58 for giving the basic circuit 53 a signal. A solenoid circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15, the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the opening and closing plate 20, and the like according to a command from the basic circuit 53 are mounted.

Further, in accordance with the data given from the basic circuit 53, big hit information indicating occurrence of big hit, effective starting information indicating the number of starting winning balls used for starting image display on the variable display section 9, and probability fluctuation. An information output circuit 64 that outputs the probability variation information indicating that to a host computer such as a hall management computer is included.

The basic circuit 53 includes a ROM 54 for storing a program for controlling a game, a RAM 55 as an example of a storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operation according to the program, and an I / O port section 5.
Including 7. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 5
5 is built in the CPU 56. That is, the CPU 5
6 is a one-chip microcomputer. 1
The chip microcomputer has at least a RAM 55
The ROM 54 and the I / O port portion 57 may be externally attached or may be incorporated. The I / O port unit 57 is a terminal capable of inputting / outputting information in the microcomputer.

Further, on the main board 31, any one of a system reset circuit 65 for resetting the basic circuit 53 when the power is turned on and an I / O port unit 57 for decoding an address signal given from the basic circuit 53. I /
An address decode circuit 67 for outputting a signal for selecting the O port is provided. In addition, the ball dispensing device 9
There is also switch information input from 7 to the main board 31,
They are omitted in FIG.

The hit ball launching device for hitting and launching a game ball is driven by a drive motor 94 controlled by a circuit on the launch control board 91. Then, the driving force of the drive motor 94 is adjusted according to the operation amount of the operation knob 5. That is, the circuit on the firing control board 91 controls the ball to be fired at a speed according to the operation amount of the operation knob 5.

In this embodiment, the lamp control means mounted on the lamp control board 35 displays the start memory indicator 18, the gate passage memory indicator 41 and the decorative lamp 25 provided on the game board. While controlling, the game effect lamp and LED28 which are provided on the frame side
The display control of the a, 28b, 28c, the prize ball lamp 51, and the out-of-ball lamp 52 is performed. Here, the lamp control means is an example of the light emitter control means. Further, the display control of the variable display unit 9 that variably displays the special symbol and the variable display 10 that variably displays the normal symbol is performed by the display control means mounted on the display control board 80.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing components related to payout, such as the components of the payout control board 37 and the ball payout device 97. As shown in FIG. 7, the detection signal from the full tank switch 48 is transmitted via the relay board 71 to the main board 3.
1 is input to the I / O port 57. Full tank switch 4
Reference numeral 8 is a switch for detecting fullness of the surplus ball receiving tray 4. In addition, the ball break switch 187 (187a, 187)
The detection signal from b) is also applied to the relay board 72 and the relay board 7.
1 is input to the I / O port 57 of the main board 31.

The CPU 56 of the main board 31 determines whether the detection signal from the ball break switch 187 indicates the ball break condition.
Alternatively, when the detection signal from the full tank switch 48 indicates a full tank state, a payout control command for instructing prohibition of payout is transmitted. When the payout control command instructing the payout prohibition is received, the payout control CPU 37 of the payout control board 37
1 stops the ball payout process.

Further, the detection signal from the prize ball count switch 301A is also input to the I / O port 57 of the main board 31 via the relay boards 72 and 71. The prize ball count switch 301A is provided in the payout mechanism portion of the ball payout device 97, and detects the actually paid prize ball payout ball.

When there is a prize, the payout control board 37 has output ports (ports 0, 1) 570, 571 of the main board 31.
A payout control command indicating the number of prize balls is input from. The output port (output port 1) 571 outputs 8-bit data, and the output port 570 outputs a 1-bit strobe signal (INT signal). The payout control command indicating the number of prize balls is input to the I / O port 372a via the input buffer circuit 373A. The INT signal is input to the interrupt terminal of the payout control CPU 371 via the input buffer circuit 373B. The payout control CPU 371 is
A payout control command is input via the / O port 372a, and the ball payout device 97 is driven according to the payout control command to pay a prize ball. In this embodiment, the payout control CPU 371 is a one-chip microcomputer and has at least a built-in RAM.

In the main board 31, the output port 5
Buffer circuits 620 and 68A are provided outside the 70 and 571. The buffer circuits 620 and 68A are, for example, 74HC250 and 7 which are general-purpose CMOS-ICs.
4HC14 is used. According to such a configuration, a signal input from the outside to the inside of the main board 31 is blocked, so that the signal line that may give a signal from the payout control board 37 to the main board 31 is further reliably eliminated. be able to. A noise filter may be provided on the output side of the buffer circuits 620 and 68A.

The payout control CPU 371 uses the output port 3
A ball lending number signal indicating the number of lent balls is output to the terminal board 160 and a buzzer drive signal is output to the buzzer board 75 via 72g. A buzzer is mounted on the buzzer board 75. Further, an error signal is output to the error display LED 374 via the output port 372e.

Further, the input port 3 of the payout control board 37
Detection signals from the prize ball count switch 301A and the ball lending count switch 301B are input to 72b via the relay board 72. Ball lending count switch 3
01B is provided in the payout mechanism portion of the ball payout device 97,
Detects the actually loaned ball. Discharge control board 3
The drive signal from 7 to the payout motor 289 is transmitted to the payout motor 289 in the payout mechanism portion of the ball payout device 97 via the output port 372c and the relay board 72.

The card unit 50 is equipped with a card unit control microcomputer. Also,
The card unit 50 is provided with a fraction display switch 152, a connecting board direction indicator 153, a card insertion display lamp 154, and a card insertion slot 155 (see FIG. 1). To the balance display board 74, a frequency display LED, a ball lending switch and a return switch, which are provided in the vicinity of the hitting ball supply tray 3, are connected.

From the balance display board 74 to the card unit 50
A ball lending switch signal and a return switch signal are given to the player through the payout control board 37 according to the operation of the player. In addition, the balance display board 74 from the card unit 50
A card balance display signal indicating the balance of the prepaid card and a ball lending allowance display signal are given to the payout control board 37. Between the card unit 50 and the payout control board 37, a connection signal (VL signal) and a unit operation signal (B
RDY signal), ball lending request signal (BRQ signal), ball lending completion signal (EXS signal) and pachinko machine operation signal (P
RDY signal) is exchanged via the I / O port 372f.

When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on,
The payout control CPU 371 of the payout control board 37 outputs a PRDY signal to the card unit 50. Further, the card unit control microcomputer outputs a VL signal. The payout control CPU 371 determines the connected state / unconnected state based on the input state of the VL signal. When the card is accepted in the card unit 50 and the ball lending switch is operated to input a ball lending switch signal, the card unit controlling microcomputer outputs a BRDY signal to the payout control board 37. When a predetermined delay time has elapsed from this point in time, the card unit control microcomputer outputs a BRQ signal to the payout control board 37. Then, the payout control CPU 3 of the payout control board 37
71 raises the EXS signal to the card unit 50, and when it detects the fall of the BRQ signal from the card unit 50, it drives the payout motor 289 to pay out a predetermined number of lending balls to the player. At this time, the distribution solenoid 310 is in a driven state. That is, the ball distribution member 311 is directed to the ball lending side. Then, when the payout is completed, the payout control CPU 371 causes the EXS signal for the card unit 50 to fall. After that, if the BRDY signal from the card unit 50 is not in the ON state, prize ball payout control is executed.

As described above, all the signals from the card unit 50 are input to the payout control board 37. Therefore, regarding the ball lending control, the card unit 5
No signal is input to the main board 31 from 0, and there is no room for the signal to be illegally input to the basic circuit 53 of the main board 31 from the card unit 50 side.

In this embodiment, the case where the card unit 50 is provided is taken as an example, but the present invention can be applied to a case where a game ball corresponding to the amount of coins is lent out in response to coin insertion. Further, in the present embodiment, the case of lending a game ball is taken as an example, but the present invention can be applied even if a score is added.

In this embodiment, at least the main substrate 3
1 and the RAM in the payout control board 37 are backed up by a backup power supply. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, the contents of the RAM are saved for a predetermined period. When each CPU detects a drop in the power supply voltage, it performs a predetermined process and then waits for the power supply to be restored. When the power is turned on, each CPU has a RAM
If the data is saved in, the state before power-off is restored based on the saved data.

Further, as described above, the payout control board 3
7, the main board 31 for sending commands to the display control board 80, the lamp control board 35 and the voice control board 70.
An INT signal is output from the output port (output port 0) 570 of the above to each electric component control board. In this case, for example,
The output port 570 has an 8-bit configuration. Bit 0 is an INT signal to the payout control board 37, bit 1 is an INT signal to the display control board 80, and bit 2 is a lamp control board 3.
5 to the voice control board 70.
Used for output of NT signal.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. Figure 8
6 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the CPU 56 of the main board 31. When the power to the gaming machine is turned on, in the main processing, the CPU 56 first makes necessary initial settings (step S1).

Then, it is confirmed whether or not the data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power failure occurrence NMI processing such as addition of parity data) has been performed at the time of power off (step S2). In this embodiment, a process for protecting the data in the backup RAM area is performed when an unexpected power failure occurs. When such a protection process is performed, backup is made. Upon confirming that there is no backup, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing (steps S2 and S3). In this embodiment, whether or not there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area when the power is turned off.
For example, if "55H" is set in the backup flag area, it means that there is backup (on state),
If a value other than "55H" is set, it means that there is no backup (off state). "55H" set in the backup flag area is the data set when the data protection processing of the backup RAM area is completed in the power failure occurrence NMI processing.
It is a parity code based on the area data.

When there is backup data in the backup RAM area, the CPU 56 executes the backup RA.
A data check (eg, parity check) of the M area is performed (step S4). When the power is restored after an unexpected power failure, the data in the backup RAM area should have been saved, so the check result is normal. If the check result is not normal, it is not possible to return the internal state to the state when the power was cut off, so the initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on, not when the power is restored, is executed (steps S5 and S3).

If the check result is normal, the CPU 56
Performs a game state recovery process for returning the internal state to the state at the time of power off (step S6). As shown in FIG. 9, the value of the backup flag is set to "55H", and
If the check result is normal, the game state recovery process of step S6 is executed. And backup RA
The saved value of the PC (program counter) saved in the M area is set in the PC and the address is restored (step S7).

Execution of normal initialization processing (step S3)
When is completed, the main processing shifts to a loop processing in which the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S9) is confirmed. In the loop, the display random number updating process (step S8) is also executed.

In this embodiment, step S2
After the presence or absence of backup data is confirmed in step S4, if backup data exists, the backup area is checked in step S4, but conversely, it is confirmed that the backup area check result is normal. ,
The presence / absence of backup data may be confirmed. Further, whether or not to execute the power failure recovery process may be determined by confirming whether or not there is backup data or checking the backup area.

Further, for example, the RAM data saved at the time of the parity check (step S4) when determining whether to execute the power failure recovery process, that is, when determining whether to restore the game state. By the special process flag etc. in the and the start winning award memory number data, the gaming machine is in the game standby state (not changing the symbol, not playing the jackpot,
If it is confirmed that the probability is not changing and the starting winning award memory is not stored), the initialization process may be executed without performing the game state recovery process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the initial setting process of step S1. In the initialization process, C
The PU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1).
a). When the interrupt is set to be prohibited, the CPU 56 sets the interrupt mode to the interrupt mode 2 (step S1b) and sets the stack pointer designated address in the stack pointer (step S1c). Then, the CPU 56 initializes the built-in device register (step S1d). In addition, CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) that are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)
After initialization (step S1e), the RAM is set to the accessible state (step S1f).

CPU 5 used in this embodiment
6 has the following three types of maskable interrupt (INT) modes. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

Interrupt mode 0: The built-in device that issued the interrupt request has the RST instruction (1 byte) or the CALL instruction (3
Byte) on the internal data bus of the CPU. Therefore, the CPU 56 executes the instruction of the address corresponding to the RST instruction or the address specified by the CALL instruction. At reset, CPU 56 automatically sets interrupt mode 0
become. Therefore, when it is desired to set the interrupt mode 1 or the interrupt mode 2, it is necessary to perform a process for setting the interrupt mode 1 or the interrupt mode 2 in the initial setting process.

Interrupt mode 1: When an interrupt is accepted,
It is a mode to always fly to the address 0038 (h).

Interrupt mode 2: The address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output by the built-in device is the interrupt address. Is a mode indicating. That is, the interrupt address is an address indicated by 2 bytes in which the upper address is the value of the specific register and the lower address is the interrupt vector. Therefore, the interrupt processing can be installed at an arbitrary (although discrete) even address. Each built-in device has a function of transmitting an interrupt vector when making an interrupt request.

