JP5493338B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  A pachinko gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine, is provided with a storage tank for storing game balls inside the pachinko gaming machine, for example. The game balls stored in the storage tank are guided to the ball tray on the front portion of the gaming machine through the guide passage portion. Further, a payout execution means such as a rotating body is provided at a midway position of the guide passage portion, and the game ball guided by the guide passage portion is temporarily stopped by the payout execution means.

  The payout executing means is electrically connected to the control device. And, for example, in a configuration in which a game ball has entered a ball-entry unit provided in a game area, or in a configuration in which a ball rental device such as a CR unit is provided, a rental operation is performed on the ball rental device. Then, the payout number information is stored in the control device, and the payout execution means is driven and controlled by the control device so as to execute the payout operation, whereby the game ball that has been stopped is paid out to the ball tray.

Further, a payout ball detection sensor (payout detection means) is provided on the downstream side of the payout execution means, and a game ball derived downstream by the payout operation of the payout execution means is detected by the payout ball detection sensor. . Based on the detection result of the payout ball detection sensor, the control device grasps the number of game balls that have been paid out, and when the number of game balls corresponding to the payout number information is paid out, the payout of the payout execution means The operation is terminated (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2007-14660 A

Here, in a gaming machine such as the above-described example, an act of illegally accepting the payout of the game medium by cheating on the payout detection means is assumed, and there is a configuration capable of appropriately dealing with the cheating act. It has been demanded.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, etc., and is appropriate for an act of illegally receiving a game medium payout by cheating on a detection means for specifying the game medium payout. The object is to provide a game machine that can be dealt with .

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a game medium passage section that guides a game medium toward a storage section provided on a front portion of the gaming machine,
Payout execution means for paying out game media toward the storage section through the game medium passage section;
A payout detecting means for detecting the passage of a game medium in a medium passage area set at a midway position of the game medium passage portion;
In a gaming machine in which payout of a game medium is specified based on a detection result of the payout detection means,
The game medium passage portion is
A passage direction different region provided downstream of the medium passage region and formed to have a passage direction different from the passage direction of the medium passage region;
A fraudulent tool for fraudulently preventing the passage of the game medium and preventing the passage of the game medium while preventing the passage of the game medium in the game medium passage portion is at least a predetermined area of the passage direction difference region. A structure for restricting insertion upstream of the position;
A wide area provided downstream of the position where insertion of the unauthorized tool is restricted, and having a wider passage width than the restricted position;
With
The wide region is formed so as not to overlap the entire range in which the outlet portion of the medium passage region is extended downstream in the passage direction of the medium passage region ,
The gaming machine includes radio wave detection means for detecting radio waves,
The radio wave detection means can detect an illegal radio wave output at an output intensity that can reach the payout detection means from the unauthorized tool placed at a position where insertion to the upstream side is regulated by the regulating structure. It is provided in the position .

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to cope appropriately with the act which tries to receive payout of a game medium illegally by cheating on the detection means which specifies payout of a game medium .

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a “pachinko machine”), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing an unfolded main configuration of the pachinko machine 10. In FIG. 2, the configuration in the game area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

  The pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine main body 12 that is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to be rotatable forward. The outer frame 11 is configured by connecting wooden plates to four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a ball lending device (for example, CR unit) Y is provided on the side of the outer frame 11. A card insertion slot H is provided on the front side of the ball lending device Y so that a number of game balls corresponding to the amount stored in the card can be lent by inserting the card into the card insertion slot H. It has become. In addition, what is inserted into the ball lending device Y when receiving the lending of the game ball is not limited to the card, and may be cash or a coin in which cash information is stored.

  The gaming machine main body 12 includes an inner frame 13, a front door frame 14 disposed in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 disposed behind the inner frame 13. The inner frame 13 of the gaming machine main body 12 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the outer frame 11. Specifically, the inner frame 13 can be rotated forward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation front end side in front view.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the front door frame 14 is rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and can be rotated forward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation front end side in a front view. It is said that. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a backpack unit 15 is rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and when viewed from the front, the left side is the rotation base end side and the right side is the rotation front end side. It is possible to move.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine main body 12 is provided with a locking device 16 at its rotating tip, and the gaming machine main body 12 is locked to the outer frame 11 so that it cannot be opened. And has a function of locking the front door frame 14 to the inner frame 13 so that the front door frame 14 cannot be opened. Each of these locked states is released by performing an unlocking operation using the unlocking key on the cylinder lock 17 that is exposed on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10.

  Next, the configuration of the front side of the gaming machine body 12 will be described.

  The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 21 whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11. As shown in FIG. 2, a front door frame opening switch (front body opening detecting means) that detects whether or not the front door frame 14 is opened (or closed) is disposed on the upper portion of the resin base 21. 22 is provided. The front door frame opening switch 22 has a pin that can protrude and retract from the front surface of the resin base 21. When the front door frame 14 is closed with respect to the inner frame 13, the pin is pushed in and the front door frame 14 is closed. When the front door frame 14 is opened with respect to the inner frame 13, the pin returns to the protruding position and the opening of the front door frame 14 is detected.

  Incidentally, the front door frame opening switch 22 outputs a HI level signal as a front door frame opening signal to a main controller 91 described later when the front door frame 14 is in an open state, and the front door frame 14 is in a closed state. In this case, a LOW level signal is output. However, the signal output mode is not limited to this, and the relationship between the HI level signal and the LOW level signal may be reversed.

  A substantially elliptical window hole 23 is formed at the center of the resin base 21. A game board 24 is detachably attached to the resin base 21. The game board 24 is made of plywood, and a game area formed on the front surface of the game board 24 is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 23 of the resin base 21.

  Here, the structure of the game board 24 is demonstrated based on FIG. The game board 24 is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the front-rear direction by being subjected to router processing. Each opening is provided with a general winning port 31, a variable winning device 32, an upper operating port 33, a lower operating port 34, a through gate 35, a variable display unit 36, and the like. Three general winning ports 31 are provided, two on the left side of the game board 24 and one on the right side of the game board 24.

  When a game ball enters the general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, and the operation ports 33 and 34, it is detected by a detection sensor (not shown) disposed on the back side of the game board 24, and based on the detection result. Then, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. The game ball is a steel ball and has a diameter of about 11 mm.

  In addition, an out port 37 is provided at the lowermost part of the game board 24, and game balls that have not entered various winning ports etc. are discharged from the game area through the out port 37. The game board 24 is provided with a large number of nails 38 in order to disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game ball as appropriate, and various members (functions) such as a windmill.

  The variable display unit 36 is provided with a symbol display device 41 for variably displaying symbols with a winning at the operation ports 33 and 34 as a trigger. The variable display unit 36 is provided with a center frame 42 so as to surround the symbol display device 41. A first specific lamp portion 43 and a second specific lamp portion 44 are provided on the center frame 42. Reserving lamp portions 45 and 46 are provided at the upper and lower portions of the center frame 42, respectively. The lower holding lamp unit 45 corresponds to the symbol display device 41 and the first specific lamp unit 43, and the number of times that the game ball has passed through the operation ports 33 and 34 is held up to four times and the holding lamp unit 45 The number of hold is displayed by lighting. The upper holding lamp unit 46 corresponds to the second specific lamp unit 44, and the number of times that the game ball has passed through the through gate 35 is held up to four times, and the number of the holding balls is displayed by turning on the holding lamp unit 46. It has become so.

  The symbol display device 41 is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display, and display contents are controlled by a display control device described later. On the symbol display device 41, for example, symbols are displayed side by side on the left, middle and right, and these symbols are variably displayed as they are scrolled up and down. When a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on a preset active line, a special gaming state (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot) occurs.

  In the first specific lamp unit 43, the emission color is switched in a predetermined order triggered by a winning at the operation ports 33 and 34, and a big hit is generated when the display is stopped in a predetermined color. Further, in the second specific lamp unit 44, when the winning color of the game ball to the through gate 35 is used as a trigger, the emission color is switched in a predetermined order, and when the stop color is displayed in a predetermined color, the lower operation port The electric accessory 34a accompanying 34 is opened for a predetermined time.

  The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won or is difficult to win, and is switched to a predetermined open state in which a game ball is easy to win in the case of a big win. As an opening mode of the variable prize winning device 32, the variable prize winning device 32 is repeated with a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, ten) of winnings as one round and a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) as an upper limit. What is opened is common.

  An inner rail portion 51 and an outer rail portion 52 are attached to the game board 24, and a guide rail is constituted by the inner rail portion 51 and the outer rail portion 52, and a game launched from the game ball launching mechanism 53. A ball is guided to the upper part of the game area. As shown in FIG. 2, the game ball launching mechanism 53 is attached below the window hole 23 in the resin base 21. The game ball launching mechanism 53 is operated by operating a firing handle 54 provided on the front door frame 14. Operation is performed.

  A front door frame 14 is provided so as to cover the entire front side of the inner frame 13. As shown in FIG. 1, the front door frame 14 is formed with a window portion 61 so that almost the entire game area can be viewed from the front. The window part 61 has a substantially elliptical shape and is fitted with a glass 62 having transparency. Around the window 61, light emitting means such as various lamps are provided. An error display lamp part 63 is provided above the window part 61 as a part of the various lamp parts. In addition, on both the left and right sides of the error display lamp unit 63, speaker units 64 are provided for outputting sound effects corresponding to the gaming state.

  Below the window portion 61 in the front door frame 14, an upper bulging portion 65 and a lower bulging portion 66 that bulge to the near side are provided side by side. As shown in FIG. 1, a ball lending operation device 71 is disposed in the upper bulging portion 65. The ball lending operation device 71 is provided with a ball lending button 72, a return button 73, and a frequency display unit 74. In a state where a card or the like is inserted into the ball lending device Y, the ball lending operation device 71 can perform a ball lending operation, a card return operation, and confirmation of the card frequency. That is, the ball lending button 72 is operated to obtain a lending ball based on information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium), and the lending ball is paid out as long as there is a remaining amount on the card or the like. The return button 73 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the ball lending apparatus Y. The frequency display unit 74 displays remaining amount information such as a card.

  An upper pan 81 that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 65, and a lower pan 82 that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 66. The upper plate 81 has a function of temporarily storing game balls paid out from a payout device described later and guiding them to the game ball launching mechanism 53 side while aligning them in a row. In addition, the lower tray 82 has a function of storing game balls that are surplus in the upper tray 81.

  Here, in the pachinko machine 10, the window portion 61, the upper plate 81, and the lower plate 82 are integrated with the front door frame 14. In the conventional pachinko machine, at least the window part and the lower plate are provided as separate units, and the window part can be rotated independently with respect to the lower plate. There was a boundary between the units. In this case, an illegal act performed by inserting an illegal tool from the boundary is assumed. In addition, a fraud suppression structure can be provided at the boundary between the units in order to suppress such fraud, but this leads to a complicated configuration. Further, it is not preferable in design that a boundary is generated in the front portion of the pachinko machine. On the other hand, since the window part 61, the upper plate 81, and the lower plate 82 are integrated with the front door frame 14 as described above, a boundary is generated between the window unit 61 and the lower plate 82. And the above inconvenience is suppressed.

  The game balls paid out from the payout device 114 (see FIG. 6) of the back pack unit 15 are discharged to the upper plate 81 and the lower plate 82 through a passage forming unit 83 provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14. As shown in FIG. 5, the passage forming unit 83 is formed with a front door side upper tray passage 84 that communicates with the upper tray 81 and a front door side lower tray passage 85 that communicates with the lower tray 82.

  The front door side upper dish passage 84 and the front door side lower dish passage 85 are each communicated with each inner frame side passage (not shown) provided in the inner frame 13. Each of the inner frame side passages communicates with a dispensing device 114 provided in the back pack unit 15. In this case, in the back pack unit 15, a game ball distribution unit described later is provided on the downstream side of the payout device 114, and the upper plate 81 is in a full state from the position of the game ball distribution unit to the entrance of the upper plate 81. When the game balls are filled, the game balls paid out from the payout device 114 thereafter are distributed to the lower plate 82 side by the game ball distribution unit.

  When the front door frame 14 is rotated forward with respect to the inner frame 13, the front door side upper dish passage 84 and the front door side lower dish passage 85 are separated from the inner frame side passages. In this case, each inner frame side passage is closed by an opening / closing member 86 provided in the inner frame 13. As shown in FIG. 2, the opening / closing member 86 is supported by a support shaft 87 provided at the lower end of the opening / closing member 86 so as to be pivotable in the front-rear direction, and further urged to a front position where each inner frame side passage is closed. An urging member is provided. Therefore, in a state where the front door frame 14 is opened with respect to the inner frame 13, the opening / closing member 86 rises as shown in the drawing and closes each inner frame side passage. In the state where the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 86 is pushed open against the urging force by the passage forming unit 83 of the front door frame 14.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the passage forming unit 83 is provided with a full tank detection sensor 88 so as to detect a game ball passing through the front door side lower dish passage 85. The full tank detection sensor 88 is configured by a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and a change in the magnetic field (or magnetic field) when the game ball passes through the detection range is detected and output as an electric signal. Note that the full tank detection sensor 88 is not limited to a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and may be any as long as it can detect a game ball. For example, a photo sensor or a limit sensor may be used. .

  The full tank detection sensor 88 outputs an electrical signal to the payout control device 141 (see FIG. 6) of the back pack unit 15. Specifically, a LOW level signal is output when a game ball is not detected, and an HI level signal is output when a game ball is detected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which a HI level signal is output when a game ball is not detected, and a LOW level signal is output when a game ball is detected. It is good also as a structure which outputs an electrical signal only in the state which is detecting.

