JP5327884B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine that realizes quick winning ball payout by a winning ball paying unit.

  In a pachinko machine, a ball that has been bulleted flows down a game area (an area formed on or near the game board surface for realizing a game or production by the flow of the game ball). In the course of the flow, the game ball rolls while colliding with a game nail or windmill in the game area, and the flow direction changes. As a result, if a game ball wins at various winning holes arranged on the game area, a predetermined winning ball is paid out. On the other hand, if a game ball flows into the out port without winning any of the winning holes, the winning ball Will not be paid out. The player enjoys the game by demonstrating his / her skill in the ball or using the chance of the game ball flowing down and expecting the game ball to be won and paid out.

  On the back side of the pachinko machine, there is a launching device that launches game balls toward the game area, a prize ball payout unit for paying out prize balls to the player, a game ball launch and a prize ball payout Control means and the like for controlling are arranged. This control means executes the payout of a prize ball to the player through the prize ball payout unit when a game ball has entered the prize opening in the game area.

  The game balls paid out from the prize ball payout unit are supplied to the ball tray through a ball passage provided in the gaming machine frame. This prize ball payout may take a long time to complete a predetermined number of payouts. For example, when there is a large number of payout balls, or when a game ball wins continuously at the winning opening, the completion of the previous payout or the start of the next payout is gradually delayed, There was a case of giving anxiety.

  In view of this, a configuration has been proposed in which the prize ball payout number per unit time is variably adjusted (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this, when the number of payouts is large, the payout speed is increased and the winning ball payout operation is executed at a fast tempo. Further, when a rail ball out condition is detected, the payout speed is reduced to execute the prize ball payout operation at a slow tempo in order to prevent the ball outage phenomenon.

JP 7-116317 A

  However, the one disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires an adjusting means for adjusting the payout speed, and the structure becomes complicated. The payout speed is adjusted by adjusting the interval time from the end of the previous payout to the start of the current payout, but it still takes time from the start of the current payout operation until the ball is actually paid out. Therefore, there is a limit to speeding up the “first prize ball payout timing” at the start of payout. This problem is particularly noticeable when a large number of prize balls must be paid out continuously (when there are a lot of prize balls), or when there are a large number of prizes in a short time, such as a big win. In particular, it is particularly prominent that there is a need to further speed up the payout timing of prize balls at the start of payout.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in particular, provides a gaming machine capable of realizing quicker and more reliable prize ball payout when a large number of winnings occur or when a large number of prize balls are paid out. This is an exemplary problem.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a gaming machine as an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a gaming board unit provided with a gaming area for realizing a game based on a flow of gaming balls, and a gaming machine including the gaming board unit. Based on the winning of the game ball to the winning area arranged in the game unit with the frame unit, the winning ball paying device for executing a predetermined number of winning ball payout corresponding to the winning, and the operation of the winning ball paying device A prize ball payout device that includes a first prize ball path that guides the prize ball downstream, and one prize ball guided from the first prize ball path. The ball receiving unit has an accepting ball receiving portion, and the winning balls are sequentially moved to the third receiving position by moving from the first position for receiving the winning ball to the ball receiving portion to the third position for releasing the winning ball from the ball receiving portion. Accepts and discharges and sends a predetermined number of award balls one by one downstream A prize ball delivery member, a second prize ball passage for guiding the prize ball delivered from the prize ball delivery member to the downstream side, and drive means for driving the prize ball receiving operation and delivery operation by the prize ball delivery member; The control means executes stop control for temporarily stopping the operation of the prize ball delivery member by the drive means after the first prize ball is paid out until the succeeding second prize ball is paid out. In addition, in the stop control, the first stop control in which the stop position when the operation of the prize ball delivery member is stopped is the first position, and the stop position when the operation of the prize ball delivery member is stopped is the first position and the third position. The second stop control, which is the second position between the positions, can be selectively executed.

  In this configuration, the prize ball delivery member has a ball receiver that receives one prize ball. Typically, the prize ball delivery member is, for example, a sprocket-like rotating body, and a plurality of recesses formed on the periphery thereof are ball receiving portions. The drive means is typically a stepping motor, for example, and rotationally drives the sprocket. The first prize ball passages are in a plurality of rows, and a plurality of prize ball delivery members may be arranged corresponding to each row, or one prize ball is delivered in correspondence with one row of first prize ball passages. A member may be arranged.

  The prize ball between the time when the first prize ball (also referred to as the preceding prize ball) is paid and the time after the second prize ball (also referred to as the royal prize ball) is paid out. Stop control for temporarily stopping the operation of the delivery member can be executed. For example, when a game ball is won in a winning area corresponding to 15 prize balls, the stop control is executed 15 times each time the 15 prize balls are paid out (the last prize ball payout). (The stop control is also executed after). Further, for example, when there is a prize corresponding to 3 prize balls, a prize corresponding to 5 prize balls, and a prize corresponding to 15 prize balls, 5 after paying out 3 prize balls. After the prize ball is paid out, the stop control may be performed three times in total after the 15 prize balls are paid out.

  According to this configuration, the prize ball delivery member can be stopped at a plurality of different stop positions by the stop control. That is, according to the first stop control, the stop position of the prize ball sending member is set to the first position (position where the prize ball is received in the ball receiving portion). The first position is a position where the prize ball is delivered from the first prize ball passage to the prize ball delivery member. And according to 2nd stop control, the stop position of a prize ball sending member is made into the 2nd position. This second position is a position between the first position and the position (third position) at which the received prize ball is released from the ball receiving portion. Since the distance from the second position to the third position is shorter than the distance from the first position to the third position, if the prize ball delivery member stops at the second position, the time until the prize ball is paid out is shortened. can do.

  Since the control means can selectively execute the first stop control and the second stop control, when the next prize ball payout needs to be performed quickly, etc. The delivery member can be stopped in the second position.

  The stop holding force of the driving means at the time of stop driving in the second stop control may be larger than the stop holding force of the driving means at the time of stop driving in the first stop control.

  The second stop position is closer to the third stop position than the first stop position. Therefore, by setting the stop holding force at the time of the second stop control to be larger than the stop holding force at the time of the first stop control, the stop holding at the second stop position can be further ensured, and the failure from the ball receiving portion can be prevented. The falling of the prepared prize ball can be prevented more reliably.

  Here, for example, when the driving means is a stepping motor and the prize ball delivery member is a rotating body coupled to the motor shaft, the stop holding force is the current value of the motor driver necessary for maintaining the motor shaft stopped, That is, it corresponds to the excitation output. Therefore, if the stop holding force is small, the current consumption is small, which contributes to a reduction in heat generation and power saving. On the other hand, if the stop holding force is large, the motor shaft (and hence the prize ball delivery member connected to the motor shaft) is not prepared. A large driver current is required, although the risk of unnecessary rotation can be reduced.

  According to this configuration, the stop holding force at the time of the first stop control is smaller than the stop holding force at the time of the second stop control, so that, for example, a current value necessary for stopping and holding at the first stop position is reduced. be able to. As a result, it is possible to contribute to a reduction in heat generation and power saving.

  The control means may execute the second stop control after paying out a prize ball other than the last prize ball out of the predetermined number, and may execute the first stop control after paying out the last prize ball out of the predetermined number. .

  Among the predetermined number, the prize balls other than the last prize ball are, in other words, prize balls (preceding prize balls) that are known to be paid out for subsequent prize balls following the prize ball. At this time, in the stop control after paying out the preceding prize ball, the payout timing of the subsequent prize ball can be speeded up by executing the second stop control.

  On the other hand, the last prize ball among the predetermined number is a prize ball in which it is unknown whether a subsequent prize ball following the prize ball is paid out. After such a prize ball is paid out, it is unclear whether there are any subsequent prize balls following it, and when the subsequent prize balls will be paid out at what timing. It is unclear whether the time will continue. In such a case, the prize ball delivery member is stopped and held at the first position by the first stop control to prevent inadvertent fall of the prize ball from the ball receiving portion, and to reduce the amount of generated heat and save power. Can contribute.

  Further objects and other features of the present invention will become apparent from the preferred embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the speediness and certainty of a prize ball payout operation in a gaming machine. In particular, when a large number of winnings occur or a large number of winning balls are paid out, the timing of paying out the winning balls can be advanced. In a large number of prize ball payouts that take longer than when a single ball (one ball) is paid out, it is possible to shorten the time for paying out a single ball, realizing quick and reliable prize ball payout, and payout processing. This can contribute to delay prevention. As a result, the player's “anxiety” and “irritation” can be prevented.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed typically the internal structure of the prize ball payout apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which expands and shows the principal part near the rotary body of the prize ball payout device shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed typically the ball | bowl processing aspect by the rotary body of the prize ball payout apparatus shown in FIG. 2, (a)-(d) is the left rotary body arrange | positioned on the left side, (e)-(h). The sphere processing mode by the right rotator arranged on the right side is shown. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the initial position (1st position), the front position (2nd position), and discharge | release position (3rd position) in the left rotary body of the prize ball paying apparatus shown in FIG. It is an operation | movement time chart of the motor at the time of payout of 4 prize balls in a prize ball payout process. It is an operation | movement time chart of a motor when paying-out of 4 prize balls in a prize ball payout process continues. It is a block block diagram which shows the electrical schematic structure of the pachinko machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional block of the pachinko machine concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the content of the command and information which are transmitted / received between the main control board and payout control board of the pachinko game machine which concern on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of a main control board and a payout control board of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the communication process with the payout control board performed by the main control board side in the pachinko game machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 5 is a flowchart of serial communication error monitoring processing executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart of serial communication data reception monitoring processing executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart of a payout command request process executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart of payout command transmission processing executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart of a first command (second command) transmission process executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart of first command reception confirmation processing executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart of second command reception confirmation processing executed on the main control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart of processing executed on the payout control board side in the pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a flowchart of a communication process with the main control board performed by the payout control board side in the pachinko game machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart of a communication process with the main control board performed by the payout control board side in the pachinko game machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the figure which showed the 1st effect | action (payout command transmission by serial communication) in the pachinko game machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the figure which showed the 1st effect | action (payout command transmission by serial communication) in the pachinko game machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the figure which showed the 2nd effect | action (extension of the ball passage waiting time by payout abnormality) in the pachinko game machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an operation | movement time chart of the motor in the prize ball payout apparatus of the pachinko machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the basic flow of the prize ball payout process of the pachinko machine concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 29 is a flowchart specifically illustrating a prize ball payout process shown in FIG. 28. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the motor excitation output in the prize ball payout process shown in FIG.

[Embodiment 1]
<Description of pachinko machine configuration>
Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 2 as a gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 2 shown in FIG. The pachinko machine 2 includes a gaming machine frame unit 3, a gaming board unit 5, a glass 10, a launch unit (not shown), a ball tray 14, and the like. The launch units are configured to be able to launch game balls 23 one by one toward the game area 16 configured in the game board unit 5.

  In the pachinko machine 2, when a player operates a launcher handle 15 to be described later, a ball is launched by the launch unit toward the game area 16, and a game by the flow of the ball is realized. In addition to the pachinko machine 2, the gaming machine can be an arcade machine such as a pachinko slot machine or a coin game machine, and various game machines. In short, a gaming area that realizes a game by the flow of gaming media. Any gaming machine you have is included.

  In addition, in the pachinko machine, any pachinko machine such as a combination pachinko machine such as an arrangement ball machine or a sparrow ball machine, a so-called digipachi type (one type) or a honey mono type (two types) pachinko machine can be conceptualized. In this embodiment, a so-called one-type pachinko machine that realizes a digipachi game (also referred to as a one-type game or a symbol variation game) will be described as an example. The symbol variation game will be described later.

  The gaming machine frame unit 3 of the pachinko machine 2 is for holding a gaming board unit 5 described later, and is configured to surround the peripheral side surface and the front of the pachinko machine 2. In addition to the game board unit 5, various mechanism parts such as various control boards, a path for game balls, and a launching device for game balls are arranged on the inner side of the game machine frame unit 3. Therefore, unauthorized access to the inside of the pachinko machine 2 from the peripheral side surface and the front is prevented.

  The outer frame 4 that surrounds the pachinko machine 2, the front frame 9 that is supported by swinging via a hinge 22 so as to be able to be opened and closed forward inside, and the front frame 9 that holds the game board unit 5. The gaming machine frame unit 3 is configured to have a glass frame 12 that holds the decorative member 32 that is supported and decorates the glass 10 and its surroundings.

  The glass 10 is a transparent member for allowing the player to visually recognize the game board 6 held inside the gaming machine frame unit 3 from the front. The glass 10 is a transparent plate that is spaced apart from the game board 6 by a certain distance or more. The glass 10 is formed of two transparent flat glasses and is held on the back side of the glass frame 12, and has a function of forming a flowing-down space for the game ball 23 to flow between the game board 6 and the player through the glass 10. The function of ensuring visibility so that the game board 6 can be visually recognized and the function of preventing unauthorized access so that the player cannot illegally access (contact) the game board 6 are exhibited.

