JP4466913B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine capable of playing a game using a game medium such as a pachinko ball or a medal.

  Conventionally, in slot machines, it is common to borrow a game medium such as a pachinko ball or a medal from a game medium lending machine arranged side by side on the side of the slot machine. It is possible to lend out game media by paying out the number of game media corresponding to the lending request from a lending processing device such as a card unit installed corresponding to the machine with a payout device built in the slot machine. Possible slot machines have been proposed.

  As this type of slot machine, for example, during a game, that is, after receiving an operation for starting variable display of a variable display device such as a reel, until the display result of the variable display device is derived, and variable display When a winning occurs after the display result of the device is derived and a gaming medium payout process is performed, the gaming medium lending according to the lending request is prohibited until the gaming medium payout by the winning is completed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In addition, when an operation for starting the next game is performed during the rental of the game medium according to the loan request from the loan processing device, the operation for starting the game is suspended and the loan processing is completed. There is one that performs processing for starting the next game that has been suspended (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-801 (page 8, FIG. 5) JP 2003-52901 A (page 8, FIG. 5)

  However, in the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, the lending of the game medium by the lending processing device is restricted during the game and during the payout of the game medium accompanying the occurrence of a prize, and the player can use the game medium. When borrowing, there is an annoyance that the lending operation must be performed after waiting for the game and winning a prize.

  In addition, in the slot machine described in Patent Document 2, the start operation of the next game performed while the game medium is being lent is suspended until the game medium is rented, so that the game proceeds smoothly. There was a problem that it could not be made to.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and the slot of the game medium is not restricted during the game and the progress of the game is not hindered by the rental of the game medium. The purpose is to provide a machine.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a slot machine according to claim 1 of the present invention provides:
A game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using a game medium, and a display result of a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable In a slot machine in which one game is completed by being derived and displayed, and a winning can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device,
Game control means for controlling the game;
A payout means for paying out game media;
A payout control means that is provided separately from the game control means and controls the payout means;
A payout detecting means for detecting a payout of the game medium by the payout means;
With
The game control means includes
Grant determining means for determining that a game medium is to be given to a player when a specific display result is derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display device;
A winning request transmitting means for transmitting to the payout control means a winning request indicating the number of game media payouts to be paid out from the payout means based on the determination result of the grant determining means;
After the winning request transmitting means has transmitted the winning request, the start of the next game is permitted on condition that a payout completion signal indicating that payout of the number of game media corresponding to the winning request has been completed is received. Game start permission means,
Including
The payout control means includes:
A winning / dispensing control means for causing the paying means to pay out the number of game media corresponding to the winning request when the winning request is received;
A lending / dispensing control means that, when receiving a lending request corresponding to a player's operation, causes the lending means to pay out a number of gaming media corresponding to the lending request;
Including
When the winning / dispensing control means receives the winning request during the execution of the payout by the lending / dispensing control means, the payout / payout control means pays out the number of game media corresponding to the winning request after the payout being executed is completed. As well as
The payout control means includes:
When a payout is detected by the payout detection means, regardless of whether the detected payout is a payout by the winning payout control means or a payout by the lending payout control means, the detection is counted as the number of paid out game media. Counting means to perform,
When the winning request is received during the execution of the payout by the lending payout control means, when the number of payouts from when the winning request is received reaches the payout number corresponding to the received winning request, A payout completion signal transmitting means for transmitting the payout completion signal;
It is characterized by further including.
According to this feature, when there is a winning request, the start of the next game is allowed on condition that the payout of the number of game media corresponding to the winning request is completed. This makes it possible for the player to reliably recognize the number of game media paid out according to the display result. In addition, when the payout control means receives a winning request while paying out by the loan payout controlling means, the payout amount corresponding to the winning request is paid after the payout of the loan number corresponding to the loan request is completed. , Counting from the time when the winning request is received, regardless of whether the payout after receiving the winning request is payout by the lending payout controlling means or paying by the winning control means, while avoiding complication of control regarding payout When the payout amount reaches the payout number corresponding to the winning request, a payout completion signal is immediately sent to the game control means to allow the start of the next game. Compared with the case where a payout completion signal is transmitted based on the completion of payout by the payout / payout control means, the game can be progressed quickly.
Note that the predetermined number of bets is at least one bet number, and a game can be started by setting a bet number of two or more or setting a maximum bet number. good.
The game media includes pachinko balls, medals, tokens, and the like.
It should be noted that that the game can be started includes that the variable display of the variable display device can be started, and that the operation for starting the variable display of the variable display device can be started,
Allowing the start of the next game includes, of course, allowing the start of variable display on the variable display device or allowing the operation for starting the variable display on the variable display device, as well as a bet that becomes the game start condition. It also includes allowing a number setting operation.
The payout detecting means for detecting the payout of the game medium by the payout means may be a detection means for detecting the game medium paid out by the payout means, or a game medium payout operation amount or payout by the payout means. It may be a detecting means for detecting the number of operations.
Note that the lending request according to the player's operation includes a lending request according to the player's operation of a lending switch or the like, or the player's operation of inserting money (banknotes, coins).

A slot machine according to claim 2 of the present invention is the slot machine according to claim 1,
The payout control means includes:
Lending number storage control means for storing the lending number corresponding to the lending request in the lending storage means when the lending request is received;
A payout amount storage control means for storing the payout number corresponding to the winning request when the winning request is received in the payout storage means and the completion signal transmission storage means, respectively;
Including
The lending / dispensing control means pays out the number of gaming media stored in the lending storage means,
When the winning / dispensing control means receives the winning request during execution of the payout by the lending / dispensing control means, the number of game media stored in the payout storage means after completion of the payout being executed Withdraw
The payout completion signal transmitting means transmits the payout completion signal when the number of payouts from when the winning request is received reaches the payout number stored in the completion signal transmitting storage means. Features.
According to this feature, the number of payouts corresponding to the loan request by the loan payout control means, the transmission of the payout completion signal by the payout completion signal transmitting means, and the payout of the number of payouts corresponding to the winning request by the winning payout control means are counted. By separately providing storage means used for counting by the means, the payout completion signal can be transmitted reliably by using the number of payouts stored in the completion signal transmission storage means for counting by the counting means, and the lending storage means The number of loans stored in is used for counting by the counting means, so that the payout by the lending / dispensing control means can be completed with certainty, and the number of payouts stored in the payout storage means is used for counting by the counting means. The payout by the payout control means can be completed with certainty.

A slot machine according to claim 3 of the present invention is the slot machine according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The lending / dispensing control means includes:
When receiving the lending request during the execution of payout by the winning / dispensing control means, the payout of game media corresponding to the loan request is executed after completion of the payout being executed. To do.
According to this feature, since the payout by the winning / dispensing control means is not interrupted by the lending request, the game can be advanced promptly, and after the payout by the winning / dispensing control means is completed, Since the payout is performed, complication of control of the payout control means can be avoided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  A slot machine 1 as a first embodiment corresponding to claim 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment uses a game ball (pachinko ball) which is an example of a game medium. As shown in FIG. 1, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R in which plural kinds of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. Of the symbols arranged in 2C and 2R, three consecutive symbols are arranged so as to be seen from the see-through window 3 provided on the front surface of the slot machine 1.

  The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotated by reel motors 34L, 34C, and 34R (see FIG. 3) provided correspondingly, so that the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are continuous with the see-through window 3. In addition to the display being changed, the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped, and three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window 3 as display results.

  In addition, an upper plate 12 in which pachinko balls used for the game are stored (standby) is provided below the fluoroscopic window 3 on the front surface of the slot machine 1, and further below that is a payout device described later. A lower pan 11 is provided in which pachinko balls that have been paid out are stored. An outlet 11a for taking out pachinko balls stored in the lower plate 11 is formed on the bottom surface of the lower plate 11, and the outlet is removed by a sliding operation of a lever 11b provided at the front portion of the lower plate 11. By opening the shutter 11c that closes the 11a, the pachinko balls stored in the lower plate 11 flow out into a ball box or the like (not shown) disposed below the lower plate 11, so that the lower plate 11 The pachinko sphere stored in can be easily taken out.

  In addition, the slot machine 1 takes in the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 that are operated when setting the number of bets using the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12, and the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 are operated. The number of acquired pachinko balls that have not yet been used for setting the betting number because the number of pachinko balls required for setting the minimum unit betting number (5 balls in this embodiment) is not displayed. The taken-in ball indicator 16, the remaining amount indicator 18 for displaying the remaining value of the valuable value read from the prepaid card being received on the card unit 15 as a game processing device arranged in parallel, and displayed on the remaining amount indicator 18 Prepaid car currently being accepted by the ball lending switch 19 operated when receiving the lending of the pachinko ball within the range of the remaining value of the value, and the card unit 15 provided in parallel The payout ball indicator 17 that displays the number of pachinko balls paid out to the lower plate 11 in response to a request from the card unit 15 based on the detection of the return switch 20 and the ball lending switch 19 that are operated when the ball is returned. The settlement switch 10 as a ball removal operation means operated when the pachinko balls stored in the dish 12 are settled, the start switch 7 operated when starting the game, and the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, respectively. Stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, etc. that are operated when stopping are provided.

  These settlement switch 10, 1BET switch 5, MAXBET switch 6, start switch 7, remaining amount indicator 18, ball lending switch 19, return switch 20, and upper plate 12, as shown in FIG. It is disposed on the upper surface of an operation table formed so as to bulge forward from the lower position of the transparent window 3 on the front surface.

  At a position below the upper plate 12 inside the casing of the slot machine 1, a take-in device 100 for taking the pachinko balls supplied from the upper plate 12 into the inside, and a game island (where the slot machine 1 is installed) A payout device 200 for paying out pachinko balls supplied from the lower plate 11 to the lower plate 11 is provided.

  Pachinko balls supplied from the amusement island to each slot machine 1 are stored in a supply tank 204 provided at the upper back of the slot machine 1 and extended from the supply tank, as indicated by a dotted line in FIG. The supply channel 210 flows down and is supplied to the dispensing device 200. The ball supply passage 210 is composed of two passages (not shown), and the pachinko balls flowing out from the replenishing tank 204 are supplied to the dispensing device 200 in a state of being divided into the two passages. . A supply ball detection switch 205 is provided at a predetermined height position above the payout device 200 in the ball supply passage 210 in correspondence with each line, and the pachinko supplied to the payout device 200 by the supply ball detection switch 205. It is detected whether or not at least 100 pachinko balls are waiting as spheres (see FIG. 2).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the payout device 200 is provided with sprockets 206 corresponding to the respective strips of the ball supply passage 210. A payout ball detection switch 202 for detecting the passage of a pachinko ball discharged by the sprocket 206 based on payout of a prize ball or the like is provided below the payout device 200 and is discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 206. After the pachinko ball is detected by the payout ball detection switch 202, it is discharged into a payout ball guide passage 208 extending from the lower portion of the payout device 200.