Therefore, when the interrupt mode 2 is set, it becomes possible to easily process the interrupt request from each built-in device, and the interrupt processing can be installed at an arbitrary position in the program. It will be possible. Further, unlike the interrupt mode 1, it is easy to prepare each interrupt process for each interrupt generation factor. As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 56 is set to the interrupt mode 2 in step S1b of the initial setting process.

FIG. 11 shows a normal initialization process (step S
It is a flow chart which shows processing of 3). As shown in FIG. 11, in the initialization process, a RAM clear process is performed (step S3a). Then, based on the address value of the work area initialization table, a predetermined work area (for example, a random number counter for normal symbol judgment, a normal symbol judgment buffer, a special symbol left middle right symbol buffer, a payout command storage pointer, etc.) An initial value setting process (step S3b) for setting a value is performed. Then, the register of the CTC provided in the CPU 56 is set so that the timer interrupt is periodically applied every 2 ms (step S3).
c). That is, a value corresponding to 2 ms as an initial value is set in a predetermined register (time constant register). Since the interrupt is prohibited (see FIG. 10) in the initial setting process (step S1), the interrupt is permitted before the initialization process is completed (step S3d).

Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU 56
The built-in CTC of is set to repeatedly generate timer interrupts. In this embodiment, the repetition cycle is 2 ms.
Is set to. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, when the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 sets the timer interrupt flag (step S12).

When the CPU 56 detects that the timer interrupt flag is set in step S9, it resets the timer interrupt flag (step S1).
0), game control processing is executed (step S11). By the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is activated every 2 ms. In this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process, and the game control process is executed in the main process,
The game control process may be executed by the timer interrupt process.

As described above, in this embodiment, the interrupt mode 2 is set in the CPU 56 having the built-in CTC and PIO in the initial setting process. Therefore, it is possible to easily realize the periodic timer interrupt processing using the built-in CTC. Also, the timer interrupt process can be installed at any position on the program. Further, the switch detection process using the built-in PIO can be easily realized by the interrupt process. As a result, the program configuration can be simplified, and the effects of reducing the number of program development steps can be obtained.

Further, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the power is restored to the state at the time of power failure depending on the presence or absence of backup data. Therefore, when the power is turned on when the power is restored after a power failure, it is possible to determine whether to restore the power-off state according to the contents of the backup data storage area.

Further, since it is judged whether the power is restored to the state at the time of power off depending on the state of the backup data, when the power is turned on at the time of power restoration after a power failure, the contents of the backup data storage area It is possible to determine whether or not to restore the power-off state according to the state.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the game control processing of step S11. In the game control process,
The CPU 56 firstly, via the switch circuit 58, the gate sensor 12, the starting opening sensor 17, the count sensor 23.
And enter the state of the winning opening switch 19a, 24a,
It is determined whether or not there is a winning for each winning opening or winning device (switch processing: step S21).

Next, various abnormality diagnosis processing is performed by the self-diagnosis function provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an alarm is issued if necessary according to the result (error processing: step S22).

Next, a process of updating each counter showing each judgment random number such as a big hit judgment random number used for game control is performed (step S23). The CPU 56 further
A process of updating a display random number such as a random number that determines the type of the stop symbol is performed (step S24).

Further, the CPU 56 carries out special symbol process processing (step S25). In the special symbol process control, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the game state. Also, a normal symbol process process is performed (step S26). In the normal symbol process process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the variable display 10 by the 7-segment LED in a predetermined order. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the game state.

Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of setting the control command to be sent to the payout control board 37 or the like in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and sending the control command (command control process: step S27).

Next, the CPU 56 carries out a data output process for outputting data such as big hit information, starting information, and probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer (step S29).

Further, the CPU 56 issues a drive command to the solenoid circuit 59 when a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S30). The solenoid circuit 59 drives the solenoids 16 and 21 in response to the drive command to open the variable winning ball device 15 or the opening / closing plate 20 in an open state or a closed state.

Further, the CPU 56 sets the number of prize balls based on the detection output of the switches 17, 23, 19a and 24a for detecting the winning of each winning opening (step S31). Specifically, the payout control command is output to the payout control board 37 in response to the winning detection. Discharge control board 37
The payout control CPU 371 mounted in the drive the ball payout device 97 in response to the payout control command.

As described above, the main process includes the process of determining whether or not to shift to the game control process, and the CPU
Since the flag for setting whether or not to shift to the game control process in the timer interrupt process based on the timer interrupt that the internal timer of 56 regularly generates, all of the game control process is executed surely. To be done. In other words, until all of the game control processing is executed, it is not determined whether or not to move to the next game control processing, so it is guaranteed that all the processing in the game control processing is completed. ing.

Here, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 is used.
The game control process executed by is executed according to the flag set in the timer interrupt process based on the timer interrupt that the internal timer of the CPU 56 regularly generates, but the signal is periodically (for example, every 2 ms). A hardware circuit for generating is provided, a signal from the circuit is introduced to an external interrupt terminal of the CPU 56, and a flag for determining whether or not to shift to the game control processing by the interrupt signal may be set. Good.

Even in the case of such a configuration, the flag is not determined until all the game control processing is executed, so that it is guaranteed that all the processing during the game control processing is completed. It

FIG. 14 shows the payout control board 3 from the main board 31.
It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the command form of the payout control command transmitted to FIG. In this embodiment, the payout control command has a 2-byte structure, and the first byte is MODE.
(Command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type). The command form shown in FIG. 14 is an example, and other command forms may be used.
The first bit (bit 7) of MODE data is always "1"
The first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always "0".

FIG. 15 shows an 8-bit control signal (for example, a payout control signal) and an INT signal (for example, a payout control signal IN) which form a control command for each electric component control means.
It is a timing diagram which shows the relationship with T). As shown in FIG. 15, when the period indicated by A elapses after the MODE or EXT data is output to the output port (port 1 in this case), the CPU 56 outputs the INT signal, which is a signal indicating the data output. To turn on. When the period indicated by B elapses, the INT signal is turned off. Furthermore, if there is data to be sent next, that is, after sending the MODE data, the data of the second byte is sent to the output port after a period indicated by C. Regarding the data of the second byte, the periods A and B are the same as the case of the first byte.

The period A is a period during which the CPU 56 prepares to send a command, that is, a period required to set a send command in the buffer, and also stabilizes the data on the control signal line (in this case, the payout control signal line). It is the period for conversion. The period B is a period for stabilizing the INT signal. Then, the period C is a period in which the electric component control means (in this case, the payout control means) is set so that the data can be surely taken in. During the period C, the data on the signal line does not change. That is, the data output is maintained until the period C has elapsed.

As will be described later, in this embodiment, the payout control command to the payout control board 37 and the display control board 8 are given.
The display control command for 0, the lamp control command for the lamp control board 35, and the voice control command for the voice control board 70 are sent using the same routine (common module). Therefore, during the period of C, that is, the period from when the INT signal for the first byte is turned off until the transmission of the data for the second byte is started, the command receiving process takes the longest time, which is the reception processing time in the electric component control means. Is set to be longer than.

In each electric component control means, the INT signal is turned on (high level) and turned off (low level).
When it is detected, the process of fetching 1-byte data is started by, for example, an interrupt process.

Since the period of C is longer than the reception processing time in the electric component control means which takes the longest time for the command reception processing, the game control means controls the command transmission processing for each electric component control means by the common module. Also, any of the electric component control means can surely receive the control command from the game control means.

In this embodiment, the CPU 56 executes (1
It operates with a system clock of 1.776 / 2) MHz. Then, specifically, 138 states (1 state = [2 / 11.776] μs) are spent during the period A, 82 states are spent during the period B, and 251 states are spent during the period C. Therefore, the period of C is longer than the period of A. That is, the CPU 56 becomes ready to send the next data after a lapse of a predetermined period after executing the INT signal output process, but during the predetermined period (C period), the CPU 56 sends the data before the INT signal output process. Is longer than the period from the start of outputting the INT signal (period A). As described above, the period A is a stabilization period in the command signal line, and the period C is a period for ensuring the time required for the receiving side to fetch data. Therefore, by making the period A shorter than the period C, it is possible to obtain the effect that the electric component control means on the receiving side can surely receive the command, and it is necessary to complete the transmission of one command. It also has the effect of shortening the period.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the payout control command. In the example shown in FIG. 16, M
Command F with ODE = FF (H) and EXT = 00 (H)
F00 (H) is a payout control command that specifies the payable state. The payout possible state designation command is, for example, when the out-of-ball state is released, or when the surplus ball receiving tray 4 is released from the full tank state and the full tank switch 48 is turned off (when the full tank state flag is turned off). For example, it is transmitted from the main board 31 when the payout stop state is released and the payout becomes possible. MODE = FF (H), EXT = 01
The command FF01 (H) of (H) is a payout control command that specifies the payout stop state. The payout stop state designating command is used when it is detected that there are no more supply balls or when the surplus ball tray 4 is full
Is turned on (when the full state flag is turned on), it is transmitted from the main board 31. Also, MODE = F0
The command F0XX (H) of (H) is a payout control command for designating the number of prize balls. “XX”, which is EXT, indicates the number of payouts.

When the payout control means receives the payout control command of FF01 (H) from the game control means of the main board 31, it becomes a state of stopping the prize ball payout and the ball lending, and FF00.
When the payout control command (H) is received, prize balls can be paid out and balls can be lent. Further, when the payout control command for designating the number of prize balls is received, the prize ball payout control according to the number designated by the received command is performed.

The payout control command is sent only once so that the payout control means can recognize it. In this example, “recognizable” means that the INT signal is turned on, and “recognitionally sent once” means that in this example, the payout control signal is sent to each of the first byte and the second byte. Accordingly, the INT signal is turned on only once.

Since one command (command information) has a 2-byte structure, the influence of noise can be reduced. That is, when one command is composed of 1-byte command data, even if data is corrupted due to noise, it may be received as it is and erroneously controlled. If so, the control based on the command is started only when both are correctly received, so that the possibility of malfunction can be reduced as compared with the case of the 1-byte configuration.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing each counter area provided in the RAM 55 area of the main board 31. 1 counter to 15 counters (in FIG. 17, 6 counters,
Only 10 and 15 counters are illustrated. ) Is a counter corresponding to the value set in the data portion when a winning number designation command is received via the switch circuit 58. For example, "1
When the winning number designation command in which "0" is set is received, the value of the 10-piece counter is incremented by 1. And 10
When the payout of the prize balls is completed, the value of the 10-piece counter is decremented by 1.

The prize ball total counter in FIG. 17 is an area in which the total number of unpaid prize balls is set. Also, 1 to 1
The five counter and the total prize ball counter are preferably formed in a backup RAM area capable of storing the contents even when the power is off.

Further, only the necessary counters are used among the 1 counter to 15 counters. In this embodiment, only 6 counters, 10 counters and 15 counters are used. If a large number of counters are prepared, it is possible to deal with the number of prize balls according to various prizes, so that the payout control means can be easily used for other models.

18 and 19 are switch processes in the game control process shown in FIG. 13 (step S21).
5 is a flowchart showing a part related to the prize ball control of FIG. In the switch process, the CPU 56 sets the out-of-ball state flag when the out-of-ball switch 187 detects the out-of-ball state (steps S121 and S122). Further, when it is detected by the out-of-ball switch 187 that there is no out-of-ball, the out-of-ball state flag is reset (steps S121 and S123).

Then, when the lower plate full tank is detected by the full tank switch 48, the full tank flag is set (steps S124 and S125). When the full tank switch 48 detects that the lower plate is not full, the full tank flag is reset (steps S124 and S126).

When it is detected that the count switch 23 is turned on, the 15 counter is incremented by 1 (steps S131 and S132), and the winning opening switches 19a and 24a are added.
When any one of the above is detected to be turned on, the 10 counter is incremented by 1 (steps S133 and S134), and when the start opening switch 17 is detected to be turned on, the six counter is incremented by 1 (steps S135 and S136).

In this embodiment, 15 prize balls are paid out for the prizes that have passed through the big winning opening, 6 prize balls are paid out for the prizes that have passed through the start winning opening 14, and the other prize holes 19, It is assumed that 10 prize balls are paid out for winning through 24 and the prize ball device. The 15-piece counter is a counter for counting the number of winnings in the big winning opening, the 10-piece counter is a counter for counting the number of winnings in the normal winning opening, and the 6-piece counter is a winning for the starting winning opening. It is a counter for counting the number.

Further, when the CPU 56 detects that the prize ball count switch 301A is turned on, it decrements the prize ball total counter by -1 (steps S137, S138).