  The ball tray 14 is a tray member disposed on the front surface of the front frame 9 for storing the player's ball, and in the present embodiment, has an upper ball tray 14a and a lower ball tray 14b. Yes. The upper ball tray 14a has a ball punching member 14c and is disposed below the game board 6, that is, a lower portion of the glass frame 12, and the lower ball tray 14b is disposed further below the upper ball tray 14a. . A game ball 23 paid out from a prize ball payout device 60 attached to the front frame 9 is guided to the ball tray 14.

  The launch unit (not shown) directs the game ball 23 paid out to the launch position from the upper ball tray 14a as a part of the ball tray 14 by the ball feeder (not shown) toward the upper part of the game area 16. It is for firing (bullet ball). The launch unit is attached to the lower part of the front frame 9, and generates a ball force by energizing the launch rod for driving the launch ball, the launch motor for driving the launch rod, and the launch rod. It has a firing spring.

  The game board unit 5 has a game board 6 in which a center accessory 7 as a game accessory is arranged in the approximate center of the game board surface (surface of the game board) 6a, and the game board surface 6a includes a number of game boards 6a. A game nail 27 is also arranged. An effect display device 7a as an image display means is disposed at the center of the center accessory 7, and a display opening 7d for exposing the display portion 7b of the effect display device 7a is formed.

  The game board 6 is a board-like member for constituting a game area 16 for realizing a game by the flow of the game ball 23 on the surface side thereof, so that the game board 6 can be visually recognized from the front by the player. It is held by a front frame 9 as a part of the gaming machine frame unit 3.

  A rail decoration 26 is attached to the surface of the game board 6 so as to surround the periphery in a substantially circular shape, and an outer rail 26a of the rail decoration 26 is arranged so as to stand on the game board. The game area 16 is a substantially circular area defined by the outer rail 26a of the rail decoration 26 and facing the outer rail 26a. A speaker 8 is attached to the outside of the rail decoration 26, and a sound effect corresponding to the gaming state or the like is output.

  The game nails 27 are flow-down changing members that collide with the game balls 23 flowing down the game area 16 and change the flow-down direction thereof, and many of them are arranged in the game area 16. Also, in the game area 16, a winning member (out prize area) 28, a start winning opening (winning area) 29, a big winning opening (winning area) 31, etc., and a ball entry member and an out mouth 30 are arranged. Each winning member is provided with a winning mouth sensor 25 for detecting a game ball that has entered. Furthermore, a gate 33, a windmill 34, and the like are arranged in the game area 16, and the game balls 23 that flow down flow into each ball entry member, pass through the gate 33, and rotate the windmill 34. Thus, it is possible to enjoy the down-flow game by the game ball 23.

  The effect display device 7a is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display, an LED, and the like, and is arranged so that the player can see from the game board surface 6a side, and displays an image on the display unit 7b. It is. A display symbol 7c interlocked with the first symbol is displayed on the display unit 7b of the effect display device 7a. The display symbol 7c is a symbol for visually producing the lottery result of the first lottery means. Further, for example, an effect image as a story tailoring image by a character or the like is also displayed on the display unit 7b. An effect control board 1600 is electrically connected to the effect display device 7a via a relay board, and image display is controlled by the effect control board 1600.

  On the back side of the game board 6, there are a main control board case 35 containing a main control board (a part of the control means) 1000 that controls the entire pachinko machine 2, and control of image display of the effect display device 7a. An effect control board case 36 containing an effect control board 1600 to be performed, a payout control board case 37 containing a payout control board (part of the control means) 2000 for controlling the payout of prize balls by the prize ball payout device 60, and a power source A power supply substrate case 38 that accommodates a substrate (not shown) is disposed. A game is realized by each control board accommodated in each control board case. Furthermore, an external output terminal plate 39 for outputting game information such as the gaming state of the pachinko machine 2 to the outside is provided on the back side of the game board 6.

  In addition, on the back surface of the pachinko machine 2, a game ball 23 supplied from a game ball circulation device (not shown) provided on a game machine island in which a plurality of pachinko machines 2 are arranged adjacent to each other is temporarily stored. There are provided a game ball storage tank 40 and a prize ball payout device 60 through which the game balls 23 from the game ball storage tank 40 flow in and pass through the game balls 23 one by one.

  The game ball 23 paid out from the prize ball payout device 60 passes through the prize ball passage and is guided to the ball tray 14. The prize ball passage is provided with a full detection sensor 24 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) for detecting a full state in which a plurality of game balls stay in the ball tray. When the full detection sensor 24 detects a full state, a process for limiting the payout control of the game ball 23 by the prize ball payout device 60 is executed.

  The prize ball payout device 60 is configured to be driven and controlled by the payout control board 2000, and responds to a request for entering the game ball 23 into various winning holes and a request for lending the game ball 23 via the card unit C. Thus, the game balls 23 are paid out toward the ball tray 14 mounted on the glass frame 12.

  Specifically, when a game ball 23 enters each ball entry member, passage of the game ball 23 is detected by a winning opening sensor 25 attached to the ball entry member. This detection signal is transmitted to the main control board 1000, and in response to this, a predetermined payout command is sent from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000 side. As a result, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) 23 are paid out by the prize ball payout device 60. In addition, when a game ball rental request is made by a player via the card unit C, this request signal is transmitted to the payout control board 2000. As a result, a predetermined number of game balls (rented balls) 23 are paid out by the prize ball payout device 60.

<Description of configuration of prize ball dispensing device>
Next, the configuration of the prize ball payout device 60 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the prize ball payout device 60. The prize ball payout device 60 has two rows of supply passages (first prize ball passages) 61 arranged in the left-right direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 3). A sprocket-like rotating body (prize ball delivery member) 62 is arranged corresponding to each supply passage 61. FIG. 4 is an enlarged configuration diagram showing a main part in the vicinity of the rotating body 62 of the prize ball payout device 60.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a ball processing mode by the rotator 62 of the prize ball payout device 60. (a) to (d) are left rotators 62L arranged on the left side, and (e) to (e). h) shows a ball processing mode by the right rotating body 62R arranged on the right side. Note that (a) to (d) and (e) to (h) show the processing modes of the left and right rotating bodies at the same corresponding time, respectively (a) and (e) are the same timing, ( b) and (f) are the same timing, (c) and (g) are the same timing, and (d) and (h) are the same timing.

  The prize ball payout device 60 is attached to the front frame 9 that holds the game board 6, and includes a supply passage 61 (a left supply passage 61L and a right supply passage 61R) into which the game balls 23 from the game ball storage tank 40 flow. Rotating bodies (left rotating body 62L, right rotating body 62R) 62 that receive and send the gaming balls 23 one by one as the game balls 23 that have passed through the supply passage 61 flow in, and are sent out by the rotating body 62. A passage sensor (detection means) 66 for detecting the passage of the game ball and a ball presence sensor (ball presence sensor, detection means) 64 for detecting the presence of the game ball 23 in the supply passage 61 are provided. The prize ball payout device 60 further includes a stepping motor (driving means, hereinafter abbreviated as a motor) 50, and the motor shaft is connected to the rotating shaft 62 b of the rotating body 62. A light shielding plate 51 having six notches (slits) is attached to the motor shaft so as to rotate synchronously, and the slit shields the detection light of the motor sensor 52 disposed in the vicinity thereof. Thus, the rotation axis of the motor 50 and the normal rotation of the rotating body 62 and its position (rotation angle position) can be detected.

  The left and right supply passages 61 are configured to guide the game balls 23 supplied from the game ball storage tank 40 toward the left and right rotating bodies 62, respectively. In order to detect the presence of the game ball 23 in the left and right supply passages 61L and 61R, the ball presence sensor 64 has a left ball presence sensor 64L in the left supply passage 61L and a right ball presence sensor 64R in the right supply passage 61R. Each is arranged.

  The sensor with a sphere 64 includes a detection piece 64a that moves in the rotation direction about the rotation axis, and a detection unit 64b that detects the position of the detection piece 64a. The detection piece 64 a is configured to interfere with the game ball 23 in the supply passage 61. When the game ball 23 is in the supply passage 61, the detection piece 64 a is pressed by the game ball 23. The detection unit 64 b detects the detection piece 64 a pressed by the game ball 23. The ball presence sensor 64 is configured to transmit a detection signal to the payout control board 2000, and the payout control board 2000 performs a payout control process described later based on the detection signal of the ball presence sensor 64. The configuration of the ball presence sensor 64 is substantially the same for the left and right sides.

  The left and right rotators 62 are respectively arranged corresponding to the left and right supply passages 61, and the game balls (prize balls) 23 guided by the left supply passage 61L are received by the left rotator 62L, and the right supply passage 61R. The game ball (prize ball) 23 guided by is received by the right rotating body 62R. The configuration of the rotator 62 is substantially the same on the left and right, but the phase to be arranged is different. That is, the left rotator 62L and the right rotator 62R are coaxial, but their arrangement angles in the circumferential direction are shifted by 60 °.

  In the first embodiment, one passage sensor 66 is arranged in the payout passage (second prize ball passage) 65, and detects the passage of the game ball 23 sent from the left and right rotating bodies 62L and 62R. It is supposed to be. All of the game balls 23 sent out by the rotating body 62 pass through the passing sensor 66 through the payout passage 65 arranged on the downstream side thereof, and are guided to the ball tray 14 through the outflow port 65a.

  The game ball 23 that has passed through the supply passages 61L and 61R is guided to the rotating bodies 62L and 62R. The two rotating bodies 62L and 62R are rotated by a motor (driving means) 50 in synchronization with the rotation shaft 62b. Each of the rotating bodies 62L and 62R is formed with three holding portions (ball receiving portions) 63, and is configured to hold the game ball 23 of each supply passage 61 every time it rotates 120 °. Further, the holding portions 63 of the two rotating bodies 62L and 62R are formed so as to be shifted by approximately 60 °, and are configured to alternately receive the game balls 23 every time the rotating shaft 62b rotates 60 °. .

  Six slits of the light shielding plate 51 are also formed so as to correspond to the holding portions 63 of the rotating bodies 62L and 62R. Therefore, each time the motor 50 makes one revolution, the motor sensor 52 detects 12 slit edges, and 6 off (light-shielding) / on (light-transmitting) signals and 6 times on (light-transmitting) / off (light-shielding). ) Signal to the control means. In other words, one off / on signal and one on / off signal are sent in correspondence with one prize ball payout.

  A payout passage 65 for discharging the game ball 23 to the outside of the prize ball payout device 60 is connected downstream of the rotating body 62 and reaches the outlet 65a. A passage sensor 66 that detects the passage of the game ball 23 is disposed on the upstream side of the outflow port 65a. As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5H, when the rotating bodies 62L and 62R are rotated in the forward direction (the X direction shown in the figure), the game ball 23 held by the holding portion 63 is moved to the outflow port 65a. Flow down. The passage sensor 66 detects each game ball 23 passing toward the outlet 65a, and counts the number of game balls paid out by the prize ball payout device 60.

  Note that when the passage of the game ball 23 is detected by the passage sensor 66, a detection signal is transmitted to the payout control board 2000. The payout control board 2000 performs a payout control process to be described later based on the detection signal of the passage sensor 66.

<Explanation of prize ball payout operation procedure by rotating body>
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a procedure for a prize ball payout operation by the rotating body 62 will be described. 5A to 5D show the vicinity of the left rotator 62L, and FIGS. 5E to 5H show the vicinity of the right rotator 62R. First, in the state shown in FIG. 5A, the left rotating body 62L is positioned such that the holding portion 63a faces the left supply passage 61L, and receives the game ball 23 from the left supply passage 61L.

  Since the right rotator 62R is approximately 60 ° out of phase with the left rotator 62L, the holding portions 63a to 63c of the right rotator 62R are in the state of FIG. 5 (e) at the same timing as FIG. 5 (a). Does not face the right supply passage 61R. The protrusion between the holding portion 63c and the holding portion 63a of the right rotator 62R is positioned so as to face the right supply passage 61R, and the right rotator 62R does not accept the game ball 23.

  The holding parts 63 a to 63 c are formed with a depth of about half or more of the diameter of the game ball 23. Therefore, at this time, the game ball 23 received by the holding portion 63a of the left rotating body 62L is approximately hemispherical (half pitch) than the game ball 23 that is not received by contacting the protruding portion of the right rotating body 62R. Min), it will be located below.