  In the dispensing control device 141, it is determined whether or not the lower pan 82 is full based on the detection result of the full tank detection sensor 88, and when it is determined that the lower pan 82 is full, the dispensing device 114. Stop paying out game balls. As a result, when the lower tray 82 is in a full tank state and game balls are connected to the position of the full tank detection sensor 88 in the front door side lower tray passage 85, payout of further game balls is stopped.

  Next, the configuration on the back side of the gaming machine main body 12 will be described. In the following description, FIG. 6 is appropriately referred to in addition to FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view of the back pack unit 15.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a main controller 91 and an audio lamp controller 92 are mounted on the back of the inner frame 13 (specifically, the game board 24). The main control device 91 includes a main control board having a function (main control circuit) that controls the main control of the game and a function (power failure monitoring circuit) that monitors the power supply, and the main control board is a transparent resin material. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box 93 made of or the like. The sound lamp control device 92 includes a sound lamp control board that controls sound and lamp display and control of a display control device (not shown) according to instructions from the main control device 91. The sound lamp control board is made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box 94 is configured to be accommodated.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 101, and a payout mechanism unit 102 and a control device assembly unit 103 are attached to the back pack 101. The back pack 101 is formed of a synthetic resin having transparency, and has a protective cover portion 104 that protrudes rearward and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape so as to cover the sound lamp control device 92 and the like from the rear.

  The payout mechanism unit 102 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover unit 104. The payout mechanism portion 102 is disposed at the top of the back pack 101 and is replenished with a tank 111 that is sequentially replenished with game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall, and gently inclines from below the tank 111 toward the downstream side. A tank rail 112, a case rail 113 connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 112 and extending in the vertical direction, and a dispensing device 114 provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 113 are provided.

  The case rail 113 is provided with a ball non-detection sensor 115 so as to detect a game ball connected from the tank 111 to the payout device 114 through a passage in the case rail 113. The ball non-detection sensor 115 is configured by a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and a change in the magnetic field when the game ball passes through the detection range is detected and output as an electric signal. The ball non-detection sensor 115 is not limited to a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and may be any as long as it can detect a game ball. For example, a photo sensor or a limit sensor may be used. .

  The ballless detection sensor 115 outputs an electrical signal to the payout control device 141. Specifically, a LOW level signal is output when a game ball is not detected, and an HI level signal is output when a game ball is detected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which a HI level signal is output when a game ball is not detected, and a LOW level signal is output when a game ball is detected. It is good also as a structure which outputs an electrical signal only in the state which is detecting.

  In the payout control device 141, it is determined whether or not the tank 111 is in a no-ball state based on the detection result of the no-ball detection sensor 115. Stop paying out balls. This prevents the dispensing device 114 from continuing to operate even though the tank 111 is in a ball-free state.

  The case rail 113 is provided with a ball removal operation switch 116. For example, when the game balls stored in the tank 111 are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10, the ball removal operation switch 116 is pressed when all the game balls on the case rail 113 are also discharged, and the case rail 113 and its downstream side. The game balls stored in the game can be discharged.

  In the payout device 114, game balls are paid out. Here, the configuration of the payout device 114 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a passage structure formed in the dispensing device 114.

  The payout device 114 includes a housing 121 made of synthetic resin, and a payout passage 122 through which a game ball supplied from the case rail 113 passes is formed in the housing 121. An accommodation portion 123 whose passage width is widened to the left and right is provided in an intermediate portion of the payout passage 122, and the rotating body 124 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 123. The center of the rotating body 124 is fixed to the output shaft 125 a of the payout motor 125. It should be noted that at least the upstream side and the downstream side of the accommodating portion 123 in the payout passage 122 have a cylindrical shape (or a tubular shape) by being surrounded by a passage wall, and further, in the central axis (or the passage direction). On the other hand, the cross section in the direction perpendicular to the cross section is circular.

  The payout motor 125 is constituted by a stepping motor, and the output shaft 125a is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction (clockwise or counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 7). The payout motor 125 is controlled by an MPU provided in the payout control device 141 through a motor driver provided in the payout control device 141. Specifically, when the MPU is given a one-pulse drive signal (also referred to as an excitation signal or an excitation pulse; the same applies hereinafter) to the motor driver, the excitation state of the payout motor 125 is switched, and the output shaft 125a advances one step. The payout motor 125 is set so that the output shaft 125a advances 60 steps when the drive signal of 60 pulses is given from the MPU, and the output shaft 125a rotates once. Then, when the output shaft 125a rotates once, that is, when a driving signal of 60 pulses is output from the MPU of the payout control device 141, the rotating body 124 rotates once.

  On the periphery of the rotating body 124, concave portions 124a are formed at two positions at intervals of 180 °. The recess 124a has a curved surface, and the curvature thereof is approximately the same as the curvature of the game ball. In addition, the distance between the portion between the recesses 124a on the periphery of the rotating body 124 and the passage wall of the storage portion 123 is shorter than the diameter dimension of the game ball, whereas the passage between the recess 124a and the storage portion 123. The distance to the wall is longer than the diameter dimension of the game ball. As a result, when the game ball flowing down the payout passage 122 reaches the recess 124 a of the rotating body 124, the gaming ball is led to the downstream side as the rotating body 124 rotates.

  Here, as described above, since the 60-pulse drive signal is output from the MPU of the payout control device 141 so that the rotating body 124 makes one rotation, the rotating body 124 is formed with recesses 124a at two locations at intervals of 180 °. In the configuration, one game ball is led out to the downstream side by the rotating body 124 and then a 30-pulse drive signal is given to the payout motor 125, whereby the next game ball is led out to the downstream side. It should be noted that the number of pulses of the drive signal necessary for one rotation of the rotating body 124 and the drive signal required for the next game ball to be derived downstream after one game ball is derived downstream. The number of pulses is not limited to the above and is arbitrary.

  A payout ball detection sensor 126 having a substantially flat plate shape is installed in the payout passage 122 at a position downstream of the housing portion 123. The payout ball detection sensor 126 is configured by a known electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor, and converts a magnetic field change caused by the game ball passing through the through hole 127a of the detection unit 127 into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal. The payout ball detection sensor 126 is electrically connected to the payout control device 141, and the payout control device 141 can confirm the number of game balls led out to the downstream side of the rotating body 124 by the payout ball detection sensor 126. It is like that.

  The game balls paid out from the payout device 114 are supplied to the game ball distribution unit 128 provided in the back pack 101. The game ball distribution unit 128 has a plurality of openings arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and the inner opening communicates with the upper plate 81 via the front door side upper plate passage 84 described above. Is communicated with the lower plate 82 via the front door side lower plate passage 85 described above. The game balls dispensed from the dispensing device 114 are distributed to any one of the upper plate 81, the lower plate 82, and the discharge passage by the game ball distribution unit 128.

  A backpack substrate 131 is installed in the dispensing mechanism unit 102. The back pack substrate 131 is supplied with, for example, a main power of 24 volts AC, and is turned on or off by a switching operation of the power switch 132.

  The back pack 101 is provided with an external terminal plate 133 at the upper right portion thereof. The external terminal board 133 is provided with various output terminals, and various signals are output to the management control device on the game hall side through these output terminals.

  Further, the back pack 101 is provided with an inner frame opening switch 134 for detecting whether the inner frame 13 is opened (or closed) outside the external terminal plate 133. When the inner frame 13 is closed with respect to the outer frame 11, the metal contact of the switch 134 is closed and the closing of the inner frame 13 is detected. When the inner frame 13 is opened with respect to the outer frame 11, the metal contact is opened. The opening of the inner frame 13 is detected.

  Incidentally, the inner frame opening switch 134 outputs a HI level signal as an inner frame opening signal to the main controller 91 when the inner frame 13 is in an open state, and a LOW level signal when the inner frame 13 is in a closed state. Is output. However, the signal output mode is not limited to this, and the relationship between the HI level signal and the LOW level signal may be reversed.

  A control device collective unit 103 is attached to the lower end of the back pack 101. The control device assembly unit 103 includes a payout control device 141, a power source / launch control device 142, and a ball rental connection terminal plate 143. The payout control device 141, the power supply / launch control device 142, and the ball lending connection terminal plate 143 have the payout control device 141 and the ball lend connection terminal plate 143 behind the pachinko machine 10 and the power supply / launch control device 142 becomes the pachinko machine 10. They are placed one behind the other so as to be in front. Note that the above-described discharge passage is formed in the control device assembly unit 103.

  The payout control device 141 is configured such that a payout control substrate for controlling the payout device 114 is accommodated in a substrate box 144 made of a transparent resin material or the like. In addition, the payout control device 141 is provided with a state return switch 145. For example, when the state return switch 145 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout device 114, the ball jam is eliminated. Further, a 7-segment display 146 is mounted on the payout control board, and the display content of the 7-segment display 146 can be visually recognized through the board box 144 by opening the inner frame 13 with respect to the outer frame 11. ing.

  The power source and launch control device 142 generates predetermined power required by various control devices and the like, and the power source and launch control board that controls the launch of the game ball in accordance with the operation of the launch handle 54 by the player is made of a transparent resin material, etc. The board box 147 is configured to be accommodated. The power supply and launch control device 142 is provided with a RAM erase switch 148. This pachinko machine 10 has a function to store and store various data so that even if a power failure occurs, it maintains the state at the time of the power failure, and when it recovers from the power failure, it can be restored to the state at the time of the power failure. It has become. Therefore, for example, when the power supply is turned off in the normal procedure, as in the case of the game hall being closed, the state before the turn-off is stored and held. However, when the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 148, the RAM data is initialized. It is like that.

  The ball lending connection terminal plate 143 is electrically connected to the ball lending device Y, the payout control device 141, and the ball lending operation device 71 on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10, and mainly takes a command of a ball lending operation by a player and uses it. This is output to the payout control device 141.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 8, a power supply line is indicated by a double line arrow, and a signal line is indicated by a solid line arrow.

  A main control board 201 provided in the main controller 91 includes a main control circuit 202 and a power failure monitoring circuit 203 (power failure monitoring circuit). An MPU 211 is mounted on the main control circuit 202.

  The MPU 211 temporarily stores various control programs executed by the MPU 211 and a ROM 212 (nonvolatile storage means) that stores fixed value data, and various data when the control program stored in the ROM 212 is executed. A RAM 213 (volatile storage means) that is a memory for storing, and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data input / output circuit are incorporated. Note that some or all of the MPU 211, the ROM 212, and the RAM 213 may be provided as separate chips.

  The RAM 213 is configured to store and hold information even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut off, by supplying storage holding power from the power supply and launch control board 221 provided in the power supply and launch control device 142.

  The MPU 211 is provided with an input port and an output port. Note that an input / output port may be provided, and input / output may be appropriately changed in the MPU 211. The same applies to other MPUs described later.

  On the input side of the MPU 211, a power failure monitoring circuit 203 provided on the main control board 201, a payout control board 222 provided on the payout control device 141, and other sensor groups (not shown) are connected. In this case, a power supply and launch control board 221 is connected to the power failure monitoring circuit 203, and power is supplied to the MPU 211 (main control circuit 202) via the power failure monitoring circuit 203. In addition, as a part of the switch group, a plurality of detection sensors provided in the ball entrance such as the operation ports 33 and 34 and the variable prize winning device 32 are connected, and the MPU 211 of the main control device 91 connects to the ball entrance. An entry determination is made. Further, the MPU 211 executes the jackpot occurrence determination based on the entrance to the operation ports 33 and 34 in the entrance portion.

  Here, an electrical configuration for determining the occurrence of a jackpot in the MPU 211 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The MPU 211 uses various counter information during the game to perform jackpot lottery, setting the emission color of the first specific lamp unit 43, setting the symbol display of the symbol display device 41, and so on. The jackpot random number counter C1 used for the lottery, the jackpot type counter C2 used for determining the jackpot type such as the probability variation jackpot or the normal jackpot, and the reach random number counter used for the reach lottery when the symbol display device 41 is moved out of the way. C3, the random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, the first variation type counter CS1 used for variation pattern selection of the symbol display device 41, and the first specific lamp unit 43. A second variation type for determining the period for switching colors and the variation display time of the symbols in the symbol display device 41 A counter CS2, is set to be used and off the symbol counter C4 is used to set the combination of off-design.

  Among these, the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS1, and CS2 are loop counters that each add 1 to the previous value and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Further, the out symbol counter C4 is configured such that the register value is added using the R register (refresh register) in the MPU 211, and as a result, the numerical value changes randomly. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 213. The RAM 213 is provided with a holding ball storage buffer including one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas). In each of these areas, a game to the operation ports 33 and 34 is provided. The values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 are stored in time series in accordance with the ball entry history.

  For details of each counter, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that, for example, 1 is sequentially added within a range of 0 to 676, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 676), it returns to 0. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the big hit random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 676). The big hit random number counter C1 is periodically updated, and stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 213 at the timing when the game ball enters the operation ports 33 and 34.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 49, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 49) and then returns to 0. In the present embodiment, the jackpot type counter C2 determines whether the probability change state or the normal state is set after the jackpot is finished. The jackpot type counter C2 is periodically updated, and stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 213 at the timing when the game ball enters the operation ports 33 and 34.

  For example, the reach random number counter C3 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 238, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 238) and then returns to 0. The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated and stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 213 at the timing when the game ball enters the operation ports 33 and 34.

  The first variation type counter CS1 is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 198, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 198) and then returns to 0. The second variation type counter CS2 includes, for example, Within the range of 0 to 240, 1 is added in order, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 240), it returns to 0.

