JP3731722B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine, in particular, even if a power failure occurs during a game, the guidance state of the game ball paid out by the payout device to the prize ball detecting means side and the lending ball detecting means side is stored and retained. It relates to the one that can reproduce the guidance state when returning from a power failure.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, game ball launch control by operating a launch handle, control of gaming objects such as symbol starting means and openable winning means (large winning means) provided on the game board, winning Detection control for detecting a winning to the means, symbol display control for changing the symbols in a plurality of symbol display portions of the symbol display means provided on the symbol display, and paying out of the game ball by the payout device when winning to the winning means There is provided a control device that controls various controls for the ball game, such as control, sound control at the time of winning a prize or a big hit state, and lamp control.
[0003]
By the way, a game ball that is paid out from the payout device as a prize ball accompanying the winning and is paid out to the upper plate through the payout ball guide path is detected by a prize ball detection switch provided at the entrance of the guide path. . Recently, a pachinko machine to which a card-type ball lending machine is electrically connected has been put into practical use, and every time a ball lending switch on the operation panel provided on the pachinko machine is operated, a predetermined amount (for example, 500 yen) The rented balls are paid out from the payout device, and are paid out to the upper plate as rented balls through a payout ball guide path similar to the prize balls. Therefore, the game ball paid out from the payout device as the rental ball is detected by a dedicated rental ball detection switch different from the prize ball detection switch.
[0004]
In this case, based on the ball detection signal output from the prize ball detection switch or the rental ball detection switch, the number of game balls paid out as a prize ball and the number of game balls paid out as a rental ball are calculated. It is identified and managed by the payout control unit, and is also managed by the main control unit. This ensures that the number of award balls according to the winnings and jackpots is paid out accurately, and that the number of rental balls according to the number of times the ball lending switch is operated is strictly monitored. be able to.
[0005]
By the way, a prize ball detection sensor and a lending ball detection sensor are provided adjacent to each other on a horizontal plane orthogonal to the game ball passing direction of the payout ball guide path, and the game ball is placed on the payout ball guide path upstream of these sensors. The game balls can be identified and detected by providing payout switching blades that can be switched by a solenoid actuator on the award ball detection side corresponding to the award ball detection sensor and the rental ball detection side corresponding to the lending ball detection sensor. The pachinko machine constructed as described above is in practical use.
[0006]
In the case of a pachinko machine that employs this type of game ball detection mechanism, when paying out a prize ball in response to a prize ball payout command by winning, for example, a payout switching blade is set on the prize ball detection side without driving the solenoid. The game balls that are switched and are paid out from the payout device can be detected by a prize ball detection sensor and the number of prize balls can be counted. In addition, when paying out a lending ball in response to a ball lending command from the card-type ball lending machine, the lending switch blade is switched to the lending ball detecting side while the solenoid is driven, and the lending is paid out from the lending device. The number of balls lent can be counted by detecting the sphere with a rental ball detection sensor.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In this way, while the payout switching blade is switched to the prize ball detection side or the lending ball detection side according to the driving state of the solenoid, the awarded ball is detected by the prize ball detection sensor, and the lending ball that has been paid out Is detected by the lending ball detection sensor.For example, when a power failure occurs due to a lightning strike or the like during game ball payout, the payout switching blade is switched to the lending ball detection side by driving the solenoid. Even in such a state, it is switched to the prize ball detection side due to the stop of driving of the solenoid, and the paid out game balls are counted as prize balls.
[0008]
Therefore, even if the number of unpaid rental balls remaining in the event of a power outage is stored and retained even during a power outage with a backup power supply, etc., the payout of the unpaid rental balls will continue when the power recovers from the power outage In this case, since the payout switching blade is switched to the prize ball detection side, the game balls that have been paid out are counted as prize balls by the prize ball detection sensor. There is a problem that the payment cannot be made accurately without any problems.
It is an object of the present invention to accurately identify and continue counting the number of award balls or lending balls that have not been paid due to a power outage in the middle of paying out game balls without making a mistake when returning from a power outage, And so on, so as to be able to prevent the disadvantage of the person.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  A gaming machine according to claim 1 is provided with a payout device having a prize ball payout function for paying out a prize ball in response to a prize ball payout instruction and a lending ball payout function for paying out a lending ball in response to a ball lending instruction. Based on a signal from a payout ball guiding path for guiding a game ball paid out from the apparatus, prize ball detecting means and lending ball detecting means individually provided in the payout apparatus or the payout ball guiding path, and a signal from the prize ball detecting means Prize ball counting means for counting balls, lending ball number counting means for counting lending balls based on signals from the lending ball detection means, and game balls to be paid out from the payout device are guided to the award ball detection means side. A gaming machine comprising guidance switching means for selectively switching between a guidance state and a guidance state for guiding to the lending ball detection means side,As a guidance state by the guidance switching means, a prize ball payout flag indicating a guidance state to the prize ball detection means side, a ball payout flag indicating a guidance state to the lending ball detection means side, and the prize ball payout command are received. Sometimes, the winning ball payout flag is set and the lending ball payout flag is reset, the guidance switching means is controlled to switch to the guiding state to the prize ball detecting means side, and when the ball lending instruction is received, Resetting the ball payout flag and setting the lending ball payout flag, controlling the guidance switching means to switch to the guidance state to the lending ball detection means side, and when a power failure occurs by the guidance switching means at the time of power failure The state of the prize ball payout flag and the ball payout flag is stored as a guide state of the guide and stored after the power failure, and the recovery from the power failure , The prize balls paid out flag stored in the induced state storage means and based on the state of the ball dispensing flags, and induced state returning means for returning the induced state by induction switching means to induce a state of when a power failure occursIs provided.