  Subsequently, when the rotating bodies 62L and 62R rotate about 60 ° in the X direction, the state shown in FIGS. 5B and 5F is obtained. In FIG. 5B, the game ball 23 held by the holding portion 63 a of the left rotating body 62 </ b> L is about to be sent out toward the payout passage 65. In this state, the protruding portion between the holding portion 63a and the holding portion 63b of the left rotating body 62L faces the left supply passage 61L, and the game ball 23 cannot be received. Therefore, in the left supply passage 61L, the game ball 23 following the game ball 23 received in the holding portion 63a falls by about a half pitch and is in contact with the protruding portion.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5F at the same timing as FIG. 5B, when the right rotating body 62R also rotates 60 ° in the X direction, the holding portion 63a is opposed to the right supply passage 61R instead of the protruding portion. It becomes the position to do. As a result, the game ball 23 that has been in contact with the protruding portion falls by approximately half a pitch and is received into the holding portion 63a.

  Further, when the rotating bodies 62L and 62R rotate about 60 ° in the X direction, the state shown in FIGS. 5C and 5G is obtained. FIG. 5C shows a state in which the game ball 23 held by the holding portion 63 a of the left rotating body 62 </ b> L is released and flows down and is detected by the passage sensor 66. In this state, the holding portion 63b of the left rotating body 62L faces the left supply passage 61L, and the next game ball 23 falls by about a half pitch and is received by the holding portion 63b.

  As shown in FIG. 5G at the same timing as FIG. 5C, when the right rotating body 62R also rotates 60 ° in the X direction, the game ball 23 held by the holding portion 63a is directed toward the payout passage 65. It is about to be sent out. In this state, the protruding portion between the holding portion 63a and the holding portion 63b of the right rotating body 62R faces the right supply passage 61R, and the game ball 23 cannot be received. Accordingly, in the right supply passage 61R, the game ball 23 following the game ball 23 received in the holding portion 63a falls by about a half pitch and is in contact with the protruding portion.

  Further, when the rotating bodies 62L and 62R rotate about 60 ° in the X direction, the state shown in FIGS. 5D and 5H is obtained. In FIG. 5D, the game ball 23 held by the holding portion 63b of the left rotating body 62L is about to be sent out toward the payout passage 65. In this state, the protruding portion between the holding portion 63b and the holding portion 63c of the left rotating body 62L faces the left supply passage 61L, and the game ball 23 cannot be received. Therefore, in the left supply passage 61L, the game ball 23 following the game ball 23 received in the holding portion 63b falls by about a half pitch and comes into contact with the protruding portion.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5 (h) at the same timing as FIG. 5 (d), when the right rotating body 62R also rotates 60 ° in the X direction, the game ball held by the holding portion 63a of the right rotating body 62R. 23 is discharged and flows down, and is detected by the passage sensor 66. In this state, the holding portion 63b is opposed to the right supply passage 61R, not the protruding portion. As a result, the game ball 23 that has been in contact with the protruding portion falls by approximately a half pitch and is received into the holding portion 63b.

  As described above, when the rotating body 62 rotates in the X direction based on the control command from the payout control board 2000, the left rotating body 62L and the right rotating body 62R alternately receive and release the game balls 23. Repeat the sending operation. Six game balls (prize balls) 23 are paid out to the payout passage 65 by one rotation of the rotating body 62, that is, one game ball (prize ball) 23 is discharged every 1/6 rotation.

  In FIGS. 5A and 5B, FIGS. 5A and 5C show the state in which the left rotating body 62L is in the initial position (first position), and FIGS. 5B and 5D show the left rotating body 62L in the discharge position (third position). Position). (F) and (h) show the state where the right rotator 62R is in the initial position (first position), and (g) shows the state where the right rotator 62R is in the discharge position (third position). Here, the initial position is a position where the rotating body 62 receives the game ball 23 in the ball receiving portion 63, and the position where the ball receiving portion 63 faces the supply passage 61. The release position is a position where the rotating body 62 releases the game ball 23 toward the payout passage 65. For example, in the first embodiment, when the rotating body 62 rotates approximately 60 ° in the X direction from the initial position, it becomes the discharge position.

  A front position (second position) is set between the initial position and the discharge position. In the first embodiment, this forward position is a position where the rotating body 62 has rotated approximately 30 ° in the X direction from the initial position. 6A to 6C show the relationship between the initial position (first position), the front position (second position), and the discharge position (third position) in the left rotating body 62L. Since the same applies to the right rotating body 62R, the description thereof is omitted. Since the front position is closer to the discharge position than the initial position, the moving time of the rotating body 62 from the front position to the discharging position is longer than the moving time of the rotating body 62 from the initial position to the discharging position. It has been shortened. Therefore, the payout of the winning ball from the state stopped at the front position can be performed quickly in a shorter time than when the winning ball is paid out from the state stopped at the initial position.

  The stop control at the initial position and the front position will be described later.

<Description of motor drive>
The motor 50 rotates the rotating body 62 in the X direction based on a control command (prize ball payout command) from the payout control board 2000 to execute a prize ball payout process. 7 and 8 are operation time charts of the motor 50. FIG. FIG. 7 shows a case where a payout process with 4 prize balls is performed. In FIG. 8, a prize ball payout command requesting a payout process with 4 prize balls is continuously issued from the payout control board 2000. It shows the case when it is sent.

  In FIG. 7, (a) shows on (rotation) and off (stop) of the motor 50. (B) shows the output of the motor sensor 52 of the motor 50. The motor sensor 52 is a light projecting / receiving sensor for detecting the rotational angle position of the motor shaft and the shaft of the rotating body 62, and the light shielding plate 51 attached to the motor shaft shields / transmits the sensor light. Each time one award ball is paid out, one pulse (one on / off on signal and one off / on signal) is output.

  (C) is a signal sent out from the payout control board 2000 side to the main control board 1000 side to indicate "whether or not a prize ball payout process is in progress (ON signal) or not (OFF signal)" d) is a sensor output from the winning opening sensor 25 indicating the winning of the game ball 23 to the starting winning opening 29, and an ON signal is output when there is a winning. Of course, even when the game ball 23 wins the other winning holes 28 and 31, an ON signal is output from the corresponding winning hole sensor 25.

  (E) shows the transmission timing of a prize ball payout command transmitted from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000. FIG. Here, “A” is a prize ball payout command transmitted in response to winning of the game ball 23 and includes information on the number of prize balls (in this example, four). “B” is a prize ball payout command for starting the prize ball payout operation, and the driving of the motor 50 is started by the command of “B”.

  (F) is an output signal for detecting the passage of the ball by the passage sensor 66 (that is, the normal payout of the winning ball). For example, (f) shows the output signal of the passage sensor 66. When the game ball 23 passes the passage sensor 66, an ON signal is output. (H) indicates a count value of a payout counter 2322 (see FIG. 12) described later. The payout counter 2322 is set with a prize ball payout start (that is, with the completion of sending of the prize ball payout command “A”, and a planned number of payout prize balls to be paid out (for example, 4). Each time the passing of the game ball 23 is detected, the planned payout winning ball number is decremented by one.

  When the winning opening sensor 25 transmits a sensor output (ON signal) indicating winning of the game ball 23, a winning ball payout command “A” is sent from the main control board 1000. Upon receipt of the prize ball payout command “A”, the planned payout prize ball number of 4 is set in the payout counter 2322. Since the payout control board 2000 does not have a backup, it sends out a winning ball paying-out signal after receiving the command “A” designating the number of winning ball payouts and ending the winning ball payout operation. Thus, the main control board 1000 is informed that the winning ball payout operation is in progress.

  The subsequent prize ball payout command “B” is sent as a trigger, the drive of the motor 50 is started, and the payout operation is started. If the number of scheduled payout balls is not 0, one award ball is obtained by rotating the motor 50 at a speed of 1 step 3 ms (9 ms when the motor sensor 52 of the motor 50 is inspected) and driving 16 steps. Make a withdrawal. Further, the motor sensor 52 of the motor 50 determines the position of the motor 50 and detects whether or not it is rotating normally. The motor 50 is rotationally driven by a predetermined excitation output from the motor driver. When the motor sensor 52 is checked for output, the excitation output value is also reduced.

  Each time a winning ball is paid out, the passage sensor 66 detects the passing of one gaming ball 23, and every time a passing ball is detected, the planned payout winning ball number is decremented by one. The passage detection confirms that the payout process is normally performed.

  In one continuous payout process, the number of payout balls (maximum 15 in this example, 4 in this example) specified by sending out a single prize ball payout command is paid out. By sending a signal from the payout control board 2000 to the main control board 1000, the main control board 1000 is notified that the winning ball is being paid out. In addition, after one continuous payout operation, a motor pause time of at least 100 ms is set until the next payout operation is started.

  FIG. 7 shows a case where the main control board 1000 does not detect the next winning during the winning ball payout operation, and FIG. 8 shows that the main control board 1000 detects the next winning during the winning ball payout operation. Is the case. In FIG. 8, the second prize ball payout command is sent out due to the detection of the winning of the game ball 23 by the second prize opening sensor 25, and the first prize ball payout process (rotation drive of the motor 50) is completed. Has been deferred until. In addition, the second rotational start of the motor 50 is started after a 100 ms rest period has elapsed since the end of the first rotational rotation of the motor 50.

<Description of pachinko machine system configuration>
Next, the system configuration of the pachinko machine 2 will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a block configuration diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of the pachinko machine 2. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing functional blocks of the pachinko machine 2. In the pachinko machine 2, the control means having the main control board 1000, the effect control board 1600, and the payout control board 2000 performs operation control of the pachinko machine 2, effect control of the display device, game progress control, and prize ball payout control. Do. The control means includes a normal winning port 28 as a winning port, a starting winning port 29, a winning port sensor 25 for a ball receiving member such as a grand winning port 31, a first symbol display device 17, an effect display device 7a, and a ball presence sensor 64. Each component such as the full detection sensor 24, the motor sensor 52, and the passage sensor 66 is electrically connected (see FIG. 9).

  The main control board 1000 includes a lottery unit 201, a symbol determination unit 203, a holding storage unit 204, a symbol display control unit 205, a prize ball determination unit 206, a pattern storage unit 207, a ball entry determination unit 208, Special game control means 209 and error processing means 212 are provided. The effect control board 1600 includes an effect determination means 221, an effect control means 222, and an effect pattern storage means 223.

  The payout control board 2000 includes payout control means 2300. Each function included in the main control board 1000 may be configured to be mounted on the effect control board 1600 or the payout control board 2000, or the function included in the effect control board 1600 or the payout control board 2000 is You may comprise so that it may mount in the main control board 1000. FIG.

  The lottery means 201 acquires a random value for determining whether or not to shift to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game, triggered by the game ball 23 entering the start winning opening 29. . The lottery means 201 holds a plurality of success / failure determination tables that are referred to in the determination of whether or not to shift to a special game based on a random number value. In the plurality of success / failure determination tables, a lottery result of winning or losing and a random value are associated with each other, and the success / failure probability is determined according to the range setting of the random value associated with the winning. The lottery means acquires a lottery result based on the random value. The acquired lottery result is temporarily stored in the hold storage unit 204.

  The lottery means 201 refers to the normality probability determination table at the normal time, and refers to the normality probability determination table at a higher probability than the normal probability when the probability variation is higher than the normal probability. The lottery means 201 appropriately selects and refers to any one of the plurality of success / failure determination tables, and determines whether or not the random number value is a win.

  The random value can be configured to be acquired from a value in a range from “0” to “65535”, for example. The random number may not be a mathematically generated random number, but may be a pseudo random number generated by a hardware random number, a software random number, or the like.

  The holding storage unit 204 stores the lottery result of the lottery unit 201. The number of holds in the holding means has an upper limit, and the lottery result is stored until the number of holds in the holding means reaches a predetermined upper limit. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the upper limit of the number of holds of the holding means is 4. The number of holds held by the holding means is displayed with a lamp or the like so that the player can check the number of holds.

  The lottery result of the lottery means 201 is displayed as the first symbol on the first symbol display device 17. In conjunction with the first symbol, the effect display device 7a performs an effect display including the display symbol 7c. The symbol determination means 203 determines the stop symbol of the first symbol and the display symbol 7c displayed on the first symbol display device 17 and the effect display device 7a and the variation display pattern of the symbol according to the lottery result of the lottery means 201.

  The pattern storage means 207 includes a symbol pattern table 207a to be referred to in order to determine the stop symbol pattern of the first symbol, and a symbol variation display pattern table 207d to be referred to in order to determine the symbol variation display pattern. The symbol pattern table 207a stores the first symbol and the lottery result in association with each other, and the symbol variation display pattern table 207d stores the symbol variation display pattern and the lottery result in association with each other.

  The symbol variation display pattern is a variation display pattern in which the variation mode from the variation start to the stop when the symbol is variably displayed is defined. The variation mode includes a design variation mode and a variation time. The variation time is the time from when the symbol starts to vary until the symbol stops, and is defined as a symbol variation end condition. When the fluctuation time elapses, the symbol fluctuation is stopped. The variation time is set to be different for each symbol variation display pattern.