  The payout ball guide passage 208 extends to the lower plate 11, and the pachinko balls paid out from the payout device 200 flow down the payout ball guide passage 208 and are discharged to the lower plate 11. Further, in the vicinity of the lower plate 11 in the payout ball guide passage 208, the pachinko ball stored in the lower plate 11 is in a state where the predetermined upper limit storage amount is reached, that is, the lower plate 11 is in a full state. A lower pan full tank detection switch 112 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) is provided to detect whether or not the lower pan 11 is full.

  The take-in device 100 uses a device having the same structure as that of the payout device 200, so detailed description thereof will be omitted, but below the sprocket (not shown) provided therein, A take-in ball guide passage 108 is provided for discharging pachinko balls discharged by the rotation of the sprocket to an out ball tank (not shown) inside the game island. In addition, an intake ball detection switch 102 (see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of the pachinko ball taken inside is provided at a position near the lower part of the sprocket in the intake ball guide passage 108. The pachinko ball discharged by the rotation of the sprocket is detected by the take-in ball detection switch 102 and then flows down the take-in ball guide passage 108 to the out ball tank (not shown) inside the game island (not shown). It is supposed to be discharged.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is provided in parallel with a card unit 15 that accepts a prepaid card in which a valuable value is recorded, and a card based on the operation of the above-described ball lending switch 19. In response to a request from the unit 15, a pachinko ball can be lent using the valuable value recorded on the prepaid card being accepted. Details of the lending process will be described later.

  When a game is played in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, first, the number of bets is set using the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12. To set the bet number, the MAXBET switch 6 or the 1BET switch 5 may be operated. In the present embodiment, when the MAXBET switch 6 is operated, 3 BET (1 BET (necessary for setting the bet number of the minimum unit) is the maximum number of bets allowed in one game from the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12. When the number of pachinko balls) = 5 balls) is taken in and the 1BET button is operated, the pachinko balls for 1 BET are taken in from the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12.

  Note that the pachinko balls taken in by the take-in device 100 to set the number of bets in accordance with the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 in this way flow down the take-in ball guide passage 108 as described above. Thus, it is taken into the inside of the slot machine 1, that is, the back side as seen from the side facing the player in the slot machine 1, and discharged into the gaming island (not shown).

  Next, when a predetermined number of bets are set, the winning lines L1, L2, L2 ′, L3, and L3 ′ (see FIG. 1) are enabled according to the set bets, and the operation of the start switch 7 is enabled. State, that is, a state where the game can be started. In this embodiment, the game can be started at least when 1 is set as the bet number. The predetermined number of bets is at least one bet number, and when a bet number of two or more is set, for example, when the maximum bet number (3) is set as the bet number, the game starts. It may be in a possible state.

  When the start switch 7 is operated in a state where the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate, and the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R continuously vary. If any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed.

  Then, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, one game is finished, and is determined in advance on any of the pay lines L1, L2, L2 ′, L3, L3 ′ activated according to the number of bets. When the given symbol combination is stopped as a display result of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R (a specific display result is derived), a winning occurs, and the number of pachinko balls determined according to the winning is 200. Is paid directly to the lower plate 11 and given to the player.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine 1 is provided with a game control board 40, a take-out / payout control board 60, and an effect control board 90. The game state is mainly controlled by the game control board 40, and The take-in and pay-out control board 60 controls the taking-in and pay-out of pachinko balls, and the effect control board 90 controls the effect according to the gaming state.

  The game control board 40 includes the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the checkout switch 10, the start switch 7, the stop switches 8L, 8C and 8R, the take-in ball detection switch 102, the supply ball detection switch 205, and the lower plate full tank. A switch 112 is connected, and a reel sensor 35 for detecting a reference position of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is connected, and detection signals of these connected switches and sensors are inputted.

  The game control board 40 is connected to the reel motors 34L, 34C, 34R and the captured ball display 16 described above, and these electric components are a game control unit described later mounted on the game control board 40. It is driven based on the control 41.

  The game control board 40 includes a CPU that performs calculations in a predetermined procedure, a ROM that stores a control program for the CPU and various data tables, a RAM that performs writing and reading of necessary data, a game control board 41, and a game control board. 40, a switch circuit 42 to which a detection signal input from the sensor is input, a motor circuit 43 for controlling the driving of the reel motors 34L, 34C, and 34R, and a display drive of the captured ball indicator 16 A display drive circuit 44 and the like are mounted, and the game control unit 41 receives various detection signals from switches and sensors connected to the game control board 40 and performs various controls according to the progress of the game.

  The take-in / out control board 60 is connected with the above-described take-in ball detection switch 102, pay-out ball detection switch 202, supply ball detection switch 205, and lower pan full switch 112, and detection signals of these connected switches. Is entered.

  The take-in / out control board 60 is connected to the take-in motor 101, the pay-out motor 201, and the pay-out ball indicator 17 described above, and these electrical components are described later mounted on the take-in / out control board 60. It is driven based on the control by the take-out / payout control unit 61.

  The take-out / payout control board 60 has the same CPU, ROM, and RAM as the game control part 41, and the drive of the take-out motor 101 and the pay-out motor 201 connected to the take-out / payout control board 60. A motor circuit 62 that performs control, a switch circuit 64 that receives a detection signal input from a switch connected to the take-in / out control board 60, a display drive circuit 65 that performs display drive of the payout ball display 17, and the like are mounted. The take-out / payout control unit 61 receives a signal output from the game control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 or a detection signal from a switch connected to the take-out / payout control board 60. Various controls are performed to take in and out pachinko balls. Further, the take-out / payout control board 60 is connected to the card units 15 arranged in parallel, and the take-out / payout control unit 61 responds to a request from a control unit (not shown) mounted on the card unit 15. Lending control for lending pachinko balls.

  The effect control board 90 is connected to a liquid crystal display 51, game effect LED 52, and speakers 53, 54 arranged on the front surface of the slot machine 1, and these electrical components are described later mounted on the effect control board 90. It is driven based on the control by the effect control unit 91.

  The effect control board 90 includes an effect control part 91 having the same CPU, ROM, and RAM as the game control part 41, a liquid crystal drive circuit 92 that controls the liquid crystal display 51 connected to the effect control board 90, and a game effect. A lamp drive circuit 93 that performs drive control of the LED 52, a sound output circuit 94 that performs sound output control from the speakers 53 and 54, and the like are mounted, and the effect control unit 91 is a game control mounted on the game control board 40. In response to a command transmitted from the unit 41, various controls are performed to produce an effect.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the game control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 gives a payout ball number signal and a take-in ball number signal indicating values of 0 to 100 to the take-out payout control board 60, A payment request signal for requesting payment of pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12, a request signal for requesting acquisition of pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12, and a power supply confirmation signal indicating that the power source is in the on state Then, a payout request signal (prize ball REQ) is output as a win request for requesting a payout of a prize ball to be given in response to the occurrence of a win. On the other hand, the take-out / payout control unit 61 mounted on the take-out / payout control board 60 outputs an operating signal (BUSY) as a payout completion signal indicating that the take-in device 100 or the payout device 200 is operating. .

  In addition, detection signals from a supply ball detection switch 205 provided in the ball supply passage 210, a take-in ball detection switch 102 provided in the take-in device 100, and a lower pan full tank switch 112 provided in the payout ball guide passage 208 are It is input to both the game control board 40 and the take-out / payout control board 60. As described above, in this embodiment, the detection signals of the supply ball detection switch 205, the take-in ball detection switch 102, and the lower pan full tank switch 112 are input to both the game control board 40 and the take-out / payout control board 60. Since the game control unit 41 can grasp the supply status of the balls to the payout device 200, the number of pachinko balls taken in by the take-in device 100, and the storage status of the lower plate 11, the uptake control board 60 The amount of information transmitted to the game control board 40 can be reduced.

  Further, the take-out / payout control board 60 is connected to the card unit 15 arranged in parallel, and the take-out / payout control unit 61 indicates to the card unit 15 that a lending request operation has been performed by the player from the card unit 15. A READY signal (BRDY) and a lending request signal (BRQ) requesting lending of a pachinko ball are input, and a state in which lending control can be performed on the card unit 15 from the take-out / dispensing control unit 61 is shown. A lending completion signal (EXS) indicating that the lending of the pachinko ball based on the slot machine READY signal (SRDY) and the BRQ has been normally completed is output. The above-described lending control is performed by the input / output of.

  The card unit 15 arranged in parallel with the slot machine 1 receives a prepaid card in which a valuable value is recorded, and a reader / writer (not shown) that reads the valuable value of the received prepaid card or a micro that controls the card unit 15. A computer is installed. As shown in FIG. 4, the remaining amount indicator 18 mounted on the slot machine 1 is connected to the card unit 15 side, and the card unit 15 outputs a remaining amount display control signal to the remaining amount indicator 18. The control of displaying the remaining value of the valuable value read from the prepaid card being accepted at is performed. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a ball lending switch 19 and a return switch 20 mounted in the slot machine 1 are also connected to the card unit 15, and detection signals (ball lending operation detection signals) of these ball lending switches 19 And the detection signal (return operation detection signal) of the return switch 20 is input to the card unit 15, and various processes are executed based on these detection signals. Specifically, the operation of the ball lending switch 19 is detected, so that the BRDY signal described above is output on the condition that the valuable value read from the prepaid card being accepted remains, and the above-described BRQ is performed multiple times. By outputting a signal, processing for requesting the slot machine 1 to rent a pachinko ball is performed. Moreover, the process of returning the prepaid card under reception is performed by detecting the operation of the return switch 20.