  The display mode of the symbol display device 41 such as the reach type and other rough symbol variation modes is determined by the first variation type counter CS1. Further, the switching display time as a period for switching the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 43 is determined by the second variation type counter CS2. This switching display time corresponds to the symbol fluctuation display time of the symbol display device 41. Both variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once every time a normal process to be described later is executed once, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer values of both variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are acquired at the time of starting the switching of the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 43 and at the time of determining the variation pattern at the time of symbol variation start by the symbol display device 41.

  The off symbol counter C4 is used to determine a stop symbol in the left row symbol, middle row symbol, and right column symbol when the big hit lottery is missed, and a predetermined range of counter values is prepared. The out symbol counter C4 is updated in the normal processing, and the value of the out symbol counter C4 is stored in either the front / rear out / reach symbol buffer of the RAM 213, the non-front / rear out reach reach symbol buffer, or the completely out symbol symbol buffer. Then, when determining the variation pattern at the start of symbol variation, one of the buffer values of the front / rear reach symbol buffer, the reach / reject symbol buffer other than front / rear out, and the completely out symbol buffer is acquired according to the value of the reach random number counter C3.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 8, the power failure monitoring circuit 203, the payout control board 222, and the relay terminal board 223 are connected to the output side of the MPU 211. Various commands such as a prize ball command are output to the payout control board 222. Various commands and the like are output from the main control circuit 202 to the sound lamp control board 224 provided in the sound lamp control device 92 via the relay terminal plate 223.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 203 relays between the main control circuit 202 and the power supply and launch control board 221, and monitors a DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply and launch control board 221. When this voltage becomes less than 22 volts, it is determined that the power supply has been cut off, and a power failure signal is transmitted to the main control circuit 202.

  The payout control board 222 performs payout control of prize balls and the like by the payout device 114. The MPU 231 which is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 232 storing a control program executed by the MPU 231 and fixed value data, and a RAM 233 used as a work memory. Note that some or all of the MPU 231, the ROM 232, and the RAM 233 may be provided as separate chips.

  The MPU 231 of the payout control board 222 is provided with an input port and an output port. The main control circuit 202, the power source and launch control board 221, and the backpack board 131 are connected to the input side of the MPU 231. Further, the main control circuit 202 and the backpack substrate 131 are connected to the output side of the MPU 231.

  The power and launch control board 221 includes a power-on power supply unit 221a and a launch control unit 221b. The power-on power supply unit 221a is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a game hall or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, necessary operating power is generated for each of the main control circuit 202, the payout control board 222, etc., and the generated operating power is indicated by a double line arrow. This is supplied to the main control circuit 202 and the payout control board 222 through the path. As its outline, the power-on power supply unit 221a takes in the AC 24 volt power supplied via the back pack substrate 131, + 12V power for driving various sensors, motors, etc., + 5V power for logic, etc. And supplies these + 12V power and + 5V power to the main control circuit 202, the payout control board 222, and the like.

  The launch control unit 221b is responsible for launch control of the game ball launch mechanism 53 according to the operation of the launch handle 54 by the player, and the game ball launch mechanism 53 is driven when predetermined launch conditions are met.

  The power source and launch control board 221 is equipped with a power source unit 221c for power interruption. The power-off power supply unit 221c is composed of a capacitor. When the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is in an ON state (when power is supplied from an external power supply), the power supplied from the power-on power supply unit 221a Charged. Further, when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is in an OFF state or in a power cut-off state such as when a power failure occurs in a commercial power supply (when power supply from an external power supply is cut off), the main power unit 221c is discharged from the power cut-off. Memory holding power is supplied to the RAM 213 of the control board 201. Therefore, even in such a situation, the information stored in the RAM 213 is stored and held without being erased while the power for storing and holding is supplied from the power supply unit 221c for power interruption.

  Incidentally, the capacity of the power supply unit 221c for power interruption is secured relatively large, and information stored in the RAM 213 before the power supply is cut off is retained within a predetermined period (for example, 1 day or 2 days). The power supply unit for power interruption is not limited to a capacitor, and may be a battery or a non-rechargeable battery. In the case of a non-rechargeable battery, it is not necessary to store power in the power supply means for power interruption when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is ON, but it is necessary to replace it periodically.

  The power supply and launch control board 221 is provided with a power supply unit for power failure processing different from the power supply unit for power interruption 221c. In the power supply and launch control board 221, even after the DC stable 24 volt power supply becomes less than 22 volts, the power supply unit for power failure processing discharges for a time sufficient for execution of power failure processing described later. The output of 5 volts, which is the drive power source for the control system, is configured to maintain a normal value. Thereby, the main control circuit 202 or the like can normally execute and complete the power failure process.

  The sound lamp control board 224 controls the error display lamp unit 63, the speaker unit 64, and the display control device 225. The MPU 241 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 242 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 241, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 243 that is used as a work memory and the like.

  The MPU 241 of the sound lamp control board 224 is provided with an input port and an output port. The main control circuit 202 is connected to the input side of the MPU 241 via the relay terminal board 223 and based on various commands output from the main control circuit 202, the error display lamp unit 63, the speaker unit 64, and the display The control device 225 is controlled. The display control device 225 controls the symbol display device 41 based on a display command input from the sound lamp control board 224.

  Next, each control process executed by the MPU 211 of the main control board 201 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The processing of the MPU 211 is roughly divided into a main processing that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec), and a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For convenience of explanation, the NMI interrupt process and the timer interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described.

  FIG. 10 shows NMI interrupt processing, which is executed when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 203 to the NMI terminal of the MPU 211, and the MPU 211 interrupts the current control and starts the NMI interrupt processing. . In the NMI interrupt processing, the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage area provided in the RAM 213 in step S101, and this processing is terminated. Thereafter, when it is confirmed that the power failure flag is stored in the normal processing described later, the power failure processing is executed.

  Next, timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S201, a reading process is executed. In the reading process, a signal reading process from a ball detection sensor provided individually for the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating opening 33, the lower operating opening 34 and the through gate 35 is executed, and the reading result is obtained. To determine whether or not there is a ball entering each ball club. Specifically, in the reading process, a signal (for example, a LOW level signal) corresponding to the fact that the game ball is not detected in any one process is confirmed, and the game is performed in the subsequent two processes. When a signal (for example, an HI level signal) corresponding to the detection of a ball is continuously confirmed, it is specified that a game ball has entered the ball entry unit corresponding to the detection sensor.

  Thereafter, in step S202, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. In subsequent step S203, the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are updated. Thereafter, a start winning process is executed in step S204.

  In the start winning process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the operating port flag is stored in the operating port flag storage area of the RAM 213, whereby the game ball is operated as the operating port 33. , 34 is determined whether or not a prize (starting prize) has been won. If it is determined that the game ball has won the operating holes 33, 34, in the subsequent step S302, the number N of the operation reserved balls of the first specific lamp unit 43 and the symbol display device 41 is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). It is determined whether or not there is. The process proceeds to step S303 on the condition that there is a winning at the operation ports 33 and 34 and the number N of activated balls is <4, and 1 is added to the number N of activated balls. Note that the operation port flag is deleted after the process of step S303. In the subsequent step S304, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 updated in step S203 are stored in the first area among the free storage areas of the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 213. Then, after the start winning process, the MPU 211 once ends the timer interrupt process.

  Next, the main process that is started upon reset at power-on will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S401, a startup process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, in order to wait for the slave control board (such as the payout control board 222) to become operable, it waits for about 500 msec, for example.

  In the subsequent step S402, it is determined whether or not 1 sec, which is a permission prohibition period, has elapsed since the start-up process in step S401. If 1 sec has not elapsed, the process of step S402 is executed again. This time measurement is performed by counting the number of times of processing in step S402. For example, if the time required to execute the process of step S402 again after making a negative determination in step S402 is 0.1 msec, the count value is 10,000 times, so that after the startup process of step S401 It is determined that 1 sec has passed. Note that the specific configuration of time measurement is arbitrary, and for example, time measurement may be performed using a real-time clock. If it is determined in step S402 that 1 sec has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S403.

  In step S403, access to the RAM 213 is permitted. Thereafter, in step S404, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 148 provided in the power supply and launch control device 142 is turned on. In subsequent step S405, whether or not a power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage area of the RAM 213 is determined. Determine. In step S406, a RAM determination value is calculated. In subsequent step S407, it is determined whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, that is, the validity of the stored data is determined. The RAM determination value is a checksum value at a work area address in the RAM 213, for example. It is also possible to determine the validity of data stored and held based on whether or not the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 213 are correctly stored.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, when RAM data is initialized when the power is turned on, for example, at the start of business in a hall, the power is turned on while the RAM erase switch 148 is pressed. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 148 is pressed, the process proceeds to steps S408 to S409. Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power shutdown is not set, or when abnormality of data stored and held is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to steps S408 to S409.

  In step S408, the used area of the RAM 213 is cleared to 0, and in step S409, initialization processing of the RAM 213 is executed. Thereafter, an initial command is output to the payout control board 222 in step S410, and interrupt permission is set in step S411, and the process proceeds to a normal process described later. The MPU 231 of the payout control board 222 recognizes that communication with the main control board 201 is normally performed by inputting an initial command from the main control board 201.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 148 is not pressed, the power failure flag is stored in step S412 on the condition that the power failure flag is stored and that the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. Clear the power failure flag stored in the area. After that, an initial command is output in step S410 and interrupt permission is set in step S411, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later. Thereby, it returns to the state before power-off.

  Next, normal processing will be described using the flowchart of FIG. In this normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As an outline, the processing of steps S501 to S510 is executed as a periodic processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S511 and S512 is executed with the remaining time.

  In the normal process, in step S501, the both variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. In the subsequent step S502, the off symbol counter C4 is updated. In the update process of the out symbol counter C4, first, the out symbol counter C4 is updated, and the updated value of the out symbol counter C4 becomes a front / rear reach reach combination, a reach symbol combination other than front / rear out, It is determined which combination is a completely out-of-line design that does not result in reach, and the combination is stored in the corresponding buffer.

  After the update process of the off symbol counter C4, a first specific lamp unit control process for switching the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 43 is executed in step S503. In the first specific lamp unit control process, jackpot determination, on / off control of a light source switch of an LED lamp disposed in the first specific lamp unit 43, and the like are performed. In the first specific lamp unit control process, the symbol display device 41 also sets the variable display of the first symbol.

  Specifically, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and further determines the type of jackpot based on the value of the jackpot type counter C2 (determines whether or not it is a so-called probabilistic jackpot). . At this time, the type of jackpot symbol in the first symbol and the stop line of the combination of jackpot symbols are also determined and set as a stop symbol command. If it is determined that no jackpot will occur, the combination of outlier symbols in the first symbol is determined based on the value of the reach random number counter C3. In such a case, the combination of symbols updated in the outlier symbol counter updating process and stored in the area is set as a stop symbol command. Further, based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2, the color switching display time displayed on the first specific lamp unit 43 and the variation display time of the first symbol are determined. Further, the reach type in the first symbol and its rough symbol variation mode are determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1, and set as a variation mode command. Each time the on / off control of the first specific lamp unit 43 is started in the first specific lamp unit control process, the number N of the operation-reserved balls is decremented by 1; Does not start.

  After the first specific lamp unit control process, a special winning opening opening / closing process is executed in step S504. In the big prize opening / closing process, the big prize opening of the variable prize winning device 32 is opened or closed in the case of a big hit state. That is, it is determined whether the big winning opening is opened for each round of the big hit state, and whether the maximum opening time of the big winning opening has passed or whether a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the big winning opening. The determination as to whether or not the prescribed number has been won is made by checking the special prize counter. When either of these conditions is satisfied, the special winning opening is closed.

  Thereafter, in step S505, a second specific lamp unit control process for performing a process of switching the color displayed on the second specific lamp unit 44 is executed. In the second specific lamp unit control process, switching of the display color in the second specific lamp unit 44 is started on the condition that the number of retained gate balls is 1 or more. At this time, the display color switching time is also set. In addition, a color for stop display is set based on the value of the second specific lamp random number counter already acquired. When a predetermined color is set as the stop-displayed color, the electric accessory 34a attached to the lower working port 34 is opened for a predetermined time after the stop display of the color.

  After step S505, a game ball launch control process is executed in step S506. In the game ball launch control process, the game ball launch mechanism 53 is once per predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) on condition that a launch permission signal is input from the launch control unit 221b of the power source and launch control board 221. To work. Thereby, the game ball is launched toward the game area.

  After step S506, an input state monitoring process is executed in step S507, and a payout output process is executed in step S508. These processes will be described in detail later. Thereafter, in step S509, it is determined whether or not a power failure flag is stored in a power failure flag storage area provided in the RAM 213. When the power failure flag is not stored, the last process of the plurality of processes that are repeatedly executed is completed, so whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process is reached in step S510, that is, the previous normal process It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the process. Then, the random number initial value counter CINI and both variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the next normal processing execution timing. That is, in step S511, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in this embodiment). Then, the update value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 213. In step S512, both variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. Specifically, both the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and are cleared to 0 when their counter values reach the maximum values (198 and 240 in this embodiment). Then, the update values of both variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 213.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S509 that the power failure flag is stored, the power interruption has occurred, so the power failure processing from step S513 is executed. That is, in step S513, the generation of the timer interrupt process is prohibited, and then the RAM determination value is calculated and stored in step S514. After the access to the RAM 213 is prohibited in step S515, the power supply is completely shut down and the process is performed. Continue infinite loop until no longer runs.

<Electric configuration for paying out game balls>
Next, the electrical configuration and processing configuration related to game ball payout will be described in detail. First, the electrical configuration will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 15, a power supply line is indicated by a double line arrow, and a signal line is indicated by a solid line arrow.