  The symbol determination unit 203 acquires the lottery result of the lottery unit 201, refers to the symbol pattern table 207a, and determines the stop symbol of the first symbol. In addition, the symbol determining unit 203 in the present embodiment also has a function of a variation display pattern selecting unit, and selects any symbol variation display pattern with reference to the symbol variation display pattern table 207d. The symbol determination unit 203 sends information indicating the determined stop symbol and symbol variation display pattern to the symbol display control unit 205 and the effect control unit 222.

  The ball entering determination unit 208 determines whether or not a game ball has entered each winning opening. When receiving the winning detection information from the winning opening sensor 25 of the starting winning opening 29, the winning determination means 208 determines that the starting winning opening 29 has been won. The winning entry determining means 208 determines that the winning prize opening 31 has been won when receiving the winning detection information from the winning prize sensor 25 provided in the winning prize opening 31. The winning ball determination means 208 sends the determined winning information to the winning ball determination means 206 and the lottery means 201.

  The winning ball determination means 206 determines the number of winning balls to be paid out to the player by the winning ball payout device 60 based on the winning information determined by the winning ball determination means 208. The winning ball determining unit 206 includes a winning ball number storage unit 206a for determining the number of winning balls. The winning ball number storage means 206a stores each winning opening information and the number of winning balls in association with each other. Specifically, the number of prize balls 5 is associated with the normal prize opening 28, the number of prize balls 15 is associated with the large prize opening 31, and is stored in the prize ball number storage means 206a. .

  When the winning ball determining unit 206 receives the winning information of the normal winning port 28 from the winning determining unit 208, the winning ball determining unit 206 determines the winning ball number 5 based on the winning ball number storing unit 206a. The prize ball determination means 206 sends a prize ball command including the determined number of prize balls to the payout control board 2000. The payout control means 2300 of the payout control board 2000 controls the payout of game balls by the prize ball payout device 60 based on the prize ball command. Specifically, the rotating body 62 of the prize ball payout device 60 is driven and controlled, and a predetermined number of game balls 23 are paid out toward the ball tray 14.

  Also, the payout control means 2300 determines whether or not the payout processing by the prize ball payout device 60 is normally completed, and determines the presence or absence of an error based on this determination. If it is determined that there is an error, an error signal is transmitted to the main control board 1000. The error processing means 212 of the main control board 1000 performs error processing including game stop and error notification based on the error signal from the payout control board.

  The symbol display control means 205 causes the first symbol display device 17 to variably display the first symbol based on the variation display pattern determined by the symbol determination means 203. The symbol display control unit 205 transmits a variation start command and a variation stop command to the effect control unit 222 at the timing of starting and stopping the variation display of the first symbol. By sending this command, the variable display by the symbol display control means 205 and the effect control means 222 can be synchronized and kept in sync.

  When the lottery result by the lottery means 201 is a win, the special game control means 209 executes the special game by opening the special winning opening 31. The special game is a game in which the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 31 is continuously performed a plurality of times, and is configured by one or a plurality of unit games with one opening / closing unit. The unit game is repeated, for example, up to 15 times, and the special winning opening 31 is opened for about 30 seconds in one unit game. The special game control means 209 terminates the special game when the unit game is consumed a predetermined number of times.

  The effect determination means 221 determines the stop symbol and the display symbol variation display pattern of the display symbol 7c based on the first symbol and the symbol variation display pattern of the first symbol. The effect pattern storage means 223 includes a decorative symbol variation display pattern table 223a to be referred to in order to determine a decorative symbol variation display pattern. The decorative symbol variation display pattern table 223a has a display symbol variation display pattern for determining the stop symbol of the display symbol 7c. The decorative symbol variation display pattern is a symbol variation display of the first symbol and the first symbol. Associated with a pattern.

  The decorative symbol variation display pattern is a variation display pattern in which a variation mode from the variation start to the stop when the ornamental symbol is variably displayed is defined. The variation mode includes a design variation mode, a variation time, and an effect display mode in each region of effect display. The effect determining unit 221 selects a decorative symbol variation display pattern in which a variation time equal to the symbol variation display pattern is set according to the symbol variation display pattern determined by the symbol determination unit. For example, when a symbol variation display pattern is selected from a fixed time pattern, a decoration variation display pattern having the same variation time is selected. The effect determining means sends information on the determined decorative symbol variation display pattern to the effect control means 222. The effect control means 222 displays the lottery result by the lottery means 201 on the effect display device 7a in a variable manner based on the selected decorative symbol change display pattern.

<Operating principle of prize ball dispensing device>
Next, the operation principle of the prize ball payout device 60 will be described. As described above, the prize ball payout device 60 has the motor 50 that is driven at the time of payout. The motor shaft of the motor 50 is connected to the rotating shaft 62b of the rotating body 62 directly or via a speed reducing means such as a gear or a transmitting means. The prize ball payout device 60 having such a structure operates according to the following principle. First, when the game ball 23 enters the winning holes 28, 29, and 31 in the game area 16, a winning signal is sent to the main control board 1000, the main control board 1000 determines the number of payouts, and the payout control board 2000 is reached. Send a signal of a prize ball. Alternatively, a ball lending request is made from the gaming ball lending device such as the card unit C to the payout control board 2000. In response to this, the payout control board 2000 operates the prize ball payout device 60, and the motor 50 in the prize ball payout device 60 executes the payout of the game ball 23. As shown in FIG. 5, when the motor 50 rotates, the rotating body 62 rotates and the game balls 23 are paid out one by one. The rotation of the motor 50 is detected by the motor sensor 52, and the game ball 23 that has been paid out is detected by the passage sensor 66 provided in the prize ball payout device 60. The number of payouts is counted.

  FIG. 9 is a block configuration diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of the pachinko machine 2. As described above, the pachinko machine 2 includes a main control board 1000 that controls the progress of the game, a payout control board 2000 that controls the payout of the game ball 23 based on a command from the main control board 1000, and a decorative pattern. Sub-control board (a part of the effect control board 1600) 3000 for controlling various effects on the effect display device 7a such as change / stop, etc., and general effects such as lighting of the sound / game effect lamp 190 from the speaker 8, and effects A sub-sub control board (part of the effect control board 1600) 4000 that controls the decorative symbol variation display / stop display, the hold display, the advance notice display, and the like on the display device 7a. Here, the payout control board 2000 is connected to a prize ball payout device 60 (motor 50) for paying out the game ball 23 and a state display unit 130 for displaying a state relating to payout of the game ball 23 to the outside by an LED. ing.

  The main control board 1000, the payout control board 2000, the sub-control board 3000, and the sub-sub-control board 4000 include a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes, a ROM that stores programs that prescribe the arithmetic processes of the CPU, and data handled by the CPU (games) A RAM for temporarily storing various data generated therein, a computer program read from the ROM, and the like) is mounted.

  Information transmission is executed in the form of serial transmission between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000. That is, one transmission line is provided from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000, and one transmission line is provided from the payout control board 2000 to the main control board 1000. Here, as will be described later, commands between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000 are configured in units of 2 bytes, and are transmitted serially in units of 1 byte.

  On the other hand, information and commands from the main control board 1000 to the sub control board 3000 are transmitted in parallel. The same applies to information and commands from the sub-control board 3000 to the sub-sub-control board 4000.

<Contents of commands and information transmitted / received via serial communication>
Next, the contents of commands and information transmitted / received between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, commands from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000 are configured in units of 2 bytes, and are transmitted serially in units of 1 byte. Similarly, information (command correspondence information) from the payout control board 2000 to the main control board 1000 is also configured in units of 2 bytes, and is transmitted serially in units of 1 byte.

  Therefore, first, a payout command transmitted from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000 will be described. First, the first command to be transmitted includes information specifying the first command, information about the saucer fullness, and the number of prize balls. Specifically, bits 7 to 5 are fixed to 100 (identification information indicating that the command is the first command).

  Next, bit 4 relates to the saucer full state, "0" means not full, and "1" means full. Next, bits 3 to 0 relate to the number of prize balls. For example, 0 (0000B) means 0 prize balls and 15 (1111B) means 15 prize balls. .

  In the first embodiment, the sensor output of the ball presence sensor 64 is input to the payout control board 2000. For example, the sensor output of the ball presence sensor 64 is supplied to the main control board 1000. It may be configured such that information on the presence or absence of a sphere is included in the first transmission command. For example, 1-bit information may be added to the transmission 1 command, and for example, when the added bit is “0”, it means that there is a sphere, and when it is “1”, it means that there is no sphere.

  Next, in the second transmission command, bits 7 to 4 are a fixed value (1111) of the confirmation signal, and bits 3 to 0 relate to the number of divided payouts. Here, Table 1 shows the correspondence between bit information and the number of divided payouts. As can be seen from this table, for example, 3 (0011E) means that the number of divided payouts = 3, and 5 (0101E) means that the number of divided payouts = 5. In the first embodiment, even when there is no prize ball payout, at the timing when the first command transmission process is executed, the first command, which is zero prize balls, is always sent to the payout control board 2000 (for example, a scheduled interrupt). Keep throwing) In the first embodiment, the command related to the number of divided payouts is added to the second transmission command. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and even if it is added to the first transmission command, the first transmission command and the second transmission command You may comprise so that it may transmit to a payout control board as a command different from eyes.

  Next, payout related information transmitted from the payout control board 2000 to the main control board 1000 will be described. First, the first transmission information is the same as the first transmission command from the main control board 1000. Next, the second transmission information includes a fixed value, payout device abnormality information, and prize ball payout information. Specifically, bits 7 to 2 are fixed to 010101 (identification information indicating that the information is transmission / reception completion information). Next, bit 1 relates to the dispensing device abnormality, “0” means that the dispensing device is not malfunctioning, and “1” means that the dispensing device is malfunctioning. Next, bit 0 relates to a prize ball being paid out, “0” means that a prize ball is not being paid out, and “1” means that a prize ball is being paid out.

  In the first embodiment, a certain command is periodically transmitted to the payout control board side. Accordingly, even when the prize ball is being paid out on the payout side, a command or the like whose number of prize balls is “0” is transmitted. If the payout device is abnormal on the payout side, there may be cases where payout is actually possible, so in the first embodiment, a normal command (a predetermined number of sets when there is a prize ball payout) is issued. Send.

  As shown in the <Modification> column of FIG. 11, the information (first information) transmitted from the payout control board 2000 side to the main control board 1000 side regarding the first byte is sent from the main control board 1000 side. The 1's complement or 2's complement of the first command may be used. The 2's complement is generated by adding 1 after performing bit inversion of the first command.

<Functional configuration>
Next, the function of the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. The functions mainly shown here are the functions between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000, the functions between the payout control board 2000 and the card unit C, the main control board 1000 / the hall computer HC, which are particularly related to the present invention. It is a function between.

<Main control board 1000>
First, the main control board 1000 is a transmission / reception control means 1100 for controlling transmission / reception of commands and information between the game control means 1050 that controls the progress of the game and the payout control board 2000 and the like, and information transmission to the hall computer HC. A transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1200 for temporarily storing a state relating to transmission / reception between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000, and whether a payout command from the main control board 1000 has been normally transmitted to the payout control board 2000 side. Normal transmission determination means 1300 for determining whether or not, error control means 1400 for executing control of errors related to transmission / reception on the main control board 1000 side, and power resumption when power is cut off due to a power failure or the like A backup to restore the gaming machine to the power-off state when the power is turned on. Includes a means 1500, the.

  The game control means 1050 has a well-known configuration that the conventional machine has. For example, taking the case of a conventional type 1 gaming machine as an example, the game control means 1050 is based on random number generation, random number acquisition triggered by the starting entrance ball, lottery using the acquired random number, lottery result When a symbol (special symbol) variation or a lottery is won, a well-known process such as a special game for opening a variable winning opening that is normally closed is executed. Hereinafter, each characteristic means of the present invention will be described in detail.

  First, the transmission / reception control means 1100 includes transmission control means 1110 that controls transmission from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000 and the hall computer HC, and reception control that controls reception from the payout control board 2000 to the main control board 1000. Means 1120.

  Here, the transmission control means 1110 has a payout control side transmission control means 1111 that controls transmission to the payout control board 2000, and an HC side transmission control means 1114 that controls transmission to the hall computer HC. ing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates in order.

  The payout control side transmission control means 1111 sends two commands (first command and second command) to be sent to the payout control board 2000 side for one prize ball payout to predetermined temporary storage means (transmission command temporary storage means described later). 1111c) transmission command setting means 1111a for setting, transmission command management means 1111b for managing the set transmission command including transmission command transmission completion / uncompleted, and two commands transmitted to the payout control board 2000 And a transmission command temporary storage unit 1111c for temporarily storing the prize ball payout corresponding to the command. Note that the transmission command setting means 1111a refers to the game side information temporary storage means 1121a and determines whether or not a winning ball payout command can be set, as will be described later in the processing item. Function. The transmission command temporary storage unit 1111c further includes a first command temporary storage area 1111c-1 for temporarily storing the first command, a second command temporary storage area 1111c-2 for temporarily storing the second command, have.