  In the present embodiment, although not shown in detail in detail, the operation of the ball lending switch 19 is detected in a state where the SRDY signal is output to the card unit 15 from the take-out / payout control unit 61. By outputting the BRDY signal on the condition that the valuable value read from the prepaid card remains, and outputting the BRQ signal requesting the lending of the pachinko ball (25 balls) corresponding to the number of times five times, A process for requesting the slot machine 1 to lend a pachinko ball (125 balls) corresponding to 5 degrees in accordance with one operation of the ball lending switch 19 is performed.

  On the other hand, when the BRQ signal output from the card unit 15 is received, the take-out / payout control unit 61 sends an EXS signal to execute a lending process for paying out 25 pachinko balls based on the received BRQ signal. In addition to outputting to the unit 15, when the payout of 25 pachinko balls is completed, the EXS signal is turned off and reception of the next BRQ signal is awaited.

  In the present embodiment, during the game, that is, after the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R start rotating according to the operation of the start switch 7, the rotation of all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped and seen through. Until a display result is derived and displayed on the window 3, and when a winning with a payout of a pachinko ball occurs as a display result of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, a pachinko ball (awarding ball) associated with the occurrence of the winning ) Until the payout is completed, the take-out / payout control unit 61 outputs the SRDY signal to the card unit 15, and accordingly, according to the detection of the operation of the ball lending switch 19. Lending control according to the BRQ signal output from the card unit 15 can be always executed regardless of whether or not the game is in progress.

  In addition, the take-out / payout control unit 61 receives an award that is awarded in accordance with the occurrence of a prize during the execution of the lending control process according to the BRQ signal output from the card unit 15 in response to the detection of the operation of the ball lending switch 19. When a prize ball REQ signal requesting the payout of a ball is output from the game control unit 41, the lending control process being executed when the prize ball REQ signal is received is interrupted as will be described later, and the received prize ball is received. The award ball payout control process corresponding to the REQ signal is interrupted and executed, and the lending control process suspended after the payout control process is completed is resumed.

  In addition, in the case where a winning accompanied by a pachinko ball is generated, the game control unit 41 receives a winning ball number signal and a winning ball REQ signal (winning request) indicating the number of winning balls to be given in response to the occurrence of the winning. The take-out / payout control unit 61 that has received the prize ball number signal and the prize ball REQ signal normally outputs a prize ball based on the received prize ball REQ signal. A BUSY signal indicating that the game has been completed is output to the game control unit 41, and a payout control process for paying out a pachinko ball with the number of prize balls specified from the received prize ball number signal is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the take-out / payout control unit 61 is in a state where the supply ball detection signal from the supply ball detection switch 205 is not input, that is, 100 pachinko balls can be paid out to the payout device 200. In the state that is not supplied in the state, the lending control process is not executed even if there is a lending request from the card unit 15 according to the operation by the ball lending switch 19, so that the ball may run out during the lending control process. It is prevented.

  In addition, even when there is no supply ball detection signal from the supply ball detection signal from the supply ball detection switch 205, even if there is a payout request or a payment request from the game control unit 41, the payout control process or the payment control process is not executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ball from running out during the execution of the payout control process and the settlement control process.

  Further, as described later, when there is a payout request from the game control unit 41 during the execution of the lending control process, the lending control process being executed at that time is interrupted and the payout control process based on the payout request is not executed. As a result, either the lending control process or the payout control process is surely paid out, preventing the pachinko balls from being paid out in the middle of each of the lending control process and the payout control process. Has been.

  In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a combination of any of the symbols is aligned on a single winning line in the normal gaming state, a winning in which a predetermined number of pachinko balls are awarded occurs. To do. In particular, when a combination of “replay-replay-replay” is arranged on one activated pay line, a replay game (re-game) in which the next game can be executed with the same bet number as that game. ) Will be given a replay (replay) win.

  Also, if a combination of symbols “BAR-BAR-BAR” is aligned on any of the winning lines activated in the normal gaming state, an RB winning is generated, and for example, 75 pachinko balls are given as the price. In addition, a regular bonus (RB) that is advantageous to the player is generated, and 75 pachinko balls are awarded on a single pay line in which the “replay-replay-replay” combination is activated. A regular bonus game (RB game) in which a Jac prize is generated with a high probability is awarded to the player.

  In addition, if the combination of symbols “7-7-7” is aligned on the winning line activated in the normal gaming state, a special winning BB winning will be generated, and for example, 75 pachinko balls will be given as the price. In addition, a big bonus (BB) advantageous to the player is generated, and a big bonus game (BB game) having a higher probability of occurrence of a small role winning than the normal gaming state and the above-described RB are given to the player. The

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of balls required for setting the minimum bet number, that is, five pachinko balls are required as the number of balls for 1 BET, whereas all winnings are generated. The number of pachinko balls (the number of prize balls) to be given according to the number of balls is set to a multiple of 5 balls, which is the number of balls for 1 BET, but the number of prize balls is not limited to the number of balls that is a multiple of 5 balls. , With an upper limit of 75 balls, any number of balls according to the prize (for example, 12 balls are awarded according to the cherry prize or 62 balls are awarded according to the watermelon prize) You may set more finely.

  Next, various control contents executed by the game control unit 41 of the game control board 40 in this embodiment as the game progresses will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, an initial process for preparing for a game start is executed as the power is turned on. Specifically, the connection of various devices, the operation status, and the like are checked, and if it is possible to return to the gaming state before the power is cut off, a recovery process is performed (Sa1).

  Next, a BET process (Sa2), an internal lottery process (Sa3), a reel control distribution process (Sa4), a reel rotation process (Sa5), a reel stop process (Sa6), a winning determination process (Sa7), and a prize payout process (Sa8) ) To loop processing that repeatedly executes.

  In the BET process in the step Sa2, the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12 are obtained based on the operation for starting the game, that is, the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 for setting the number of bets on the game. The system waits in a state where it can be taken in, takes in the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12, sets the bet number, and executes a process of determining the bet number when the operation of the start switch 7 is detected. Further, when a replay winning is generated in the previous game, the same bet number as in the previous game is set.

  Further, in this BET process, a take-in request signal and a take-in ball number signal for taking in a ball number necessary for setting a bet amount are taken in and out based on the detection of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6. It outputs to the control board 60 and performs the process which performs taking-in of the pachinko ball. Further, based on the detection of the settlement switch 10, the settlement request signal for requesting the settlement of the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12 and the paid-out ball number signal are output to the take-out and control board 60, and the settlement of the pachinko balls is executed. To perform the process.

  In the internal lottery process in the step Sa3, a winning is generated based on a comparison result between a random value acquired at the start of the game by the detection of the start switch 7 in the step Sa2 and an internal winning probability table that determines the winning probability of each winning. Whether or not to allow is determined, and processing for setting an internal winning flag is executed according to the result.

  In the reel control distribution process in step Sa4, a process of confirming the internal winning flag and selecting a reel control table corresponding to the internal winning flag is executed.

  In the reel rotation process in step Sa5, a process of rotating each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is executed. In this reel rotation process, the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is validated when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R rotate at a constant speed.

  In the reel stop process in step Sa6, the player detects the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, or the player operates the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R from the start of the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R. The process of stopping the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is executed in response to the elapse of the automatic stop time without being detected. In this reel stop process, a process of stopping each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is performed based on the control pattern corresponding to the result of the internal lottery process in step Sa3.

  In the winning determination process in step Sa7, when it is determined in step Sa6 that the rotation of all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R has been stopped, a winning is determined according to the display result derived for each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R. A process of determining whether or not it has occurred is executed.

  In the prize ball granting process in the step Sa8, when the occurrence of a prize is determined in the step Sa7, the prize payout process for causing the pachinko ball to be paid out based on the number of prize balls given in accordance with the prize winning. Do. In this payout / payout process, a payout request signal and a payout ball number signal requesting the payout of the prize balls to be given are output to the take-out / payout control board 60, and the pachinko balls are paid out. Then, when a payout completion signal indicating that the payout of the winning ball based on the payout ball number signal has been normally completed is input from the take-out payout control board 60, the processing ends, and the process proceeds to BET processing.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the payout / payout process executed by the game control unit 41 in step Sa8.

  In the winning / dispensing process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the occurrence of a winning is determined in step Sa7 (Sb1). If the generation of the winning is determined, it is provided in a part of the RAM area of the game control unit 41. The number of prize balls to be given to the prize ball counter is stored (Sb2), the prize ball number signal is turned on to indicate the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball counter (Sb3), and the prize ball REQ signal is Set to on (Sb4). If it is confirmed in Sb1 that no winning has been determined, the process is terminated.

  Next, it is monitored whether the BUSY signal from the take-out / payout control unit 61 is turned on (Sb5), and when it is confirmed that the BUSY signal is turned on (Sb6), the number stored in the prize ball counter The counter value stored in the prize ball counter is cleared as if the pachinko ball payout control for the minute was executed by the take-out payout control unit 61 (Sb7), and the BUSY signal from the take-out payout control unit 61 When monitoring whether it is off (Sb8), it is confirmed that the BUSY signal is turned off, that is, the payout control of the number of pachinko balls stored in the prize ball counter is completed (Sb9) Then, the prize ball REQ signal is turned off (Sb10), and the process is terminated.

  As described above, unless the winning / dispensing process is completed, the process performed by the game control unit 41 does not shift to the Sa2 BET process, and therefore, an operation for setting the bet amount for the next game is not permitted. Start is not allowed.

  Also, when the monitoring of the BUSY signal corresponding to the prize ball REQ signal output to the take-out / payout control unit 61 in Sb5, 6 is not input even after a long time has elapsed, or in Sb8, 9 the BUSY signal In cases such as when the error does not turn off even after a long time has elapsed since the start of monitoring, an error sound indicating that an error has occurred, an error display, etc. are informed, and such an error is reported. When it occurs, the capacity can be released by performing a predetermined reset operation.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the payout main process executed by the take-out payout control unit 61, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the interrupt process performed in the payout main process of FIG.

  The take-out and payout control unit 61 executes an initial process for preparing for payout when the power is turned on. Specifically, the connection of various devices, the operation status, and the like are confirmed, and if it is possible to return to the state before the power is turned off, a recovery process is performed (Sc1).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, waiting for an interrupt process of the switch detection process (Sd1), the main board communication process (Sd2), the lending control process (Sd3), the payout control process (Sd4), and the motor control process (Sd5). The process of Sd1 to Sd5 is executed in response to an interrupt periodically generated at a predetermined time interval.

  In the switch detection process in step Sd1, detection of various switches and signals is monitored.