[0010]
The payout device pays out a prize ball in response to a prize ball payout command and pays out a lending ball in response to a ball lending instruction. The game balls paid out by the payout device are guided by the payout ball guide path and are paid out to a predetermined payout tray. The payout device or the payout ball guide path is individually provided with a prize ball detection means and a lending ball detection means, and the guidance switching means detects a game ball paid out from the payout device when a prize ball payout command is issued. In addition to switching to the guiding state for guiding to the means side, the switching to the guiding state for guiding the game ball paid out from the payout device to the lending ball detecting means side in the case of a ball lending command.
[0011]
When the guidance switching means is switched to the guidance state toward the prize ball detection means, the paid-out game balls are detected by the prize ball detection means, and the prize ball number counting means is based on the signal from the prize ball detection means. Spheres can be counted. Further, when the guidance switching means is switched to the guidance state toward the lending ball detecting means side, the paid-out game balls are detected by the lending ball detecting means, and the lending ball number counting means is based on the signal from the lending ball detecting means. You can count your rental balls.
[0012]
By the way, the guidance state storage means stores the guidance state at the time of the power failure occurrence by the guidance switching means at the time of a power failure, and holds it after the power failure. Can be switched reliably. In this way, it is possible to accurately identify and count without any trouble from the middle of the payout of award balls or the payout of lending balls interrupted due to a power failure. Therefore, a player's disadvantage due to a power failure can be prevented.
[0013]
  In addition,When returning from a power failure, the guidance state return means can reliably return the guidance state of the guidance switching means to the guidance state at the time of the power failure. Further, when a detection means for detecting a guidance state by the guidance switching means is provided (claim)2) Can detect and confirm the guidance state of the guidance switching means by the sensing means, so that an erroneous guidance state can be reliably prevented.
[0014]
  In addition, a main control means having a lottery function for lottery with respect to a state advantageous to the player and an unfavorable state, and a payout control means for controlling the payout device, which is configured separately from the main control means, are provided for main control. The means transmits the control signal to the payout control means by one-way communication.3) Adopts one-way communication when transmitting a control signal from the main control means to the payout control means, so that the control load on the main control means can be greatly reduced and it is advantageous for the player by the lottery function. It is possible to reliably prevent fraud related to a lottery between a bad state and a disadvantageous state. Here, the control signal corresponds to a control command for instructing a control operation, but may be various control signals other than the control command.
[0015]
  Further, the guidance state storage means is provided in the payout control means, and backup power supply means for supplying power to the guidance state storage means during a power failure is provided.4) Is the power supply to the guidance state storage means by the backup power supply means, so that the guidance state can be reliably stored and retained by the payout control means during the power failure. It is possible to accurately identify and count without any trouble from the middle of paying out a ball or paying out a rental ball.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
This embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a first type pachinko machine called a so-called card-type ball game machine installed in an island structure of a pachinko hall, and an island structure provided in the pachinko hall In the length direction, a plurality of card-type ball lending machines 1 and a plurality of pachinko machines 2 are alternately arranged, and the card-type ball lending machine 1 is electrically connected to the pachinko machine 2.
[0017]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the pachinko machine 2 that is a card-type ball game machine has a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 3 and a front frame 4 pivotally attached to the outer frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The outer frame 3 is detachably attached to the island structure (not shown) in a state where the card-type ball lending machine 1 is sandwiched. A game board 5 is detachably attached to the front frame 4 from the back side, and a glass door 6 having a window portion 6a and a front plate 7 are pivotally attached to the front side of the game board 5 so as to be freely opened and closed. Yes. The front plate 7 is provided with an upper plate 8 for storing a game ball 21 for launching, and a lower plate 9 for storing the game ball 21 overflowing or extracted from the upper plate 8 and a lower portion of the front frame 4 and launching. A firing handle 11 of the means 10 is provided.
[0018]
The launching means 10 includes a launching handle 11 that can be rotated, and a launching motor 13 (see FIG. 7) that launches the game ball 21 by the striking rod 12 with a striking force corresponding to the pivoting angle of the launching handle 11. I have. An operation panel 14 for lending the ball to the card-type ball lending machine 1 is provided on the right side of the upper plate 8, and a card remaining amount display unit 14a for displaying the remaining amount of the card with a three-digit number is provided on the operation panel 14. A ball lending switch 14b for instructing lending of the game ball 21 for a predetermined amount, and a return switch 14c for instructing to return the card at the end of the game.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 5 is provided with a guide rail 15 formed of a metal outer rail and an inner rail in a substantially annular shape, and a color liquid crystal is provided in the game area 5 a inside the guide rail 15. Display 16, symbol starting means (symbol starting and winning means) 17, open / close-type winning means (large winning means) 18, a plurality of normal winning means 19 (in this case, in addition to the upper normal winning means 19, the open / close-type winning means 18 For example, six normal winning means 19), two gates 20 (passage openings), and the like are arranged at predetermined positions on both the left and right side portions, respectively.