  Next, when receiving a winning signal from the winning opening sensor 25, the HC side transmission control unit 1114 plans to cumulatively add the counter value of the scheduled payout number related counter 1114c (described later) by the amount of the winning ball corresponding to the winning opening. When a counter value of a payout amount adding means 1114a and a later-described expected payout number related counter 1114c reaches a predetermined value (for example, 10), a predetermined value (for example, 10) is calculated from the counter value of the expected payout number related counter 1114c (described later). There is a scheduled payout number subtracting means 1114b for subtracting, and a scheduled payout number related counter 1114c for temporarily storing the planned payout number. As will be described later in the processing item, when the count value of the scheduled payout number related counter 1114c reaches a predetermined value, information to the hall computer HC (scheduled payout amount = predetermined number (for example, 10)). The pulse signal corresponding to the minute) is transmitted.

  In addition, the reception control means 1120 receives information from the game side reception control means 1121 for receiving game information including prize ball information (entrance signal) and an upper plate full signal, and information from the payout control board 2000 side. Payout control side reception control means 1122. Here, the game-side reception control means 1121 has a game-side information temporary storage means 1121a for temporarily storing information on prize balls for which payout processing has not been executed and upper plate full information. Also, the payout control side reception control means 1122 includes a payout control side reception data management means 1122a that manages the information including temporary storage and deletion of information transmitted from the payout control board 2000 side, and a payout control board 2000. The payout control side received data temporary storage means 1122b in which the information transmitted from the side is temporarily stored for the first time and the data temporarily stored in the payout control side received data temporary storage means 1122b are processed in subsequent processing (for example, normally Payout command correspondence information temporary storage means 1122c for storing the command for determination).

  The transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1200 includes a main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 for temporarily storing a transmission / reception state (ST = 0 to 4) on the main control board 1000 side, and a payout state on the payout control board 2000 side. The payout control side payout state temporary storage unit 1220 temporarily stores (for example, whether or not paying out or whether or not a payout abnormality has occurred).

  The normal transmission determination unit 1300 manages the time from when the command is transmitted from the main control board 1000 until the reception of information corresponding to the command (information corresponding to the command transmitted from the payout control board 2000). Communication time management means 1310. Here, the communication time management means 1310 further includes a timer 1311 for counting time.

  The error control means 1400 monitors game-related errors including errors related to transmission / reception on the main control board 1000 side (for example, door opening errors other than errors related to transmission / reception) and manages game-related errors including error states related to transmission / reception. Error flag management means 1420. Here, the error flag management unit 1420 further includes an error flag temporary storage unit 1421 for temporarily storing an on / off state of a game-related error flag including an error flag related to transmission.

  The backup unit 1500 temporarily stores data on the main control board 1000 when the power is turned off so that the state of the gaming machine is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned off when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. Backup information temporary storage means 1510 for storing the stored data, backup power supply means 1520 for supplying backup voltage to the backup information temporary storage means and holding the data even after the gaming machine is turned off, have. Note that writing to the backup information temporary storage unit 1510 is executed when the power is turned off by a normal process, and on the contrary, restoration of each information written to the backup information temporary storage unit 1510 is executed in the main process when the power is turned on. .

<Prize ball payout control board 2000>
Next, the payout control board 2000 includes transmission / reception control means 2100 that controls transmission / reception of commands and information with the main control board 1000 side, the card unit C side, etc., and errors related to transmission / reception on the payout control board 2000 side Error control means 2200 for executing control, and payout control means 2300 for receiving a payout command and a lending command and executing a predetermined number of game balls to be awarded. Hereinafter, each means will be described in detail.

  First, the transmission / reception control unit 2100 transmits reception information to the main control board 1000 and the card unit C, and reception control means 2110 that controls reception of information (for example, commands and signals) from the main control board 1000 and the card unit C. Transmission control means 2120 for controlling the control.

  Here, the reception control unit 2110 controls reception of information (for example, signals) from the main side reception control unit 2111 that controls reception of information (for example, commands) from the main control board 1000 and the card unit C. Card unit side reception control means 2112. The main reception control means 2111 is transmitted from the main control board 1000 and the main reception data management means 2111a for managing the information including temporary storage and erasure of information received from the main control board 1000. Temporarily stores the received data temporarily stored in the main-side received data temporary storage unit 2111b until the predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, the second command is received). A payout command correspondence information temporary storage unit 2111c for temporarily storing the first command until the first command is received.

  Further, the card unit side reception control means 2112 is transmitted from the card unit C side with the card unit side reception data management means 2112a which manages the management processing of the information including temporary storage and deletion of the information received from the card unit C. Card unit side received information temporary storage means 2112b, in which the received information is temporarily stored for the first time.

  The error control unit 2200 includes an error flag management unit 2220 that monitors errors related to transmission / reception on the payout control board 2000 side and manages error states related to transmission / reception. Here, the error flag management unit 2220 further includes an error flag temporary storage unit 2221 for temporarily storing an on / off state of an error flag related to transmission.

  The payout control means 2300 includes payout information temporary storage means 2310 for temporarily storing a prize ball payout command from the main control board 1000, information relating to a ball rental request from the card unit C, and information relating to game ball payout control. The payout processing related information temporary storage means 2320 for temporary storage, the payout abnormality determination means 2340 for determining whether or not an abnormal payout smaller than the planned payout number has occurred, and the waiting time between divided payouts are set Waiting time control means 2350 for doing this.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the number of payouts is less than the planned payout is “abnormal payout”. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May be.

  Here, the payout information temporary storage means 2310 includes a buffer A for temporarily storing the full plate information, and a buffer B for temporarily storing the number of prize balls based on the prize ball payout command from the main control board 1000 side. , And a buffer C for temporarily storing the number of payouts based on a ball rental request from the card unit C. Furthermore, a buffer D may be provided for temporarily storing information on the presence / absence of a sphere in the supply passage 61 based on the output of the sphere presence sensor 64.

  Also, the payout processing related information temporary storage means 2320 is a payout state flag temporary storage means 2321 for temporarily storing a state related to payout (for example, whether payout is being performed or whether a payout abnormality has occurred). , A payout counter 2322 in which the number of game balls to be paid out is set at the time of payout processing, and for counting the number of abnormal payouts less than the planned payout number in divided payout (unit divided into multiple payouts) An abnormal payout counter 2323, an abnormal payout counter 2324 for counting the number of abnormal payouts in one payout, and a ball pass wait for measuring a ball pass waiting time (motor stop time) between divided payouts Temporary storage of divided payout number for temporarily storing the time payout 2325 and the divided payout number designated from the main control board 1000 Has a 2326, a.

<Processing>
Next, a prize ball payout control process executed by the pachinko machine 2 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Here, FIGS. 13 to 20 are flowcharts showing processing on the main control board 1000 side. 21 to 23 are flowcharts showing processing on the payout control board 2000 side. Hereinafter, it will be described in order.

<Processing on the main control board side (communication processing with the payout control board)>
The communication process with the payout control board 2000 executed on the main control board 1000 side will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of scheduled interrupt processing related to communication control, which is executed on the main control board 1000 side. First, in step 1100, the main control board 1000 executes an error monitoring process for bidirectional communication (serial communication) between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000. Next, in step 1200, the main control board 1000 executes a serial communication data reception monitoring process for monitoring whether information is received from the payout control board 2000. Next, in step 1300, the main control board 1000 executes a payout command request process for setting a payout related command (first command and second command) to be sent to the payout control board 2000 to the transmission command temporary storage means 1111c. . In step 1400, the main control board 1000 executes a payout command transmission process for transmitting the payout command set in the transmission command temporary storage unit 1111 c to the payout control board 2000, and returns to step 1100. Hereinafter, the processing of each subroutine will be described in detail.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the serial communication error monitoring process in step 1100, which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1102, the error control unit 1400 refers to the error flag temporary storage unit (status register) 1421 and determines whether an overrun error (AORE), a framing error (AFE), and a parity error (APE) have occurred. Specifically, it is monitored whether or not these flags are on.

  Here, the overrun error is a case where the next data is received before the already received data is read by the user program. Specifically, the overrun error is temporarily stored in the payout control side received data temporary storage unit 1122b. An error that occurs when the payout control side reception control means 1121 receives the next data before the information from the payout control board 2000 is read and moved to the payout command correspondence information temporary storage means 1122c side. is there. The framing error is an error that occurs when 0 is detected in the stop bit of the received payout command corresponding data. The parity error is an error that occurs when the parity of the received data does not match the parity bit of the data.

  When an error occurs, the error flag management unit 1420 executes a process of setting 1 to the corresponding error bit in the error flag temporary storage unit (status register) 1421. In step 1104, the error control unit 1400 refers to the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 and determines whether any error is detected. In the case of Yes in step 1104, in step 1106, the error flag management unit 1420 turns off the error flag that is turned on in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 (clears it to 0), and cancels the serial communication error.

  Further, in step 1108, the error control means 1400 clears the data received by serial communication (data temporarily stored in the payout control side received data temporary storage means 1122b) and performs the next processing (serial communication of step 1200). Move to data reception monitoring process. On the other hand, also in the case of No in step 1104, the processing shifts to the next processing (serial communication data reception monitoring processing in step 1200).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the serial communication data reception monitoring process in step 1200 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1202, the payout control side received data management means 1122a refers to the payout control side received data temporary storage means 1122b (data reception monitoring process). In step 1204, the payout control side received data management means 1122a determines whether or not the payout command corresponding data has been received from the payout control board 2000 side.

  In the case of Yes in step 1204, in step 1206, the payout control side received data management means 1122a uses the payout command corresponding data temporarily stored in the payout control side received data temporary storage means 1122b as the payout command information related temporary storage means. 1122c, and the process proceeds to the next process (payout command request process in step 1300). Even in the case of No in step 1204, the process proceeds to the next process (payout command request process in step 1300).

  Next, FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the payout command request process in step 1300 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1302, the transmission command setting unit 1111a refers to the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 (inspection of an untransmitted command). In step 1304, the transmission command setting unit 1111a determines whether the processing state temporarily stored in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 is ST = 0, that is, all previous transmission commands have been transmitted. Therefore, it is determined whether or not an unsent command does not exist.

  In the case of Yes in step 1304, in step 1306, the transmission command setting unit 1111a sets the identification code (100) in the upper 3 bits of the transmission data in the first command temporary storage area 1113a in the transmission command temporary storage unit 1111c. . This “100” is a fixed value and means that this command is the first command.

  Next, at step 1308, the transmission command setting means 1111a refers to the game side information temporary storage means 1121a and considers whether or not the full signal from the saucer full detection sensor 15 has been received. Set the full state. Note that “1” is full, and “0” means not full. Next, in step 1310, the transmission command setting unit 1111a refers to the payout control side payout state temporary storage unit 1220 (inspects the prize ball state of the payout control). In step 1312, the transmission command setting unit 1111a determines whether or not the payout control board 2000 is paying out a prize ball.

  In the case of Yes in step 1312, in step 1314, the transmission command setting means 1111a refers to the game side information temporary storage means 1121a and sets the number of winning balls corresponding to the next winning ball payout to bits 0-3. As for the number of winning balls, the number of winning balls for each winning opening is inspected, and the number of winning balls for the winning ball to be paid this time is subtracted, and then the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning opening is set. To do. On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1312, that is, when the payout control device is in the winning ball, the number of winning balls is not set to bits 0 to 3 (therefore, all bits remain 0). The process proceeds to step 1316. Steps 1306 to 1314 described above are the setting process for the first command.

  The following steps 1316 to 1322 are the setting process for the second command. Specifically, in step 1316, the transmission command setting unit 1111a stores the identification code (in the upper 4 bits of the transmission data in the second command temporary storage area 1113 of the transmission command temporary storage unit 1113 as transmission data of the second command. 1111) is set. This “1111” is a fixed value and means that this command is the second command.

  Next, in step 1318, the transmission command setting unit 1111a refers to the error flag management unit 1420 and determines whether or not a predetermined error (for example, a door opening error) has occurred. In the case of Yes in step 1318, in step 1320, the transmission command setting unit 1111a sets a predetermined number A (for example, three) divided payout numbers in the bit 0 to 0 in the second command temporary storage area 1113 of the transmission command temporary storage unit 1113. 3. Then, the process proceeds to the next process (payout command transmission process in step 1400). The predetermined number A is set in advance for each model of the main control board, for example.

  On the other hand, if No in step 1318, that is, if a predetermined error has occurred, the transmission command setting unit 1111 a stores the second command temporary storage area 1113 in the transmission command temporary storage unit 1113 in step 1322. A predetermined number B (for example, 1) of divided payouts is set to bits 0 to 3, and the process proceeds to the next process (payout command transmission process in step 1400). It should be noted that the predetermined number A> the predetermined number B, and the predetermined number B is a divided payout number that causes the payout speed to become extremely slow when a predetermined error occurs and an illegal operation can be executed. Is preferred. Also in the case of No in step 1304, the process proceeds to the next process (payout command transmission process in step 1400).