  In the main board communication process in the step of Sd2, a communication process performed with the game control board 40, specifically, a process based on the power supply confirmation signal and the prize ball REQ signal detected in the step of Sd1 is performed.

  In the lending control process in the step of Sd3, a communication process performed with the card unit, specifically, a process based on the BRDY signal and the BRQ signal detected in the step of Sd1 is performed.

  In the payout control process in step Sd4, the payout device 200 pays out the number of pachinko balls stored in the payout counter provided in a part of the RAM of the take-out payout control unit 61 in the steps Sd2 and Sd3. Process.

  In the motor control process in step Sd5, a process for driving the payout motor 201 based on the drive control content of the payout motor 201 set in the step Sd4 is performed.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the detailed control contents of the main board communication process executed by the take-out / payout control unit 61 in step Sd2.

  The take-out / payout control unit 61 confirms the set main board communication processing selection flag (0 to 2) (Se1), and if the set main board communication processing selection flag is 0, main board communication described later. The process proceeds to process 1 (Se2). If the set main board communication process selection flag is 1, the process proceeds to main board communication process 2 described later (Se3), and the set main board communication process selection flag is 2. If so, the process proceeds to a main board communication process 3 to be described later (Se4), and the process ends.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the main board communication process 1 executed by the take-in / out control unit 61 in the step Se2.

  The take-out / payout control unit 61 first checks whether or not the power confirmation signal is on, that is, whether or not the game control board 40 is in a communicable state (Sf1), and if the power confirmation signal is on. If the prize ball REQ signal is on, that is, whether or not a prize ball payout request has been made with the occurrence of a winning is confirmed (Sf2), and it is confirmed that the prize ball REQ signal is on Confirms whether or not the supply ball detection switch 205 is on, that is, whether or not a pachinko ball to be paid out is supplied to the payout device 200 based on the received prize ball REQ signal (Sf3). If the switch 205 is on, the main board communication process selection flag is set to 1 (Sf4) and the process is terminated.

  If the power confirmation signal is not on in Sf1, or if the prize ball REQ signal is not on in Sf2, the process is terminated while maintaining the main board communication process selection flag 0. Further, even when the supply ball detection switch 205 is not turned on in Sf3, the process is terminated while maintaining the main board communication process selection flag 0, so that the process proceeds to the next main board communication process 2 to generate a prize ball REQ signal. Since the process for paying out the corresponding prize ball is not performed, it is possible to prevent the ball from running out during the execution of the payout control process.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the main board communication process 2 executed by the take-out / payout control unit 61 in the step Se3.

  The take-out / payout control unit 61 first checks whether or not the power check signal is on, that is, whether or not the game control board 40 is in a communicable state (Sd1), and if the power check signal is on. For example, the number of prize balls is read from the prize ball number signal input together with the prize ball REQ signal confirmed in Sf2 (Sg2). If the power confirmation signal is not on in Sf1, the main board communication process selection flag 0 is set (Sg8) and the process is terminated.

  Next, it is checked whether or not the EXS signal is on, that is, whether or not a lending control process described later is currently being executed (Sg3), and the EXS signal is on, that is, the lending control process is being executed. In this case, the counter value currently stored in the payout counter, that is, the counter value (25 balls or less) corresponding to the lending request stored in the lending control process as described later is provided in a partial area of the RAM. The prize ball interruption memory is stored (Sg4), the number of prize balls read in Sg2 is stored in the payout counter, and the counter value of the payout counter is updated (Sg5).

  That is, when it is confirmed in Sg3 that the EXS signal is on (the lending control process is being executed), the counter value currently stored in the payout counter is stored in the prize ball interruption memory in Sg4, and the prize is awarded in Sg5. The take-out / payout control unit 61 that performs the processing in steps Sg3 to Sg5 for storing the number of prize balls read from the ball number signal in the payout counter constitutes an interruption means.

  Further, when it is confirmed that the EXS signal is on in Sg3 (the lending control process is being executed), the number of pachinko balls based on the prize ball REQ signal is supplied to the payout device 200 in Sf3 described above. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ball from running out in the middle of the payout control process that is interrupted and executed during the execution of the lending control process. In other words, when it is confirmed that the number of pachinko balls based on the prize ball REQ signal is not supplied to the payout device 200 in Sf3 described above, the process proceeds to steps Sg3 to Sg5, and the lending control process is performed. Since the payout control process based on the prize ball REQ signal is not interrupted and performed during the execution of the payout ball REQ signal, it is possible to prevent the ball from running out during the execution of the payout control process.

  When the EXS signal is not on in Sg3, that is, when the lending control process is not being executed, the counter value of the payout counter is “0”, and thus the number of prize balls is stored in the payout counter in Sg5.

  Next, after turning on the BUSY signal indicating that the payout control process of the prize ball with the counter value stored in the payout counter is being executed (Sg6), the main board communication process selection flag is set to 2 (Sg7). Exit.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the detailed control contents of the main board communication process 3 executed by the take-out / payout control unit 61 in the step Se4.

  The take-out / payout control unit 61 first checks whether or not the power check signal is on, that is, whether or not the game control board 40 is in a communicable state (Sd1), and if the power check signal is on. If the counter value of the payout counter is “0”, that is, whether or not the payout control process for the number of prize balls stored in the payout counter is completed (Sh2), the counter value of the payout counter is If it is “0”, it is assumed that the payout control process corresponding to the prize ball REQ signal confirmed in Sf2 has been completed, and the BUSY signal output as the payout completion signal indicating that the payout control process has been completed is set to off. (Sh3), the main board communication process selection flag is set to 0 and the process is terminated (Sh4). If the counter value of the payout counter is not “0” in Sh2, the payout control process is being executed and the process is terminated.

  Further, if the power confirmation signal is not on in Sf1, the BUSY signal output in Sh3 is set to off because some trouble occurs during the payout control process and communication with the game control board 40 is interrupted. Thereafter, the processing is terminated as the main board communication processing selection flag 0.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the detailed control contents of the lending control process executed by the take-out and payout control unit 61 in step Sd3.

  The take-out and payout control unit 61 checks the set lending process selection flag (0 to 3) (Si1), and if the set lending process selection flag is 0, the take-out and payout control unit 61 proceeds to a lending communication process 1 described later. (Si2), if the set lending process selection flag is 1, the process shifts to a lending communication process 2 (to be described later) (Si3), and if the set lending process selection flag is 2, the lending communication process 3 is to be described later. If the set lending process selection flag is 3, the process shifts to lending communication process 4 described later (Si5), and the process ends.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the detailed control contents of the lending communication process 1 executed by the take-out and payout control unit 61 in the step of Si2.

  The take-out and payout control unit 61 first checks whether or not the BRDY signal is on, that is, whether or not the ball lending switch 19 has been operated (Sj1). If the BRDY signal is on, the lending process selection flag Set to 1 to finish the process. If the BRDY signal is not on in Sj1, the process is terminated while maintaining the lending process selection flag 0.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the lending communication processing 2 executed by the take-out / payout control unit 61 in the step of Si3.

  The take-out / payout control unit 61 first checks whether or not the BRDY signal is on, that is, whether or not the ball lending switch 19 is operated (Sk1), and if the BRDY signal is on, the BRQ signal Is turned off to on, that is, whether or not a lending request based on the operation of the ball lending switch 19 is made (Sk2). If the BRQ signal is turned on, the supply ball detection switch 205 is turned on. whether or not, that is, whether or not the pachinko ball to be paid out is supplied to the payout device 200 based on the received BRQ signal (Sk3), and when the supply ball detection switch 205 is on The lending process selection flag is set to 2 (Sk4) and the process is terminated.

  If the BRQ signal is not turned on at Sk2, the process waits for the BRQ signal to be maintained and the process ends. Further, even when the supply ball detection switch 205 is not turned on in Sf3, the processing is terminated while maintaining the lending communication processing selection flag 2, so that the processing proceeds to the next lending communication processing 3 step and the lending ball corresponding to the BRQ signal. Since the process for paying out the ball is not performed, it is possible to prevent the ball from running out during the execution of the lending control process.

  In this way, by checking whether or not the supply ball detection switch 205 is on in Sf3 and Sg3, either the lending payout control process or the payout control process ensures that the pachinko ball is paid out. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pachinko balls from being dispensed in the middle of the payout by the lending payout control process and the payout by the payout control process. In particular, in the present embodiment, the supplied ball detection switch 205 is a total ball of the number of loans (25 balls) based on one BRQ signal and the maximum prize ball number (75 balls) indicated by the prize ball number signal. Since it is detected that a number of pachinko balls are supplied to the payout device 200, payout of the number of loans based on one BRQ signal and payout of the number of prize balls performed in the middle of the payout are surely performed. It will be.

  If the BRDY signal is not on at Sk1, it is assumed that the output of the BRDY signal from the card unit 15 has been interrupted for some reason after operation of the ball lending switch 19, and the processing is terminated as a lending process selection flag 0 (Sk5). To do.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the lending communication processing 3 executed by the take-out / payout control unit 61 in the step of Si4.

  The take-out / payout controller 61 first checks whether the BRDY signal is on (Sl1), and if the BRDY signal is on, whether the counter value of the payout counter is “0”, that is, It is confirmed whether or not the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball REQ is stored in the payout counter (Sl2), and the counter value of the payout counter is “0”, that is, the prize ball payout control process is being executed. If not, the EXS signal indicating that the lending control process is being executed is turned on (Sl3). If the BRDY signal is not on in S11, the lending process selection flag is set to 0, assuming that lending control processing (lending for 5 times = 125 balls) based on one operation of the ball lending switch 19 is completed. The process ends. If the BRDY signal is not on in S11, it is determined that the output of the BRDY signal from the card unit 15 has been interrupted for some reason after operation of the ball lending switch 19, and the processing is terminated as a lending process selection flag 0 (Sl8).

  When the counter value of the payout counter is not “0” in S12, that is, when the prize ball payout control process is being executed, the process is terminated while the lending process selection flag 2 is maintained. That is, as described above, when the BRDY signal and the BRQ signal are input based on the detection of the operation of the ball lending switch 19 during execution of the prize ball payout control process, the take-out payout control unit 61 receives the input BRQ. The payout control process of the prize ball during the execution of the loan control process based on the signal is completed, that is, the payout control is performed after the counter value of the payout counter becomes “0” in S12. That is, the lending / dispensing control delay processing means is configured to delay the execution of the lending control processing based on the BRQ signal until the completion of the dispensing control processing.