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing an example of the winning ball signal processing (step S31) in the game control processing shown in FIG. In this example, in the winning ball signal processing, the CPU 56 first confirms whether or not the payout is stopped (step S201). Withdrawal stop status is
This is the state after the command for designating the dispensing stop state is sent to the dispensing control board 37. If the payout is not stopped,
It is confirmed whether or not the out-of-ball state flag or the full tank flag is turned on (step S202).

When any of them changes to the ON state,
The command transmission table relating to the payout stop state designation is set (step S203). The command transmission table will be described in detail later. Note that step S202
In the above, when one of the flags is already in the on state and the other flag is in the on state, the command transmission table is not set (step S203).

If the payout is stopped, it is checked whether the out-of-ball flag and the full tank flag are both turned off (step S204). When both are in the off state, the command transmission table relating to the payout stop cancellation designation is set (step S205).

Next, the CPU 56 carries out control to set a payout control command relating to the number of prize balls according to winning in the command transmission table. First, the value of the 15 counter is checked (step S211). As mentioned above, 1
The five-piece counter is counted up when the game ball wins the special winning opening and the count switch 23 is turned on. 15
If the value of the individual counter is not 0, the command transmission table for the instruction of the number of 15 prize balls is set (step S212). Further, the value of the 15-piece counter is decremented by 1 (step S213), and the value of the prize ball total counter is decremented by 15 (step S214).

If the value of the 15 counter is 0, the value of the 10 counter is checked (step S215). As described above, the 10-piece counter is counted up when the game ball wins the winning opening and the winning opening switches 19a and 24a are turned on. When the value of the 10-piece counter is not 0, the command transmission table regarding the instruction of the number of 10 prize balls is set (step S216). Also, the value of the 10 counter is decremented by 1 (step S21).
7), the value of the prize ball total counter is incremented by 10 (step S
218).

If the value of the 10 counter is 0, the value of the 6 counter is checked (step S221). As described above, the six counter is counted up when the game ball wins the starting winning opening and the starting opening switch 17 is turned on. If the value of the 6-counter is not 0, the command transmission table relating to the instruction of the number of 6 prize balls is set (step S222). In addition, the value of 6 counters
The value is incremented by 1 (step S223), and the value of the prize ball total counter is incremented by 6 (step S224).

As described above, when the payout control command is to be output from the game control means to the payout control board 37, the command transmission table is set. Figure 21
FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command transmission table. One command transmission table is composed of 3 bytes, and INT data is set in the 1st byte. Further, the command data 1 of the second byte is set to the MODE data of the first byte of the payout control command. Then, in the command data 2 of the 3rd byte, the EXT data of the 2nd byte of the payout control command is set.

Although the EXT data itself may be set in the area of the command data 2, the command data 2
May be set with data for designating the address of the table in which the EXT data is stored. In this embodiment, bit 7 of command data 2
If the (work area reference bit) is 0, it indicates that the EXT data itself is set in the command data 2. Note that such EXT data is data in which bit 7 is 0. Further, if the work area reference bit is 1, it indicates that the other 7 bits are an offset for designating the address of the table in which the EXT data is stored.

In this embodiment, a plurality of command transmission tables are prepared, and the command transmission table to be used is designated by the pointer. Also, the plurality of command transmission tables are used as ring buffers. Therefore, CP
In the winning ball signal processing, U56 sets INT data, command data 1 and command data 2 in the command transmission table pointed to by the write pointer. Then, the value of the write pointer is updated. Since one command transmission table has a 3-byte structure, specifically, the write pointer value is incremented by +3.

Note that in the process shown in FIG. 20, only the command transmission table setting process for one payout control command is performed for one process, but a plurality of command transmission tables are provided, so a plurality of command transmissions are performed. The table setting process may be performed. For example, when a plurality of prizes are stored in the 15-piece counter, the 10-piece counter, and the 6-piece counter, a plurality of command transmission table setting processes may be performed by one-time winning ball signal processing.

Further, here, the payout control command will be described, but when the display control command, the lamp control command and the voice control command are sent, FIG.
INT data, command data 1 and command data 2 are set in the command transmission table as shown in FIG. Also at that time, the INT data, the command data 1 and the command data 2 are set in the command transmission table pointed to by the write pointer.

FIG. 21B is an explanatory diagram showing a structural example of INT data. Bit 0 in the INT data is
It indicates whether or not a payout control command should be sent to the payout control board 37. If bit 0 is "1", it indicates that the payout control command should be sent. Therefore, the CPU 56
Is "01" in the INT data in the winning ball signal processing.
(H) ”is set.

Bits 1, 2, 3 of INT data
Are bits indicating whether or not to send a display control command, a lamp control command, and a voice control command, respectively, and the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing or the like at the timing to send these commands. INT data, command data 1 and command data 2 are set in the command transmission table pointed to by the pointer. When sending those commands, the corresponding bit of the INT data is set to "1", and the MODE data and EX are added to the command data 1 and the command data 2.
T data is set.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing a processing example of the command control processing (step S27) in the game control processing shown in FIG. The command control processing is processing including command output processing. In the command control process, the CPU 56 first saves the address (content of the read pointer) of the command transmission table to the stack or the like (step S231). Then, the INT data of the command transmission table pointed to by the read pointer is loaded into the argument 1 (step S232). The argument 1 is input information for the command transmission process described later. Further, the address indicating the command transmission table is incremented by 1 (step S233). Therefore, the address indicating the command transmission table matches the address of the command data 1.

Therefore, the CPU 56 sends the command data 1
Is read out and set to the argument 2 (step S234).
The argument 2 is also input information for the command transmission process described later. Then, the command transmission processing routine is called (step S235).

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the command transmission routine. In the command transmission routine,
The CPU 56 first sets the data set in the argument 1, that is, the INT data, in the work area determined as the comparison value (step S251). Then
The number of transmissions = 4 is set in the work area determined as the number of processes (step S252). Then, the port 1 (output port 571) for outputting the payout control signal
Is set to the IO address (step S2
53).

Next, the CPU 56 shifts the comparison value right by 1 bit (step S254). As a result of the shift processing, it is confirmed whether the carry bit has become 1 (step S255). The carry bit has become 1, which means that the rightmost bit in the INT data is "1".
It means that it was. In this embodiment, the shift process is performed four times. For example, when it is specified that the payout control command should be sent, the carry bit becomes 1 in the first shift process.

When the carry bit becomes 1, the data set in the argument 2, in this case, the command data 1 (that is, MODE data) is output to the address set as the IO address (step S2
56). Since the address of the port 1 (output port 571) is set as the IO address when the first shift processing is performed, the MODE data of the payout control command is eventually output to the port 1.

Next, the CPU 56 sets the IO address to 1
While adding (step S257), 1 is subtracted from the processing number (step S258). When the port 1 is shown before the addition, the address of the port 2 (output port 572) is set to the IO address by the addition process for the IO address. Port 2 (output port 572)
Is a port for outputting a display control command.
Then, the CPU 56 checks the value of the number of processes (step S259), and if the value is not 0, the step S2
Return to 54. The shift process is performed again in step S254.

In the second shift processing, the value of bit 1 in the INT data is pushed out, and the carry flag becomes "1" or "0" depending on the value of bit 1. Therefore,
A check is made to see if it is specified that a display control command should be sent. Similarly, by the third and fourth shift processing, it is checked whether or not the lamp control command and the voice control command should be sent. Thus, when each shift process is performed, the IO address is set to the IO address corresponding to the command (payout control command, display control command, lamp control command, voice control command) checked by the shift process. Has been done.
Therefore, when the carry flag becomes "1", the control command is sent to the corresponding output port (port 1 to port 4). That is, one common module
It is possible to perform control command transmission processing to each electric component control means.

Further, as described above, it is determined to which electric component control means the control command should be output only by the shift processing, so it is determined to which electric component control means the control command should be output. Processing has been simplified.

Next, the CPU 56 reads the contents of the argument 1 in which the INT data before starting the shift processing is stored (step S260), and the read data is read in the port 0.
Output to (output port 570) (step S26)
1). In the INT data, steps S251 to S259
Control command (payout control command,
The bit corresponding to the output bit of the INT signal corresponding to the display control command, the lamp control command, the voice control command is “1”. Therefore, port 1 to port 4
The INT signal corresponding to the control command (the payout control command, the display control command, the lamp control command, the voice control command) output to any of the above is turned on.

Next, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined value in the wait counter (step S262), and subtracts 1 by 1 until the value becomes 0 (steps S263, S26).
4). This process is a process for setting the period B shown in FIG. When the value of the wait counter becomes 0, clear data (00) is set (step S26).
5) output the data to port 0 (step S2)
66). Therefore, the INT signal is turned off. Then, a predetermined value is set in the wait counter (step S2
62), and decrement by 1 until the value becomes 0 (steps S268 and S269). This process is a process for setting the period C shown in FIG.

Therefore, the value set in the wait counter in step S267 is set so that the period C is a period sufficient for surely performing the command receiving process by all the electric component control means which are the control command receiving targets. Value. The value set in the wait counter is
The value is longer than the time required for the processes of steps S251 to S259.

As described above, the MODE data of the first byte of the control command is transmitted. Therefore, CPU5
In step S236 shown in FIG. 22, 6 adds 1 to the value indicating the command transmission table. Therefore, the area of the command data 2 in the third byte is designated. The CPU 56
The contents of the pointed command data 2 are loaded into the argument 2 (step S237). Also, it is confirmed whether or not the value of bit 7 (work area reference bit) of the command data 2 is "0" (step S239). If not 0, the head address of the command extension data address table is set to the pointer (step S239), and the value of bits 6 to 0 of the command data 2 is added to the pointer to calculate the address (step S240). Then, the data of the area indicated by the address is loaded into the argument 2 (step S241).

In the command extension data address table, EXT data which can be sent to the electric component control means is sequentially set. Therefore, by the above processing, if the value of the work area reference bit is “1”, the EXT data in the command extension data address table according to the content of the command data 2 is loaded into the argument 2 and the work area reference bit If the value is “0”, the content of the command data 2 is loaded as it is in the argument 2. Even when the EXT data is read from the command extension data address table, bit 7 of the data is "0".

Next, the CPU 56 calls the command transmission routine (step S242). Therefore, MOD
EXT data is transmitted at the same timing as in the case of transmitting E data. After that, the CPU 56 restores the address of the command transmission table (step S243) and updates the value of the read pointer pointing to the command transmission table (step S244). Since one command transmission table has a 3-byte structure, specifically, the value of the read pointer is incremented by +3.

As described above, the control command (payout control command, display control command, lamp control command, voice control command) having a 2-byte structure is transmitted to the corresponding electric component control means. In the electrical component control means INT
When the fall of the signal is detected, the control command fetch processing is started, but for any electric component control means, a new signal from the game control means is output to the signal line before the fetch processing is completed. There is no such thing. That is, a reliable command reception process is performed in each electric component control means. Each electric component control means is
The control command acquisition process may be started at the rising edge of the NT signal. Further, the polarity of the INT signal may be reversed from that shown in FIG.

In addition, in this embodiment, a plurality of command transmission tables are used as ring buffers.
In the command control processing shown in FIG. 2, command output control is performed for the command transmission table pointed to by the read pointer, and processing for setting data in the command transmission table, for example, in the winning sphere signal processing shown in FIG. Command setting processing is performed for the command transmission table pointed to by the add pointer. Therefore, even if a plurality of command transmission requests are generated at the same time, the command output processing based on those requests can be executed without any problem.

Next, the command reception processing and the like in the electric component control means will be described. Here, the command receiving process and the like in the payout control means will be described.

The payout control CPU 371 of this example can be set to any one of the interrupt modes 0 to 2 similarly to the CPU 56 of the main board 31, and the CTC is set to the timer mode or the counter mode as described below. Can work with.
In this embodiment, channel 3 of the built-in CTC is used in timer mode and channel 2 is used in counter mode. Channel 3 is used as a timer interrupt generation source, and channel 2 is used for receiving the payout control command. Further, the payout control CPU 371 incorporates CTCs of a plurality of channels. The operation mode can be set for each channel.

Counter mode: CPU 371 for payout control
When the rising or falling of the clock signal is input to the CLK / TRG terminal of, the count value is decremented by one. If interrupt generation permission is set for that channel, an interrupt is generated when the count value reaches 0, and
Reload the initial value into the counter. Further, if the interrupt vector is set, the interrupt vector is sent out to the internal data bus when the count value becomes 0.