  Next, FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the payout command transmission process in step 1400 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1402, the main control board 1000 refers to the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 (inspects the command transmission state). When the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 is “0”, the main control board 1000 proceeds to step 1400-1 to execute the first command transmission process, and the main control side transmission / reception is performed. When the ST in the state temporary storage unit 1210 is “1”, the process proceeds to step 1400-2 to execute the first information reception confirmation process, and the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 is “2”. ”, The process proceeds to step 1400-3 to execute the second command transmission process. If the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1210 is“ 3 ”, the process proceeds to step 1400-4. The second information reception confirmation process is executed, and the process proceeds to the next process (serial communication error monitoring process in step 1100).

  Next, FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the first command transmission process (second command transmission process) in step 1400-1, which is the subroutine of FIG. Note that the processing in step 1400-3 is basically the same as the processing in step 1400-1 (the parentheses indicate the processing in step 1400-3). First, in step 1402-1 (step 1402-3), the payout control side transmission control unit 1111 refers to the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 and checks the transmission state of serial communication. Next, in step 1404-1 (step 1404-3), the payout control side transmission control unit 1111 determines whether or not the transmission state of the serial communication can be transmitted.

  In the case of Yes in step 1404-1 (step 1404-3), in step 1406-1 (step 1406-3), the error flag management unit 1420 turns off the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 and performs communication. Execute the process to cancel the error. Here, the “communication error flag” is a flag that is turned on when the transmission of the first command (or the second command) from the main control board 1000 side to the payout control board 2000 side is reserved. .

  In step 1408-1 (step 1408-3), the payout control side transmission control unit 1111 stores the first command temporarily stored in the first command temporary storage area 1111c-1 of the transmission command temporary storage unit 1111c. Transmission data (transmission data of the second command temporarily stored in the second command temporary storage area 1111c-2 of the transmission command temporary storage unit 1111c) is transmitted.

  Next, in step 1410-1 (step 1410-3), the communication time management unit 1310 sets the reception waiting timeout time in the timer 1311. In step 1412-1 (step 1412-3), the main control board 1000 sets the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 to “1” (“3”), and performs the next processing (step 1100 serial communication error monitoring processing). On the other hand, in the case of No in step 1404-1 (step 1404-3), in step 1414-1 (step 1414-3), the error flag management unit 1420 turns on the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421. After executing the process of setting a communication error, the process proceeds to the next process (serial communication error monitoring process in step 1100).

  Next, FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the first information reception confirmation process in step 1400-2 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1402-2, the payout control side reception control means 1122 determines whether or not the payout command correspondence information temporary storage means 1122c is not 0, that is, whether or not any information is received from the payout control board 2000 side. judge.

  In the case of Yes in step 1402-2, in step 1404-2, the normal transmission determination unit 1300 transmits the transmission data of the first command temporarily stored in the first command storage area 1111c-1 of the transmission command temporary storage unit 1111c. The contents of the payout command correspondence information transmitted from the payout control board 2000 side temporarily stored in the payout command correspondence information temporary storage unit 1122c are compared. In step 1406-2, the normal transmission determination unit 1300 determines whether the comparison result in step 1402-2 matches.

  In the case of Yes in step 1406-2, in step 1408-2, the error flag management unit 1420 executes processing for turning off the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1420 and canceling the communication error. In step 1410-2, the main control board 1000 sets ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1210 to “2”, and proceeds to the next processing (serial communication error monitoring processing in step 1100). To do.

  On the other hand, if No in step 1402-2, that is, if no information is received from the payout control board 2000 side, the communication time management means 1310 waits for reception in the timer 1311 in step 1412-2. Subtract the timeout time. In step 1414-2, the error flag management unit 1420 refers to the timer 1311 and determines whether or not a timeout has occurred. In the case of Yes in step 1414-2, in step 1416-2, the error flag management unit 1420 turns on the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 and executes processing for setting a communication error.

  Next, in step 1418-2, the main control board 1000 sets the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1210 to "0", and proceeds to the next process (serial communication error monitoring process in step 1100). Transition. With this process, if the information is not received for a predetermined time from the payout control board 2000 after the first command is transmitted, the first command is transmitted again.

  Next, FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the second command reception confirmation process in step 1400-4 which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 1402-4, the normal transmission determination unit 1300 determines whether or not the payout command correspondence information temporary storage unit 1122c is not 0, that is, whether or not any information is received from the payout control board 2000 side. .

  In the case of Yes in step 1402-4, in step 1404-4, the normal transmission determination unit 1300 transmits the second command transmission data temporarily stored in the second command temporary storage area 1111c-2 of the transmission command temporary storage unit 1111c. The contents of (upper 6 bits) and the information (upper 6 bits) transmitted from the payout control board 2000 side temporarily stored in the payout command related information temporary storage means 1122c are compared. In step 1406-2, the normal transmission determination unit 1300 determines whether the comparison result in step 1402-2 matches.

  In the case of Yes in step 1406-4, in step 1408-4, the error flag management unit 1420 turns off the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 and executes processing for canceling the communication error. In step 1410-4, the payout control side received data management means 1122a refers to the information (lower 2 bits) transmitted from the payout control board 2000 side temporarily stored in the payout command related information temporary storage means 1122c. Whether or not a prize ball is being paid out (ascertained from bit 0) and whether or not the payout device is abnormal (ascertained from bit 1) are temporarily stored in the payout control side payout state temporary storage means 1220. In step 1412-4, the main control board 1000 sets the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage unit 1210 to “0” and proceeds to the next processing (serial communication error monitoring processing in step 1100). To do.

  On the other hand, if No in step 1402-4, that is, if no information is received from the payout control board 2000, the communication time management means 1310 waits for reception in the timer 1311 in step 1414-4. Subtract the timeout time. In step 1416-4, the error flag management unit 1420 refers to the timer 1311 and determines whether or not a timeout has occurred.

  In the case of Yes in step 1416-4, in step 1418-4, the error flag management unit 1420 turns on the communication error flag in the error flag temporary storage unit 1421 and executes processing for setting a communication error. Next, in step 1420-4, the main control board 1000 sets the ST in the main control side transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1210 to “2” and proceeds to the next process (serial communication error monitoring process in step 1100). Transition. By this process, if the information is not received for a predetermined time from the payout control board 2000 after the second command is transmitted, the second command is transmitted again.

<Processing on the payout control board>
Next, control processing executed on the payout control board 2000 side will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, FIG. 21 is a flowchart of processing related to communication processing with the main control board 1000 and communication processing with the lending device such as a gaming machine (card unit) C executed on the payout control board 2000 side. First, in step 2100, the payout control board 2000 executes communication processing with the main control device 1000 side. Next, in step 2200, the payout control board 2000 executes communication processing with the card unit C. In step 2300, the payout control board 2000 drives the payout unit to execute payout control of the game ball, and returns to step 2100. Hereinafter, the processing of each subroutine will be described in detail.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the communication process with the main control apparatus 1000 in step 2100, which is the subroutine of FIG. First, in step 2100-1, the payout control board 2000 executes an error monitoring process for bidirectional communication (serial communication) between the main control board 1000 and the payout control board 2000. Next, in step 2100-2, the payout control board 2000 executes serial communication data reception monitoring processing for monitoring whether information is received from the main control board 1000. Next, in step 2100-3, the payout control board 2000 executes payout command correspondence information transmission processing for sending information corresponding to the payout command received from the main control board 1000 side to the main control board 1000 side. Return to -1. Hereinafter, the processing of each subroutine will be described in detail.

  First, the flowchart of the serial communication error monitoring process in step 2100-1 which is the subroutine of FIG. 22 is the same as that shown in FIG. In other words, by replacing step 1100 in the serial communication error monitoring of FIG. 14 with step 2100-1, the flowchart of FIG. 14 can be applied to the subroutine of FIG. 22 (step 2100-1). First, in step 1102, the error control unit 2200 refers to the error flag temporary storage unit (status register) 2221 to determine whether an overrun error (AORE), a framing error (AFE), and a parity error (APE) have occurred. Specifically, it is monitored whether or not these flags are on.

  In step 1104, the error control unit 2200 determines whether any error is detected. When an error occurs, the error flag management unit 2220 executes a process of setting 1 to the corresponding error bit in the error flag temporary storage unit 2221. In the case of Yes in step 1104, in step 1106, the error flag management means 2220 turns off the error flag that is turned on in the error flag temporary storage means 2221 (clears it to 0), and cancels the serial communication error. To do.

  Further, in step 1108, the error control unit 2200 clears the data received by serial communication (data temporarily stored in the main-side received information temporary storage unit 2111b) and performs the next processing (serial communication in step 2100-2). Data reception monitoring process). On the other hand, also in the case of No in step 1104, the processing shifts to the next processing (serial data reception monitoring processing in step 2100-2).

  Next, the flowchart of the serial communication data reception monitoring process in step 2100-2 which is the subroutine of FIG. 22 is the same as that shown in FIG. That is, by replacing step 1200 in the serial communication error monitoring of FIG. 15 with step 2100-2, the flowchart of FIG. 14 can be applied to the subroutine of FIG. 22 (step 2100-2). First, in step 1202, the main-side received data management unit 2111a refers to the main-side received information temporary storage unit 2111b (data reception monitoring process). In step 1204, the main-side received data management unit 2111a determines whether or not a payout command has been received from the main control board 1000 side.

  In the case of Yes in step 1204, in step 1206, the main side received data management means 2111a stores the payout command correspondence data temporarily stored in the main side received information temporary storage means 2111b in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c. The process proceeds to the next process (payout related information transmission process in step 2100-3). In the case of No in step 1204, the process proceeds to the next process (payout related information transmission process in step 2100-3).

  Next, FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the payout related information transmission / reception process in step 2100-3 which is a subroutine of FIG. First, in step 2102-3, the payout control board 2000 determines whether or not the payout command temporary storage unit 2111c is not 0, that is, whether or not any information is received from the main control board 1000 side.

  In the case of Yes in Step 2102-3, in Step 2104-3, the main-side reception control unit 2111 determines whether or not the upper 3 bits temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage unit 2111c is “100”, that is, It is determined whether or not the command received from the main control board 1000 this time is one command.

  In the case of Yes in step 2104-3, in step 2106-3, the transmission control unit 2120 transmits the information temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage unit 2111c to the main control board 1000 side. In step 2108-3, the main-side reception data management unit 2111 a stores the saucer full state in the buffer A based on whether or not the saucer full signal is received. Next, in step 2110-3, the main-side received data management unit 2111a stores the prize ball number information in the buffer B based on the information (particularly bits 3 to 0) temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage unit 2111c. Then, the process proceeds to the next process (communication process with the card unit in step 2200).

  On the other hand, in the case of No in step 2104-3, in step 2112-3, the main-side reception control unit 2111 determines whether the upper 4 bits of the command temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage unit 2111c is “1111”. That is, it is determined whether or not the command received from the main control board 1000 this time is two commands.

  In the case of Yes in step 2112-3, in step 2113-3, the payout control means 2300 divides into divided payout number temporary storage means 2326 based on the lower 4 bits of the command temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c. Set the number of payouts (see Table 1). In step 2114-3, the transmission control means 2120 confirms whether or not there is an abnormality in the payout device and whether or not a prize ball is being paid out prior to transmission of the confirmation information to the main control board 1000 side. .

  In step 2116-3, the transmission control means 2120, as confirmation information to the main control board 1000 side, bits 7 to 2 are fixed values (“010101”), bit 1 is a dispensing device abnormality, bit 0 is a prize ball Information indicating that the payout is in progress is transmitted. In step 2118-3, the payout control board 2000 temporarily stores the contents of the buffer A and the buffer B in the payout processing related information temporary storage unit 2320 as the tray full information and the number of prize balls.

  In response to the fact that these pieces of information are set in the payout process related information temporary storage unit 2320, a payout process based on the contents of the set is executed in the payout control process described later. In step 2120-3, the payout control board 2000 clears the buffer A and the buffer B, and proceeds to the next process (payout control process in step 2400).

<Action>
Next, the effect | action which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention is demonstrated, referring drawings. First, the first operation (payout command transmission by serial communication) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 25, and then the present operation will be described with reference to FIG. The second action according to the first embodiment of the invention (extension of the ball passage waiting time due to a payout abnormality) will be described.

<Transmission command transmission by serial communication>
<When normal>
First, the uppermost part of FIG. 24 is an operation diagram when transmission / reception is normally performed. First, the main control board 1000 transmits to the payout control board 2000 the payout command (identification information indicating that it is the first command, tray full information, prize ball number information) having the contents shown in FIG. . On the payout control board 2000 side, the first command transmitted from the main control board 1000 is normally received and stored in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c.