  Next, after the EXS signal is turned on in S13, it is monitored that the input BRQ signal is turned off (Sl4), and when it is confirmed that the BRQ signal is turned off from on (S15), the payout counter is set. 25 balls, which are the number of balls lent based on one BRQ signal input, are stored (Sl6), the lending process selection flag is set to 3, and the process is terminated. If the BRQ signal remains on in S15, the process is terminated while maintaining the lending process selection flag 2.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the detailed control contents of the lending communication processing 4 executed by the take-out and payout control unit 61 in the step of Si5.

  The take-out / payout controller 61 first checks whether the BRDY signal is on (Sm1), and if the BRDY signal is on, whether the counter value of the payout counter is “0”, that is, Then, it is confirmed whether or not the lending control process for 25 balls stored in the payout counter in S16 is completed (Sm2). If the BRDY signal is not on in Sm1, it is determined that the output of the BRDY signal from the card unit 15 is interrupted for some reason after operation of the ball lending switch 19, and the processing is terminated as a lending process selection flag 0 (Sm7). To do.

  When the counter value of the payout counter is not “0” in Sm2, that is, when the lending control process for 25 balls is not completed, or the executed lending control process is interrupted and the payout payout control process is executed. In the case where the lending selection processing flag 3 is maintained, the processing is terminated, and when the counter value of the payout counter is “0”, that is, when the lending control processing for 25 balls is completed, It is checked whether or not the number of unpaid prize balls is stored in the prize ball interruption memory (Sm3). If the number of unpaid prize balls is not stored in the prize ball interruption memory, that is, lending for 25 balls When the lending control processing being executed is not interrupted by the input of the prize ball REQ signal during the execution of the control processing, it is determined that the lending control processing for the 25 balls has been completed, and the output EXS signal After turning off (Sm4), the lending process selection flag is set to 2 and the process is terminated (Sm5). The lending communication process 2, 3, 4 is completed until the lending control process based on one operation of the ball lending switch 19 is completed. Will be repeated.

  When the lending control process being executed is interrupted and the award ball payout control process is executed as described above, the EXS signal output in S13 is turned off in Sm4, that is, the lending control process is completed. Since the output is continued even while it is interrupted, it is possible to prevent the card unit 15 from erroneously recognizing that the loan control process is completed when the loan control process is interrupted.

  Further, when it is confirmed in Sm4 that the number of unpaid prize balls is stored in the prize ball interruption memory, that is, during the execution of the lending control process for 25 balls, the lending being executed by inputting the prize ball REQ signal If the control process is interrupted halfway, the number of unpaid prize balls stored in the prize ball interruption memory is stored in the payout counter and the process is terminated (Sm6).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the detailed control contents of the payout control process executed by the take-out payout control unit 61 in step Sd4.

  The take-out payout control unit 61 first checks whether or not the payout device 200 (the payout motor 201) is being driven (Sn1), and if it is confirmed that the payout device 200 is being driven, a payout counter Whether or not the counter value of the payout counter is “0” (Sn2). If the counter value of the payout counter is not “0”, one pachinko ball out of the counter values stored in the payout counter The payout device drive flag for paying out the money is set (Sn3).

  When the payout device drive flag is set in Sn3, when it is confirmed that the payout device 200 is not being driven in Sn1, or when the counter value of the payout counter is “0” in Sn2, the payout ball detection switch 202 It is checked whether there is an input of a detection signal, that is, whether a pachinko ball paid out from the payout device 200 is detected by the payout ball detection switch 202 (Sn4). 1 is subtracted from the counter value (Sn5), and the process is terminated.

  In this way, the driving flag necessary for rotating the sprocket 206 to pay out one pachinko ball to pay out the number of pachinko balls stored in the payout counter with the payout device 200 is the payout control. The pachinko ball is paid out by performing drive control of the payout motor 201 based on the drive flag set in the process and set in the payout control process in the motor control process of Sd5.

  Next, an example of the control contents based on the lending control process and the winning / dispensing control process in the slot machine 1 as the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be concretely described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. Explained.

  First, after the slot machine 1 becomes ready to perform lending control (T1), when the ball lending operation detection signal of the ball lending switch 19 is detected by the card unit 15 at a predetermined timing, the card unit The 15 control unit outputs a BRDY signal indicating that the ball lending operation detection signal has been confirmed to the take-out / payout control unit 61 on the condition that the valuable value read from the prepaid card being accepted remains. (T2) A BRQ signal for requesting lending for 25 balls is output (T3). The take-out and payout control unit 61 that has detected the input of the BRQ signal outputs an EXS signal indicating that the pachinko ball lending based on the BRQ signal has been normally completed to the card unit 15 (T4), and then the payout motor. 201 is driven (T5), and a lending control process for lending 25 pachinko balls is started.

  In this embodiment, the card unit 15 lends pachinko balls to the slot machine 1 by outputting a BRQ signal a plurality of times (five times) based on the detection of one ball lending operation detection signal. The requested process is performed.

  Here, for example, during the execution of the lending control process based on the first BRQ signal, specifically, when, for example, 10 balls (n balls) out of 25 balls are lent, for example, 75 balls When a winning with a payout of a prize ball occurs and a prize ball number signal and a prize ball REQ signal requesting the payout of a prize ball are output from the game control unit 41 in response to the occurrence of the prize (T6), As described above, the payout control unit 61 stores the counter value m {25− (n = 10) = 15 balls} stored in the payout counter at that time in the prize ball interruption memory and interrupts the lending control process. Then, the BUSY signal is output to the game control unit 41 (T7), and the payout control process based on the prize ball REQ signal is executed.

  Then, when the payout control unit 61 completes the payout of 75 prize balls and the counter value of the payout counter becomes “0” (T8), the BUSY signal that has been output is turned off and the prize is awarded. The fact that the payout control process based on the ball REQ signal is completed is output to the game control unit 41.

  That is, the game control unit 41 detects that the BUSY signal has been turned off and assumes that the payout of the winning ball based on the winning has been completed, so that the game control unit 41 shifts from the winning payout process to the BET process. An operation, that is, a BET operation (operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6) for setting a bet amount for the game is permitted and accepted. Therefore, since the player can start the next game without waiting for the completion of the lending / dispensing control that was being executed when the winning occurs, the progress of the game is not hindered by the lending control processing, The game can be advanced promptly.

  Next, when the payout control process is completed, the take-out payout control unit 61 receives a prize ball in the payout counter in order to pay out the lending balls (m = 15 balls) stored in the prize ball interruption memory. The number of unpaid balls (m = 15 balls) stored in the interruption memory is stored, and the suspended lending control process is resumed (T8).

  When the payout of 15 unpaid balls is completed, the EXS signal is turned off, and the card unit 15 recognizes that the lending control processing based on the BRQ signal output from the card unit 15 at T3 is completed. (T9). In this way, the EXS signal output at T4 is executed after the lending control process is interrupted based on the award ball payout request during the output of the signal, that is, during the lending control process. The payout control process is continued until the payout control process of the awarded ball is completed, and is turned off when the payout of the resumed unpaid loan ball is completed. It is possible to prevent the card unit 15 from erroneously recognizing that the lending control process is completed even when it is interrupted by the interruption of the payout control process.

  The controller of the card unit 15 that confirmed the OFF of the EXS signal repeatedly issued the remaining 4 times of the lending request (BRQ signal output), and the EXS signal corresponding to the 5 times of the BRQ signal was turned off. Later, the BRDY signal is turned off (T12), and the lending control processing based on the operation of the ball lending switch 19 performed at T2 is completed.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, when there is a payout request, the betting amount for the next game is set on condition that the payout of the number of prize balls corresponding to the payout request is completed. By allowing the setting operation, the player can surely recognize the number of prize balls paid out according to the display result of the game.

  Also, when a payout request is received during the lending control process, the running lending control process is interrupted and the payout control process is performed immediately, so that the control of the transmission timing of the payout completion signal (BUSY signal) is complicated. Without paying, since the payout completion signal is promptly transmitted to the game control unit 41 when the payout of the payout number corresponding to the payout request is completed by the payout, the start of the next game is permitted. Compared with the case where the payout control process is performed after the process is completed, the game can be advanced promptly.

  Specifically, when the lending control process is interrupted, the number of unpaid items that have not been paid out in the lending control process at that time is stored in an interrupt memory different from the payout counter, and is suspended after the payout control process is completed. Since the number of unpaid numbers stored in the memory is paid out, even if the suspended loan control process is interrupted, the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the loan request can be reliably paid out.

  Next, a modification example in which the lending control process is interrupted when a winning occurs during the lending control process will be described based on the timing chart shown in FIG.

  Specifically, in the interruption process in the above-described lending control process, the take-out / payout control unit 61 performs a lending control process for 25 balls when a prize ball REQ signal is input during the lending control process for 25 balls. In this modification, for example, during the lending control process for 25 balls based on the BRQ signal, the lending control process is interrupted and the payout control process is executed at that time. When a prize ball REQ signal is input, the execution of the payout control process is reserved until the 25 ball lending control process is completed, and the lending control based on the next BRQ signal is completed after the lending control process is completed. The payout control process retained until the process is executed is interrupted and executed.

  Specifically, referring to the timing chart shown in FIG. 20, first, after the slot machine 1 becomes ready for lending control (T1), ball lending by the ball lending switch 19 is performed at a predetermined timing. When the operation detection signal is detected by the card unit 15, the control unit of the card unit 15 confirms the ball lending operation detection signal on condition that the valuable value read from the prepaid card being accepted remains. A BRDY signal indicating the effect is output to the take-out and payout control unit 61 (T2), and a BRQ signal requesting a lending for 25 balls is output (T3). The take-out and payout control unit 61 that has detected the input of the BRQ signal outputs an EXS signal indicating that the pachinko ball lending based on the BRQ has been normally completed to the card unit 15 (T4), and then the payout motor 201. Is started (T5), and a lending control process for lending 25 pachinko balls is started.