[0020]
The liquid crystal display 16 functions as a symbol display means 22 for displaying a changing symbol and displaying a background image, moving images of various characters, and the like. The symbol display means 22 displays background images and characters in an animated manner, and has, for example, three (left, middle, and right) symbol display portions 22a to 22c arranged in the left-right direction. On the condition that 21 wins, the display symbols of the symbol display portions 22a to 22c are variably displayed (scrolled) for a predetermined time, and based on the lottery result corresponding to the winning timing of the game ball 21 to the symbol starting means 17. Stop at the stop symbol pattern determined by
[0021]
A normal winning means 19 and a second symbol display means 23 are provided immediately above the liquid crystal display 16. The second symbol display means 23 has a normal symbol display unit for displaying one normal symbol. When a game ball 21 that has passed through the gate 20 is detected, the display symbol of the normal symbol display unit changes for a predetermined time. The stop symbol determined by the lottery value lottery at the time when the game ball 21 passes through the gate 20 is displayed and stopped. The symbol starting means 17 is an electric tulip having a pair of left and right opening and closing claws 17a that can be opened and closed. When the stop symbol after the change of the second symbol display means 23 hits and the symbol is displayed, the opening and closing claws 17a It is easy to win a prize by opening for a predetermined time.
[0022]
The open / close-type winning means 18 includes an opening / closing plate 18a that can be opened forward, and when the stop symbol after the change of the symbol display means 22 is a winning symbol such as “777”, a special game called “big hit” is started, The opening / closing plate 18a is opened forward. There is a specific area 18b inside the openable winning means 18, and when the winning ball passes through the specific area 18b, the special game is continued. Here, the special game state corresponds to a state advantageous to the player, and the normal state other than the special game state corresponds to a state disadvantageous to the player.
[0023]
After the opening / closing plate 18a of the open / close winning means 18 is opened, when a predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of gaming balls 21 wins and the opening / closing plate 18a is closed, The special game ends when the player does not pass the specific area 18b, but if the player passes the specific area 18b, the special game is continued up to a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times) and controlled to a state advantageous to the player. Is done.
[0024]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, on the back side of the front frame 4, a back mechanism plate 30 for holding the game board 5 from the back side is detachably attached, and an opening 30 a is formed in the back mechanism plate 30. On the upper side, a prize ball tank 33 and a tank rail 34 extending therefrom are provided. A payout device 35 connected to the tank rail 34 is provided on the side of the back mechanism plate 30, and below the back mechanism plate 30. The payout ball guide path 36 connected to the payout device 35 is provided. The game ball 21 paid out from the payout device 35 is paid out to the upper plate 8 from the upper plate discharge port 8a via the payout ball guide path 36.
[0025]
Next, the payout device 35 will be described with reference to FIGS. However, since the payout device 35 has a general configuration, it will be briefly described. In this case, the game balls 21 stored in the prize ball tank 33 are supplied to the payout device 35 through the two rails via the tank rail 34, so that the game balls 21 can be quickly moved through the two rails by the payout device 35. It is configured to be paid out. The payout device 35 is a rectangular unit having a predetermined width and long in the vertical direction, and is unitized by a case 90 made of synthetic resin. However, the case 90 includes two front and rear cases (only the rear case 90a is shown and the front case is not shown).
[0026]
A zigzag single-line passage 90b is formed in the rear case 90a in a front view, and a similar zigzag single-line path (not shown) is also formed in the front case. A payout rotating body 91 for sequentially paying out the game balls 21 corresponding to the two lanes by rotation is pivotally supported by the case 90 at the lower ends of the two lanes 90b. The payout rotating body 91 is rotationally driven in a predetermined rotation direction by a payout motor 92 (see FIG. 7) formed of a stepping motor.
[0027]
In the vicinity of the payout opening at the lower end of the case 90, a single payout ball passage 90c is formed by integrating the two passages 90b, and a prize to be paid out in the right half immediately above the payout ball passage 90c. A winning ball detection sensor 93 for detecting a ball is supported by the rear case 90a, and a lending ball detection sensor 94 for detecting a lending ball to be paid out is supported by the rear case 90a in the left half thereof. Here, the winning ball detection sensor 93 corresponds to the winning ball detection means, and the rental ball detection sensor 94 corresponds to the rental ball detection means.