  The payout control board 2000 transmits the same information as the received command (identification information indicating that it is the first command, saucer full information, prize ball number information) to the main control board 1000 side. On the main control board 1000 side, the information (one command correspondence information) transmitted from the payout control means 2000 is normally received and stored in the payout command correspondence information temporary storage means 1122c.

  Here, on the main control board 1000 side, the first command transmission data temporarily stored in the first command storage area 1111c-1 of the transmission command temporary storage means 1111c and the one command received from the current payout control board 2000 side are associated. As a result of comparing the information and determining whether or not they are the same, it is determined that the current reception is normal reception. In response to this, the main control board 1000 transmits a payout command of the second command having the contents shown in FIG. 11 to the payout control board 2000 side. On the payout control board 2000 side, the second command transmitted from the main control board 1000 is normally received.

  In response to this, the payout control unit 2000 executes award ball payout based on the content of the first command received from the main control board 1000 side. Further, the payout control board 2000 transmits the information shown in FIG. 11 (identification information indicating that it is transmission / reception completion information, information relating to payout abnormality, and information relating to prize ball paying out). On the main control board 1000 side, the information (two information) transmitted from the payout control means 2000 is normally received, and the current transmission / reception is completed.

<If abnormal, 1: 1 command receiving side error>
Next, a case where the first command received by the payout control unit 2000 is different from the first command transmitted by the main control board 1000 will be described with reference to the second column of FIG. First, the main control board 1000 transmits a payout command of the first command (identification information indicating that it is the first command, tray full information, prize ball number information) to the payout control board 2000 side as shown in FIG. To do. However, on the payout control board 2000 side, information different from the first command transmitted from the main control board 1000 is received (for example, information having different prize ball number information) and stored in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c. Then, the payout control board 2000 transmits the same information as the received command (for example, information with different prize ball number information) to the main control board 1000 side.

  On the main control board 1000 side, the information (1 command correspondence information) transmitted from the payout control means 2000 is normally received and stored in the payout command correspondence information temporary storage means 1122c. However, on the main control board 1000 side, the transmission data of the first command temporarily stored in the first command storage area 1111c-1 of the transmission command temporary storage means 1111c is compared with the information received from the current payout control board 2000 side. As a result of the determination whether or not they are the same, it is determined that the current reception is an erroneous reception.

  Accordingly, in response to this, the main control board 1000 transmits the first command having the same content again to the payout control board 2000 side. On the payout control board 2000 side, the first command transmitted from the main control board 1000 is normally received and stored in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c in the form of overwriting the first command received last time. Thereafter, it is the same as the normal case.

<In case of abnormality 2: Abnormality on receiving side of 1st command>
Next, a case where the payout control unit 2000 cannot normally receive the first command will be described with reference to the third column in FIG. First, the main control board 1000 transmits a payout command of the first command (identification information indicating that it is the first command, tray full information, prize ball number information) to the payout control board 2000 side as shown in FIG. To do. However, on the payout control board 2000 side, information different from the first command transmitted from the main control board 1000 is received (for example, reception error) and discarded without being stored in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c.

On the other hand, the main control board 1000 waits for information corresponding to the command (1-command correspondence information) to be transmitted from the payout control board 2000 after transmitting the first command, but for a predetermined time (T _max )), it is determined that the payout control board 2000 has received an error. In response, the main control board 1000 transmits the first command having the same content again to the payout control board 2000 side. Thereafter, it is the same as the normal case.

<In case of abnormality 3: Abnormal reception of 1st command>
Next, a case where the first information transmitted by the payout control unit 2000 is different from the first command transmitted by the main control board 1000 will be described with reference to the fourth column of FIG. Basically, it is the same as “1 when abnormal”, but the difference is that the payout control board 2000 has normally received the first command, but the information corresponding to the command (1-command correspondence information) is the main. This is a case where the main control board 1000 receives erroneous information (for example, information with a different number of prize balls) different from the information corresponding to the normal first command when transmitted to the control board 1000 side. Other than that, it is the same as “Abnormal Case 1”.

<In case of abnormality 4: 1 Information receiving side abnormality>
Next, a case where the first information transmitted by the payout control unit 2000 is different from the first command transmitted by the main control board 1000 will be described with reference to the fifth column of FIG. Basically, it is the same as “Abnormal Case 3”, except that the payout control board 2000 itself normally received the first command, but the information corresponding to the command (1 command correspondence information) is the main. This is a case where the main control board 1000 receives an abnormality (for example, a reception error) when transmitting to the control board 1000 side. Otherwise, it is the same as “Abnormal Case 3”.

<In case of abnormality 5: Abnormality on the second command receiving side>
Next, with reference to the first column in FIG. 25, a case where the payout control unit 2000 cannot normally receive the second command will be described. The process up to the transmission of the second command from the main control board 1000 is the same as the “normal case”, and will be described below.

  First, the main control board 1000 transmits a payout command of the second command having the contents shown in FIG. 11 to the payout control board 2000. However, on the payout control board 2000 side, information different from the second command transmitted from the main control board 1000 is received (incorrect fixed value information), and the information is stored in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c. Then, the payout control board 2000 transmits the same information as the received command to the main control board 1000 side.

  On the main control board 1000 side, the information (2 information) transmitted from the payout control means 2000 is normally received and stored in the payout command correspondence information temporary storage means 1122c. However, on the main control board 1000 side, the transmission data of the second command temporarily stored in the second command storage area 1111c-2 of the transmission command temporary storage means 1111 is compared with the information received from the current payout control board 2000 side. As a result of the determination whether or not they are the same, it is determined that the current reception is an erroneous reception.

  Accordingly, in response to this, the main control board 1000 transmits the second command again to the payout control board 2000 side. On the payout control board 2000 side, the second command transmitted from the main control board 1000 is normally received. In response to this, the payout control unit 2000 executes award ball payout based on the content of the first command received from the main control board 1000 side. Then, the payout control board 2000 transmits the second command received this time to the main control board 1000 again. As a result, on the main control board 1000 side, the information (2 information) transmitted from the payout control means 2000 is normally received, and the current transmission / reception is completed.

<In case of abnormality 6: Abnormality on receiving side of second command>
Next, a case where the payout control unit 2000 cannot normally receive the second command will be described with reference to the second column of FIG. The process up to the transmission of the second command from the main control board 1000 is the same as the “normal case”, and will be described below.

  First, the main control board 1000 transmits a payout command of the second command having the contents shown in FIG. 11 to the payout control board 2000. However, on the payout control board 2000 side, information different from the second command transmitted from the main control board 1000 is received (for example, reception error) and discarded without being stored in the payout command temporary storage means 2111c.

On the other hand, the main control board 1000 waits for information corresponding to the command (2-command correspondence information) to be sent from the payout control board 2000 side after sending the second command, but for a predetermined time (T _max )), it is determined that the payout control board 2000 has received an error. In response, the main control board 1000 transmits the second command having the same content again to the payout control board 2000 side. Thereafter, it is the same as “5 if abnormal”.

<In case of abnormality 7: Abnormality on receiving side of second information>
Next, a case where the second information transmitted by the payout control unit 2000 is different from the second command transmitted by the main control board 1000 will be described with reference to the third column of FIG. Basically, it is the same as “5 if abnormal”, but there are two differences. The first point is that the payout is executed when the payout control board 2000 normally receives the second command. Second, the payout control board 2000 itself received the second command normally, but when the information corresponding to the command (two information) is transmitted to the main control board 1000 side, the main control board 1000 receives an abnormal reception (for example, Incorrect fixed value information). Other than that, it is the same as “5 when abnormal”.

<An abnormal case 8: Abnormality on the second information receiving side>
Next, a case where the second information transmitted by the payout control unit 2000 is different from the second command transmitted by the main control board 1000 will be described with reference to the fourth column of FIG. Basically, this is the same as “7 if abnormal”, but the difference is that the payout control board 2000 itself normally received the second command, but the information (2 information) corresponding to the command is sent to the main control board. This is a case where the main control board 1000 receives an abnormal reception (for example, reception error) when transmitting to the 1000 side. Other than that, it is the same as “Abnormal Case 7”.

<Extension of ball passage waiting time due to payout abnormality>
Next, with reference to FIG. 26, the state of extension of the ball passage waiting time due to the payout abnormality will be described. Here, in this example, a description will be given by taking as an example a process in which a payout control command for 25 balls is received from the card unit C and the payout control board 2000 pays out 25 balls at a time. First, in this example, the 25-ball payout is divided into a plurality of times, and a maximum of 3 balls are paid out in each division unit (split payout). Here, this divided payout unit is designated by a payout command (second command = 11110011) from the main control board 1000. A predetermined ball passage waiting time is set between the division units. Here, when there is a payout abnormality in a certain division unit, the subsequent ball passage waiting time becomes longer, and the ball passage waiting time becomes longer stepwise according to the number of past payout abnormalities recorded in the counter value. It is comprised so that it may become.

  According to the first embodiment, the payout control board that has received the payout command is configured to transmit information corresponding to the payout command rather than a simple ACK signal to the main control board side. There is an effect that the main control board can recognize whether or not the command is received.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, just because the payout control board receives the payout command, the payout-related control corresponding to the payout command is not performed immediately, but the information corresponding to the payout command is received. The payout related control corresponding to the payout command is executed only when the confirmation command from the main control board is further received. There is an effect that the payout-related control based on the changed payout command can be surely prevented.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, since information is transmitted from the payout control board side to the main control board side by serial communication, it is assumed that the information transmission is performed by parallel communication. It is possible to further prevent changes in information due to abnormalities and fraud.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, when the main control board does not receive information corresponding to the payout command within the specified time, the payout command is retransmitted, while the payout command is supported within the specified time. When the received data is received, the determination process by the payout command normal transmission determination means is executed, so that it is scheduled to be executed later, with waiting until the information corresponding to the payout command is received. As a result, it is possible to prevent the accumulation of data of payout commands related to payout control.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the command transmission from the main control board to the payout control board and the information transmission from the payout control board to the main control board are both serial communication with one transmission line. There is also an effect that the score can be reduced.

  Further, when a payout command is received when the payout command is temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage means, the previous payout command temporarily stored in the payout command temporary storage means is newly received. Since the payout command is rewritten, it is possible to prevent the payout control process based on the previous payout command, which is unknown whether the command is correct, from being executed.

<Example of changes related to serial communication>
Next, a modified example related to the serial communication described above will be described. In the first embodiment, when an error occurs in reception processing of a certain command or information, the command or information is retransmitted from the sender side, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, as shown in Table 2, when an error occurs in the reception process of two commands, the first command that was normally received before that is discarded, and the first command is sent again. Good. In such a configuration, for example, a command for setting ST on the main side to 0 is transmitted from the payout control device to the main control device side so that the first command is transmitted again from the main control device side.

  Specifically, the reception control unit 2110 discards the one command information temporarily stored in the main side reception information temporary storage unit 2111b when the second command cannot be normally received. Thereafter, the transmission control means 2120 transmits a command for returning the ST on the main side to 0 to the main control board 1000 side. When the payout control side reception control means 1122 receives a command for returning ST to 0 from the payout control board 2000 side, the payout control side payout state temporary storage means 1220 executes processing for returning ST to 0. To do.

<First stop control and second stop control>
Next, the first stop control and the second stop control in the prize ball payout device 60 will be described. FIG. 27 is an operation chart of the motor 50 when the prize ball dispensing device 60 dispenses four prize balls. When it is detected that the game ball 23 has won the winning hole sensor 25 corresponding to the four winning balls, an ON signal is output from the winning hole sensor 25. Then, a winning signal and winning ball number information are sent from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000 side. As a result, the motor 50 starts to rotate at a predetermined pulse rate, rotates the rotating body 62, and starts a prize ball payout process.

  In the first embodiment, the motor 50 is a stepping motor and is driven to rotate by, for example, 1-2 phase excitation. The input of the excitation step is configured such that the motor shaft (and the rotating body 62) makes one round in 96 steps. The rotator 62 pays out a total of six prize balls, three each on the left and right sides, at equal time intervals. That is, one winning ball is paid out every 16 steps of driving. During the 16-step drive, the on / off signal and the off / on signal from the motor sensor 52 are output as a pair.

  In a state before the start of prize ball payout, the rotation position is set such that either the left rotation body 62L or the right rotation body 62R is the initial position. For example, here, an example will be described in which the left rotating body 62L is in the initial position in the state before the prize ball payout start. Each time 16 steps are input to the motor 50 from the start of rotation, prize balls are alternately paid out from the left and right rotating bodies 62. When a total of 4 prize balls are paid out, 16 * 4 = 64 steps from the start of driving. Step driving is performed (see also FIG. 7). Each time the left rotating body 62L is driven for 16 steps from the initial position, the left rotating body 62L is the discharge position and the right rotating body 62R is the initial position, and the next 16 step driving is performed, the left rotating body 62L is the initial position and The state in which one rotator 62 is at the initial position and the other rotator 62 is at the discharge position, such that the right rotator 62R is the discharge position (see also FIG. 5).