  The main control board 201 and the payout control board 222 are electrically connected via an electrical wiring (signal line) such as a harness, and a command as command information is output from the main control board 201 to the payout control board 222. At the same time, various electrical signals are output from the payout control board 222 to the main control board 201.

  The MPU 211 of the main control board 201 is provided with an input port 211a. The input port 211a inputs various electric signals including a prize ball permission signal from the payout control board 222 and inputs electric signals from various sensors and the like. . Details of the winning ball permission signal will be described later. Further, the MPU 211 receives an electrical signal or the like from the front door frame opening switch 22 and the inner frame opening switch 134 at the input port 211a.

  The electrical signals output from the front door frame opening switch 22 and the inner frame opening switch 134 are input to the main control board 201 after being relayed to the power supply and launch control board 221 and the payout control board 222. In this case, the dispensing control board 222 only relays electrical signals from the front door frame opening switch 22 and the inner frame opening switch 134, and is not input to the MPU 231 of the dispensing control board 222. The same applies to the power supply and launch control board 221.

  A configuration of the RAM 213 of the main control board 201 will be described.

  The RAM 213 of the main control board 201 is provided with a prize ball counter area 251 as means for individually storing information. The prize ball counter area 251 includes 15 prize ball counter areas, 10 prize ball counter areas, 4 prize ball counter areas, and 3 prize ball counter areas.

  Here, as already described in this pachinko machine 10, as a prize ball entry part (or a prize payout passing part), a general prize opening 31, a variable prize winning device 32, an upper action opening 33 and a lower action opening 34 are provided. Are provided, and the number of winning balls (the number of game balls to be paid out) differs depending on each winning ball entrance. Specifically, the number of winning balls when entering the general winning opening 31 is 10, and the number of winning balls when entering the variable winning device 32 is 15, and entering the upper operation opening 33. In this case, the number of prize balls is three, and the number of prize balls when entering the lower working port 34 is four.

  In this configuration, the 15 winning ball counter area stores how many times 15 winning balls are to be made for entering the variable winning device 32, and the 10 winning ball counter area is the general winning slot 31. It memorizes how many more 10 award balls are made for entering the ball, and the 4 ball counter area indicates how many more 4 award balls for entering the lower operation port 34 are to be performed. The three-ball award counter area stores the number of remaining three award balls for entering the upper working port 33. Each counter area for prize balls is composed of one byte, and the number of unimplemented prize balls can be remembered up to 255 times.

  The prize ball number pattern is an example, and each number is arbitrary. Also, the pattern of the number of winning balls is not limited to the above four types, and may be two types, three types, or five types or more. Each prize ball counter area is not limited to 1 byte, and may be 2 bytes or 3 bytes or more. Furthermore, it is not essential that the number of unexecuted prize balls that can be stored in each prize ball counter area is 255 at the maximum, and if multiple times can be stored, it may be less or more than 255 times. Good.

  The MPU 211 of the main control board 201 determines whether or not a prize has been generated based on information (prize information) stored in the prize ball counter area 251. If it is determined that a prize has been generated, The corresponding prize ball command is output to the payout control board 222. The prize ball command is stored in advance in a command storage area 212a of the ROM 212 of the main control board 201.

  As prize ball commands, 15 prize ball commands, 10 prize ball commands, 4 prize ball commands, and 3 prize ball commands are set. When a prize ball command is output based on the prize ball information stored in the 15 prize ball counter area, 15 prize ball commands are output and the prizes stored in the 10 prize ball counter area are output. When a prize ball command is output based on the ball information, ten prize ball commands are output, and a prize ball command is output based on the prize ball information stored in the counter area for four prize balls The four prize ball commands are outputted, and when the prize ball command is outputted based on the prize ball information stored in the three prize ball counter area, the three prize ball commands are outputted.

  Each prize ball command is composed of 2 bytes. That is, each prize ball command includes high-order information and low-order information, and each piece of information is composed of 1 byte. Among these upper information and lower information, information for specifying that this command is a prize ball command is set in the upper information in the MPU 231 of the payout control board 222, and the lower information contains the information on the payout control board 222. In the MPU 231, information on the number of winning balls of the winning ball command is set.

  In addition, the RAM 213 of the main control board 201 is provided with a front door frame counter area 252, a prize ball permission counter area 253, and various flag storage areas 254. The front door frame counter area 252 is used when the MPU 211 of the main control board 201 determines whether the front door frame 14 is opened or closed. The winning ball permission counter area 253 is used when the MPU 211 of the main control board 201 executes processing related to the winning ball permission signal. The various flag storage areas 254 are used for executing various control processes in the MPU 211 of the main control board 201.

  The payout control board 222 is electrically connected to the payout device 114, and the MPU 231 of the payout control board 222 outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 125 and indicates whether or not a game ball is detected from the payout ball detection sensor 126. Input an electrical signal. Further, the payout control board 222 is electrically connected to the ball lending device Y via the ball lending connection terminal plate 143, and the MPU 231 of the payout control board 222 receives an electric signal from the ball lending device Y. The ball rental control is executed by outputting.

  Further, the MPU 231 of the payout control board 222 inputs electrical signals from the full tank detection sensor 88 and the ball non-detection sensor 115 to specify whether or not the lower plate 82 is in a full tank state, and the tank 111 has no ball. Specify whether or not it is in a state. The electric signal output from the full tank detection sensor 88 out of the full tank detection sensor 88 and the non-ball detection sensor 115 is relayed to the power supply and launch control board 221 and then input to the payout control board 222. Note that the MPU 231 of the payout control board 222 outputs a result of specifying whether or not the lower plate 82 is full to the MPU 211 of the main control board 201. As a result, it is possible for the MPU 211 of the main control board 201 to grasp whether or not the lower plate 82 is full.

  The configuration of the RAM 233 of the payout control board 222 will be described.

  The RAM 233 of the payout control board 222 is provided with a full counter area 261. The full tank counter area 261 is used to specify whether or not the lower pan 82 is full in the MPU 231 of the payout control board 222. The RAM 233 of the payout control board 222 is provided with a ballless counter area 262. The ballless counter area 262 is used to specify whether or not the tank 111 is in a ballless state in the MPU 231 of the payout control board 222. A command storage area 263 is provided in the RAM 233 of the payout control board 222. The command storage area 263 is used for temporarily storing a prize ball command input from the MPU 211 of the main control board 201.

  The RAM 233 of the payout control board 222 is provided with a prize ball number storage area 264. The winning ball number storage area 264 is composed of 1 byte in which a plurality of bits (8 bits) are arranged in a line, and each bit has “0” (data 0 or no information) or “1” ( Data 1 or presence information) is set. The prize ball number storage area 264 has a function for storing information on the number of prize balls specified by analyzing the prize ball command in the MPU 231 of the payout control board 222. In this case, in the information on the number of prize balls (award ball number information or prize payout number information), the setting pattern of the data 1 of each bit and the number of game media correspond one-to-one within a predetermined range of game media. Information. Specifically, “1” (data 1 or presence information) is set for each bit in a predetermined order from the lower bit to the upper bit, and “1” is set for the upper bit. The information is expressed in binary so that the corresponding number of prize balls becomes larger as the number increases. When specifying the information on the number of prize balls from the prize ball command, the prize ball table storage area 232a provided in the ROM 232 of the payout control board 222 is referred to.

  Further, the RAM 233 of the payout control board 222 is provided with a number-of-balls storage area 265. The lent number storage area 265 is composed of 1 byte, and has a function for storing information on the lent number input from the lent device Y in the MPU 231 of the payout control board 222. In addition, a payout number counter area 266 is provided in the RAM 233 of the payout control board 222. The payout number counter area 266 is composed of 1 byte, and has a function as an execution area for executing payout of game balls in the MPU 231 of the payout control board 222.

  The award ball number storage area 264, the rented ball number storage area 265, and the payout number counter area 266 are not limited to 1 byte, and may be 2 bytes or 3 bytes or more. Further, these areas 264 to 266 need not have the same number of bytes.

  In addition, various flag storage areas 267 are provided in the RAM 233 of the payout control board 222. The various flag storage areas 267 are used when various control processes are executed in the MPU 231 of the payout control board 222.

  In addition to the areas 261 to 267, the RAM 233 of the payout control board 222 is provided with a ring buffer for temporarily storing a command when the command is input from the MPU 211 of the main control board 201. It has been. The ring buffer has a plurality of storage areas, and a read pointer and a read pointer are set. A command is sequentially read into each storage area based on the read pointer, and a command stored in each storage area is sequentially read based on the read pointer.

  The power from the power-on power supply unit 221 a of the power supply and launch control board 221 is supplied to the VCC terminal of the MPU 211 of the main control board 201 and the VCC terminal of the MPU 231 of the payout control board 222. In a situation where power is supplied from the external power source by the power supplied to the VCC terminal, various control processes are executed in the MPUs 211 and 331, and information is stored and held in the RAMs 213 and 333. Is called.

  In addition, power from the power supply and power supply unit 221 c for the interruption of the power supply and launch control board 221 is supplied to the VBB terminal of the MPU 211 of the main control board 201. That is, power from the power supply unit 221 c for power interruption is supplied to the RAM 213 of the main control board 201, but not supplied to the RAM 233 of the payout control board 222. Information is stored and retained in the RAM 213 of the main control board 201 in a situation where the power supplied from the external power source is cut off by the power supplied to the VBB terminal. As already described, the power supplied to the MPU 211 of the main control board 201 from the power-on power supply unit 221a and the power-off power supply unit 221c is relayed by the power failure monitoring circuit 203. Further, the VBB terminal (not shown) of the MPU 231 of the payout control board 222 is grounded or not connected to any electrical wiring.

<Processing configuration related to game ball payout and processing configuration in MPU 211 of main control board 201>
Next, a processing configuration relating to payout of game balls will be described. In the following description, the MPU 211 of the main control board 201 is referred to as a main MPU 211, and the MPU 231 of the payout control board 222 is referred to as a payout MPU 231. The RAM 213 of the main control board 201 is called a main side RAM 213, and the RAM 233 of the payout control board 222 is called a payout side RAM 233.

  First, a processing configuration in the main MPU 211 will be described. In the following description, the value of the counter area refers to a value that virtually represents the value of the counter area configured in units of bytes in decimal.

<Input status monitoring process>
First, the input state monitoring process executed in step S507 of the normal process (FIG. 14) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the input state monitoring process, first, in step S601, input information is acquired from the input port 211a. Specifically, the input information of the input port 211a is stored in a 1-byte general-purpose register provided in the main MPU 211.

  In the subsequent step S602, a payout abnormality signal monitoring process for specifying whether or not an abnormality has occurred regarding the payout of game balls is executed. Specifically, in the payout abnormality signal monitoring process, when information indicating that an abnormal signal is input from the payout control board 222 is stored in the general-purpose register, the occurrence of a payout abnormality is detected on the main MPU 211 of the main control board 201. Specified in When the occurrence of a payout abnormality is specified, a payout abnormality command (payout abnormality information) is output to the sound lamp control board 224, and abnormality notification is executed.

  In a succeeding step S603, a full tank signal monitoring process for specifying whether or not the lower plate 82 is in a full state is executed. Specifically, in the full tank signal monitoring process, when the information indicating that the full tank signal is input from the dispensing control board 222 is stored in the general-purpose register, the lower pan 82 is mainly in the full state. It is specified in the main MPU 211 of the control board 201. When it is specified that the lower pan 82 is in a full state, a full state command (full state information) is output to the sound lamp control board 224 to execute a full state notification.

  In a succeeding step S604, an inner frame open signal monitoring process for specifying whether or not the inner frame 13 is in an open state is executed. Specifically, in the inner frame release signal monitoring process, when the information indicating that the inner frame release signal is input from the inner frame release switch 134 is stored in the general-purpose register, the inner frame 13 is in the open state. Is specified in the main MPU 211 of the main control board 201. When it is specified that the inner frame 13 is in the open state, an inner frame open state command (main body open notification information) is output to the sound lamp control board 224 to execute the main body open notification.

  Thereafter, the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is executed in step S605, and after the prize ball permission signal monitoring process is executed in step S606, the input state monitoring process is terminated.

<Front door frame opening signal monitoring processing>
Next, the front door frame opening signal monitoring process in step S605 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Here, the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is (1) a process when the closed state is continued after the front door frame 14 is specified to be closed, and (2) the front door. Processing until the frame 14 is changed from the closed state to the open state until it is specified to be in the open state, (3) after the front door frame 14 is specified to be in the open state, The process when the open state is continued, and (4) the process when the front door frame 14 is changed from the open state to the closed state and until the closed state is specified, are roughly classified. Therefore, the processing of these situations will be described individually.

  First, the processing when the front door frame 14 of the above (1) is specified to be closed and the closed state is continued will be described.

  First, in step S701, it is determined whether or not the front door frame opening information indicating that the front door frame opening signal indicating that the front door frame 14 is in the open state is input is stored in the general-purpose register. Since this time is the case where the front door frame 14 is in the closed state, a negative determination is made in step S701, and the process proceeds to step S702.

  In step S <b> 702, the opening specific reference number is stored in the first front door frame counter area (the opening specific trigger grasping means) in the front door frame counter area 252 of the main RAM 213. Specifically, “3” is stored in the front door frame counter area 252. The first front door frame counter area is a counter used to specify that the front door frame 14 is opened in the main MPU 211 when the closed front door frame 14 is opened. .