[0028]
A payout changeover blade 95 is disposed in a payout ball passage 90c between the payout rotating body 91 and the sensors 93 and 94, and the payout changeover blade 95 swings left and right via a pivot shaft 95a at its base end. It is pivotally supported. A movable member 96 pivotally supported by a pivot shaft 90d of the case 90a is disposed on the rear surface of the rear case 90a, and a plunger 98 of a switching solenoid actuator 97 mounted downward on the case 90a. Is engaged with the bifurcated portion of the left end portion of the movable member 96. An engagement protrusion 95 b of the payout switching blade 95 is engaged with a groove cam (not shown) formed inside the movable member 96. Here, the payout switching blade 95, the movable member 96, the switching solenoid 97, and the like correspond to the guidance switching means.
[0029]
When the switching solenoid 97 is not driven and the plunger 98 is moved downward (advanced) by a spring member (not shown), the movable member 96 is in the position shown by the solid line. At this time, the payout switching blade 95 is the award of the solid line. It is in a ball payout state. In this case, the game ball 21 paid out by the rotation of the payout rotating body 91 passes through the prize ball detection sensor 93 by the payout switching blade 95, so that the prize ball can be detected. When the switching solenoid 97 is driven and the plunger 98 moves upward (retracts), the movable member 96 rotates to the position shown in the two-dot chain line, and at the same time, the payout switching blade 95 lends a two-dot chain lending ball. Switched to the payout state.
[0030]
Therefore, the paid-out game ball 21 can be detected by the lending ball detection sensor 94. However, when a power failure occurs while the switching solenoid 97 is being driven, the plunger 98 is moved downward by the spring member, so that the payout switching blade 95 returns from the lending ball payout state to the prize ball payout state. In the opening 30a of the back mechanism plate 30, there are a back cover 37 mounted on the back side of the game board 5, and a winning ball discharge basket (not shown) for discharging the game ball 21 won in the winning means 17-19. It is mated.
[0031]
A main control board 39 is arranged inside a case 38 attached to the back cover 37, and a symbol control board 40 is arranged on the front side thereof. Below the main control board 39, a lamp control board 42 is provided in a case 41a attached to the back cover 37, and a sound control board 43 is provided in a case 41b adjacent to the case 41a. A power supply board 45 and a payout control board 46 are provided inside the case 44 mounted on the back mechanism plate 30 below the cases 41a and 41b. As shown in FIG. 3, a power switch 80 and an initialization switch 85 are arranged on the power board 45.
[0032]
However, the portions of the case 44 corresponding to these switches 80 and 85 are cut away, and each of these switches 80 and 85 can be operated simultaneously with a finger. Further, a launch control board 48 is provided inside the case 47 attached to the rear side of the launching means 10. That is, these control boards 39 to 40, 42 to 43, 45 to 46, and 48 are independent boards, and the control boards 39, 40, 42, 43, and 46 excluding the power supply board 45 and the launch control board 48 include Microcomputers (hereinafter simply referred to as microcomputers) 39a, 40a, 42a, 43a, and 46a each having a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like are provided (see FIG. 10).
[0033]
The main control board 39 and the other control boards 40, 42, 43, 46 are electrically connected via a connector with a plurality of signal lines, and each control board 40, 42, 43, 46 is connected from the main control board 39. In addition, various control commands (which correspond to control signals) for executing a predetermined game operation can be transmitted by one-way communication. By adopting the one-way communication of the control command, it is possible to reliably prevent fraud related to the symbol stop, remarkably reduce the control load of the main control means 50, and simplify transmission control.
[0034]
Next, various functions achieved through a plurality of control programs stored in advance in the control device of the pachinko machine 2 will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. However, these various functions are achieved by the microcomputer described above. The main control means 50 configured on the main control board 39 mainly controls game control related to input / output of signals to various game parts and game ball detection switches provided on the game board 5, and also performs symbol control to be described later. A control command is transmitted and output to the means 60, the payout control means 70, the lamp control means 71, the sound control means 72, etc. as necessary.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 8, the ROM of the microcomputer 39 a provided on the main control board 39 mainly includes a game control program 30 c that mainly controls the game operation of the game board 5 as a main process, and power supply from the power supply means 74 including a power failure. Backup processing program 39d for storing and holding game information related to the latest predetermined gaming state when the game is stopped, game control can be resumed based on the game information stored and held only upon recovery from a power failure A game return processing program 39e to be returned to is stored. The RAM 39b of the microcomputer 39a is provided with an information memory for storing and holding various game information, and the RAM 39b is always backed up so as to be able to store and hold it.
[0036]
The symbol control unit 60 configured on the symbol control board 40 executes display control for displaying various moving images and background images on the liquid crystal display 16 based on the symbol control command transmitted from the main control unit 50. The symbols on the symbol display units 22a to 22c are controlled to be varied, and the variation is stopped and controlled by the designated stop symbol. On the payout control board 46, payout control means 70 is configured. The payout control means 70 receives a payout control command from the main control means 50 and controls payout of the game ball 21 by the payout device 35.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 9, the ROM of the microcomputer 46a provided on the payout control board 46 includes various control programs such as guidance switching control of the payout changeover blade 95, prize ball number counting control, and lending ball number counting control. The payout control program 46c which mainly controls the payout of the game ball 21 as a main process, and payout information including flag data of a guide state flag (AF, BF) for instructing the guide state of the payout switching blade 95 are stored when a power failure occurs. A backup processing program 46d is stored.