Timer mode: The count value is decremented by -1 based on the clock signal obtained by dividing the system clock (internal clock) by 1/16 or 1/256. If interrupt generation permission is set for that channel,
When the count value becomes 0, an interrupt is generated and the initial value is reloaded into the counter. Further, if the interrupt vector is set, the interrupt vector is sent out to the internal data bus when the count value becomes 0.

CLK / TRG of payout control CPU 371
The INT signal (payout control signal INT) from the main board 31 is connected to the two terminals. When a clock signal is input to the CLK / TRG2 terminal, the payout control CPU 371
Timer counter register CLK / TR built in
The value of G2 (CTC channel 2 counter) is down-counted. Then, when the register value becomes 0, an interrupt occurs. Therefore, the timer counter register CLK / T
If the initial value of RG2 is set to "1", an interrupt will occur in response to the input of the INT signal.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing the main processing of the payout control CPU 371. In the main process,
The payout control CPU 371 first performs necessary initial setting (step S701).

FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the initial setting process of step S701. In the initial setting process, the payout control CPU 371 first sets an interrupt prohibition (step S701a). Next, the payout control CPU
The 371 sets the interrupt mode to the interrupt mode 2 (step S701b), and sets the stack pointer designated address in the stack pointer (step S701c). Further, the payout control CPU 371 initializes the built-in device register (step S701d), and after initializing the CTC and PIO (step S701e),
The RAM is set to the accessible state (step S70).
1f).

In this embodiment, one channel of the built-in CTC is used in the timer mode. Therefore,
In the setting process of the built-in device register of step S701d and the process of step S701e, register setting for setting the channel to be used to the timer mode,
Register settings are made to enable interrupt generation and register settings to set interrupt vectors. And
The interrupt by that channel is used as the timer interrupt described above. If it is desired to generate a timer interrupt every 2 ms, a value corresponding to 2 ms is set as an initial value in a predetermined register (time constant register).

The interrupt vector set in the channel set in the timer mode corresponds to the start address of the timer interrupt process. Specifically, the start address of the timer interrupt process is specified by the value set in the I register and the interrupt vector. The timer interrupt flag is set in the timer interrupt process, and when it is detected that the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the payout control process is executed.
That is, in the timer interrupt process, settings are made to execute the payout control process, which is an example of the electric component control process.

Also, another channel of the built-in CTC is used in the counter mode. Therefore, in the built-in device register setting process of step S701d and the process of step S701e, register setting for setting the channel to be used in the counter mode, register setting for permitting interrupt generation, and interrupt vector are set. Register setting is performed.

The interrupt vector set in the channel set to the counter mode corresponds to the head address of the command reception interrupt process described later. Specifically, the start address of the command reception interrupt process is specified by the value set in the I register and the interrupt vector.

In this embodiment, the payout control CPU 3
Also in 71, the interrupt mode 2 is set. Therefore, the built-in CT
An interrupt process based on C count up can be used. Further, it is possible to set an interrupt processing start address according to the interrupt vector sent by the CTC.

The interrupt based on the count-up of the channel 2 (CH2) of the CTC is an interrupt that occurs when the value of the above-mentioned timer counter register CLK / TRG2 becomes "0". Therefore, for example, in step S701e, the initial value "1" is set in the timer counter register CLK / TRG2. Also, CTC channel 3
The interrupt based on the count-up of (CH3) is the CPU
This is an interrupt that occurs when the internal clock (system clock) is counted down and the register value becomes "0", and is used as a 2 ms timer interrupt described later. Specifically, the register value of CH3 is 1 / of the system clock.
It is subtracted in 256 cycles. In step S701e, a value corresponding to 2 ms is set as an initial value in the CH3 register. In this embodiment, CH
The interrupt address for 2 is 0074H and the interrupt address for CH3 is 0076H.

Then, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not backup data exists in the payout control backup RAM area (step S70).
2). That is, for example, similar to the processing of the CPU 56 of the main board 31, whether or not backup data exists is checked depending on whether or not the backup flag set when the power is turned off is in the set state. If the backup flag is set, it is determined that there is backup data. If it is determined that there is no backup data, it means that there is no unpaid gaming ball at the previous power off, and it is not necessary to return the internal state to the state at the time of power off. Therefore, the payout control CPU 371
Initialization processing that is executed when the power is turned on is executed when the power is not restored (steps S702 and S703).

When the backup data exists in the backup RAM area, the payout control CPU 371.
Performs a data check of the backup RAM area (parity check in this example) (step S704).
When the power is restored after an unexpected power failure, the data in the backup RAM area should have been saved, so the check result is normal. If the check result is not normal, the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power was cut off, so the initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on, not when the power is restored, is executed (steps S705 and S70).
3).

If the check result is normal, the payout control CPU 371 performs a payout state recovery process for returning the internal state to the state at the time of power off (step S706). Then, it returns to the address pointed to by the PC (program counter) stored in the backup RAM area (step S707).

Execution of normal initialization processing (step S70)
When 3) is finished, the main processing executed by the payout control CPU 371 shifts to the loop processing in which the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S708) is confirmed.

In this embodiment, step S7
After the presence / absence of backup data is confirmed in 02, if backup data exists, the backup area is checked in step S704, but it is confirmed that the backup area check result is normal. The presence / absence of backup data may be confirmed later. Further, it may be configured to determine whether or not to execute the power failure recovery process by confirming either the presence or absence of backup data or the check of the backup area.

Also, for example, a parity check for determining whether or not to execute the power failure recovery process (step S70)
In the case of 4), that is, when determining whether to restore the game state, the gaming machine is in the payout standby state (state not being paid out) by the payout game ball number data in the stored RAM data. If it is confirmed that the payout state is restored, the initialization process may be executed.

In a normal initialization process, as shown in FIG. 26, a register and RAM clear process (step S9).
01) is performed, and a predetermined initial value is set (step S902). Then, the initial setting process (step S7
Since the interruption is prohibited in 01a), the interruption is permitted before the initialization processing is completed (step S90).
3).

In this embodiment, the payout control CPU 3
CH3 of CTC 71 is set to repeatedly generate timer interrupts. Further, the repetition cycle is set to 2 ms. Then, as shown in FIG. 27, when a timer interrupt occurs, the payout control CPU 371 sets a timer interrupt flag (step S721). Although it is clearly shown in FIG. 27 that the interrupt is permitted (step S
720) In the 2 ms timer interrupt process, the interrupt enable state is first set. That is, during the 2 ms timer interrupt process, the interrupt is enabled.

The payout control CPU 371 operates in step S7.
When it is detected in 08 that the timer interrupt flag is set, the timer interrupt flag is reset (step S709) and the payout control process is executed (step S710). According to the above control, in this embodiment, the payout control process is activated every 2 ms. In this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process and the payout control process is executed in the main process, but the payout control process may be executed in the timer interrupt process.

When the power is turned on, the payout control CPU 371 can simply determine the data in the backup RAM area to determine whether to perform the normal initialization process or restore the payout state. That is, by simple judgment,
The payout process can be restarted for the unpaid gaming balls. Further, in this embodiment, like the game control on the main board 31, the storage of stored contents is ensured by the parity check code.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing a usage example of the RAM incorporated in the payout control CPU 371. In this example,
A prize ball total counter, a loan ball total counter, and a payout counter are formed in the backup RAM area. The prize ball total counter stores the unpaid total number of prize balls instructed from the main board 31 side. The loaned ball total counter stores the total unpaid amount in response to an instruction from the card unit 50 side. Further, in the payout counter, the number of gaming balls to be paid out is set and stored from among unpaid prize balls or loan balls.

Since the payout counter stores the number of game balls to be paid out, the number of game balls to be paid out by one continuous payout operation is set only by setting the stored number of the payout counter. Can be set. Therefore, it is possible to easily set or change the number of game balls to be paid out in one continuous payout operation.

In the payout counter, the upper limit of the stored number is preset to the maximum value of the game balls paid out in one payout operation (in this example, 25 (the number of balls to lend for 100 yen)). Therefore, the payout operation is continuously performed up to a maximum of 25 pieces, and the game balls can be paid out in good intervals.

The upper limit of the number of stored payout counters is
In this example, there are 25 fixed values, but they may be variable. To make it variable, for example, a game manager may input a setting change command from the outside to the payout control board 37, and the upper limit of the number of stored payout counters may be arbitrarily changed.

In this case, the out-of-ball switch 187 is set to 25
It is installed at a position where it is possible to confirm the securing of at least one game ball. Therefore, unless 25 or more game balls exist, the game medium to be paid out is not newly set in the payout counter, so that the payout is not executed unless 25 or more game balls are secured. The number of game balls set in the payout counter can always be paid out. That is, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of running out of balls during the payout of the prize balls or the lending balls set in the payout counter.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a receiving buffer for storing the payout control command received from the main board 31. In this example, a ring buffer type reception buffer that can store six 2-byte payout control commands is used. Therefore, the reception buffer is composed of 12-byte areas of the fixed command buffers 1 to 12. Then, a command reception number counter indicating which area to store the received command is used. The command reception number counter takes a value of 0-11.

FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing the payout control command receiving process by the interrupt process. The payout control INT signal from the main board 31 is sent to the payout control CPU 37.
1 is input to the CLK / TRG2 terminal. Therefore,
When the INT signal from the main board 31 is turned on, the payout control CPU 371 is interrupted, and the payout control command reception process shown in FIG. 30 is started.

Although the command receiving process of the payout control means will be described here, the same command receiving process is executed by the display control means, the lamp control means and the voice control means.

In the process of receiving the payout control command, the payout control CPU 371 first saves each register in the stack (step S850). Next, the input port 3 assigned to the input of the payout control command data
The data is read from 72a (step S851). Then, it is confirmed whether or not it is the first byte of the payout control command having a 2-byte structure (step S852). Whether or not it is the first byte is confirmed by whether or not the first bit of the received command is "1". The head bit is “1” in the MODE byte (first byte) of the payout control command having a 2-byte structure (see FIG. 14). Therefore, the payout control CPU 371
If the first bit is "1", it is determined that the valid first byte has been received, and the received command is stored in the confirmed command buffer indicated by the command reception number counter in the reception buffer area (step S853).

If it is not the first byte of the payout control command, it is confirmed whether or not the first byte has already been received (step S854). Whether or not the data has already been received is confirmed by whether or not valid data is set in the reception buffer (confirmation command buffer).

If the first byte has already been received,
It is confirmed whether the first bit of the received 1 byte is "0". If the first bit is "0",
Assuming that the valid second byte has been received, the received command is stored in the confirmed command buffer indicated by the command reception number counter + 1 in the reception buffer area (step S855). The head bit should be "0" in the EXT byte (second byte) of the payout control command having a 2-byte structure (see FIG. 14). If the confirmation result in step S854 indicates that the first byte has already been received, the process ends if the first bit of the data received as the second byte is not "0".

When the command data of the second byte is stored in step S855, 2 is added to the command reception number counter (step S856). Then, it is confirmed whether the command reception counter is 12 or more (step S857), and if it is 12 or more, the command reception number counter is cleared (step S858). After that, the saved registers are restored (step S859),
The interrupt permission is set (step S859).

During the command reception interrupt process, the interrupt is disabled. As described above, the interrupt enable state is set during the 2ms timer interrupt process. Therefore, if a command reception interrupt occurs during the 2ms timer interrupt process, the command reception interrupt process is executed with priority. It Further, even if a 2 ms timer interrupt occurs during the command reception interrupt process, the interrupt process is kept waiting. As described above, in this embodiment, the processing priority of the command reception processing from the main board 31 is high. Further, since the other interrupt processing is not executed during the command receiving processing, the maximum time required for the command receiving processing is determined. If the other interrupt processing can be executed during the command receiving processing, it is difficult to estimate the maximum time required for the command receiving processing. Since the maximum time required for the command receiving process is determined, the period C in the command sending process of the game control means (see FIG. 15)
Can be accurately determined.

The payout control command has a 2-byte structure, and the first byte (MODE) and the second byte (EX
It is configured so that it can be immediately distinguished from T) on the receiving side.
That is, the receiving side can immediately detect whether the data as MODE or the data as EXT is received by the first bit. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to easily determine whether or not proper data has been received.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the payout control process of step S710. In the payout control process, the payout control CPU 371 first determines whether or not the prize ball count switch 301A and the ball lending count switch 301B input to the input port 372b via the relay board 72 are turned on (switch process: Step S7
51).

Next, the payout control CPU 371 performs processing such as checking the signal input state from a sensor (for example, a motor position sensor for detecting the number of rotations of the payout motor 289) to determine the state of the sensor ( Input determination processing: step S752). The payout control CPU 371 further analyzes the received payout control command and executes a process according to the analysis result (command analysis execution process: step S75).
3).