  In the subsequent step S703, it is determined whether or not the second front door frame counter area (the closing specific trigger grasping means) in the front door frame counter area 252 of the main RAM 213 is “0”. The second front door frame counter area is a counter used to specify that the front door frame 14 is closed in the main MPU 211 when the opened front door frame 14 is closed. . The second front door frame counter area is maintained in a state of “0” after specifying that the front door frame 14 is in the closed state. Therefore, after it is specified that the front door frame 14 is in the closed state and the closed state continues, the second front door frame counter area is “0”, and in step S703. An affirmative determination is made, and the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is terminated as it is.

  Next, a process until the front door frame 14 of the above (2) is changed from the closed state to the open state until it is specified to be in the open state will be described.

  Since this time is the case where the front door frame 14 is in the open state, an affirmative determination is made in step S701 and the process proceeds to step S711. In step S711, the closing specific reference value information is stored in the second front door frame counter area of the main side RAM 213. Specifically, “250” is stored in the second front door frame counter area.

  In a succeeding step S712, it is determined whether or not the first front door frame counter area is “0”. In this case, since the process is performed until the front door frame 14 is in the open state from the closed state until it is specified that the front door frame 14 is in the open state, in step S702 when the front door frame 14 is in the closed state. The open specific reference value information stored in the first front door frame counter area is not yet “0”. Accordingly, a negative determination is made in step S712, and the process proceeds to step S713.

  In step S713, 1 is subtracted from the value of the first front door frame counter area. In a succeeding step S714, it is determined whether or not the value of the first front door frame counter area is “0”. In other words, until the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is executed until the front door frame 14 is changed from the closed state to the open state and is specified to be in the open state, the first front door frame counter is executed. The area value is decremented by one. Moreover, since the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is executed as a part of the normal process, its execution cycle is about 4 msec. If the front door frame 14 is in the closed state, “3” is stored in the first front door frame counter area in step S702. Therefore, in step S714, whether or not 12 msec has elapsed from the time when the front door frame 14 is opened and changed from the closed state to the open state (when the front door frame opening signal is output from the front door frame opening switch 22). Will be judged.

  If the value of the first front door frame counter area is not “0”, a negative determination is made in step S714, and the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is terminated as it is. When the value of the first front door frame counter area is “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S714, and the process proceeds to step S715. In step S715, it is determined whether or not the front door frame opening flag is stored in the front door frame opening flag storage area of the main side RAM 213. If the front door frame opening flag is stored, the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is terminated as it is. If the front door frame release flag is not stored, the process proceeds to step S716.

  In step S716, a front door frame opening flag (front body opening information) is stored in the front door frame opening flag storage area (front body opening information storage means). Thereby, it is specified in the main side MPU 211 that the front door frame 14 is in the open state. In the subsequent step S717, the front door frame state change flag is stored in the front door frame state change flag storage area of the main side RAM 213. Thereby, it is specified that it is the timing which specified that the front door frame 14 is in the open state in the main side MPU 211. In a succeeding step S718, a front door frame opening command is set. The front door frame open command is output to the payout control board 222 in a payout output process described later, and the front door frame 14 is in an open state by inputting the front door frame open command in the payout side MPU 231. Identify.

  Thereafter, in step S710, a subcommand setting process is executed. In the sub-command setting process, a front door frame opening state command (front body opening notification information) is output to the sound lamp control board 224, and a front body opening notification is executed.

  Next, a process when the front door frame 14 of (3) is specified to be in the open state and the open state is continued will be described.

  Since this time is the case where the front door frame 14 is in the open state, an affirmative determination is made in step S701, the process proceeds to step S711, and “250” is stored in the second front door frame counter area of the main RAM 213. In a succeeding step S712, it is determined whether or not the first front door frame counter area is “0”. Since this time is after the front door frame 14 is specified to be in an open state and the open state is continued, the first front door frame counter area is maintained at “0”. Yes. Therefore, an affirmative determination is made in step S712, and the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is terminated as it is.

  Next, a process until the front door frame 14 in the above (4) is changed from the open state to the closed state and is specified to be in the closed state will be described.

  Since this time is the case where the front door frame 14 is in the closed state, a negative determination is made in step S701, the process proceeds to step S702, and “3” is stored in the first front door frame counter area of the main RAM 213.

  In a succeeding step S703, it is determined whether or not the second front door frame counter area of the main side RAM 213 is “0”. In this case, since the process is a process until the closed state is specified when the front door frame 14 is changed from the open state to the closed state, the second front is determined in step S711 when the front door frame 14 is in the open state. The closing specific reference count stored in the door frame counter area is not yet “0”. Accordingly, a negative determination is made in step S703, and the process proceeds to step S704.

  In step S704, 1 is subtracted from the value of the second front door frame counter area. In a succeeding step S705, it is determined whether or not the value of the second front door frame counter area is “0”. That is, the second front door frame counter is executed each time the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is executed until the front door frame 14 is changed from the open state to the closed state until it is specified that the front door frame 14 is in the closed state. The area value is decremented by one. Moreover, since the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is executed as a part of the normal process, its execution cycle is about 4 msec. If the front door frame 14 is open, “250” is stored in the second front door frame counter area in step S711. Therefore, in step S705, 1 sec has elapsed since the time when the front door frame 14 was closed and changed from the open state to the closed state (when the output of the front door frame open signal from the front door frame open switch 22 was stopped). It is determined whether or not.

  If the value of the second front door frame counter area is not “0”, a negative determination is made in step S705, and the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is terminated as it is. When the value of the second front door frame counter area is “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S705, and the process proceeds to step S706. In step S706, it is determined whether or not the front door frame opening flag is stored in the front door frame opening flag storage area of the main side RAM 213. If the front door frame opening flag is not stored, the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is terminated as it is. If the front door frame opening flag is stored, the process proceeds to step S707.

  In step S707, the front door frame opening flag stored in the front door frame opening flag storage area is deleted. Thereby, it is specified in the main side MPU 211 that the front door frame 14 is in the closed state. In the subsequent step S708, the front door frame state change flag is stored in the front door frame state change flag storage area of the main side RAM 213. Thereby, it is specified that it is the timing which specified that the front door frame 14 is a closed state in the main side MPU211. In subsequent step S709, a front door frame closing command is set. The front door frame close command is output to the payout control board 222 in a payout output process described later, and the front door frame 14 is closed by inputting the front door frame close command at the payout side MPU 231. Identify.

  Thereafter, in step S710, a subcommand setting process is executed. In this sub-command setting process, a front door frame closed state command (information for front body closing notification) is output to the sound lamp control board 224, and the front body opening notification is terminated. Thereafter, the front door frame opening signal monitoring process is terminated.

  In the inner frame opening signal monitoring process in step S604, description of specific processing contents for specifying the opened state and the closed state of the inner frame 13 is omitted, but basically the front door frame opening signal monitoring process. The same processing is executed.

<Prize ball permission signal monitoring processing>
Next, the winning ball permission signal monitoring process in step S606 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the winning ball permission signal will be described.

  In the pachinko machine 10, as already described, the power from the power supply and power supply unit 221 c at the time of power interruption of the launch control board 221 is supplied to the main RAM 213, but not supplied to the payout RAM 233. By adopting this configuration, the capacity of the power supply unit 221c for power interruption can be reduced, and the cost of the pachinko machine 10 can be reduced accordingly.

  However, in this configuration, when the power supply from the external power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is stopped, all the information stored in the payout side RAM 233 is erased (destroyed). In this case, if all the information on the number of unpaid prize balls is stored in the payout-side RAM 233 as in the conventional pachinko machine, the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 can be performed in a situation where there are unpaid prize balls. When stopped, all the unpaid prize balls are erased without being paid out. This will cause a great disadvantage to the player.

  On the other hand, in this pachinko machine 10, unpaid prize ball information is basically stored in the prize ball counter area 251 of the main RAM 213, and the main MPU 211 receives a prize ball permission signal from the payout MPU 231. A prize ball command is output to the payout side MPU 231. In the payout side MPU 231, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 264 of the payout side RAM 233 is the maximum prize ball number (15 prize balls) for one win at a maximum. The output start timing and output stop timing of the prize ball permission signal are set so as to be the sum of the permitted reference number. In addition, this permission reference number is the minimum number of winning balls for one winning or less. Thereby, even if the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is stopped in a situation where a large number of unpaid prize balls remain, it is possible to reduce the number of prize balls to be erased as much as possible. That is, the prize ball permission signal is information output from the payout MPU 231 to the main MPU 211 in order to specify the output timing of the prize ball command in the main MPU 211.

  In the winning ball permission signal monitoring process, first, in step S801, it is determined whether or not the winning ball permission information indicating that the winning ball permission signal is input is stored in the input port 211a. In the prize ball permission signal monitoring process, the information of the input port 211a may be stored in a general-purpose register or a dedicated register of the main MPU 211. In this case, whether or not the prize ball permission information is stored in the register. Is determined.

  If the prize ball permission information is stored, the value stored in the prize ball permission counter area (permission grasping means) 253 of the RAM 213 of the main control board 201 is “5” in step S802. It is determined whether or not. The prize ball permission counter area 253 is stored because the prize ball permission signal is actually output from the payout control board 222 when the prize ball permission information is stored in the input port 211a. The main MPU 211 identifies whether the data is stored due to noise or the like.

  If the value of the winning ball permission counter area 253 is “5” or more, an affirmative determination is made in step S802, and the present winning ball permission signal monitoring process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the winning ball permission counter area 253 is less than “5”, a negative determination is made in step S802, and the process proceeds to step S803. In step S803, after adding 1 to the value of the winning ball permission counter area 253, the winning ball permission signal monitoring process is terminated.

  Here, since the prize ball permission signal monitoring process is executed as a part of the normal process, its execution cycle is about 4 msec. Therefore, when the prize ball permission signal is output from the payout control board 222 and the value of the prize ball permission counter area 253 is less than “5”, the value of the prize ball permission counter area 253 is 1 in a cycle of about 4 msec. Is added. Further, by executing the process of step S802, the value of the winning ball permission counter area 253 becomes “5” or more even in a situation where the output of the winning ball permission signal from the payout control board 222 is continued. In the case where the value has been received, the process of adding the value in the winning ball permission counter area 253 is not executed.

  If it is determined in step S802 that no winning ball permission information is stored, the value of the winning ball permission counter area 253 is cleared to “0” in step S804, and then the present winning ball permission signal monitoring process is performed. Exit. That is, in a situation where no prize ball permission signal is output from the payout control board 222, the value of the prize ball permission counter area 253 is maintained at “0”.

<Output processing for withdrawal>
Next, the payout output process executed in step S508 of the normal process (FIG. 14) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The payout output process is a process for outputting various commands from the MPU 211 of the main control board 201 to the MPU 231 of the payout control board 222.

  In the payout output process, first, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the front door frame state change flag is stored in the front door frame state change flag storage area of the main RAM 213. If the front door frame state change flag is stored, the front door frame state change flag is erased in step S902, and a front door frame open command or front door frame close command is issued in step S903. The output processing for the payout is finished after the output.

  On the other hand, if the front door frame state change flag is not stored in the front door frame state change flag storage area of the main RAM 213 in step S901, a negative determination is made, and the process proceeds to step S904. In step S904, it is determined whether or not the front door frame opening flag is stored in the front door frame opening flag storage area of the main RAM 213. If the front door frame opening flag is stored, the payout output process is terminated as it is.

  If the front door frame release flag is not stored, it is determined in step S905 whether or not the value of the winning ball permission counter area 253 of the main RAM 213 is “5” as the output permission reference number. . Here, as described above, the value of the prize ball permission counter area 253 is the value when the prize ball permission signal is output from the payout side MPU 231 and the value of the prize ball permission counter area 253 is less than “5”. One is added at a period of about 4 msec. The value in the prize ball permission counter area 253 is cleared to “0” when the output of the prize ball permission signal from the payout side MPU 231 is stopped. Therefore, in step S905, it is determined whether or not the output of the winning ball permission signal from the payout side MPU 231 has continued for 20 msec as the output permission continuation period.

  If the value of the winning ball permission counter area 253 is not “5”, the payout output process is terminated as it is. If the value of the winning ball permission counter area 253 is “5”, whether or not the winning ball information is stored in any of the various counter areas in the winning ball counter area 251 of the main RAM 213 in step S906. Determine whether. If no prize ball information is stored in any of them, the payout output process is terminated as it is.

  If the prize ball information is stored in any of the prize ball counter areas, the value of the prize ball permission counter area 253 is cleared to “0” in step S907. Thereafter, a prize ball command output process is executed in step S908, and the payout output process ends.

  Here, the prize ball command output processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the value of the 15 prize ball counter areas in the main RAM 213 is "0". If it is not “0”, it means that incomplete information of prize balls is stored for 15 prize balls, so that in step S1002, 15 prize ball commands are output to the payout side MPU 231 and 15 Subtract 1 from the value in the counter area for individual prize balls. Thereafter, the prize ball command output process is terminated.

  If the value of the 15 prize ball counter area is “0” in step S1001, the process proceeds to step S1003. In step S1003, it is determined whether or not the value of the four award ball counter area in the main RAM 213 is “0”. If it is not “0”, it means that incomplete information of prize balls is stored for the four prize balls, so that in step S1004, the four prize ball commands are output to the payout side MPU 231 and 4 Subtract 1 from the value in the counter area for individual prize balls. Thereafter, the prize ball command output process is terminated.

  If the value of the four prize ball counter area is “0” in step S1003, the process proceeds to step S1005. In step S1005, it is determined whether or not the value of the three award ball counter area in the main RAM 213 is “0”. If it is not “0”, it means that incomplete information of prize balls is stored for the three prize balls, and therefore, in step S1006, a prize ball MPU 231 is output to the payout side MPU 231 and 3 Subtract 1 from the value in the counter area for individual prize balls. Thereafter, the prize ball command output process is terminated.