  Here, for example, during the execution of the lending control process based on the first BRQ signal, specifically, when, for example, 10 balls (n balls) out of 25 balls are lent, for example, 75 balls When a winning with a payout of a prize ball occurs and a prize ball number signal and a prize ball REQ signal requesting the payout of a prize ball are output from the game control unit 41 in response to the occurrence of the prize (T6), The payout control unit 61 reserves the payout control process based on the inputted prize ball REQ signal until the currently executed lending control process for 25 balls is completed, and the payout motor is completed after the lending control process is completed. After stopping the driving of 201 (T7), a BUSY signal is output (T8), and the reserved payout control process is executed. During execution of the payout control process, the card unit 15 outputs the next BRQ signal (T9), but since the loan control process is interrupted by the execution of the payout control process, the EXS signal The output of is reserved.

  Then, after the payout of the 75 winning balls is completed and the driving of the payout motor 201 is stopped, the take-out payout control unit 61 turns off the BUSY signal that has been output (T10), and the winning ball REQ signal Is output to the game control unit 41, and an EXS signal reserved when the payout control process is completed is output to resume the lending control process.

  Thereafter, the control unit of the card unit 15 repeats the remaining 4 times of lending request (output of BRQ signal), and after the EXS signal corresponding to the 5 times of BRQ signal is turned off, the BRDY signal is turned off. (T11) The lending control process based on the operation of the ball lending switch 19 performed at T2 is completed.

  That is, also in this modification, the game control unit 41 assumes that the payout of the winning ball based on the winning is completed when the OFF of the BUSY signal is detected, and shifts from the winning payout process to the BET process. An operation for starting the game, that is, a BET operation for setting a bet amount for the game (operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6) is permitted and accepted. Therefore, the player can start the next game without waiting for the completion of the lending control process (lending control process for 5 times) that was being executed at the time the winning occurs. The game can be advanced promptly without hindering the progress of the game.

  Next, a slot machine 1 as a second embodiment corresponding to claim 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, in the case where a winning with a payout of a prize ball occurs during the execution of the lending control process, the take-out / payout control unit 61 is configured to smoothly advance the game. The lending control process being executed is interrupted, the BUSY signal is output to the game control unit 41, the award ball payout control process is executed, and when the payout control process is completed, the output BUSY signal is set to off. The game control unit 41 is made to recognize that the payout control process has been completed. However, in the slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment, when a payout with payout of a prize ball occurs during the execution of the loan control process. The take-out / payout control unit 61 outputs the BUSY signal in response to the input of the prize ball REQ signal even when the lending control process is being executed without interrupting the lending control process being executed. When the number of pachinko balls paid out from the payout device 200 reaches the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball REQ signal during the execution of the lending control process from the time when the signal is output, the BUSY signal is turned off and the prize ball REQ signal is turned off. By allowing the game control unit 41 to recognize that the payout control process for the number of prize balls corresponding to is completed, the BET operation for starting the next game is allowed without waiting for the completion of the lending control process. In addition to being able to proceed smoothly, award ball payout control processing is performed after the actual lending control processing is completed.

  Hereinafter, the control contents of the lending control process and the payout control process in the second embodiment will be specifically described.

  In the second embodiment, only parts different in configuration and control contents from the slot machine 1 in the first embodiment will be described, and description of the same configuration and control contents will be omitted.

  First, FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the slot machine 1 as the second embodiment. In addition to the above-mentioned payout counter, a part of the RAM area of the take-out payout control unit 61 is shown. The prize ball payout counter 1 and the prize ball payout counter 2 are provided, and when the prize ball number signal is input together with the prize ball REQ signal, the prize ball numbers read from the prize ball number signal are given to these prizes. It is stored in the ball payout counter 1 and the prize ball payout counter 2.

  Of these, the counter value of the prize ball payout counter 1 is decremented by 1 each time a payout ball detection signal is input from the payout ball detection switch 202 during the execution of the lending control process. When the counter value of the prize ball payout counter 1 becomes “0”, that is, during the execution of the lending control process, pachinko balls corresponding to the number of prize balls stored in the counter value of the prize ball payout counter 1 When the payout is made, the BUSY signal is turned off to allow the game control unit 41 to recognize that the payout of the number of prize balls has been completed.

  Also, the counter value of the payout counter 2 for the prize ball is not subtracted even if a payout ball detection signal is input from the payout ball detection switch 202 during the execution of the lending control process, and the counter value of the payout counter is “0”. Since the payout counter is stored in the payout counter when the loan control process is completed and the counter value of the payout counter becomes “0”, the BRQ signal is generated by executing the loan control process. When the payout of the corresponding number of lent balls (125 balls in the present embodiment) is completed, the payout of the number of prize balls (75 balls in the present embodiment) corresponding to the unpaid prize ball REQ signal is actually made. To be done.

  In the following, as described above, only processing that is different in control content from the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the detailed control contents of the main board communication process 2 executed by the take-out / payout controller 61 in the second embodiment.

  The take-out / payout control unit 61 first checks whether or not the power check signal is on, that is, whether or not the game control board 40 is in a communicable state (So1), and if the power check signal is on. For example, the number of prize balls is read from the prize ball number signal input together with the prize ball REQ signal confirmed in Sf2 (Sg2). If the power confirmation signal is not on in Sf1, the main board communication process selection flag 0 is set (So8) and the process is terminated.

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the BRDY signal is on, that is, whether or not the lending control process is currently being executed (So3). If the BRDY signal is on, the number of winning balls read from the winning ball number signal Are stored in the award ball payout counters 1 and 2, respectively (So4). If the BRDY signal is not on in So3, the number of prize balls read from the prize ball number signal is stored only in the prize ball payout counter 1 and the payout counter (So5). That is, when the prize ball REQ signal is input when the lending control process is not being performed, there is no payout due to the lending control process, so that a prize ball payout counter is used to output the BUSY signal after the payout control process is completed. 1 and stored in the payout counter for paying out by the payout device 200.

  Next, after the BUSY signal indicating that the prize ball payout control process corresponding to the prize ball REQ signal is being executed is turned on (So6), the main board communication process selection flag is set to 2 (So7) and the process is terminated. To do.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the main board communication process 3 executed by the take-out / payout control unit 61 according to the second embodiment.

  The take-out / payout control unit 61 first checks whether or not the power check signal is on, that is, whether or not the game control board 40 is in a communicable state (Sp1), and if the power check signal is on. For example, it is confirmed whether or not the counter value of the prize ball payout counter 1 is “0”, that is, whether or not the payout control process for the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball payout counter 1 is completed (Sp2). When the counter value of the prize ball payout counter 1 is “0”, it is determined that the payout control process corresponding to the prize ball REQ signal confirmed in Sf2 has been completed, and the output BUSY signal is set to off ( Sp3), the main board communication process selection flag is set to 0 and the process is terminated (Sp4). If the counter value of the prize ball payout counter 1 is not “0” in Sp2, the payout control process is being executed and the process ends.

  If the power confirmation signal is not on in Sp1, the BUSY signal output in Sp3 is set to off, assuming that some trouble occurred during the payout control process and communication with the game control board 40 is interrupted. Thereafter, the processing is terminated as the main board communication processing selection flag 0.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating detailed control contents of the lending communication process 4 executed by the take-out / payout control unit 61 according to the second embodiment.

  The take-out / payout controller 61 first checks whether the BRDY signal is on (Sq1), and if the BRDY signal is on, whether the counter value of the payout counter is “0”, that is, In S16, it is confirmed whether or not the lending control process for 25 balls stored in the payout counter is completed (Sq2). If the BRDY signal is not on in Sq1, it is determined that the output of the BRDY signal from the card unit 15 is interrupted for some reason after operation of the ball lending switch 19, and the processing is terminated as a lending process selection flag 0 (Sq6). To do.

  When the counter value of the payout counter is not “0” in Sq2, that is, when the lending control processing for 25 balls is not completed, or the lending control processing that has been executed is interrupted and the payout payout control processing is executed. In the case where the lending selection processing flag 3 is maintained, the processing is terminated, and when the counter value of the payout counter is “0”, that is, when the lending control processing for 25 balls is completed, Assuming that the 25-ball lending control process is completed, the output EXS signal is turned off (Sq3), the ball lending end flag is set (Sq4), and the lending process selection flag is set to 2. (Sq5), the lending communication processes 3 and 4 are repeated until the lending control process based on one operation of the ball lending switch 19 is completed.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the payout control process executed by the take-out payout control unit 61 in the second embodiment in step Sd4.

  The take-out and payout control unit 61 first checks whether or not the BRDY signal is on, that is, whether or not the lending control process is being executed (Sr1). If the BRDY signal is not on, the ball lending ends. After confirming whether or not the flag is set (Sr2), whether or not the counter value of the prize ball payout counter 2 is “0”, that is, the prize ball REQ input during the execution of the lending control process. It is confirmed whether or not the number of prize balls based on the signal is stored in the prize ball payout counter 2 (Sr3).

  Next, if the counter value of the prize ball payout counter 2 is not “0” in Sr3, the counter value stored in the prize ball payout counter 2 (here, 75 balls) is stored in the payout counter (Sr4). ), The counter value of the prize ball payout counter is set to “0” (Sr5), and the ball lending end flag is cleared (Sr6). If the counter value of the prize ball payout counter 2 is “0” in Sr3, the process proceeds to Sr6 and clears the ball lending end flag (Sr6).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the payout device 200 (the payout motor 201) is being driven (Sr7). If it is confirmed that the payout device 200 is being driven, the counter value of the payout counter is “0”. If the counter value of the payout counter is not “0”, the payout device for paying out one pachinko ball out of the counter values stored in the payout counter is checked (Sr8). A drive flag is set (Sr9).

  When the payout device drive flag is set at Sr9, when it is confirmed at Sr7 that the payout device 200 is not being driven, or when the counter value of the payout counter is “0” at Sr8, the payout ball detection switch 202 It is confirmed whether or not a detection signal is input, that is, whether or not a pachinko ball paid out from the payout device 200 is detected by the payout ball detection switch 202 (Sr10). If there is an input, whether or not the counter value of the prize ball payout counter 1 is “0”, that is, the payout of pachinko balls of the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball REQ signal is completed. (Sr11), and if the value of the prize ball payout counter is “0”, 1 is subtracted from the counter value of the payout counter. SR12), The counter value of the prize balls for payout counter is not "0", the process is terminated from the counter value of the payout counter and prize balls for payout counter 1 Te 1 is subtracted (SR13).