[0038]
Furthermore, the ROM controls the guidance state of the payout changeover blade 95 and pays out the unpaid game balls 21 based on the payout information stored in the information memory only when returning from a power failure. For example, a game return processing program 46e for returning the payout control so as to be restarted is stored. Further, the RAM 46b of the microcomputer 46a (which corresponds to the guidance state storage means) is provided with an information memory for storing and holding various payout information such as guidance state flag data and the number of unpaid balls, and this RAM 46b can be stored and held. Always backed up.
[0039]
  here,The induction switching control program corresponds to the induction switching control means,The winning ball number counting control program corresponds to the winning ball number counting means, and the lending ball number counting control program corresponds to the lending ball number counting means. The lamp control means 71 configured on the lamp control board 42 receives a lamp control command from the main control means 50 and controls lighting of the lamp group LP including a number of display lamps provided on the game board 5 and the like. The sound control means 72 configured on the sound control board 43 receives a sound control command from the main control means 50 and controls sound output for various sound effect sounds to the speaker SP. The launch control means 73 configured on the launch control board 48 controls the launch of the game ball 21 by driving the launch motor 13.
[0040]
The main control means 50 includes a lottery means 51, a determination means 52, a special game generation means 53, a probability variation means 54, a command transmission means 55, and the like. The lottery means 51 uses the lottery counter to update the numerical value within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 299) with a minute update cycle (for example, about 2 msec cycle), and the game ball 21 wins the symbol starting means 17. By extracting the numerical value of the time, a lottery is performed regarding a win that is advantageous to the player and a miss that is disadvantageous to the player. The determination means 52 is either “big hit” or “out (including outreach)” based on the lottery value supplied from the lottery means 51 when the game ball 21 wins the symbol starting means 17. Determine whether.
[0041]
For example, when the lottery value is a predetermined specific value “71”, it is determined as “big hit”, and when it is a large number of other values, it is determined as “out”. The special game generating means 53 is included in the game control when it receives a special determination result such as jackpot from the determining means 52, or when the stop symbol after the change of the symbol display means 22 becomes a specific display such as a jackpot symbol. The open / close plate 18a of the open / close winning means 18 is operated as described above in accordance with a predetermined special game generation routine to execute a special game that gives an advantageous profit state to the player.
[0042]
When the probability variation means 54 receives a special determination result of “big jackpot” from the determination means 52, the probability variation means 54 determines either “probability variation type” or “non-probability variation type” by lottery, The probability variation mode is set at the time of the variable type jackpot, and the number of specific numerical values for drawing the jackpot by the lottery means 51 is increased from the normal time until the next or the next big hit or until the symbol is changed a predetermined number of times. Increase the jackpot probability. The command transmission unit 55 receives the determination result from the determination unit 52, and transmits a symbol control command (for example, a 2-byte configuration including hit data and variation time data) to the symbol control unit 60 when the symbol changes. When paying out 21, a payout control command for instructing payout (for example, a 2-byte configuration having payout number data) is transmitted to the payout control means 70.
[0043]
Here, the hit data is data of any one of “probability variation type jackpot”, “non-probability variation type jackpot”, and “miss”, and the variation time data is the time required for symbol variation (for example, 40 seconds, 60 seconds). Etc.). Also, the payout number data is data for instructing the payout number of the game balls 21 such as 5, 10 and so on. Further, the command transmission means 55 transmits a lamp control command (2-byte configuration) to the lamp control means 71 when the lamp group LP is turned on, and controls the sound control command (2-byte configuration) when the sound effect is output from the speaker SP. Transmit to means 72.
[0044]
The symbol control means 60 has a stop symbol determination means 61, receives the symbol control command transmitted from the command transmission means 55, analyzes the received symbol control command, and based on the control command obtained by the analysis. It controls symbol variations in the symbol display units 22a to 22c of the symbol display means 22. The stop symbol determination means 61 will be briefly described. A plurality of pattern data is stored in the variation pattern table for each of “probability variation type jackpot”, “non-probability variation type jackpot”, “outreach reach”, and “outside normal”. Based on the “hit / hit data” included in the symbol control command, one of the corresponding jackpot patterns or miss patterns is determined by lottery.
[0045]
The power supply means 74 is configured on the power supply board 45, and supplies power (DC voltage) to each of the plurality of control boards 39, 40, 42 to 43, 46. About the power supply board 45 as the power supply means 74, This will be described with reference to FIG.
A plurality of transformers 79 are provided for each island structure installed in the pachinko hall, and a low-voltage AC voltage (for example, 24 VAC) is supplied from each transformer transformer 79 to a plurality of (for example, five) pachinko machines 2. Has been.
[0046]
The power supply board 45 is provided with a manually operable power switch 80 that is a toggle switch or the like and that can be turned on and off, a power supply unit 81, a power monitoring means 82 including a microcomputer, a reset signal generating means 83, and the like. ing. The power supply unit 81 generates DC32V from AC24V, generates DC12V used for sound output and lamp lighting, DC5V supplied to the microcomputers such as the control means 50, 60, 70 to 72, and controls these direct currents. It supplies to the board | substrates 39-40, 42-43, 46 grade | etc.,.