Next, the payout control CPU 371 sets the payout stop state when the payout stop instruction command is received from the main board 31, and releases the payout stop state when the payout start instruction command is received (step S754). ).
In addition, prepaid card unit control processing is performed (step S755).

Next, the payout control CPU 371 controls the payout of the lent balls in response to the ball lending request (step S756). Further, the payout control CPU 371 performs a prize ball control process for paying out the number of prize balls stored in the total number memory (step S757). And C for payout control
The PU 371 includes the output port 372c and the relay board 72.
A drive signal is output to the payout motor 289 in the payout mechanism portion of the ball payout device 97 via the step S75.
The payout motor control process of rotating the payout motor 289 for the number of revolutions set in the ball lending control process of 6 or the prize ball control process of step S757 is performed (step S758).

In this embodiment, the payout motor 2
A stepping motor is used as 89, and a 1-2 phase excitation method is used to control the payout motor 289. Therefore, specifically, in the payout motor control process, eight types of excitation pattern data are repeatedly output to the payout motor 289. Further, in this embodiment, each excitation pattern data is output by 4 ms.

Next, error detection processing is performed, and a predetermined display is performed on the error display LED 374 according to the result (error processing: step S759). There are the following eight types of detected errors, for example.

Prize ball path error: When no prize ball count switch 301A detects passage of a game ball when the prize ball payout operation is completed or when the payout motor 289 makes one rotation. “0” is displayed on the error display LED 374.

Ball lending path error: When the payout operation of the ball lending is completed, or when the payout motor 289 makes one rotation, no ball lending count switch 301B detects the passage of the game ball. “1” is displayed on the error display LED 374.

Prize ball count switch ball clogging error: When the prize ball count switch 301A detects ON for 0.5 seconds or more. “2” is displayed on the error display LED 374.

Ball lending count switch Ball clogging error:
When the ball lending count switch 301B is turned on for 0.5 seconds or longer. “3” is displayed on the error display LED 374.

Discharge motor ball biting error: Discharge motor 28
When 9 does not rotate normally. Specifically, when the payout motor position sensor is kept on for a predetermined period or longer, or is off for a predetermined period or longer. “4” is displayed on the error display LED 374. Note that when a payout motor ball biting error occurs, the payout control CPU 371 causes 50 ms.
After outputting the reference excitation phase of, the four types of excitation pattern data of the excitation pattern data of 1-2 phase excitation are set to 8
Reverse rotation and forward rotation of the payout motor 289 are repeated by outputting every ms.

Prepaid card unit not connected error:
When the OFF of the VL signal is detected. Error display LED3
“5” is displayed on 74.

Prepaid card unit communication error: When it is detected that a signal is output from the prepaid card unit 50 at a timing other than the specified timing. Error display LE
“6” is displayed in D374.

Dispensing stop state: When a dispensing control command indicating discontinuation of dispensing is received from the main board 31. Error display LE
“7” is displayed in D374. When a payout control command indicating the start of payout is received from the main board 31,
After 2002 ms from that point, the payout stopped state is returned to the payable state.

Further, processing for controlling the information signal output from the external connection terminal (not shown) is performed (output processing: step S760). The information signal is a signal that is turned on for a predetermined time for each payout unit (for example, 25 pieces) of the rented balls, and then turned off for a predetermined time.

FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing an example of the switch process of step S751. In the switch processing, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not the prize ball count switch 301A is in the ON state (step S751a). If it is in the ON state, the payout control CPU 371 increments the prize ball count switch ON counter by 1 (step S751b). The prize ball count switch on counter is the prize ball count switch 30.
This is a counter for counting the number of times the ON state of 1A is detected.

Then, the value of the prize ball count switch ON counter is checked (step S751c), and if the value is 2, it is determined that one prize ball has been paid out. When it is determined that one prize ball has been paid out, the payout control CPU 371 sets the prize ball total counter (the number of unpaid prize balls stored in the prize ball total counter) to −
1 (step S751d). Also, CP for payout control
U371 is a payout counter (the number of unpaid gaming balls) is -1.
Yes (step S751k).

When it is confirmed in step S751a that the prize ball count switch 301A is not in the ON state, the payout control CPU 371 clears the prize ball count switch ON counter (step S751e). And in this embodiment, the ball lending count switch 3
It is confirmed whether or not 01B indicates the ON state (step S751f). If it is in the ON state, the payout control CPU 371 increments the ball lending count switch ON counter by 1 (step S751g). Ball lending count switch ON counter is ball lending count switch 301
This is a counter for counting the number of times the ON state of B is detected.

Then, the value of the ball lending count switch on counter is checked (step S751h), and if the value is 2, it is determined that one ball has been paid out. When it is determined that one sphere has been paid out, the payout control CPU 371 decrements the total lent ball counter (the number of unpaid spheres stored in the lent number storage) by -1 (step S751i). Further, the payout control CPU 371 decrements the payout counter by -1 (step S751l).

When it is confirmed in step S751f that the ball lending count switch 301B is not in the on state, the payout control CPU 371 clears the ball lending count switch ON counter (step S751j).

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing an example of the command analysis execution processing of step S753. In the command analysis execution processing, the payout control CPU 371
It is confirmed whether or not there is a received command in the confirmed command buffer area (step S753a). If there is a received command, it is confirmed whether or not the received payout control command is a prize ball number designation command (step S753).
b). If there are multiple received commands in the confirmed command buffer area, check whether the received payout control command is the prize ball number designation command or not with respect to the received command received first. Done.

If the received payout control command is the prize ball number designation command, the number designated by the prize ball number designation command is added to the prize ball total counter (step S75).
3c). That is, the payout control CPU 371 stores the number of prize balls included in the prize ball number designation command sent from the CPU 56 of the main board 31 in the backup RAM area (prize ball total counter).

If necessary, the payout control CPU 371 performs the subtraction of the command reception number counter and the reception command shift processing in the confirmed command buffer area.

FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing an example of the payout stop state setting process of step S754. In the payout stop state setting process, the payout control CPU 371
It is confirmed whether or not there is a received command in the confirmed command buffer area (step S754a). If there is a received command in the confirmed command buffer area, it is confirmed whether or not the received payout control command is a payout stop state designation command (step S754b). If it is the payout stop state designation command, the payout control CPU 371 sets the payout prohibition flag and sets the payout stop state (step S754c).

When it is confirmed in step S754b that the received command is not the payout stop state designation command, it is confirmed whether or not the received payout control command is the payout possible state designation command (step S754d). If it is a payable state designation command, the payout prohibition flag is reset to cancel the payout stop state (step S754).
e).

FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing an example of the prepaid card unit control process of step S755. In the prepaid card unit control process, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not the VL signal input from the card unit control microcomputer is detected (step S755a). If the VL signal is not detected, the VL signal non-detection counter is incremented by 1 (step S755b). Further, the payout control CPU 37
1 confirms whether the value of the VL signal non-detection counter is 125 in this example (step S755c). If the value of the VL signal non-detection counter is 125, the payout control CP
The U371 stops the output of the firing control signal to the firing control board 91 and stops the drive motor 94 (step S7).
55d).

With the above processing, 125 times (2 ms ×
(125 = 250 ms) When the OFF of the VL signal is continuously detected, the ball firing prohibition state is set.

When the VL signal is detected in step S755a, the payout control CPU 371 clears the VL signal non-detection counter (step S755e). If the output control signal output is stopped (step S755f), the payout control CPU 371 starts the output control signal output to the discharge control board 91 to put the drive motor 94 into an operable state (step S755g). .

36 and 37 are flowcharts showing the prize ball control processing (step S757). In the prize ball control processing, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not the count value of the payout counter is 0 (whether the payout is in progress) (step S511). When the count value is not 0 (when paying out), the payout control CPU 371,
It is confirmed whether or not the paid-out game medium is a prize ball (step S512). This confirmation is
It is performed by a prize ball processing flag described later.

[0209] The count value is 0 in the determination in step S511.
If it is (if not paying out), CP for payout control
In the present example, the U371 confirms whether or not the payout is stopped by the payout prohibition flag (step S513). If the payout is not stopped, the count value of the total loaned ball counter is 0.
Whether or not it is confirmed (step S514). If the count value of the total lending ball counter is 0, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not there is a ball lending preparation request from the card unit 50 (step S515).
Note that this confirmation is performed by the payout control CPU 371 by confirming whether the BRDY signal input from the card unit 50 is on (requested) or off (no request).

If there is no ball lending preparation request from the card unit 50, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not the count value of the total prize ball counter is 0 (step S516). If the count value of the prize ball total counter is not 0, the payout control CPU 371 turns on the prize ball processing flag (step S517) and determines whether the count value of the prize ball total counter is 25 or more in this example. It is confirmed (step S518). The prize ball processing flag is set in the backup RAM area.

When the count value of the total prize ball counter is 25 or more, the payout control CPU 371 sets 25 in the payout counter (step S519). On the other hand, if the count value of the total prize ball counter is not 25 or more, the payout control CPU 371 sets the same value as the count value of the total prize ball counter in the payout counter (step S52).
0). Then, the payout control CPU 371 turns on the payout motor 289 (step S521).

Next, if the count value of the payout counter is set, or if the prize balls are being paid out in step S512, the payout control CPU 371 performs a prize ball payout process (step S522). In the prize ball payout process, if the payout motor 289 is not turned on, it is turned on, and it is confirmed by the detection output of the prize ball count switch 301A whether or not the game balls are paid out. Then, when it is confirmed that one payout has been made (step S523), the count value of the payout counter and the count value of the total prize ball counter are decremented by one (steps S524 and S52).
5). Further, when the count value of the payout counter becomes 0 (step S526), the payout motor 289 is turned off (step S527), and the prize ball processing flag is turned off (step S528).

As described above, by arranging to confirm whether or not the payout is in the stopped state after paying out one unit of the guaranteed game balls, one unit is set in the payout stopped state. Since it can be stopped after paying out the game ball, the payout of the game medium can be interrupted in a good break state, and proper payout control can be realized.

Further, since the upper limit of the count value of the payout counter is set to 25, the upper limit of the number of prize balls to be paid out in one payout operation can be set to 25, and the prize balls can be separated well. The payout can be made.

Since the upper limit of the count value of the payout counter is set to 25, the game medium to be paid out is not newly set in the payout counter unless there are 25 or more game balls. If the above game balls are not secured, the payout can be prevented from being executed, and the number of game balls set in the payout counter can always be paid out. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ball from running out during the payout of the prize balls set in the payout counter.

By providing a payout counter for storing the number of game balls to be paid out, the number of prize balls to be paid out in one payout operation can be determined only by setting the maximum storage number of the payout counter. Therefore, the upper limit of the number of payout prize balls can be easily set or changed.

In this embodiment, the process of paying out the lent balls is prioritized, but the prize ball payout may be prioritized. In this case, the confirmation of the total loan ball counter in step S514 and the presence or absence of the ball lending preparation request in step S515 may not be performed.

Further, in this embodiment, a part or all of the count value of the prize ball total number counter is copied to the payout counter (that is, a predetermined maximum value is set as a limit without subtracting the count value of the prize ball total number counter). Although the count value of the payout counter is added, the count value of the award ball total counter is transferred to the payout counter (that is, the count value of the payout counter is added up to a predetermined maximum value, and the sum is added). The count value of the total number of prize balls counter may be subtracted). in this case,
The subtraction processing of the count value of the total prize ball counter in step S523 is not necessary.

Further, the payout control CPU 371 manages the number of award balls instructed from the main board 31 as the total number by the award ball total counter.
It may be managed as one piece or six pieces. For example, a number counter corresponding to each number of prize balls is provided, and when a payout number designation command is received, the number counter corresponding to the number designated by the command is incremented by one. Then, the payout counter is set for each number of prize balls, and when the prize ball payout is completed, the corresponding number counter is decremented by one.

38 and 39 are flowcharts showing the ball lending control process (step S756). In the ball lending control process, the payout control CPU 371 checks whether the count value of the payout counter is 0 (whether the payout is in progress) (step S531). If the payout is in progress, it is confirmed whether or not the payout is by ball lending (step S532). If the payout is not being performed, it is confirmed whether or not the payout is stopped, for example, by a payout prohibition flag (step S533). If the payout is not stopped, it is confirmed whether or not the count value of the total loanable ball counter is 0 (step S534).