  In this way, the driving flag necessary for rotating the sprocket 206 to pay out one pachinko ball to pay out the number of pachinko balls stored in the payout counter with the payout device 200 is the payout control. The pachinko ball is paid out by performing drive control of the payout motor 201 based on the drive flag set in the process and set in the payout control process in the motor control process of Sd5.

  Next, an example of control contents based on the lending control process and the payout control process in the slot machine 1 as the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be concretely described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. Explained.

  First, after the slot machine 1 becomes ready to perform lending control (T1), when the ball lending operation detection signal of the ball lending switch 19 is detected by the card unit 15 at a predetermined timing, the card unit The 15 control unit outputs a BRDY signal indicating that the ball lending operation detection signal has been confirmed to the take-out / payout control unit 61 on the condition that the valuable value read from the prepaid card being accepted remains. (T2) A BRQ signal for requesting lending for 25 balls is output (T3). The take-out and payout control unit 61 that has detected the input of the BRQ signal outputs an EXS signal indicating that the pachinko ball lending based on the BRQ has been normally completed to the card unit 15 (T4), and then the payout motor 201. Is started (T5), and a lending control process for lending 25 pachinko balls is started.

  Also in this embodiment, the card unit 15 lends pachinko balls to the slot machine 1 by outputting a BRQ signal a plurality of times (five times) based on detection of one ball lending operation detection signal. The requested process is performed.

  Here, for example, during the execution of the lending control process based on the first BRQ signal, specifically, when, for example, 10 balls (n balls) out of 25 balls are lent, for example, 75 balls When a winning with a payout of a prize ball occurs and a prize ball number signal and a prize ball REQ signal requesting the payout of a prize ball are output from the game control unit 41 in response to the occurrence of the prize (T6), As described above, the payout control unit 61 stores the number of prize balls read from the inputted prize ball number signal in each of the prize ball payout counters 1 and 2, and then sends a BUSY signal to the game control unit 41. Output (T7).

  The take-out and payout control unit 61 repeatedly executes the lending control process based on the BRQ signal output from the card unit 15 even after outputting the BUSY signal, and the payout ball detection switch 202 performs a pachinko while the lending control process is being executed. Each time a ball is detected, the prize ball payout counter 1 and the subtraction process of subtracting 1 from the counter value of the payout counter are repeated, and when the counter value of the prize ball payout counter 1 becomes “0”, that is, The BUSY signal is turned off (T8) when the number of payout balls paid out by the payout device 200 from the time when the BUSY signal is output at T7 reaches the number of prize balls based on the prize ball REQ signal (T8). The game control unit indicates that the payout of the prize ball based on the prize ball REQ signal is completed although the pachinko ball is paid out based on the processing. It is recognized by the 1.

  That is, the game control unit 41 detects that the BUSY signal has been turned off and assumes that the payout of the winning ball based on the winning has been completed, so that the game control unit 41 shifts from the winning payout process to the BET process. An operation, that is, a BET operation (operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6) for setting a bet amount for the game is permitted and accepted. Therefore, since the player can start the next game without waiting for the completion of the lending / dispensing control that was being executed when the winning occurs, the progress of the game is not hindered by the lending control processing, It can proceed smoothly.

  Next, the take-out / payout control unit 61 repeats the lending control process based on the BRQ signal output from the card unit 15, and after the EXS signal corresponding to the BRQ signal for 5 times is turned off, the BRDY signal is turned off ( T9) After completing the lending control processing based on the operation of the ball lending switch 19 performed in T2, the counter value (75 balls) stored in the payout counter 2 for the winning ball is added to the payout counter whose counter value is “0”. ) Is stored, the payout of the number of prize balls that has not been actually paid out is started (T10), and when the payout of 75 balls is completed, the driving of the payout motor 201 is stopped.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment, when there is a payout request, the betting number for the next game is set on condition that the payout of the number of prize balls corresponding to the payout request is completed. By allowing the setting operation, the player can surely recognize the number of prize balls paid out according to the display result of the game.

  Also, when a payout request is received during the loan control process, payout of the number of payouts corresponding to the payout request is made after the payout of the number of loans corresponding to the loan request is completed, and control of payout is complicated. The number of payouts counted from when the payout request is received corresponds to the payout request regardless of whether the payout after receiving the payout request is payout by the lending control process or payout by the payout control process. When the number of payouts is reached, a payout completion signal (BUSY signal) is promptly transmitted to the game control 41 to allow the start of the next game, so that the payout by the payout control process performed after the completion of the lending control process is completed. As compared with the case where the payout completion signal is transmitted based on the game, the game can be advanced promptly.

  Next, in each of the slot machines 1 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, an example of the control content of the lending control process when a lending request is made during the execution of the payout / payout control process is shown in the timing chart of FIG. Will be described in detail.

  First, in a state where the BRDY signal is not output from the card unit 15, that is, in a state where the lending control processing is not performed by the take-out / payout control unit 61, for example, a winning accompanied with a payout of 75 balls is generated, When the winning ball number signal and the winning ball REQ signal requesting the paying out of the winning ball are output from the game control unit 41 in response to the occurrence of the winning (T1), the take-in / out control unit 61 sends the BUSY signal to the gaming control unit. 41 (T2), the payout motor 201 is driven to start payout control processing for 75 prize balls.

  When the card lending operation detection signal of the ball lending switch 19 is detected by the card unit 15 at a predetermined timing during the execution of the payout control process, the control unit of the card unit 15 reads from the prepaid card being accepted. A BRDY signal indicating that the ball lending operation detection signal has been confirmed is output to the take-out and payout control unit 61 (T3) and a ball lending for 25 balls is requested on the condition that the issued valuable value remains. A BRQ signal is output (T4).

  However, the take-out and payout control unit 61 that has detected the input of the BRQ signal does not output the EXS signal when the payout counter value is not “0” in the above-described Sl2, that is, the EXS signal The prize ball payout control process based on the prize ball REQ signal is continuously executed in a state where the output is reserved.

  Next, when the payout control process of the prize ball based on the prize ball REQ signal is completed, the BUSY signal is turned off (T5), and the game control unit 41 recognizes that the payout control process is completed. When the OFF of the BUSY signal is detected, it is assumed that the payout of the winning ball based on the winning has been completed, and the operation for starting the next game is performed in order to shift from the winning payout process to the BET process, that is, the game. On the other hand, a BET operation (operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6) for setting the bet number is allowed and accepted.

  Therefore, even if the player operates the ball lending switch 19 when a winning occurs and a BRQ signal indicating a lending request is output from the card unit 15 to the take-out / payout control unit 61, the lending control process is interrupted at that time. Since the next game can be started immediately without being executed in step 1, the progress of the game can be smoothly proceeded without being hindered by the lending control process.

  Next, the take-out / payout control unit 61 sets the BUSY signal to off and then outputs the retained EXS signal (T6), and starts the lending control process based on the BRQ signal output from the card unit 15, Thereafter, after the EXS signal corresponding to the BRQ signal for 5 times is turned off, the BRDY signal is turned off (T7), and the lending control processing based on the operation of the ball lending switch 19 performed at T3 is completed.

  As described above, the take-out and payout control unit 61 according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention performs the payout control being executed even when a lending request is made during the execution of the payout payout control process associated with winning. Since the process is continuously performed without being interrupted, the next game can be started quickly, and the output of the EXS signal corresponding to the BRQ signal output from the card unit 15, that is, the execution of the lending control process is invalidated In order to delay the start of the lending control process which has been delayed by outputting the EXS signal after the completion of the payout control process and delaying it until the completion of the payout control process. It is possible to execute the accepted loan control process without causing it to occur.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention has been described based on drawing, this invention is not limited to these Examples, Even if there is a change and addition in the range which does not deviate from the main point of this invention, it is in this invention. Needless to say, it is included.

  For example, in the slot machine 1 in each of the first and second embodiments, the state where the game can be started is a state where the rotation (variable display) of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R as the variable display device can be started, The operation for starting the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, that is, the operation of the start switch 7, is enabled, and the game control unit 41 has received the BUSY signal which is a payout completion signal. That is, the setting operation of the betting number for the next game is allowed on the condition that the payout of the winning ball accompanying the occurrence of winning is completed, but the present invention is not limited to this, On the condition that the payout completion signal is received, rotation (variation display) of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R as the variable display device is started or rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R is started. Operation, i.e., the operation of the start switch 7 is permitted, or the betting number setting (BET) operation as the game start condition, i.e., the one-sheet BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 Also included are those that are allowed to operate.

  Further, the slot machine 1 in each of the first and second embodiments is configured to pay out all the number of winning balls corresponding to winning from the payout device 200 with the pachinko balls when a winning accompanied by the giving of pachinko balls occurs. However, for example, a storage means such as a credit for storing the number of game media to be given to the player is provided inside the slot machine 1, and at least a part of the number of winning balls corresponding to winning is stored in the credit. May be given to the player. For example, when an upper limit is set for the number of credits stored, the number of prize balls that cannot be stored in the credit out of the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning is to be paid out from the payout device 200. Good.

  In each of the first and second embodiments, the payout detecting means for detecting the payout by the payout device 200 as the payout means is constituted by a payout ball detection switch 202 for detecting a payout ball paid out by the payout device 200. However, for example, it may be a detecting means for detecting the amount of pachinko ball payout operation and the number of payout operations in the payout device 200, that is, the amount of rotation of the sprocket 206, and the like.

  Further, in each of the first and second embodiments, the card unit 15 receives the number of pachinko balls (5 in this embodiment = 125 balls) corresponding to the lending request based on the detection of one ball lending operation detection signal. The payout lending control process is performed by the card unit 15 outputting a BRQ signal (lending request signal) to the slot machine 1 a plurality of times (in this embodiment, 5 times). With the output of one BRQ signal (lending request), the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the lending request based on the detection of one ball lending operation detection signal (5 in this embodiment = 125 balls) is paid out. You may do it.

  In the first embodiment, the interruption of payout means that the payout being executed is stopped when the loan request is received, even during the payout of the number of loans corresponding to the BRQ signal as the loan request. Or, if the number of loans corresponding to the BRQ signal as a lending request is made by a plurality of lending requests as described above (5 times in this embodiment), it corresponds to one lending request. Including those that stop paying in progress when paying out the number of loans to be completed.

  Further, the suspension and resumption of the lending / dispensing control means that the lending control process 61 is suspended and resumed to the last, and the lending control process is suspended and the process proceeds to the dispensing control process. Whether or not the drive (rotation) of the sprocket 206 of the payout device 200 is stopped during the transition period or during the transition period from the completion of the payout control process to the restart of the lending control process. either will do.