[0047]
The power monitoring means 82 directly reads the supplied 24V AC and constantly monitors the supply voltage. When a power failure occurs or when the power switch 80 is turned off, the power supply is cut off. Are output to the highest priority interrupt port of the microcomputer 39a of the main control board 39 and the highest priority interrupt port of the microcomputer 46a of the payout control means 70, respectively, and backup processing is performed by the highest priority interrupt.
[0048]
As a result, in the microcomputer 39a, a backup process is executed in which game information related to the latest predetermined ball game at the time of the power failure occurs is stored and held in a memory dedicated memory provided in the RAM 39b. At the same time, also in the microcomputer 46a, the latest payout information related to the game ball payout such as the guidance state flags AF and BF flag data and the unpaid game ball number data for the payout changeover blade 95 at the occurrence of a power failure. Is stored in a memory dedicated to storage provided in the RAM 46b.
[0049]
The reset signal generating means 83 is switched to the “L” level by delaying a predetermined minute time (for example, about 120 msec) required for the backup process from the time when the “L” level voltage abnormality signal VS is received from the power supply monitoring means 82. The system reset signal SR is output. This reset signal SR is supplied to each reset terminal of the microcomputers 39a, 40a, 42a, 43a, 46a, and these CPUs simultaneously stop the control operation with the initialization.
[0050]
The power supply board 45 is provided with a backup power supply 84. The backup power supply 84 is composed of a charging capacitor or the like, and supplies DC5V output from the capacitor to the RAMs 39b and 46b of the microcomputers 39a and 46a for backup. Thus, since 5V is always supplied to these RAMs 39b and 46b, even if a power failure occurs or the main power supply is cut off and the DC5V supply from the power supply unit 81 is stopped, the RAM 39b is used for storing data. The game information stored in the memory and the payout information stored in the memory holding memory of the RAM 46b are securely stored and held by the backup 5V. However, the backup operation by the backup power source 84 can be continued for a long time.
[0051]
The power supply board 45 is further provided with an initialization switch 85 made up of a push-type switch that can be operated manually by being brought close to the power switch 80. When the initialization switch 85 is pressed, An “L” level initialization signal CL is output to the reset terminals of the microcomputers 39a and 46a, respectively. In this case, the “L” level initialization signal CL becomes valid only when the power supply is normal, and all of the game information and payout information stored in the RAM 39b and 46b can be erased.
[0052]
Next, guidance switching control included in the payout control program performed by the payout control means 70, which guides the game ball 21 to be paid out to the prize ball detection sensor 93 side based on the prize ball payout command or the ball lending command. The guidance switching control for selectively switching between the guidance state to be guided and the guidance state to be guided to the lending ball detection sensor will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. However, the symbol Si (i = 1, 2,...) In the figure is each step.
[0053]
When the initialization switch 85 is operated at the same time as the power switch 80 is turned on and the main power is supplied at the time of opening the store instead of returning from a power failure, the game return processing program 46e is not executed and the payout control is executed. Along with this, this guidance switching control is executed. When this control is started and the player operates the ball lending switch 14b of the operation panel 14 to play a game and receives a ball lending command from the card-type ball lending machine 1 (S1: Yes, S2: No), a prize is given. The ball payout flag AF is reset and the rental ball payout flag BF is set (S7). As a result, the switching solenoid 97 is driven (S8).
[0054]
In this case, the payout switching blade 95 is switched to the rental ball side shown in FIG. 13 through the movable member 96 by the upward movement of the plunger 98, and the game ball 21 that is paid out by the rotation of the payout rotating body 91, that is, the rental ball is removed. The lending ball detection sensor 94 can detect it. Then, based on the number of payout commands from the ball lending switch 14b and the number of payout game balls of one payout command, the payout rotating body 91 is rotationally driven by a predetermined number of rotations as shown in FIG. As a result, the game ball 21 that has been paid out passes through the lending ball detection sensor 94 and is then paid out to the payout ball guide path 36 through the payout ball path 90c.
[0055]
At this time, based on the detection signal from the lending ball detection sensor 94, the lending ball number is counted by lending ball number counting control included in the payout control. Next, when the payout of the loaned ball to be lent is completed (S5: Yes), both the prize ball payout flag AF and the loaned ball payout flag BF are reset (S6), and the steps after S1 are repeatedly executed. Next, when the ball game is started and a prize ball payout command is received by receiving a payout control command from the main control means 50 (S1: Yes, S2: Yes), the prize ball payout flag AF is set and the lending ball is paid out. The flag BF is reset (S3). As a result, the driving of the switching solenoid 97 is stopped (S4).