  If the value of the three prize ball counter area is “0” in step S1005, the process proceeds to step S1007. In step S1007, a 10 award ball command is output to the payout side MPU 231, and the value of the 10 award ball counter area is decremented by 1. Thereafter, the prize ball command output process is terminated.

  As described above, the main MPU 211 does not immediately specify that the output of the prize ball command is permitted on the payout control board 222 even if the prize ball permission information is stored in the input port 211a. When the award ball permission information is confirmed continuously for the set number of output permission standards, that is, when the state where the award ball permission signal is output for 20 msec which is the output permission reference period is confirmed. Specify that the output of the prize ball command is permitted (identify that the output is permitted). Then, by specifying that the output of the prize ball command is permitted, one prize ball command corresponding to one win is output to the payout side MPU 231. Since the output permission reference period is set in this way, as described above, when prize ball permission information is stored in the input port 211a, a prize ball permission signal is output from the payout control board 222. The main MPU 211 can identify whether the data is stored due to being stored or stored due to noise or the like. Therefore, when the prize ball permission information is stored due to noise or the like, it is possible to prevent the prize ball command from being output.

  In particular, as will be described later, the prize ball number storage area 264 of the payout-side RAM 233 cannot store a prize ball number exceeding a predetermined maximum reference number. In this case, if the prize ball permission information is stored due to noise or the like and a prize ball command is output for that information, the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command is erased without actually being paid out. End up. This will be detrimental to the player. On the other hand, according to this configuration, it is possible to prevent such inconvenience.

  Further, when the process of step S904 is executed in the payout output process (FIG. 19), when the front door frame 14 is in the open state, the period during which the prize ball permission signal is input reaches the output permission reference period. No prize ball command is output. In the pachinko machine 10, when the front door frame 14 is in an open state, the payout of game balls is stopped. In this case, by preventing the prize ball command from being output when the front door frame 14 is in the open state, it is possible to prevent the prize ball command from being newly output in a situation where the payout of the game ball is stopped. It becomes possible.

  In the pachinko machine 10, when the power supply from the external power supply is stopped, the information stored in the payout side RAM 233 is erased, so that a prize ball command is output in a situation where the payout of the game ball is stopped. When the power supply is stopped with the front door frame 14 in the open state, the winning ball corresponding to the winning ball command is erased without being paid out. On the other hand, according to the present configuration, such inconvenience can be prevented. It is not essential to prohibit the output of the prize ball command when the front door frame 14 is in the open state, and the prize ball command may be output when the front door frame 14 is in the open state.

<Processing Configuration of Discharge Control Board 222 in MPU 231>
Next, a processing configuration in the payout side MPU 231 will be described. The processing of the payout side MPU 231 is roughly divided into an input interrupt process activated by a command input from the main side MPU 211, a main process activated upon power-on, and periodically (2 msec in the present embodiment). There is a timer interrupt process that is started (in a cycle). In the input interrupt process, the command input this time is stored in the storage area corresponding to the read pointer in the ring buffer provided in the payout RAM 233. Hereinafter, main processing and timer interrupt processing will be described.

<Main processing>
The main process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This main process is started upon reset at power-on.

  First, in step S1101, initial setting associated with power-on is executed. In the subsequent step S1102, initial display processing is executed. In the initial display process, “0” is displayed as an initial display on the 7-segment display 146 provided on the payout control board 222.

  In subsequent step S1103, RAM access is permitted, and in step S1104, an external interrupt vector is set. Thereafter, in step S1105, the entire area of the payout side RAM 233 is cleared to “0”, and in step S1106, initial setting of the MPU peripheral device is performed. In the subsequent step S1107, an interrupt is permitted. The series of processes in steps S1101 to S1107 described above corresponds to the startup process in the payout-side MPU 231, and for example, 300 msec is required until the startup process is completed. The time required for the start-up process is not limited to 300 msec, and is arbitrary as long as it is shorter than the time required for the start-up process in the main MPU 211.

  Thereafter, the process of step S1107 is repeatedly executed until the power is completely shut off and the process cannot be executed. By repeatedly executing the interrupt permission setting process in step S1107 as described above, even if the interrupt permission setting is canceled due to the influence of noise or the like and the setting is disabled, the interrupt permission state is restored. Can be set again.

<Timer interrupt processing>
Next, timer interrupt processing that is started, for example, every 2 msec by the payout MPU 231 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1201, the state return switch 145 is checked, and if it is determined that the state return operation has started, the state return operation is executed. Thereafter, a command determination process is executed in step S1202, a full tank process is executed as a process related to a full tank state of the lower plate 82 in step S1203, and a ball useless process is executed as a process related to the non-ball state of the tank 111 in step S1204. In step S1205, a prize ball setting process is executed as a process related to the setting of the number of winning balls. In step S1206, a ball rental setting process is executed as a process related to the setting of the loaned ball. The payout number setting process is executed as a process related to the setting of the game ball, the payout control process is executed as a process related to the payout of the game ball in step S1208, and the prize ball permission signal setting process is executed as a process related to setting of the prize ball permission signal in step S1209. After executing, this timer interrupt processing ends.

  Hereinafter, the command determination process in step S1202, the full tank process in step S1203, the ball non-use process in step S1204, the prize ball setting process in step S1205, the rent setting process in step S1206, the payout number setting process in step S1207, and step S1208 The payout control process and the winning ball permission signal setting process in step S1209 will be described in detail.

<Command judgment processing>
First, the command determination processing in step S1202 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. Here, as described above, the command input from the main side MPU 211 is temporarily stored in a ring buffer provided in the payout side RAM 233 by executing an interrupt process at the time of input. In the command determination process, the information stored in the storage area corresponding to the current read pointer is read from each storage area of the ring buffer, and the process corresponding to the read information is executed.

  In the command determination process, first, it is determined whether or not the information read in step S1301 is an initial command. If it is an initial command, the initial display cancellation process is executed in step S1302, and then the command determination process ends. In the initial display release process, the initial display on the 7-segment display 146 is terminated.

  If the read information is not an initial command, it is determined in step S1303 whether or not it is a prize ball command. If the command is a prize ball command, the command determination process is terminated after the command storage process is executed in step S1304. In the command storage process, a prize ball command is stored in the command storage area 263 of the payout side RAM 233.

  If the read information is not a prize ball command, it is determined in step S1305 whether or not it is a front door frame opening command. If it is a front door frame opening command, the front door frame opening flag (dispensing side front body opening) is stored in the front door frame opening flag storage area (dispensing side front body opening information storage means) of the dispensing side RAM 233 in step S1306. After the information is stored, the command determination process is terminated.

  If the read information is not a front door frame opening command, it is determined in step S1307 whether or not it is a front door frame closing command. If it is a front door frame closing command, the command determining process is terminated after the front door frame opening flag is erased from the front door frame opening flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233 in step S1308. If it is not a front door frame release command, this command determination process is terminated as it is.

<Full tank processing>
Next, the full tank process in step S1203 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the full tank process, it is determined whether or not the lower plate 82 is full based on the detection result of the full tank detection sensor 88 provided in the front door side lower plate passage 85 to the lower plate 82, and various processes are executed. Is done. Then, when the game ball is not detected by the full tank detection sensor 88, the processing after step S1402 is executed, and when the game ball is detected, the processing after step S1409 is executed. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the processing after step S1409 will be described and then the processing after step S1402 will be described.

  In the full tank process, first, in step S1401, it is determined whether a full tank detection signal is input from the full tank detection sensor 88 or not. Specifically, it is determined whether or not full tank detection information indicating that a full tank detection signal is being input is stored in the input port of the payout side MPU 231.

  If the full tank detection signal is input, the second full counter area in the full tank counter area 261 of the payout side RAM 233 is cleared to “0” in step S1409. The second full tank counter area is a counter for measuring a period during which a full tank detection signal is not continuously input from the full tank detection sensor 88. Thereafter, in step S1410, 1 is added to the value of the first full counter area in the full counter area 261. The first full tank counter area is a counter for measuring a period during which a full tank detection signal is continuously input from the full tank detection sensor 88.

  After step S1410, in step S1411, it is specified whether or not the first full counter area is “850” as a count value corresponding to the first full specific identification period. Here, this full tank process is executed as a part of the timer interrupt process, and the timer interrupt process is started at a cycle of 2 msec as described above. Therefore, when a full tank detection signal is input from the full tank detection sensor 88, the first full tank counter area is incremented by 1 at a cycle of about 2 msec. Therefore, in step S1411, the full tank detection signal is set to about 1.7 sec ( It is determined whether it continues over the 1st full tank specific reference period).

  If the first full counter area is “850”, it is determined that the lower pan 82 is full, and the process proceeds to step S1412. That is, when the lower tray 82 is full, the game balls are lined up in the front door-side lower tray passage 85, so that the game balls are continuously detected by the full tank detection sensor 88 and the full tank detection signal is output. Is continued. And about 1.7 sec continues in this state, it is specified that the lower pan 82 is full. As described above, the period for which the lower tray 82 is specified to be full is set to 1.7 sec. If the period is extremely long, the game balls are connected to the position of the payout device 114 and the payout motor 125 and the like are set. This is because there is a risk of failure, and if the period is extremely short, there is a possibility that the lower pan 82 may be specified as being full even though it is not full.

  In step S1412, it is determined whether or not a full tank flag (full tank state information) is stored in the full tank flag storage area (full tank state information storage means) of the payout side RAM 233. If the full tank flag is stored, the full tank process is terminated as it is. If the full tank flag is not stored, the full tank flag is stored in step S1413, and after the full tank state is set, the full tank process is terminated. By setting the full tank state, output of the full tank signal from the payout side MPU 231 to the main side MPU 211 is started, and the output state of the full tank signal is maintained while the full tank state is set.

  On the other hand, if the value of the first full counter area is not “850” in step S1411, the first full counter area in step S1414 is “0” as the count value corresponding to the second full tank specific reference period. It is determined whether or not “400”. As described above, since the first full counter area is incremented by 1 with a period of about 2 msec, whether or not the full tank detection signal is continuously input for about 0.8 sec (second full tank specific reference period) in step S1414. Judging.

  If the first full tank counter area is not “400”, the full tank processing is ended as it is. When the first full tank counter area is “400”, it is determined that the lower pan 82 may be full, and the process proceeds to step S1415. In step S1415, the full tank low speed flag (full tank low speed information) is stored in the full tank low speed flag storage area (full tank low speed information storage means) of the payout side RAM 233. Thereafter, the full tank processing is terminated.

  By storing the full tank low speed flag, the payout side MPU 231 sets the payout speed of the payout motor 125 from the normal cycle up to that point (specifically, pays out game balls at intervals of 60 msec) as will be described later. It is changed to a low speed cycle (specifically, game balls are paid out at intervals of 600 msec).

  The reason why the payout speed of the payout motor 125 is switched to the low speed cycle in this way is as follows. That is, since the full tank detection sensor 88 is configured to continuously output a full tank detection signal while detecting a game ball, if the interval between game balls that are continuously paid out becomes narrow, the full tank detection sensor 88. From the viewpoint, the end of the detection period of one game ball is later than the start of the detection period of the next game ball. As a result, the full tank detection signal 88 is continuously output from the full tank detection sensor 88 even though the lower pan 82 is not full. And if this state continues, it will be specified that the lower pan 82 is a full state.

  On the other hand, as described above, by switching the payout speed of the payout motor 125 to the low speed cycle, the interval between the game balls passing through the front door side lower dish passage 85 continuously becomes wide. More specifically, this interval exceeds the detection range of the full tank detection sensor 88. Therefore, since the output of the full tank detection signal that has been continued is interrupted, it is possible to prevent the lower pan 82 from being specified as being full even though it is not full.

  Returning to the description of the full tank process, if the full tank detection signal is not input from the full tank detection sensor 88 in step S1401, the first full counter area is cleared to “0” in step S1402. After that, in step S1403, it is determined whether or not the full tank low speed flag is stored in the full tank low speed flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233. If the full tank low speed flag is not stored, the process proceeds directly to step S1405. If the full tank low speed flag is stored, the full tank low speed flag is erased in step S1404, and then the process proceeds to step S1405.

  By erasing the full tank low speed flag, the payout MPU 231 basically changes the payout speed setting of the payout motor 125 from the low speed cycle to the normal cycle. That is, in the situation where the full tank detection signal is continuously output from the full tank detection sensor 88, the output of the full tank detection signal is interrupted by changing the payout speed of the payout motor 125 to the low speed cycle. The payout speed immediately returns to the normal cycle. Thus, in the configuration in which the payout speed of the payout motor 125 is changed to a low speed cycle as necessary, it is possible to prevent the time required for paying out the game ball from becoming extremely long.

  In subsequent step S1405, 1 is added to the second full counter area. Thereafter, in step S1406, it is determined whether or not the second full counter area is “250”. Here, the second full tank counter area is incremented by 1 with a period of about 2 msec when no full tank detection signal is input from the full tank detection sensor 88. Therefore, in step S1406, it is determined whether or not the state where no full detection signal is input continues for about 0.5 sec.

  If the second full tank counter area is not “250”, the full tank processing is ended as it is. On the other hand, if the second full tank counter area is “250”, it is determined in step S1407 whether or not a full tank flag is stored in the full tank flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233. If the full tank flag is not stored, the full tank process is terminated as it is. If the full tank flag is stored, the full tank flag is erased in step S1408 and the full tank release state is set, and then the full tank processing is terminated. When the full tank release state is set, the output of the full tank signal from the payout MPU 231 to the main MPU 211 is stopped and the full tank signal output stop state is maintained while the full tank release state is set. Maintained.