  In the second embodiment, when the prize ball REQ signal and the prize ball number signal are received when the lending control process is not being executed, the prize ball number read from the received prize ball number signal is used as the prize ball payout counter. 1 and the payout counter. For example, regardless of whether or not the lending control process is being executed, the received prize ball is always received when the prize ball REQ signal and the prize ball number signal are received. The number of prize balls read from the number signal is stored in the prize ball payout counters 1 and 2, and when the prize ball REQ signal and the prize ball number signal are received when the lending control process is not being executed, The number of prize balls stored in the payout counter 2 may be stored in the payout counter as it is and paid out.

  In the first and second embodiments, pachinko balls are used as game media, but the present invention may be applied to slot machines that use medals as game media.

  Each element in Examples 1 and 2 corresponds to the present invention as follows.

  According to claim 1 of the present invention, a game can be started (reels 2L, 2C, and 2R can start to rotate) by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using a game medium (pachinko ball). At the same time, the display result of the variable display device (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (designs) each identifiable is derived and displayed, so that one game is finished, and the variable display In the slot machine (1) in which a winning can be generated according to the display result of the device, game control means (game control unit 41) for controlling the game and payout means (payout device 200) for paying out the game media. And a payout control means (take-out payout control unit 61) that is provided separately from the game control means and controls the payout means, and a payout detection means (payout ball) that detects the payout of game media by the payout means Inspection Switch 202), and the game control means displays a game medium when a specific display result (a combination of symbols corresponding to winning with award balls) is derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display device. Grant determination means {game control unit 41 (winning determination process)} for determining to give to a player, and the number of game media to be paid out from the payout means based on the determination result of the grant determination means Winning request {payout request (award ball number signal / prize ball REQ signal)} to be sent to the payout control means {game control unit 41 (Sb4 in the payout payout process)} and the winning request transmission means Has received a payout completion signal {in-operation signal (BUSY signal; off)} indicating that payout of the number of game media corresponding to the payout request has been completed after transmitting the winning request. Game start permitting means {game control unit 41 (winning / dispensing process)} that allows the start of the next game (transition to BET processing), and when the payout control means receives the winning request, A winning / dispensing control means {take-out / dispensing control section 61 (main board communication processing / dispensing control processing)} that causes the paying means to pay out the number of game media corresponding to the winning request, and a player's operation (ball rental switch 19). When the lending request {lending request signal (BRQ signal)} is received according to the operation of lending), the lending / dispensing control means {incorporating / dispensing control] which causes the lending means to pay out the number of gaming media corresponding to the lending request. Unit 61 (lending control processing / lending communication processing / dispensing control processing)}, and the winning / dispensing control means receives the award request while paying out by the lending / dispensing control means (BRDY signal on state). The payout control unit performs payout (payout control processing) of the number of game media corresponding to the winning request after the payout in progress is completed, and the payout control means detects the payout by the payout detecting means. Regardless of whether the detected payout is paid out by the winning / paying control means or the payout by the lending payout control means, the counting means (intake payout control) counts the detection as the number of paid out game media. Section 61) and when the winning request is received during the execution of the payout by the lending payout control means (So3 in the main board communication process 2), the number of payouts from when the winning request is received is When the number of payouts corresponding to the winning request (the number of payouts stored in the prize ball payout counter 1) is reached, the payout completion signal transmitting means {incorporation payout control unit 61 (main board) And in Sp3)} signal processing 3, further comprising a.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the payout control means (the take-out payout control unit 61) receives the loan request {the loan request signal (BRQ signal)}, the number of loans corresponding to the loan request (25 balls) ) Is stored in the lending storage means (payout counter), {take-out payout control unit 61 (Sl6 in the lending communication processing 3)}, and the winning request {payout request (payment number signal / prize ball) REQ signal)} is received, the number of payouts (75 balls) corresponding to the winning request is determined as payout storage means (prize ball payout counter 2) and completion signal transmission storage means (prize ball payout counter 2). Payout number storage control means {take-in / payout control unit 61 (So4 in main board communication process 2)}, and the lending / payout control means {intake-out control unit 61 (lending control process / lending communication process) / Payout control process)} is the previous While paying out the number of game media stored in the lending storage means, the winning / dispensing control means {take-in / out control unit 61 (main board communication processing / payout control process)} is performed by the lending / outing control means. When the payout request is received during the payout (BRDY signal on state) (So3 in the main board communication process 2), the payout number stored in the payout storage means after the payout being executed is completed. The game medium is paid out, and the payout completion signal transmission means {the take-out payout control unit 61 (Sp3 in the main board communication processing 3)} indicates that the number of payouts from when the winning request is received is for the completion signal transmission. When the number of payouts stored in the storage means is reached, the payout completion signal is transmitted.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the lending / dispensing control means {incorporating / dispensing control section 61 (lending control processing / lending communication processing / dispensing control processing)} is the winning / dispensing control means {incorporating / dispensing control section 61 (main When the lending request {lending request signal (BRQ signal)} is received while paying out (BUSY signal on state) by the board communication processing / bending control processing)}, the lending is performed after the paying in progress is completed. The payout of game media (pachinko balls) of the number corresponding to the request is executed (T6 in FIG. 7).

It is a front view of the slot machine of Examples 1 and 2. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the payout apparatus (take-in apparatus) provided in the slot machine of Example 1,2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a slot machine according to Embodiments 1 and 2. It is a figure which shows the communication condition etc. between each board | substrate of the slot machine of Example 1,2. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the game control part in the slot machine of Example 1,2. It is a flowchart which shows the prize-payout process which the game control part in the slot machine of Example 1, 2 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the payment main process process which the taking-out / payout control part in the slot machine of Example 1,2. It is a flowchart which shows the interruption process which the taking in / out control part in the slot machine of Example 1, 2 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the main board | substrate communication process which the taking in / out control part in the slot machine of Example 1, 2 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the main board | substrate communication process 1 which the taking in / out control part in the slot machine of Example 1, 2 performs. 6 is a flowchart showing a main board communication process 2 performed by a take-out / payout control unit in the slot machine of the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing main board communication processing 3 performed by a take-out / payout control unit in the slot machine of Embodiment 1; It is a flowchart which shows the lending control process which the taking in and out control part in the slot machine of Example 1, 2 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the lending communication process 1 which the taking in / out control part in the slot machine of Example 1, 2 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the lending communication process 2 which the taking-out / payout control part in the slot machine of Example 1, 2 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the lending communication process 3 which the taking in and out control part in the slot machine of Example 1, 2 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the lending communication process 4 which the taking-out / payout control part in the slot machine of Example 1 performs. 6 is a flowchart showing a payout control process performed by an intake payout control unit in the slot machine of the first embodiment. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an example of control contents performed by an acquisition / dispensing control unit in the slot machine according to the first embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the control content which the taking-out / payout control part as a modification of Example 1 performs. It is a schematic functional block diagram which shows the structure of the slot machine as Example 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main board | substrate communication process 2 which the taking in / out control part in the slot machine of Example 2 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the main board | substrate communication process 3 which the taking-out / payout control part in the slot machine of Example 2 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the lending communication process 4 which the taking-out / payout control part in the slot machine of Example 2 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the payout control process which the taking-out payout control part in the slot machine of Example 2 performs. 10 is a timing chart illustrating an example of control contents performed by a take-out / payout control unit in the slot machine according to the second embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the control content which the taking in / out control part in the slot machine of Example 1, 2 performs.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine, 2L, 2C, 2R, Reel 15 Card unit 41 Game control part 61 Take-out / payout control part 100 Take-in apparatus 200 Pay-out apparatus

Claims (3)

A game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using a game medium, and a display result of a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable In a slot machine in which one game is completed by being derived and displayed, and a winning can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device,
Game control means for controlling the game;
A payout means for paying out game media;
A payout control means that is provided separately from the game control means and controls the payout means;
A payout detecting means for detecting a payout of the game medium by the payout means;
With
The game control means includes
Grant determining means for determining that a game medium is to be given to a player when a specific display result is derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display device;
A winning request transmitting means for transmitting to the payout control means a winning request indicating the number of game media payouts to be paid out from the payout means based on the determination result of the grant determining means;
After the winning request transmitting means has transmitted the winning request, the start of the next game is permitted on condition that a payout completion signal indicating that payout of the number of game media corresponding to the winning request has been completed is received. Game start permission means,
Including
The payout control means includes:
A winning / dispensing control means for causing the paying means to pay out the number of game media corresponding to the winning request when the winning request is received;
A lending / dispensing control means that, when receiving a lending request corresponding to a player's operation, causes the lending means to pay out a number of gaming media corresponding to the lending request;
Including
When the winning / dispensing control means receives the winning request during the execution of the payout by the lending / dispensing control means, the payout / payout control means pays out the number of game media corresponding to the winning request after the payout being executed is completed. As well as
The payout control means includes:
When a payout is detected by the payout detection means, regardless of whether the detected payout is a payout by the winning payout control means or a payout by the lending payout control means, the detection is counted as the number of paid out game media. Counting means to perform,
When the winning request is received during the execution of the payout by the lending payout control means, when the number of payouts from when the winning request is received reaches the payout number corresponding to the received winning request, A payout completion signal transmitting means for transmitting the payout completion signal;
Further including
A slot machine characterized by that. The payout control means includes:
Lending number storage control means for storing the lending number corresponding to the lending request in the lending storage means when the lending request is received;
A payout amount storage control means for storing the payout number corresponding to the winning request when the winning request is received in the payout storage means and the completion signal transmission storage means, respectively;
Including
The lending / dispensing control means pays out the number of gaming media stored in the lending storage means,
When the winning / dispensing control means receives the winning request during execution of the payout by the lending / dispensing control means, the number of game media stored in the payout storage means after completion of the payout being executed Withdraw
The payout completion signal transmitting means transmits the payout completion signal when the number of payouts from when the winning request is received reaches the payout number stored in the completion signal transmitting storage means;
The slot machine according to claim 1. The lending / dispensing control means includes:
When receiving the lending request during the execution of the payout by the winning / dispensing control means, the payout of the number of game media corresponding to the lending request is executed after the payout being executed is completed.
The slot machine according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized by the above-mentioned.

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