[0056]
In this case, the downward movement of the plunger 98 causes the payout switching blade 95 to be switched to the prize ball side shown in FIG. 15 via the movable member 96, and the game ball 21 that is paid out by the rotation of the payout rotating body 91, that is, the prize ball is The prize ball detection sensor 93 can detect it. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the payout rotating body 91 is rotationally driven by a predetermined number of revolutions based on the payout control command received by the payout control (not shown), and the number of game balls 21 designated by the payout control command is awarded. After passing through the ball detection sensor 93, it is paid out to the payout ball guide path 36 through the payout ball passage 90c. At this time, based on the detection signal from the prize ball detection sensor 93, the number of prize balls is counted by the prize ball number counting control included in the payout control.
[0057]
By the way, when a power failure occurs in the course of a ball game, or when power supply is stopped by turning off the power switch 80, an "L" level voltage abnormality signal VS output from the power monitoring means 82 is output to the microcomputer. Supplied to the highest priority interrupt ports 39a and 46a. As a result, in the main control means 50 and the payout control means 70, backup processing is executed by the backup processing programs 39d and 46d, respectively, and the latest game information on the predetermined game board 5 side is stored and held in the memory holding memory of the RAM 39b. At the same time, the latest payout information is stored and held in the storage holding memory of the RAM 46b.
[0058]
In particular, when a power failure occurs in the middle of paying out the rental balls, the flag data “1” of the rental ball payout flag BF instructing the rental ball payout state of the payout changeover blade 95 and the number of unpaid balls are stored and held as payout information. Alternatively, when a power failure occurs during the payout of prize balls, the flag data “1” of the prize ball payout flag AF instructing the prize ball payout state of the payout changeover blade 95 and the number of unpaid prize balls are stored and held as payout information. Next, when the main power is supplied to the pachinko machine 2 without operating the power switch 80 or the initialization switch 85, that is, when returning from a power failure, guidance state return control (FIG. 12) is performed along with the execution of the game return process. Is executed.
[0059]
This is because when the control is started and the prize ball payout flag AF is set (when the flag data is “1” and stored in the memory for holding (S10: Yes)), a power failure occurred during the prize ball payout. Then, the driving of the switching solenoid 97 is stopped (S11), and the game ball 21 based on the number of unpaid prize balls is paid out. When this control is started, the rental ball payout flag BF is set (flag) When the data is “1” and stored in the storage memory (S10: No, S12: Yes), it is because a power failure occurred during the lending ball payout, and the switching solenoid 97 is driven (S13). Then, the game balls 21 based on the number of unpaid balls are paid out.
[0060]
In this way, flag data instructing the guidance state at the time of the occurrence of a power failure by the payout switching blade 95 at the time of a power failure can be stored in the memory holding memory of the RAM 46b, and when returning from the power failure, Based on the flag data, the payout changeover blade 95 can be reliably switched to the guidance state at the time of the power failure, and the award ball or rental ball that has not been paid due to the power failure during the game can be accurately And can be counted continuously. Therefore, a player's disadvantage due to a power failure can be prevented.
[0061]
A modification of the embodiment will be described.
1] The award ball detection sensor 93 and the rental ball detection sensor 94 may use various sensors such as an optical sensor.
2] Detection means comprising a detection sensor or a detection switch for detecting whether the payout changeover blade 95 is switched to the prize ball side or the lending ball side may be provided, and payout is made based on a detection signal from this detection means. Since the guiding state of the switching blade 95 can be confirmed, an erroneous guiding state can be reliably prevented.
[0062]
3) The discharge switching blade 95 may be switched directly by the switching solenoid 97, or may be switched by various electric actuators such as a switching motor.
4) A payout switching blade 95 and both detection sensors 93 and 94 may be provided in the payout ball guide path 36, and the guide state of the game ball 21 paid out to the payout ball guide path 36 may be switched.
[0063]
5] The backup power source 84 may be a rechargeable secondary battery, or may be provided on a control board such as the main control board 39 or the payout control board 46 other than the power board 45.
6] The RAMs 39b and 46b of the microcomputers 39a and 46a may be constituted by various non-volatile memories that can be electrically erased and written, such as a flash memory, and the backup power supply may be omitted.
7) The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications are made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the arrangement ball is not limited to a pachinko machine and uses various game media. The present invention can be applied to various game machines such as a machine, a spinning machine, and a sparrow ball machine.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the invention of claim 1, a payout device having a prize ball payout function and a lending ball payout function, a payout ball guiding path, a prize ball detecting means and a lending ball detecting means, a prize ball number counting means, and a lending A ball counting means and a guidance switching means;A prize ball payout flag, a ball payout flag, guidance switching control means,Since the guidance state storage means is provided, the guidance state storage means stores the guidance state at the time of the power failure occurrence by the guidance switching means at the time of a power failure, and can be retained even after the power failure. Sometimes, the guidance switching means can be reliably switched to the guidance state at the time of the power failure, and can be accurately identified and counted without any trouble from the middle of the payout of the winning ball or the lending ball suspended due to the power failure. Therefore, a player's disadvantage due to a power failure can be prevented.
[0065]
  In addition,Stored in the guidance state storage means at the time of recovery from the power failurePrize ball payout flag and ball payout flagInductive switching means based on statusbySince the induction state return means for returning the induction state to the induction state at the time of the power failure occurs, the guidance switching means is provided by the induction state return means when the state is recovered from the power failure.byThe induction state can be reliably restored to the induction state at the time of power failure..