  Here, the process of step S1408 is executed after waiting for about 0.5 sec since the output of the full tank detection signal from the full tank detection sensor 88 is stopped in step S1406, and so on. It can be determined that the full tank state is not released even though the game ball is actually waiting in the detection range of the full tank detection sensor 88 due to the influence of.

  In addition, it is good also as a structure which determines whether it is more than a determination value in step S1406, step S1411, and step S1414, respectively.

<Useless ball>
Next, the ball useless process in step S1204 will be described. In the ball non-use process, it is determined whether or not a game ball is stored in the tank 111 based on the detection result of the ball non-detection sensor 115 provided on the case rail 113, and various processes are executed.

  Here, in the ball useless process, a process similar to the full tank process is executed. Specifically, when the ball non-detection signal from the ball non-detection sensor 115 is continuously input for about 10 sec (first ball non-specific reference period), the game ball is stored in the tank 111. Identifies that there is no state. When it is specified that the game ball is not stored, the ball-free flag (ball-free state information) is stored in the ball-free flag storage area (ball-free state information storage means) of the payout side RAM 233 and the ball is not stored. Set to state. By setting the no-ball state, the payout-side MPU 231 starts outputting a payout abnormality signal to the main MPU 211, and the output state of the payout abnormality signal is maintained while the no-ball state is set.

  In addition, when the sphere non-detection signal from the sphere non-detection sensor 115 is less than about 10 sec and is continuously input for about 1.0 sec (second sphere non-specific reference period), the tank 111 It is determined that there is a possibility that the ball will be absent, and the ball no low speed flag (ball no low speed information) is stored in the ball no low speed flag storage area (ball no low speed information storage means) of the payout side RAM 233.

  By storing the ball no-low speed flag, the payout side MPU 231 sets the payout speed of the payout motor 125 from the normal cycle up to that point (specifically, pays out the game ball at intervals of 60 msec) as will be described later. It is changed to a low speed cycle (specifically, game balls are paid out at intervals of 600 msec).

  The reason why the payout speed of the payout motor 125 is switched to the low speed cycle in this way is as follows. In other words, the tank 111 may be clogged with balls. On the other hand, the tank 111 is provided with a vibration motor for vibrating the tank 111 in order to eliminate the ball clogging when the ball clogging occurs. If the ball clogging is not severe, the ball clogging is eliminated by vibrating the tank 111 with a vibration motor. And it is considered that the elimination of the ball clogging is completed within 10 seconds.

  In this situation, when a period when the game ball is not detected by the ball non-detection sensor 115 has passed about 1.0 sec, which is the first ball non-specific reference period, the payout speed of the payout motor 125 is switched to a low speed cycle. Thus, the possibility that the ball clogging is eliminated at the timing before all the game balls waiting on the upstream side of the rotating body 124 of the payout device 114 disappear is increased. If all the game balls waiting on the upstream side of the rotating body 124 of the payout device 114 are exhausted, the game balls are refilled when the game balls are replenished from the tank 111 side toward the rotating body 124 again. It falls through the case rail 113 and directly collides with the rotating body 124, and there is a concern that the rotating body 124 may be broken. On the other hand, the possibility that such an inconvenience occurs is reduced by switching the payout speed to the low speed cycle as described above.

  On the other hand, if the ball non-detection signal is not input from the ball non-detection sensor 115 and the state continues for about 3.0 seconds, the ball non-low speed flag is stored in the ball no low speed flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233. In such a situation, the ball no low speed flag is deleted. By deleting the ball no low speed flag, the payout side MPU 231 basically changes the payout speed setting of the payout motor 125 from the low speed cycle to the normal cycle. In addition, when the no-sphere flag is stored, the no-sphere flag is erased and the no-ball release state is set. By setting the ball non-release state, the output of the payout abnormality signal from the payout MPU 231 to the main MPU 211 is stopped, and while the ball non-release state is set, the output abnormal state of the payout abnormality signal is stopped. Maintained.

<Prize ball setting process>
Next, the winning ball setting process in step S1205 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the winning ball setting process, the number of winning balls is specified from the winning ball command input from the main MPU 211, and the specified winning ball number is added to the winning ball storage area 264 of the payout side RAM 233.

  In the winning ball setting process, first, in step S1501, it is determined whether or not a winning ball command is stored in the command storage area 263 of the payout side RAM 233. If no prize ball command is stored, the prize ball setting process is terminated. If a prize ball command is stored, the process advances to step S1502.

  In step S1502, a winning ball number specifying process is executed. Specifically, based on the information stored in the prize ball table storage area 232a of the ROM 232, the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command input this time is specified. In this case, the low-order information of the prize ball command is compared with the prize ball table storage area 232a, and the number of prize balls is specified. The number of prize balls specified here is stored in the general-purpose register of the payout side MPU 231 instead of information on the prize ball command. In the subsequent step S1503, the winning ball command stored in the command storage area 263 is deleted.

  In the subsequent step S1504, prize ball number addition processing is executed. In the addition process, the information on the number of prize balls specified in step S1502 is added to the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 264. In subsequent step S1505, it is determined whether or not a prize ball low speed flag (prize ball low speed information) is stored in the prize ball low speed flag storage area (prize ball low speed information storage means) of the payout side RAM 233. The award ball low speed flag is a switching reference number (specifically, “2”) in which information on the number of award balls stored in the award ball number storage area 264 is stored in the ROM 232 of the payout control board 222 in advance. It is a flag that is stored in the event of a failure, and is erased when the switching reference number is exceeded.

  Here, when the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 264 becomes the switching reference number, the pachinko machine 10 sets the payout speed of the payout motor 125 in the normal cycle until then. It is comprised so that it may change into a low speed cycle. This is due to the following reason. That is, in the situation where the information on the number of prize balls is not stored in the prize ball number storage area 264, the driving of the payout motor 125 is stopped. In this case, if a single winning is repeatedly generated at a predetermined interval, it is necessary to repeatedly start and stop driving the payout motor 125. Since driving of the dispensing motor 125 requires a larger driving force than when the driving state of the dispensing motor 125 is maintained, it is not preferable to repeatedly start and stop driving the dispensing motor 125 as described above. . On the other hand, when the information on the number of winning balls stored in the winning ball number storage area 264 becomes the switching reference number, the payout speed of the payout motor 125 is switched to a low speed cycle, so that a single winning can be achieved. Even if it occurs repeatedly at a predetermined interval, there is a high possibility that the next winning will occur while the reference number of winning balls is being executed at a low speed cycle, and the start and stop of driving of the payout motor 125 are repeated. The possibility of being done is reduced.

  A configuration in which the payout speed of the payout motor 125 is always low is also conceivable, but in this case, the payout speed of the game ball is chronically slowed down, and the player receives a prize ball in spite of the occurrence of a win. It takes a considerable amount of time to receive, which is not preferable.

  If it is determined in step S1505 that no prize ball low speed flag is stored in the prize ball low speed flag storage area, the process directly proceeds to step S1507. On the other hand, if the prize ball low speed flag is stored, the prize ball low speed flag is erased from the prize ball low speed flag storage area in step S1506, and the process proceeds to step S1507. When the prize ball low speed flag is deleted, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 264 becomes the switching reference number, so that the payout speed of the payout motor 125 set to the low speed period is the normal period. It will return to.

  In step S1507, error flag erasure processing is executed. The error flag is a flag stored when, for example, a command that cannot be analyzed is input from the main MPU 211. The error flag is erased in step S1507 when a winning ball command is normally input and a winning ball setting process for the winning ball command is executed. After executing the error flag erasing process in step S1507, the winning ball setting process is terminated.

<Rental setting process>
Next, the lending setting process in step S1206 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the ball lending setting process, the number of balls lent is specified based on the ball lending request signal input from the ball lending device Y through the ball lending connection terminal board 143, and the specified number of balls lending is stored in the lending number RAM 233. A process of adding to the area 265 is executed.

  In the lending setting process, first in step S1601, it is determined whether or not a lending status flag (lending status information) is stored in a lending status flag storage area (lending status information storage means) of the payout side RAM 233. . The ball rental status flag is a flag used in the payout side MPU 231 to identify whether or not the ball rental request signal from the ball rental apparatus Y is in the input standby state, and is stored when the input standby state is entered. It is deleted when it is no longer necessary to receive a lending request signal.

  When the lent state flag is not stored, the lent state setting process in steps S1602 to S1606 is executed. When the lent state flag is stored, the lent in steps S1607 to S1611. Perform state processing.

  In the lending state setting process, first, in step S1602, it is determined whether or not a connection confirmation signal and a lending standby signal are input from the lending device Y. The connection confirmation signal is a signal indicating a state in which communication with the payout control board 222 is possible in the ball lending apparatus Y. In addition, the ball lending standby signal is stored in the ball lending device Y with information on unpaid balls (specifically, a card on which information on unpaid balls has been stored is held in the ball lending device Y). This is a signal for allowing the payout control board 222 to grasp that the ball lending button 72 of the ball lending operation device 71 is being operated in a situation where the ball lending operation device 71 is being operated. The connection confirmation signal may be omitted.

  If neither one of the connection confirmation signal and the lending standby signal is input, the lending setting process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if both the connection confirmation signal and the lending standby signal are input, it is determined in step S1603 whether or not a payout error state has occurred. The payout error state is a state corresponding to any of the front door frame open state, the lower pan full state, the tank ball free state, or the payout device abnormal state.

  The determination is made by determining whether or not the front door frame opening flag is stored in the front door frame opening flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233 for the front door frame opening state. This is done by determining whether or not the full tank flag is stored in the full tank flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233. For the no tank ball state, is a ball free flag stored in the no ball flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233? The payout device abnormal state is determined by determining whether or not the payout device abnormality flag is stored in the payout device abnormality flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233.

  If it is in the payout error state, the present lending setting process is terminated as it is. If it is not in the payout error state, it is determined in step S1604 whether a payout operation is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the payout motor 125 is stopped. The situation in which the lending status flag is not stored and the payout motor 125 is in operation is a situation in which a payout of a prize ball is being executed or a lending operation based on one lending operation has already been performed. It means that the payout is being executed. That is, in step S1604, it can be said that it is determined whether or not a winning ball operation is being performed or a lending operation based on one lending operation is being performed.

  If the payout operation is in progress, the present lending setting process is terminated as it is. If the payout operation is not in progress, the output state of the lending permission signal is set in step S1605. As a result, the payout side MPU 231 starts outputting a ball lending permission signal to the ball lending device Y, and the ball lending device Y inputs the ball lending permission signal, thereby lending based on one operation of the ball lending button 72. The request signal is output. Then, after storing a lent state flag in the lent state state storage area of the payout side RAM 233 in step S1606, the present lent setting process is terminated. Note that the ball lending device Y has not operated the ball lending button 72 when it has not input a lending permission signal for a predetermined period (for example, 2 sec) after outputting a lending lending standby signal. Treat as.

  In the ball lending state processing in steps S1607 to S1611, first, in step S1607, it is determined whether or not a ball lending request signal is input from the ball lending apparatus Y. The ball lending request signal is a signal that is output when a ball lending device Y requests a lending of a ball. If a ball rental request signal has not been input, the process proceeds directly to step S1609. If a ball rental request signal has been input, in step S1608, an addition process to the ball rental number storage area 265 of the payout side RAM 233 is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S1609. In the addition process, information on the number of lent balls corresponding to 25 pieces corresponding to 100 yen is added to the rented number storage area 265. That is, the ball lending device Y periodically outputs a ball lending request signal in accordance with a ball lending operation in the lending state, and the payout side MPU 231 has a predetermined number of units each time a ball lending request signal is input. The information on the number of lent balls is added to the number of lent balls storage area 265.

  In step S1609, it is determined whether an end signal is input from the ball lending apparatus Y. The end signal is a signal that is output when one ball lending operation is performed and the ball lending request signal is output five times, and the paying side indicates that the output of the ball lending request signal for one ball lending operation has ended. This is a signal for the MPU 231 to recognize. If the end signal is not input, the present lending setting process is ended as it is. If the end signal is input, the lending state flag is erased from the lending state flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233 in step S1610, and the output stop state of the lending permission signal is set in step S1611. Later, the present lending setting process is terminated.

  As described above, the payout side MPU 231 is set to the ball lending state when the ball lending apparatus Y is receiving the ball lending standby signal and is not in a payout error state and is not in a payout operation. In particular, even if a ball lending operation is performed in the ball lending operation device 71 while the payout of a prize ball is being executed, the ball lending operation is not performed during the payout operation. Priority can be given to paying out prize balls.

  Assuming a configuration that prioritizes the ball lending when a ball lending operation is performed in a situation where award ball is being dispensed, information on the number of award balls is stored in the award ball number storage area 264 of the payout side RAM 233. Nevertheless, it is necessary to stop paying out prize balls. In this case, when the pachinko machine 10 is in the power-off state, the information on the number of winning balls is erased as the power-off power is not supplied to the payout side RAM 233 as described above. On the other hand, the ball lending device Y has its own function of holding information when power is interrupted (that is, information on unpaid balls is stored and stored in a card), so that award balls are paid out. If the ball lending device Y does not receive a ball lending request signal, the information on the number of balls lent is retained in the ball lending device Y, and even if the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, The information on the number of balls is not erased. In the above circumstances, even if a ball lending operation is performed in a situation where a prize ball is being dispensed, the prize ball information will be erased without actually being dispensed by giving priority to the prize ball. It is prevented.