  The motor 50 is driven by stop control that stops once every payout of one prize ball. Therefore, the stop control is executed three times while paying out four prize balls, and when the stop control after paying out four balls is combined, the stop control is four times in total. This stop control is a necessary control method from the viewpoint of preventing heat generation of the motor due to continuous operation. Therefore, the stop drive current when the motor 50 is stopped is lower than the rotation drive current when the motor 50 is rotationally driven at a predetermined pulse rate.

  In the prize ball dispensing device 60 according to the first embodiment, three times are executed after the first prize ball is dispensed, after the second prize ball is dispensed, and after the third prize ball is dispensed. In the stop control, the second stop control is selected and executed by the main control board 1000 or the payout control board 2000. The second stop control is control in which the driving of the motor 50 is stopped in a state where the rotating body 62 is at the front position. For example, in the first embodiment, the front position is 8 steps ahead of the initial position (that is, the side closer to the discharge position).

  That is, the motor 50 starts to rotate based on the information on the number of four award balls, and first stops at the position where 16 + 8 = 24 steps are driven. At that time, the payout of the first ball is completed, and the right rotating body 62R has stopped at the front position past the initial position. Then, the motor 50 is stopped by driving for 16 steps. At that time, the second winning ball payout is completed, and the left rotating body 62L is stopped at the front position. Then, the motor 50 is stopped by driving for 16 steps. At that time, the payout of the third ball is completed, and the right rotating body 62R is stopped at the front position. In this way, the second stop control is executed three times for the four winning ball payouts.

  Next, the motor 50 is stopped by driving for 8 steps. At that time, the fourth prize ball payout which is the last prize ball is completed, and the left rotating body 62L is stopped at the initial position (not the front position). In this way, when performing the award ball payout process for a predetermined number of award balls, the second stop control is performed until the rotating body 62 is stopped at the front position until the last award ball. Thereby, the payout timing of the succeeding prize ball that follows thereafter can be advanced, which can contribute to quick prize ball payout. Further, since it has been found that the succeeding prize ball is paid out immediately thereafter, the stop time in the second stop control is about several tens to 100 ms. Therefore, although the stop position is a front position close to the discharge position, there is very little possibility that the prize ball will accidentally fall from the holding portion 63.

  On the other hand, after paying out the fourth ball as the final ball, the first stop control is performed to stop the rotating body 62 at the initial position. After the final ball is paid out, it is unknown whether there is a subsequent prize ball, and it is not known how long the stop time at this stop position will be. Therefore, by stopping the rotating body 62 at the initial position where there is less risk of inadvertent dropping of the prize ball, it contributes to improving the reliability of the payout process. Also, if it is known that there is a subsequent prize ball, the payout process will continue thereafter, so it is necessary to speed up the timing of payout, but if there is no subsequent prize ball, Since the payout process does not continue, there is little need to advance the payout timing. Therefore, in that case, it is not necessary to stop the rotating body 62 at the forward position.

  If the drive current (excitation output) during the rotational drive of the motor 50 is A, the stop drive current (excitation output) during the first stop control is a low current of about A / 3, and an appropriate stop holding force is provided. While ensuring, heat generation is reduced and power is saved. On the other hand, the stop drive current (excitation output) at the time of the second stop control is set to a drive current (excitation output) higher than that at the time of the first stop control, for example, about 2 * A / 3 stop drive current (excitation output). ). As a result, an inadvertent drop of the prize ball while the rotating body 62 is stopped at the front position closer to the release position than the initial position (for example, the prize ball inadvertently falls due to vibration applied to the pachinko machine 2) Situation)) is more reliably prevented. Since the stop time at the front position is very short because there is a succeeding prize ball, there is little concern about heat generation or increase in power consumption.

  In addition, the flowchart of the winning ball payout process of the winning ball payout device 60 according to the first embodiment is shown in FIGS. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the basic flow of a prize ball payout process. First, a winning signal from the winning mouth sensor 25 is input to the main control board 1000 (step 11). Then, a winning signal and winning ball number information are transmitted from the main control board 1000 to the payout control board 2000 (step 12). When the payout control board 2000 receives these pieces of information, a prize ball payout process by the prize ball payout device 60 is started (step 13). Based on the winning ball number information, it is confirmed whether or not the payout process is completed (step 14). If the payout process is not completed, the process loops again to (step 12). If the payout process is complete, the process ends (step 15).

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart for specifically explaining the prize ball payout processing shown in FIG. The payout control board 2000 determines whether or not the prize ball payout process is prohibited based on outputs from various sensors and information from the main control board 1000 (step 21). For example, the prohibition of processing is determined based on sensor outputs of the full detection sensor 24, the ball presence sensor 64, and the like. If the prize ball payout process is not prohibited, the presence / absence of a payout request is confirmed (step 22). This payout request is a winning signal and winning ball number information transmitted from the main control board 1000. If there is no input of such information, the process loops again to (Step 21). If such information is input, the driving of the motor 50 is started (Step 23), and the winning ball payout process is performed. Start.

  Whether or not the motor 50 is rotating normally is determined based on the sensor output of the motor sensor 52 (step 24 and step 26). If normal rotation cannot be detected, the sensor output confirmation of the motor sensor 52 is confirmed. The process is retried (step 25). On the other hand, when the normal rotation of the motor 50 is detected, the winning ball payout process proceeds.

  Here, the number of remaining balls of the payout winning ball is confirmed. If the number of remaining balls is 1 or more (step 27), the second stop control is executed (step 28). By the second stop control, the left or right rotating body 62 is stopped at the front position. Thereafter, the driving of the motor 50 is started again (step 23). On the other hand, when the remaining number of balls becomes 0, that is, after the final prize ball payout is completed, the first stop control is executed (step 29). By this first stop control, the left or right rotating body 62 is stopped at the initial position. Thereafter, the process again proceeds to confirmation of the payout prohibited state (step 21) and confirmation of the presence or absence of a payout request (step 22).

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a procedure for controlling the drive current (excitation output) of the motor 50 in the prize ball payout process. This flowchart corresponds to FIG. 29, but explains the change in the excitation output of the motor 50.

  When the winning ball payout process is started (step 31), the motor 50 is rotationally driven with the excitation output A (this is assumed to be 100%) (step 32, corresponding to step 23). Thereafter, a prize ball payout process is started, and the remaining number of payout prize balls is confirmed (step 33, corresponding to step 27). When the number of remaining balls is one or more, the second stop control is executed (step 34), and the stop excitation output (stop drive current) of the motor 50 at the stop is 66% (2 * A / 3). The value is set (step 35). On the other hand, when the number of remaining balls becomes 0, that is, after the final prize ball payout is completed, the first stop control is executed (step 36), and the stop excitation output (stop drive current) of the motor 50 at the time of the stop is executed. ) Is set to a value of 33% (A / 3) (step 37).

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible within the range of the summary.

  For example, in the above embodiment, when the number of consecutive prize balls is a predetermined number, the stop control after the final prize ball is paid out is the first stop control, and the stop control after the prize balls other than the final prize ball is paid out The case where the second stop control is performed has been described. However, at the time of paying out the final prize ball, a subsequent prize ball payout process is already scheduled, that is, corresponding to the subsequent prize ball payout after completion of the predetermined number (for example, 4) of prize ball payouts. If the winning prize to be paid is already present at the time of the final winning ball payout, and the winning signal and winning ball number information relating to the subsequent winning ball payout are transmitted to the payout control board 2000 side, The second stop control may also be executed for the stop control after the winning ball is paid out.

  Since the payout control board 2000 has already received a winning signal corresponding to the subsequent winning ball payout, it is immediately determined that there is a next winning ball payout process even after the final winning ball payout in the preceding winning ball payout. ing. Therefore, the merit of speeding up the winning ball payout by selecting the second stop control even after the final ball paying out is high, and the time for the final winning ball to stop at the front position is short. There is little fear of it.

A: Drive current C: Card unit 2: Pachinko machine (game machine)
3: Gaming machine frame unit 4: Outer frame 5: Game board unit 6: Game board 6a: Game board surface (surface of the game board)
7: Center character 7a: Effect display device 7b: Display unit 7c: Display pattern 7d: Display opening 8: Speaker 9: Front frame 10: Glass 12: Glass frame 14: Ball tray 14a: Upper ball tray 14b: Lower ball Dish 14c: Ball removal member 15: Launcher handle 16: Game area 17: 1st symbol display device 22: Hinge 23: Game ball 24: Full detection sensor 25: Winning mouth sensor 26: Rail decoration 26a: Outer rail 27: Game Nail 28: Ordinary winning opening (winning area)
29: Start prize opening (winning area)
30: Out entrance 31: Grand prize exit (winning area)
32: decoration member 33: gate 34: windmill 35: main control board case 36: production control board case 37: payout control board case 38: power supply board case 39: external output terminal board 40: game ball storage tank 50: motor (drive) means)
51: Shading plate 52: Motor sensor 60: Prize ball dispensing device 61: Supply passage (first prize ball passage)
61L: Left supply passage 61R: Right supply passage 62: Rotating body (prize ball delivery member)
62L: Left rotator 62R: Right rotator 62b: Rotating shaft 63, 63a to 63c: Holding part (ball receiving part)
64: Sensor with ball (ball presence sensor, detection means)
64L: sensor with left sphere 64R: sensor with right sphere 64a: detection piece 64b: detection unit 65: payout passage (second prize ball passage)
65a: Outlet 66: Pass sensor (detection means)
130: state display unit 190: sound / game effect lamp 201: lottery means 203: symbol determining means 204: holding storage means 205: symbol display control means 206: prize ball determining means 206a: prize ball number storage means 207: pattern storage means 207a: Symbol pattern table 207d: Symbol variation display pattern table 208: Entry determination unit 209: Special game control unit 212: Error processing unit 221: Effect determination unit 222: Effect control unit 223: Effect pattern storage unit 223a: Decoration symbol variation Display pattern table 1000: main control board (part of control means)
1050: Game control unit 1100: Transmission / reception control unit 1110: Transmission control unit 1111a: Transmission command setting unit 1111b: Transmission command management unit 1113a: Temporary storage area for first command 1114: HC side transmission control unit 1114a: Scheduled payout number addition unit 1114b : Planned payout number subtracting means 1114c: Scheduled payout number related counter 1120: Reception control means 1121a: Game side information temporary storage means 1122: Payout control side reception control means 1122a: Payout control side received data management means 1122b: Control side received data temporarily Storage means 1200: Transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1210: Control side transmission / reception state temporary storage means 1220: Discharge control side payout state temporary storage means 1300: Normal transmission determination means 1310: Communication time management means 1311: Timer 1400: Error control means 500: Backup unit 1510: Backup information temporary storage means 1520: backup power supply unit 1600: performance control board 2000 (part of the control means) dispensing control board
2100: Transmission / reception control unit 2110: Reception control unit 2111: Main side reception control unit 2111a: Main side reception data management unit 2112 Card unit side reception control unit 2112a: Unit side reception data management unit 2112b: Unit side reception information temporary storage unit 2120 : Transmission control means 2200: error control means 2220: error flag management means 2221: error flag temporary storage means 2300: payout control means 2310: payout information temporary storage means 2320: payout processing related information temporary storage means 2321: payout state flag temporary storage Means 2322: payout counter 2325: ball passage waiting time counter 2326: divided payout number temporary storage means 2340: payout abnormality determination means 2350: wait time control means 3000: sub control board 4000: sub sub control board

Claims (1)

A game board unit provided with a game area for realizing a game based on the flow of game balls;
A gaming machine frame unit containing the gaming board unit;
A prize ball payout device that executes a predetermined number of prize ball payouts corresponding to the winnings based on the winning of the gaming balls in the winning areas arranged in the gaming area;
A gaming machine having control means for controlling the operation of the prize ball payout device,
The prize ball payout device is:
A first prize ball passage for guiding the prize ball to the downstream side;
A ball receiving portion for receiving one of the prize balls guided from the first prize ball passage, and releasing the prize ball from the first position for receiving the prize ball in the ball receiving portion; A prize ball sending member that sequentially receives and releases the prize balls one by one in the ball receiving part by moving to the third position, and sends a predetermined number of the prize balls one by one downstream;
A second prize ball path for guiding the prize ball delivered from the prize ball delivery member to the downstream side;
Driving means for driving the receiving operation and the receiving operation of the prize ball by the prize ball delivery member,
The control means is
Between the payout of the first prize ball and the payout of the subsequent second prize ball, it is possible to execute stop control for temporarily stopping the operation of the prize ball delivery member by the driving means,
In the stop control,
A first stop control in which the stop position when the operation of the prize ball delivery member is stopped is the first position;
Selectively execute der second stop control, which is the second position between the stopping position during the stop of the operation of that prize ball delivery member and the first position and the third position is,
The stop holding force of the drive means at the time of stop drive in the second stop control is
A gaming machine in which the stop holding force of the drive means during stop driving during the first stop control is made larger .

Images