If the count value of the total loan ball counter is not 0, the ball lending processing flag is turned on (step S535) and 25 is set in the payout counter (step S536). Then, the payout control CPU 371
The EXS signal is turned on (step S537). In addition, the distribution solenoid 310 is driven to set the ball distribution member 311 below the ball dispensing device 97 to the ball lending side (step S538). Further, the payout motor 289 is turned on (step S539), and the process proceeds to the process during ball lending shown in FIG. Strictly speaking, the payout motor 289 is turned on after the BRQ signal is turned off to indicate that the card unit 50 has recognized the acceptance. In addition,
The ball lending processing flag is set in the backup RAM area. On the other hand, if the count value of the total loan ball counter is 0, it is confirmed whether there is a ball loan request from the card unit 50 (step S540).
(Number according to the number of requested units) is set in the total loanable ball counter (step S541).

If the pay-out of balls for lending is in progress or if the pay-out motor 289 is turned on in step S539, the CPU 371 for pay-out control performs a ball lending process (step S54).
2). In the ball lending process, if the payout motor 289 is not on, the ball lending count switch 3 is turned on.
It is confirmed whether or not the game balls have been paid out by the detection output of 01B. Then, when it is confirmed that one payout has been made (step S543), the count value of the payout counter and the count value of the total loanable ball counter are decremented by one (steps S544 and S545). Further, when the count value of the payout counter becomes 0 (step S5
46), the payout motor 289 is turned off (step S547), and the distribution solenoid is turned off (step S).
548). Then, the EXS signal is turned off in order to notify the card unit 50 that all the one unit of lent balls has been paid out and the next lent ball request can be accepted (step S549). Furthermore, the ball lending processing flag is turned off (step S550). In this embodiment, the same payout device is used for both prize balls and ball lending.

[0223] As described above, by arranging to confirm whether or not the payout is in the payout stop state after paying out one unit of the surely secured loan ball, even if the payout stop state is set, one unit Since it can be stopped after paying out the rented balls, the payout of the game medium can be interrupted in a good break state, and proper payout control can be realized.

Since the upper limit of the count value of the payout counter is set to 25, the upper limit of the number of lent balls to be paid out in one paying operation can be set to 25, and the lent balls can be paid out at good intervals. It can be performed. In this case, the operation is not stopped in the middle of the continuous payout operation because the payout is divided for each payout amount (every 100 yen for ball lending).

Also, with the upper limit of the count value of the payout counter set to 25, even if there are unpaid planned payout numbers, they should be paid out unless 25 or more game balls exist. Since the game medium is not newly set in the payout counter, the payout can be prevented from being executed unless 25 or more game balls are secured, and the number of loan balls set in the payout counter is always paid out. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ball from running out during the payout of the lending ball set in the payout counter.

In this embodiment, the process of paying out lent balls is prioritized, but the prize ball payout may be prioritized. In this case, the prize ball total number counter is confirmed before the confirmation of the loanable ball total number counter in step S534, and if the count value is 0, the processes in step S534 and thereafter are performed, and if the count value is not 0, the process is ended. You can do it.

Further, in this embodiment, the count value of the lending sphere total counter is copied to the payout counter, but the count value of the lending sphere total counter may be moved to the payout counter. In this case, step S53
The subtraction processing of the count value of the total loanable ball counter in 9 is not necessary.

Next, the payout process in the case where the winning switch is turned on at the timing shown in FIG. 40 and the ball lending request is made, and the payout is stopped at the timing shown in FIG. 40, will be described with reference to FIG. ~ It demonstrates in detail with reference to FIG. Note that, here, the case where the ball is out is described as an example of the cause of the discontinuation of payout, but the cause of the discontinuation of payout may be another cause such as, for example, a full pan.

When the CPU 56 of the main board 31 detects that the 15 winning switches have been turned on, it outputs a payout control command.
Upon receipt of the payout control command, the payout control CPU 371 increments the prize ball total counter by 15. Since the payout control CPU 371 is not paying out the game balls or not stopping the payout (steps S511 and S513), the count value of the total loan ball counter is 0 and there is no ball lending preparation request (steps S514 and S515), the prize ball The 15 counters set in the total number counter are set in the payout counter (steps S516, S518, S520). And
The payout control CPU 371 pays out the 15 prize balls set in the payout counter (step S522). The payout control CPU 371 sets the count value of the payout counter and the total number of prize balls to −1 each time one prize ball is paid out.
(Steps S524 and S525).

[0230] When the CPU 56 of the main board 31 detects that the ten prize winning switch is turned on during the payout of the prize balls,
The payout control command is output and 10 is added to the prize ball total number counter of the payout control board 37. Further, when the BRQ signal is input from the card unit 50 during the payout of the above-mentioned award balls, the payout control CPU 371 inserts one unit of the number of lent balls (25 in this example) into the total number of lent balls.

When the payout of the 15 prize balls is completed, the payout control CPU 371 is not in the stop of the payout (step S53).
3) Because the total number of lent balls counter is not 0 (S53)
4), 25, which is the number of lent balls to be lent in one operation, is put in the payout counter (step S536). And
The payout control CPU 371 pays out the 25 lent balls set in the payout counter (step S542). The payout control CPU 371 decrements the count numbers of the payout counter and the total loanable ball counter by -1 each time one payout of the loaned ball is completed (steps S544 and S545).

During this period, the CPU 56 of the main board 31
Since it has been detected that the individual winning switch has been turned on twice, the payout control command is output and 10 is added twice to the total prize ball counter of the payout control board 37.

When the payout of the 25 balls is completed, the payout control CPU 371 determines whether the game balls are being paid out or not being paid out (steps S511 and S513), and the count value of the total loanable ball counter is 0 and the ball is loaned. Since there is no preparation request (steps S514 and S515), 25 of the 30 prize ball total counters are put into the payout counter (steps S516, S518, S515).
519). Then, the payout control CPU 371 pays out the 25 prize balls set in the payout counter (step S522). The payout control CPU 371 decrements the count values of the payout counter and the total prize ball counter by -1 each time one prize ball is paid out (steps S524 and S5).
25).

During this time, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 is hit because the ball is out and the out-of-ball state flag is set.
Payout control command (Payment stop state specification command)
Is output, the payout prohibition flag is set on the payout control board 37, and the payout stop state is set. However, the payout control board 37 has no relation to whether or not the payout has been stopped until the payout of the game balls set in the payout counter is completed (that is, until one unit of payout is completed, steps S513 and S533). Is not determined), the number of game balls set in the payout counter is paid out without any break.

When the payout control CPU 371 has finished paying out the 25 prize balls (steps S511 and S53).
1) If the payout prohibition flag confirms that the payout is stopped (steps S513 and S533), the payout process is stopped. When the out-of-ball condition is reset and the out-of-ball state flag is reset, the CPU 5 of the main board 31
6 is a payout control command (payable state designation command)
Is output to cancel the dispensing stop state of the dispensing control board 37.

When the payout stop state is released (step S
533), since the count value of the total number of lent balls counter is 0 and there is no request for lent balls (steps S514, S515), the payout control CPU 371 pays out the remaining five coins counted in the total number of prize balls counter. (Steps S516, S518, S520). Then, the payout control CPU 371 pays out the five prize balls set in the payout counter (step S522).

By such processing, it is possible to confirm whether or not the payout is in the payout stop state after paying out one unit of the guaranteed game balls, even if the payout is in the payout stop state. Since it is possible to stop after paying out one unit of the game ball, it is possible to interrupt the payout of the game medium in a good break state, and to realize proper payout control.

Further, even if the main board 31 is not provided with the prize ball total number counter by the above processing,
The upper limit of the number of game balls to be paid out in one payout operation is 25
It can be limited to individual pieces, and the game balls can be paid out in good intervals. Also, since the count value of the payout counter is not added unless 25 or more game balls are secured, it is possible to always pay out the number of game balls set in the payout counter. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the payout is stopped while the prize balls or the lending balls set in the payout counter are being paid out.

Next, the payout process in the case where the winning switch is turned on at the timing shown in FIG. 41 and the ball lending request is made, and the payout is stopped at the timing shown in FIG. 41, FIG. ~ It demonstrates in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 41, the prize ball total counter is provided on the main board 31, and the payout control board 37 is not provided with the prize ball total counter. Further, here also, the case where the ball is out is described as an example of the cause of the discontinuation of payout, but the cause of the discontinuation of payout may be another cause such as a full pan.

When the CPU 56 of the main board 31 detects that the ten winning switch has been turned on, it adds 10 to the total prize ball counter of the main board 31. CPU 371 for payout control
Is input from the main board 31 because neither the payout of the game balls nor the payout stop (steps S511 and S513), the count value of the total loan ball counter is 0 and there is no ball lending preparation request (steps S514 and S515). Upon receiving the prize ball control command, 10 coins are put into the payout counter (steps S516, S518, S520). Then, the payout control CPU 371 pays out the 10 prize balls set in the payout counter (step S522).
The payout control CPU 371 decrements the count value of the payout counter by -1 every time one payout of a prize ball is completed (step S524).

When the CPU 56 of the main board 31 detects that the five prize winning switch and the ten prize winning switch are turned on once during the payout of the prize balls, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 is set to 5 and 10. to add.

When the payout of the 10 prize balls is completed, the payout control CPU 371 is not in the process of paying out the game balls (step S
511), since the count value of the total number of lent balls is 0 and there is no request for ball lending preparation (step S514,
S515), according to the prize ball control command inputted from the main board 31, 15 coins are put into the payout counter (step S515).
516, S518, S520). And C for payout control
The PU 371 pays out the 15 prize balls set in the payout counter (step S522).

When the CPU 56 of the main board 31 detects that the ten prize winning switch is turned on during the payout of the prize balls,
10 is added to the total prize ball counter of the main board 31.
In addition, while paying out the above prize balls, B from the card unit 50
When the RQ signal is input, the payout control CPU 371
The number of lent balls per unit (2 in this example)
5 pieces).

When the payout of 15 prize balls is completed, the payout control CPU 371 does not set the total number of lent balls to 0 even when the payout is stopped (steps S531, S533, S5).
34), 25, which is the number of lent balls to be lent in one operation, is put in the payout counter (step S536). Then, the payout control CPU 371 pays out the 25 lent balls set in the payout counter (step S54).
2). The payout control CPU 371 decrements the count numbers of the payout counter and the total loanable ball counter by -1 each time one payout of the loaned ball is completed (steps S544 and S54).
5).

During this period, the CPU 56 of the main board 31
Since the ON of the individual winning switch is detected twice, 10 is added twice to the total prize ball counter of the main board 31. Also,
During this time, the out-of-ball state flag is set due to the out-of-ball occurrence, so the CPU 56 of the main board 31
The payout control command (payout stop state designation command) is output, and the payout control board 37 is set to the payout stop state. However, the payout control board 37 performs the payout process regardless of whether or not the payout is stopped until the payout of the game balls set in the payout counter is completed, and thus the number of games set in the payout counter is set. The balls are paid out without breaks.

When the payout control CPU 371 has finished paying out the 25 lent balls (steps S511 and S53).
1) In this example, when it is confirmed by the payout prohibition flag that the payout is stopped (steps S513 and S53).
3), the payout process is stopped. Then, when the out-of-ball condition is cleared and the out-of-ball state flag is reset, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 outputs a payout control command (payable state designation command) to cancel the payout stop state of the payout control board 37. .

When the payout stop state is released, the payout control CPU 371 restarts the processing, and since the count value of the total lending ball counter is 0 and there is no ball lending preparation request (steps S514 and S515), the main In accordance with the payout control command input from the substrate 31, 25 pieces, which is the maximum value that can be stored in this example, is put into the payout counter (steps S516, S518, S519). Then, the payout control CPU 371 pays out the 25 prize balls set in the payout counter (step S522). C for payout control
The PU 371 decrements the count number of the payout counter by -1 each time one payout of a prize ball is completed (step S524).

When the payout of the 25 prize balls is completed, the payout control CPU 371 determines whether the payout of the game balls is in progress or not (steps S511 and S513), and the count value of the total loan ball counter is 0 and the ball is loaned. Since there is no preparation request (steps S514 and S515), the main board 3
The remaining five payout control commands input from 1 are put into the payout counter (steps S516, S518, S52).
0). Then, the payout control CPU 371 pays out the five prize balls set in the payout counter (step S5).
22).

By such processing, the prize ball control board 37
Even if the total prize ball counter is not provided, it is possible to confirm whether or not the payout is stopped after paying out one unit of the guaranteed game balls, so if the payout is stopped Even after that, the payout of the game medium can be interrupted in a good break state by stopping after paying out one unit of the game ball, and proper payout control can be realized.