[0066]
  Claim2According to the invention, since the detection means for detecting the guidance state by the guidance switching means is provided, the guidance means can detect and confirm the guidance state of the guidance switching means, thereby reliably preventing the guidance state from being mistaken. be able to. Other claims1 andThe same effect is produced.
[0067]
  Claim3According to the invention, the main control means having a lottery function for lottery with respect to a state advantageous to the player and a disadvantageous state, and a payout control means for controlling the payout device, which is configured as a separate board from the main control means. Since the main control means transmits the control signal to the payout control means by one-way communication, the control of the main control means is adopted by adopting the one-way communication when transmitting the control signal from the main control means to the payout control means. The load can be greatly reduced, and fraud related to a lottery that is advantageous and disadvantageous to the player by the lottery function can be surely prevented. Other claim 1Or 2Has the same effect as.
[0068]
  Claim4According to the invention, the guidance state storage means is provided in the payout control means, and backup power supply means for supplying power to the guidance state storage means during a power failure is provided. By supplying power, the guidance state can be reliably stored and retained by the payout control means during the power failure, so it is possible to accurately and accurately cancel the award ball or lending ball that was interrupted due to the power failure when returning from the power failure. It can be identified and counted. Other claims 13The same effect as any of the above.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pachinko machine (bullet ball game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine.
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the pachinko machine.
FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a main part of the dispensing device.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional front view of a main part of the dispensing device.
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a control system of the pachinko machine.
FIG. 8 is a chart showing programs stored in the ROM of the main control means.
FIG. 9 is a chart showing programs stored in a payout control means ROM.
FIG. 10 is a power supply circuit diagram and various control signal circuit diagrams.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a guidance switching control program.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a guidance state return control program.
13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 in which the payout switching blade is switched to the lending ball side.
FIG. 14 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 when a game ball is detected by a lending ball detection sensor.
15 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 in which the payout switching blade is switched to the prize ball side.
16 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 when a game ball is detected by a prize ball detection sensor.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Pachinko machines (ball game machines)
21 game balls
35 Dispensing device
36 Dispensing ball taxiway
39a Microcomputer
39b RAM
46a microcomputer
46b RAM
46c Payout control program
50 Main control means
70 Dispensing control means
84 Backup power supply
93 prize ball detection sensor
94 Rental ball detection sensor
95 Dispensing switching blade
96 Movable members
97 Solenoid actuator for switching

Claims (4)

A payout device (35) having a prize ball payout function for paying out a prize ball in response to a prize ball payout command and a lending ball payout function for paying out a lending ball in response to a ball lending command; and a payout device (35) A payout ball guide path (36) for guiding the paid-out game balls (21), and a prize ball detection means (93) and a lending ball detection means provided separately in the payout device (35) or the payout ball guide path (36). (94), a prize ball number counting means (46c) for counting the prize balls based on the signal from the prize ball detection means (93), and a lending ball based on the signal from the rental ball detection means (94) The number of lending balls to be counted (46c) and the guidance state in which the game balls (21) to be paid out from the payout device (35) are guided to the award ball detecting means (93) side and guided to the lending ball detection means (94) side A gaming machine comprising guidance switching means (95 to 97) for selectively switching between guidance states to be performed,
As a guidance state by the guidance switching means (95 to 97) , a prize ball payout flag (AF) indicating a guidance state to the prize ball detection means (93) side and a guidance state to the lending ball detection means (94) side are shown. A ball payout flag (BF) ,
When the prize ball payout command is received, the prize ball payout flag (AF) is set, the lending ball payout flag (BF) is reset, and the guide ball change means (95 to 97) is controlled to control the prize ball detection means. with switching the inductive state to the (93) side, when receiving the ball lending command is to set the prize balls paid out flag reset (AF) and and Holiday sphere payout flag (BF), inductive switching means (95 to 97) controlled by a switch on the induced state to the rental ball detection means (94) side inductive switching control means and (46c),
Guidance state storage means (46b) that memorizes the state of the award ball payout flag (AF) and the ball payout flag (BF) as the guidance state at the time of the power failure by the guidance switching means (95 to 97) at the time of a power failure and holds it after the power failure When,
When returning from the power failure, based on the state of the memory to which prize balls paid out flag (AF) and the sphere payout flag (BF) to the induction state storage means (46b), the induction by the induction switching means (95-97) Guidance state return means (46e) for returning the state to the guidance state at the time of power failure ,
Game machine characterized by comprising a. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising detection means for detecting a guidance state by the guidance switching means (95 to 97). Main control means (50) having a lottery function for lottery with respect to a player's advantageous state and unfavorable state, and the main control means (50) are configured as separate boards and control the dispensing device (35). The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein means (70) is provided, and the main control means (50) transmits a control signal to the payout control means (70) by one-way communication. The guidance state storage means (46b) is provided in the payout control means (70), and backup power supply means (84) for supplying power to the guidance state storage means (46b) during a power failure is provided. The gaming machine according to any one of 1 to 3 .

Images