By such processing, the prize ball control board 37
Even if the prize ball total number counter is not provided, the upper limit of the number of game balls to be paid out in one payout operation can be limited to 25, and the game balls can be paid out at good intervals. Also, since the count value of the payout counter is not added unless 25 or more game balls are secured, it is possible to always pay out the number of game balls set in the payout counter. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the payout stop state during the payout of the prize balls or the lending balls set in the payout counter.

As described above, even if the payout is stopped, it is configured to check whether or not the payout is stopped after the surely secured one unit of the game ball is paid out. Since it is possible to stop after paying out one unit of the game ball, it is possible to interrupt the payout of the game medium in a good break state, and to realize proper payout control.

Further, since the upper limit of the count value of the payout counter is set to 25, the upper limit of the number of game balls to be paid out in one payout operation can be set to 25, and the number of game balls can be divided well. The payout can be made.

Since the upper limit of the count value of the payout counter is set to 25, the count value of the payout counter is not added unless there are 25 or more game balls. Therefore, the payout counter is set to the payout counter. You can always pay out the number of game balls. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the payout is stopped due to the occurrence of a shortage in the middle of the payout of the prize balls or the lending balls set in the payout counter.

Further, by providing a payout counter for storing the number of game balls to be paid out, the number of game balls to be paid out by one continuous payout operation only by setting the maximum storage number of the payout counter. Therefore, it is possible to easily set or change the upper limit of the number of prize balls to be paid out.

Since the award ball total counter for collectively managing each number of award balls is provided, it is not necessary to separately secure a memory area for each award ball, so that a memory required for the memory is stored. You can save capacity, and
Since they can be managed collectively, the number of unpaid prize balls can be easily managed.

As described above, since the ball lending is prioritized, the ball lending counter and the control for the ball lending request are executed every time when the count value of the payout counter that has paid out becomes 0. It is possible to interrupt the ball lending control even when the prize balls have not been paid out. As described above, when the priority ball is given priority, the prize ball control can be interrupted.

Further, as described above, the ball lending priority is given, and the ball lending preparation signal is further confirmed even if the count value of the total ball lending counter is 0.
For example, when there is a request for lent balls for 5 units (for example, 500 yen), it is possible to avoid shifting to payout of prize balls at a break between 100 yen and the next 100 yen.

In the above-described embodiment, the upper limit of the count value of the payout counter is 25, but this is set as an example of the maximum value of the number of payouts in one payout operation. When applied to a device in which the maximum number of game balls is paid out in one payout operation, the number may be set as the maximum value of the payout counter. in this case,
The out-of-ball switch 187 is installed at a position where it is possible to confirm whether or not a gaming ball having an upper limit value or more set in the payout counter is secured.

With this configuration, a game medium to be paid out is not newly set in the payout counter unless a game ball having a count value greater than or equal to the maximum value of the payout counter exists. It is possible to prevent the payout from being executed unless the game balls having the maximum count value or more have been secured, and it is possible to always pay out the number of lent balls set in the payout counter. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the device from being set in the payout stop state during the payout of the prize balls or the lending balls set in the payout counter, regardless of the number of payout devices set, and to always divide You can pay out the game balls well.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the count value of the payout counter is subtracted with the payout, but it may be added with the payout. The processing in this case will be described with reference to FIGS. 42 to 45. 42 and 43 show prize ball control processing (step S75).
7 is a flowchart showing 7). In the prize ball control processing, if the count value of the payout counter is not 0 (step S551), the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not the game medium being paid out is due to a prize ball (step S552). ).

If the count value of the payout counter is 0 (step S551), the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether the payout is stopped (step S55).
3). If the count value of the total lending sphere counter is 0 (step S554), it is confirmed whether there is a ball lending preparation request from the card unit 50 (step S555). Note that this confirmation is performed by the payout control CPU 371 to turn on BRDY input from the card unit 50 (with a request) or off (without a request).
It is done by checking.

If there is no ball lending preparation request from the card unit 50, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether the count value of the prize ball total counter is not 0 (step S556). If the count value of the total prize ball counter is not 0, the payout control CPU 371 turns on the prize ball processing flag and turns on the payout motor (steps S557 and S558). Then, the processing shifts to the processing in FIG.

If prize balls are being paid out in step S552, or if the payout motor is turned on in step S558, the payout control CPU 371 performs a prize ball payout process (step S559). In the prize ball payout process, if the payout motor 289 is not turned on, it is turned on, and it is confirmed by the detection output of the prize ball count switch 301A whether or not the game balls are paid out. When it is confirmed that one payout has been made (step S560),
The count value of the payout counter is incremented by 1 and the count value of the prize ball total number counter is decremented by 1 (steps S561, S
562). When it is confirmed that the count value of the total prize ball counter is not 0 (step S563), the payout control CPU 371 resets the payout counter and the payout motor when the count value of the payout counter is 25 (step S564). 289 is turned off (step S5)
65, S566). Then, the prize ball processing flag is turned off (step S567).

Thus, even when the count value is added, the payout is made because it is confirmed whether or not the payout is stopped after paying out one unit of the guaranteed game ball. Even if it is in the stopped state, it is possible to stop the payout of the game medium in a good break state by stopping after paying out one unit of the game ball,
Appropriate payout control can be realized.

Further, since the upper limit of the count value of the payout counter is set to 25, even if the count values are added, the upper limit of the number of prize balls to be paid out in one payout operation is set. Can be set to 25,
Prize balls can be paid out in good time.

Further, since the upper limit of the count value of the payout counter is set to 25, even if there is an unpaid planned number of payouts, if there are 25 or more game balls, the payout counter Since the addition of is not started, the number of game balls set in the payout counter can always be paid out. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the payout stop state from being caused due to a ball shortage or the like during the payout of the prize balls set in the payout counter.

Further, by providing a payout counter for storing the number of game balls paid out during one operation, the payout can be paid out by one payout operation only by setting the maximum storage number of the payout counter. Since the number of prize balls to be paid can be determined, the upper limit of the number of prize balls to be paid can be easily set or changed even when the count value is added.

In this embodiment, the payout processing of the lent balls is prioritized, but the prize ball payout may be prioritized. In this case, the confirmation of the total loan ball counter in step S554 and the presence / absence of the ball lending preparation request in step S555 may not be performed.

Further, the payout control CPU 371 manages the number of prize balls instructed from the main board 31 as the total number by the prize ball total number counter, but for each prize ball number (for example, 15, 10,
6). For example, a number counter corresponding to each number of prize balls is provided, and when a payout number designation command is received, the number counter corresponding to the number designated by the command is incremented by one. Then, the payout counter is set for each number of prize balls, and when the prize ball payout is completed, the corresponding number counter is decremented by one.

44 and 45 are flowcharts showing the ball lending control process (step S756). In the ball lending control processing, if the count value of the payout counter is not 0 (during payout), the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether the payout is due to a ball lending (steps S571 and S572).

The loan is being dispensed, or the count value of the payout counter is 0 (step S571), and the count value of the loanable total counter is not 0 because the payout is not stopped (steps S573, S574). The payout control CPU 371 turns on the ball lending processing flag (step S575). In addition, the payout control CPU 371
The XS signal is turned on (step S576). Then, the distribution solenoid 310 is driven to set the ball distribution member 311 below the ball dispensing device 97 to the ball lending side (step S577). Further, the payout motor 289 is turned on (step S578), and the process proceeds to the process during ball lending shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if the count value of the total lent ball counter is 0 (step S574), the card unit 50
It is confirmed whether there is a ball lending request from the player (step S5).
79), if there is a request, 25 pieces (the number corresponding to the number of requested units) are set in the total loan ball counter (step S58).
0).

If the payout of the loaned ball is being performed in step S572, or if the payout motor is turned on in step S578, the payout control CPU 371 performs the ball lending process (step S581). In the ball lending process, if the payout motor 289 is not turned on, it is turned on, and it is confirmed by the detection output of the ball lending count switch 301B whether or not the game balls are paid out. Then, when it is confirmed that one payout has been made (step S582),
The count value of the payout counter is incremented by 1, and the count value of the total number of lent balls counter is decremented by 1 (step S583,
S584). When the count value of the payout counter reaches 25 (step S585), the payout counter is reset (step S586), the payout motor 289 is turned off (step S587), and the distribution solenoid is turned off (step S588). . Then, since one unit of the lent balls is all paid out, the EXS signal is turned off to indicate that the next lent request can be accepted to the card unit 50 (step S58).
9). The ball lending processing flag is turned off (step S590). In this embodiment, the same payout device is used for both prize balls and ball lending.

As described above, even when the count value is added, it is possible to confirm whether or not the payout is stopped after paying out one unit of the game ball that is surely secured. , Even if the payout is stopped, it can be stopped after paying out one unit of the game ball, so that the payout of the game medium can be interrupted in a good break state, and the proper payout control can be performed. Can be realized.

Since the upper limit of the count value of the payout counter is set to 25, even if the count values are added, the upper limit of the number of lent balls to be paid out in one payout operation is set to 25. Can be set to
It is possible to pay out the lending balls in good time.

Further, since the upper limit of the count value of the payout counter is set to 25, even if there is an unpaid planned number of payouts, if there are 25 or more game balls, the payout counter Since the addition of is not started, the number of lent balls set in the payout counter can always be paid out. Therefore, even when the count value is added, it is possible to avoid the fact that the payout is stopped due to a shortage of a ball or the like set in the payout counter during the payout of the lent ball.

In this embodiment, the process of paying out the lent balls is prioritized, but the prize ball payout may be prioritized. In this case, the prize ball total number counter is confirmed before the confirmation of the loan ball total number counter in step S574. If the count value is 0, the processing from step S574 is performed, and if the count value is not 0, the processing is ended. You can do it.

Next, the payout process when the winning switch is turned on at the timing shown in FIG. 46 and a ball lending request is made will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 42 to 45. In FIG. 46, the prize ball total counter is provided on the payout control board 37, and the main board 31 is not provided with the prize ball total counter. Further, although an example in which the ball is out of the state during execution of the processing here is shown, it may be in the case where the payout is stopped due to some cause. When the CPU 56 of the main board 31 detects that the 15 winning switch is turned on, it outputs a payout control command and increments the prize ball total counter of the payout control board 37 by 15. The payout control CPU 371 is not paying out the game balls or not stopping the payout (steps S551 and S553), the count value of the total loan ball counter is 0, and there is no ball lending preparation request (steps S554 and S555). A payout process is performed (step S559). CPU 3 for payout control
71 shows a payout counter + every time one payout of a prize ball is completed
At the same time, the count number of the prize ball total counter is decremented by 1 (steps S561 and S562).

When the CPU 56 of the main board 31 detects that the ten prize winning switch is turned on during the payout of the prize balls,
The prize ball control command is output and 10 is added to the prize ball total counter of the prize ball substrate 37. Further, when the BRQ signal is input from the card unit 50 during the payout of the above-mentioned award balls, the payout control CPU 371 inserts one unit of the number of lent balls (25 in this example) into the total number of lent balls.

1 added to the total prize ball counter during payout
When the number of prize balls including zero is paid out and the count value of the total number of prize balls counter becomes 0 (step S563), the payout control CPU 371 resets the payout counter and stops the driving of the payout motor (step S565, S566).
Then, the payout control CPU 371 determines that the total lending sphere counter is not 0 (steps S571, S573, S5).
74), and the payout of the rental ball is performed (step S581). The payout control CPU 371 increments the count value of the payout counter by +1 and decrements the count value of the total loanable ball counter by -1 every time one payout of the loaned ball is completed (step S5).
83, S584).

During this time, the CPU 56 of the main board 31
Since the ON of the individual winning switch is detected twice, the prize ball control command is output and 10 is added twice to the prize ball total number counter of the payout control board 37. Further, during this time, since the out-of-ball state flag is set due to the occurrence of out-of-ball, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 outputs a payout control command (payout stop state designation command), and the payout control board 3
7 is set to the payout stop state. However, the payout control board 37 performs the payout process regardless of whether or not the payout is stopped until the payout of the game balls set in the payout counter is completed, and thus the number of games set in the payout counter is set. The balls are paid out without breaks.

When the count value of the payout counter reaches 25, the payout control CPU 371 resets the payout counter and finishes the payout of one unit of the loan ball (step S58).
5, S586). In this example, the payout control CPU
In this example, 371 confirms that the payout prohibition flag indicates that the payout is stopped, and then stops the payout (step S).
553, S573). And the out-of-ball condition disappears, and C
When the payout control command (payable state designation command) is received from the PU 56, the payout prohibition flag is reset. Then, since the count value of the total loan ball counter is 0 and there is no ball lending preparation request (step S55).
4, S555), and the payout control CPU 371 pays out prize balls (step S559). CPU 37 for payout control
1 increments the count value of the payout counter by +1 and decrements the count value of the total prize ball counter by -1 each time one prize ball is paid out (steps S561 and S562).

When the prize balls are paid out and the count value of the prize ball total counter becomes 0 (step S563), the payout control CPU 371 resets the payout counter and stops the driving of the payout motor (steps S565 and S56).
6).

By such processing, even if the count value of the payout counter is added, it is configured to confirm whether or not the payout is stopped after paying out one unit of the guaranteed game ball. Even if the payout is stopped, it can be stopped after paying out one unit of the game ball, and the payout of the game medium can be interrupted in a good break condition. Therefore, proper payout control can be realized.

Further, with such a processing, even in the structure in which the count value of the payout counter is added, the upper limit of the number of game balls to be paid out in one payout operation can be limited to 25. You can pay out the game balls well. Also, since the addition of the count value of the payout counter is not started unless 25 or more game balls are secured, the number of game balls set in the payout counter can be paid out at all times. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the payout is stopped while the prize balls or the lending balls set in the payout counter are being paid out.

In the above-described embodiment, the prize balls are paid out and the lent balls are paid out. However, the payout control of either the prize balls or the ball lending may be performed.

In each of the above embodiments, 25 or more gaming ball passages 186a, 186b (usually 27 to 28)
The number of game balls that can be paid out is determined by the ball-break switches 187a and 187b locked at a position where it can be detected that the number of game balls is not detected, and the ball-break detection is not performed. At times, the payout counter was set with an upper limit of 25, but the number of payable game balls was grasped and the payout counter was set to a number equal to or less than the recognized number of payable game balls. You may do it. In this case, for example, the game ball passage 186
A device for counting the number of game balls that have passed through a and 186b is provided, and a device for counting the number of game balls that have been actually paid out is provided, and the difference between the two is taken to determine the number of game balls that can be paid out. You can do it.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the RAM is used as the storage means has been described, but if the storage means is an electrically rewritable storage means, the RAM is used.
Other than these may be used.

Further, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, when one unit (25 pieces) of lent balls is completed, the next one unit is set in the total lent ball counter, but the request from the card unit 50 is made. The total number of lent balls based on the above may be set in advance in the lent ball total counter. For example, the loan ball total counter is set for every 5 units (500 yen worth: 125), and when the payout for 5 units is completed, the next 5 units are set for the loan ball total counter. To do. In this case, the payout counter is set for each unit.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments has a predetermined game value when the stop symbol of the special symbol variably displayed on the variable display portion 9 based on the start winning is a combination of the predetermined symbols. It was a first-class pachinko game machine that can be awarded to the player, but if there is a prize in the predetermined area of the electric auditors to be released based on the starting prize, it becomes possible to give the player a predetermined game value. Two types of pachinko machines,
It is a third-class pachinko game machine in which a predetermined right is generated or continues when there is a prize for a predetermined electric accessory that is released when a stop symbol that is variably displayed based on a start winning is a combination of a predetermined symbol. However, the present invention can be applied.

Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a pachinko gaming machine but also to a slot machine or the like when the maximum number of game media to be paid out in one operation is determined.

[0292]

As described above, according to the present invention, a player plays a predetermined game, and a predetermined number of game media are paid out as prizes according to the game. The payout means can be controlled so that the payout means for paying out the game medium according to the control command and the payout of the game medium according to the plurality of payout control commands are continuously performed without being divided for each payout control command. The payout control means and the continuous payout setting means for setting the number of continuous payouts by which the payout control means can continuously perform payout control are provided, and the payout control means continuously pays out within the range of the number of continuous payouts. In addition to performing the control, if the condition for stopping the payout control is satisfied before the completion of the continuous payout control, the feature is that the payout is interrupted after the continuous payout control is completed. A ball out Even if I become a dish full state,
Since it is possible to stop after paying out the number of continuous payout game media being executed, the payout of the game media can be interrupted in a good break state, and proper payout control can be realized.

A payout counter for counting the number of payouts of the game medium based on the payout control is provided, and the payout control means can carry out continuous payout control until the number of continuous payouts is counted by the payout counter. In the case of the configuration characterized in that, since the payout can be continuously performed until the payout counter counts, the payout is not stopped during the continuous payout process.

[0294] In the case where the system is provided with a planned payout number counter capable of storing the planned payout number of game media in accordance with a plurality of payout control commands, for example, a memory area is separately secured for each number of prize balls. Since this is unnecessary, the storage capacity required for the memory can be reduced. Further, since the planned payout amount counter can collectively manage, the planned payout amount can be easily set and the number of unpaid prize balls can be easily managed.

In the continuous payout setting means, if it is possible to set the continuous payout number larger than the maximum payout number of the game medium according to one payout control command, one unit of the game medium It is possible to secure the payout amount of (for example, prize balls), and it is possible to perform payouts in good intervals for the prize balls to be paid out in one continuous payout operation.

The payout control means can control the payout of the game medium based on the lending command, and can set the continuous payout number to the number of payout of one unit or more of the game medium based on the lending command. In this case, the payout amount of one unit of the game medium (for example, a lending ball) can be secured, and the lending balls to be paid out by one continuous payout operation can be paid out with good division.

In the case where the payout control means is provided with a game control means for judging the payout stop condition and instructing the payout control means to stop the payout, the payout control means performs the payout stop control in response to the payout stop command. Since it is not necessary to send and receive information about a specific cause of stop, it becomes possible to control payout stop by sending and receiving simple information, and the load for payout stop control in the payout control means and the game control means is increased. It will be reduced.

If the game control means is capable of commanding a payout stop when a predetermined number of payable game media is not secured, the game payout stop state is set before the game media are completely cut out. can do.

When the predetermined number is equal to or more than the continuous payout number, the payout process can be executed while holding one unit of the continuous payout game medium, so that the payout process is always performed. You can make continuous payouts.

When the game control means is provided with a game medium storage section for storing the game medium paid out by the payout means, and when the game medium storage section issues a payout stop command when there are more than a predetermined amount of game media, It is possible to prevent a game medium exceeding the allowable storage amount of the game medium storage unit from being brought to the game medium storage unit.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of the pachinko gaming machine as seen from the front.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mechanism board of the pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the rear side.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing an example of a configuration around an intermediate base unit installed on a mechanism plate.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a ball payout device.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a game control board (main board).

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing components related to a prize ball, such as components of a payout control board and a ball dispensing device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of main processing executed by a CPU on a main board.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for determining whether or not to execute a game state recovery process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of initial setting processing.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of initialization processing.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of 2 ms timer interrupt processing.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of game control processing.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a payout control command.

FIG. 15 is a timing diagram showing a relationship between a control signal and an INT signal.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of contents of a payout control command.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a RAM in the game control means.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a switch process.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a switch process.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing winning ball signal processing.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a command transmission table.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing command control processing.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing command transmission processing.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of main processing executed by a payout control CPU.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of an initial setting process of a payout control CPU.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of initialization processing of a payout control CPU.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interruption processing of the payout control CPU.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a RAM in the payout control means.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a reception buffer.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of command reception processing of the payout control CPU.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of a payout control process executed by a payout control CPU.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of switch processing.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an example of command analysis execution processing.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of payout stop state setting processing.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an example of prepaid card unit control processing.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of prize ball control processing.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of prize ball control processing.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing an example of ball lending control processing.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing an example of ball lending control processing.

FIG. 40 is a timing chart showing an example of payout processing.

FIG. 41 is a timing chart showing another example of payout processing.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing another example of the prize ball control processing.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing another example of the prize ball control processing.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing another example of the ball lending control process.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing another example of the ball lending control process.

FIG. 46 is a timing chart showing still another example of payout processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Pachinko machine 31 Main board 37 Discharge control board 53 Basic circuit 56 CPU 371 CPU for payout control

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A63F 7/02

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A game machine in which a player plays a predetermined game, and a predetermined number of game media are paid out as a prize according to the game, and the progress of the game is controlled. A game control means for transmitting a payout control command for instructing the number, a payout means for paying out a game medium, a prize ball count switch for detecting the game medium paid out from the payout means , and a timer which is periodically generated. Every interruption
The payout control process is executed so that the payout means is controlled so that the payout of the game medium according to the plurality of payout control commands received from the game control means is continuously performed without being divided for each payout control command. And the payout control means, the payout control means, when an interrupt signal is input from the game control means, the payout
The payment is executed by an interrupt process that is executed prior to the output control process.
When the payout control command receiving means for receiving the payout control command and the payout control command for instructing the number of prize balls are received by the payout control command receiving means, the payout amount counter for storing the unpaid total number of prize balls is paid out. The addition means for adding the number of prize balls instructed by the control command, and the number of unpaid prize balls are stored in the expected payout number counter.
Determination in the payout control process whether or not
The means and the game medium that can be paid out when the game medium is not being paid out
A predetermined number or more have been secured, and the number of unpaid prize balls is stored in the expected payout number counter by the determination means.
When it is has been determined, the continuous number of payouts to the predetermined number as a limit in the range of prize balls number of yet-payout the payout
Continuous payout setting means for setting a payout counter different from the planned number counter, payout operation starting means for starting the operation of the payout means when the continuous payout setting means sets the continuous payout number in the payout counter, and the prize ball When the count switch detects the game medium, subtraction means for subtracting 1 from the value of the expected payout counter and the value of the payout counter, and continuous payout control until the value of the payout counter becomes 0 by subtraction of the subtraction means And the continuous payout control means for stopping the operation of the payout means when the continuous payout control is completed, and the condition for stopping the payout control before the completion of the continuous payout control by the continuous payout control means is satisfied. And a payout stop control means for stopping the payout by the payout means after the continuous payout control is completed. Amusement machine. 2. A game machine in which a player plays a predetermined game, and a predetermined number of game media are paid out as prizes according to the game, the game progress is controlled, and a prize ball is awarded when a prize is won. A game control means for transmitting a payout control command for instructing the number, a payout means for paying out a game medium, a prize ball count switch for detecting the game medium paid out from the payout means , and a timer which is periodically generated. Every interruption
The payout control process is executed so that the payout means is controlled so that the payout of the game medium according to the plurality of payout control commands received from the game control means is continuously performed without being divided for each payout control command. And the payout control means, the payout control means, when an interrupt signal is input from the game control means, the payout
The payment is executed by an interrupt process that is executed prior to the output control process.
When the payout control command receiving means for receiving the payout control command and the payout control command for instructing the number of prize balls are received by the payout control command receiving means, the payout amount counter for storing the unpaid total number of prize balls is paid out. The addition means for adding the number of prize balls instructed by the control command, and the number of unpaid prize balls are stored in the expected payout number counter.
Determination in the payout control process whether or not
Ca for counting means, the number of payouts of game media based on the payout control
The value of the payout counter, which is the counter and is different from the expected payout number counter, is 0, and the predetermined number of payable game media are available.
The number of prize balls not yet paid out is stored in the expected payout amount counter by the determination means as above .
When it is determined, the payout operation start means for starting the operation of the payout means, and when the prize ball count switch detects a game medium, the value of the expected payout number counter is decremented by 1 and the value of the payout counter is changed. performs a subtraction means for adding 1, the continuous dispensing control until the value of the payout counter becomes continuous payout to limit the predetermined number in the range of prize balls number of the unpaid coin by the addition of said adder means A continuous payout control means for setting the value of the payout counter to 0 when the continuous payout control is completed and stopping the operation of the payout means; and a payout control before the continuous payout control by the continuous payout control means is completed. When the stop condition of is satisfied, a payout stop control means for stopping the payout by the payout means after the continuous payout control is completed is included. Gaming machine and butterflies. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number is a value larger than a maximum payout number of game media according to one payout control command. 4. The payout control means is capable of controlling the payout of game media based on a lending instruction, and the predetermined number is a value equal to or more than one unit of payout of game media based on the lending instruction. The gaming machine according to claim 1. 5. The game control means includes a payout stop command means for determining a payout stop condition and instructing the payout control means to stop payout. The payout stop control means continuously operates in response to a payout stop command. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the payout by the payout means is stopped after completing the payout control. 6. The game control means is a predetermined number equal to or more than the predetermined number.
6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the payout stop is commanded when no payable game medium is secured. 7. A game medium storage section for storing the game medium paid out by the payout means, wherein the game control means issues an instruction to stop the payout when there is a predetermined amount or more of the game medium in the game medium storage section. The game machine according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the above.