<Payout quantity setting process>
Next, the payout number setting process in step S1207 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In the payout number setting process, the information stored in the winning ball number storage area 264 or the rented ball number storage area 265 of the payout side RAM 233 is stored in the payout number counter area of the payout side RAM 233, which is an execution area when paying out game balls. The storing process is executed.

  In the payout number setting process, first, in step S1701, it is determined whether or not a ball removal operation is being performed. The ball removal operation refers to an operation for discharging the game balls stored in the tank 111 to the outside of the pachinko machine 10.

  Here, the procedure of the ball removing operation will be described. First, supply from the island facility to the tank 111 is stopped. Thereafter, the front door frame 14 is opened, and a large number of game balls are put into the variable winning device 32 by hand. After that, by closing the front door frame 14, a prize ball command is outputted from the main MPU 211 to the payout MPU 231 in response to a prize ball permission signal being outputted from the payout MPU 231 to the main MPU 211. The game balls are paid out by the device 114.

  Thereafter, when there is no game ball stored in the tank 111, a ball non-detection signal is output from the ball non-detection sensor 115, and the payout of the game ball by the payout device 114 is stopped. In this case, by operating a ball removal operation switch 116 provided on the case rail 113, a ball removal state is set in the payout side MPU 231. Specifically, the ball removal state flag is stored in the ball removal state flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233. Thereby, even when the ball non-detection signal is output from the ball non-detection sensor 115, the payout of the game ball by the payout device 114 is resumed, and the payout device 114 is downstream of the ball removal operation switch 116. The game balls connected to the position of the payout motor 125 are discharged. Then, when the game ball is discharged, the ball removal from the tank 111 is completed. At this time, the setting of the ball removal state is canceled. That is, the ball removal state flag stored in the ball removal state flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233 is deleted.

  In step S1701, it is determined whether or not the above ball removal state is set. If the ball removal state is not set, it is determined in step S1702 whether or not it is a payout error state. The payout error state has already been described. If it is in the payout error state, the payout number setting process is terminated as it is. This prevents the game ball from being paid out in the payout error state.

  If it is not a payout error state, it is determined in step S1703 whether a retry operation is in progress. The retry operation is a process of rotating the rotating body 124 in the opposite direction to the normal state when, for example, a game ball is clogged in the payout device 114. If the retry operation is being performed, the payout number setting process is terminated as it is, and if the retry operation is not being performed, the process proceeds to step S1704.

  In step S1704, it is determined whether or not a ball rental operation is in progress. When the renting operation is in progress, a state in which the renting state flag is stored in the renting state flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233, or information on the number of lent balls is stored in the rented number storage area 265 of the payout side RAM 233. It means the state of being. If the rented state flag is stored or if the number of rented balls is stored in the number of rented balls storage area 265, the information on the number of rented balls storage area 265 is stored in the payout side RAM 233 in step S1705. After updating to the number counter area 266, the payout number setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the lending status flag is not stored and the lending number information is not stored in the lending number storage area 265, the number of winning balls in the payout side RAM 233 is stored in the awarded number RAM 264 in step S1706. After the information is updated in the payout number counter area 266 of the payout side RAM 233, the payout number setting process is terminated. Even when the ball removal state is set in step S1701, after the information in the prize ball number storage area 264 of the payout RAM 233 is updated to the payout number counter area 266 of the payout RAM 233 in step S1706, The payout number setting process is terminated.

<Discharge control processing>
Next, the payout control process in step S1208 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In the payout control process, a process of paying out the game ball is executed based on information stored in the payout number counter area 266 of the payout side RAM 233.

  In the payout control process, a payout state setting process is first executed in step S1801, and a drive signal output process is executed in subsequent step S1802. Here, the payout state setting process and the drive signal output process will be described. First, the payout state setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the payout state setting process, first, in step S1901, it is determined whether or not there is a payout error state. The payout error state has already been described. If it is in the payout error state, in step S1907, the payout motor 125 is set in a stopped state to stop the payout operation, and then the payout state setting process is terminated. The stop state is set by storing the stop state flag in the stop state flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233 and in any of the normal state flag storage area, the low speed state flag storage area, and the retry state flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233. This is done by deleting the corresponding flag if it is stored. The normal state flag and the low speed state flag will be described later. In addition, when already set to the stop state, that state is maintained.

  If the payout error state is not determined in step S1901, it is determined in step S1902 whether or not the value of the payout number counter area 266 in the RAM 233 is “0”. When the value of the payout number counter area 266 is “0”, it means that there is no game ball to be paid out, so that the payout is performed after the payout motor 125 is set to the stop state in step S1907. The state setting process ends.

  If the value of the payout number counter area 266 is not “0” in step S1902, it is determined in step S1903 whether or not it is a retry state. In the retry state, since the payout motor 125 performs a retry-only operation, the payout state setting process is terminated without executing the subsequent processes. If not in the retry state, it is determined in step S1904 whether or not a low speed flag is stored in any low speed flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233. That is, it is determined whether or not the full tank low speed flag is stored in the full tank low speed flag storage area, whether or not the ball no low speed flag is stored in the ball no low speed flag storage area, and the winning ball low speed flag is determined. It is determined whether or not a prize ball low speed flag is stored in the storage area.

  If no low speed flag is stored, after setting the normal state so that the payout speed of the payout motor 125 is set to the normal cycle in step S1906, the payout state setting process is terminated. The normal state is set by storing a normal state flag in the normal state flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233 and storing a flag corresponding to either the stop state flag storage area or the low speed state flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233. This is done by erasing that flag. If the normal cycle has already been set, that state is maintained.

  On the other hand, if any of the low speed flags is stored, in step S1905, the low speed state is set so that the payout speed of the payout motor 125 is a low speed cycle, and then the payout state setting process is terminated. To do. The low speed state is set by storing a low speed state flag in the low speed state flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233 and storing a flag corresponding to either the stop state flag storage area or the normal state flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233. This is done by erasing that flag. If the low speed cycle is already set, this state is maintained.

  Next, drive signal output processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The drive signal output process is a process for controlling the drive of the payout motor 125 by outputting a 1-pulse drive signal from the payout side MPU 231 to the motor driver based on the result of the payout state setting process.

  In the drive signal output process, first, in step S2001, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is stopped. If it is in a stopped state, the drive signal output process is terminated as it is. If it is not the stop state, it is determined in step S2002 whether or not it is a retry state. If it is not a retry state, it is determined in step S2003 whether or not it is in a normal state.

  In the normal state, a one-pulse drive signal is output to the motor driver in step S2004. Here, the payout control process having the drive signal output process is executed as a part of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 22), and the timer interrupt process is started at a cycle of 2 msec. Is also activated at a cycle of about 2 msec. Therefore, when the normal state is set, one pulse of drive signal is output at a cycle of about 2 msec.

  As already described, when the driving signal of 60 pulses is output from the payout side CPU 231, the rotating body 124 advances 60 steps and makes one rotation, and when the rotating body 124 makes one rotation, two game balls are moved downstream. Derived. That is, one game ball is paid out by outputting a drive signal of 30 pulses. In the normal state, as described above, one pulse of the drive signal is output at a cycle of about 2 msec, so that one game ball is paid out from the payout device 114 at a cycle of 60 msec.

  The output period of the drive signal in the normal state is not limited to 2 msec and is arbitrary. In this case, for example, when the output cycle is set to a cycle slower than 2 msec, such as 6 msec, it may be configured to determine whether or not the output timing is for the normal state after an affirmative determination in step S2003. .

  In step S2004, after one pulse of drive signal is output, the process proceeds to step S2005, and information on the drive counter area of the payout side RAM 233 is updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the value of the drive counter area. Thereafter, the drive signal output process is terminated.

  In step S2003, if it is not the normal state, it is determined in step S2006 whether the output timing is for the low speed state. If it is not the output timing for the low speed state, the drive signal output processing is terminated as it is, and if it is the output timing for the low speed state, a one-pulse drive signal is output to the motor driver in step S2004.

  In this case, whether or not it is the output timing for the low speed state is determined by determining whether or not the negative determination is performed ten times in step S2006 after the low speed state is set. Since each process in the drive signal output process is started at a cycle of about 2 msec as described above, it is determined in step S2006 whether substantially 20 msec has elapsed, and one pulse of drive signal is output at a cycle of about 20 msec. The

  As already described, one game ball is paid out by outputting a drive signal of 30 pulses from the payout side MPU 231. In the low-speed state, as described above, one pulse of the drive signal is output at a cycle of about 20 msec, so that one game ball is paid out from the payout device 114 at a cycle of 600 msec.

  After outputting one pulse of the drive signal in step S2004, the process proceeds to step S2005 as described above, and the information of the drive counter area in the payout side RAM 233 is updated. Thereafter, the drive signal output process is terminated.

  If it is in the retry state in step S2002, the drive signal output process is terminated after executing the retry operation process in step S2007. In the retry operation process, after the retry state is set, the reverse rotation at the speed of 25 step / sec and the forward rotation at the speed of 50 step / sec are alternately performed for 1 sec. A drive signal is output to the payout motor 125 so that the setting is performed.

  Returning to the explanation of the payout control process (FIG. 28), after executing the drive signal output process in step S1802, the process proceeds to step S1803, and the ball detection process is executed. In the ball detection process, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been paid out using the payout specifying counter area of the payout side RAM 233.

  The sphere detection process will be specifically described below. When a game ball does not pass through the detection unit 127 of the payout ball detection sensor 126, information “0” (payout non-detection information) is stored in the input port of the payout side MPU 231, and a game ball passes through. In the input port of the payout side CPU 231, information “1” (payout detection information) is stored. When one game ball passes through the detection unit 127, the state where the information “0” is stored is switched to the state where the information “1” is stored, and the information “1” is stored. After the state continues for a predetermined period, the state returns to the state where the information of “0” is stored.

  In the sphere detection process, the switching from the state where the information “0” is stored to the state where the information “1” is stored is monitored. Then, it is specified that the information “1” is switched to the stored state, and based on that, it is specified that one game ball has been paid out. That is, the payout side MPU 231 specifies that one game ball has been paid out based on the start of detection of the game ball by the payout ball detection sensor 126.

  In this case, the ball detection process does not specify that one game ball has been paid out immediately when the switch to the state in which the information “1” is stored is confirmed, but “1”. When the state is switched to the state where the information is stored and the state where the information “1” is stored is confirmed over a predetermined number of times, it is determined that one game ball has been paid out. Specifically, after the state where the information “0” is stored is confirmed, when the state where the information “1” is stored is confirmed twice in succession, one game ball is paid out. Identify that it was issued. Thus, when the payout detection information is stored in the input port of the payout side CPU 231 due to noise or the like, it is prevented that the payout side MPU 231 specifies that one game ball has been paid out. When it is determined in the ball detection process that one game ball has been paid out, the payout specific flag is stored in the payout specific flag storage area of the payout RAM 233.

  It should be noted that in the normal cycle, the former state is continuously three times or more from the state where the information “1” is stored until the state where the information “0” is stored is confirmed. Confirmed 10 times. In the low-speed cycle, the former state is continuously changed three times or more from the state where the information “1” is stored until the state where the information “0” is stored. Confirmed 20 times.

  After executing the ball detection process, it is determined in step S1804 whether or not the process result of the ball detection process is a process result indicating that one game ball has been paid out. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a payout specifying flag (payout specifying information) is stored in the payout RAM 233. If the payout identification flag is not stored, the payout control process is terminated as it is.

  If the payout identification flag is stored, the process proceeds to step S1805. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1804, the payout identification flag is deleted. In step S1805, it is determined whether or not a ball rental operation is in progress. If the ball lending operation is not in progress, the payout control process is terminated after the prize ball subtraction process in steps S1806 to S1810 is executed. On the other hand, if the renting operation is in progress, the payout subtraction process in steps S1811 to S1812 is executed, and then the payout control process is terminated.

  In the winning ball subtraction process, first, in step S1806, 1 is subtracted from the value in the winning ball number storage area 264 of the payout side RAM 233, and in step S1807, 1 is subtracted from the value in the payout number counter area 266. To do. Thereafter, in step S1808, it is determined whether or not the value in the prize ball number storage area 264 is “2” or less. If it is not “2” or less, the payout control process is terminated as it is. If it is “2” or less, it is determined in step S1809 whether or not a prize ball low speed flag is stored in the prize ball low speed flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233. If the prize ball low speed flag is stored, the payout control process is terminated as it is. If the prize ball low speed flag is not stored, the prize ball low speed flag is stored in the prize ball low speed flag storage area in step S1810. After that, the payout control process is terminated.

  In the lending subtraction process, first, in step S1811, the value in the lending number storage area 265 of the payout RAM 233 is decremented by 1, and in the subsequent step S1812, the value of the payout number counter area 266 in the payout RAM 233 is set. After subtracting one, the payout control process is terminated.

<Prize ball permission signal setting processing>
Next, the winning ball permission signal setting process in step S1209 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the prize ball permission signal setting process, a process of setting output stop and output start of the prize ball permission signal from the payout side MPU 231 to the main side MPU 211 is executed.

  In the winning ball permission signal setting process, first, in step S2101, it is determined whether or not the information on the number of winning balls stored in the winning ball number storage area 264 of the payout side RAM 233 is three or less, which is the permitted reference number. If the number is four or more, after setting the prize ball non-permission state (output non-permission state) in step S2107, the award ball permission signal setting process is terminated.

  More specifically, the setting of the winning ball non-permission state is performed in the winning ball permission state flag storage area (the winning ball permission information storage unit or the output permission information storage unit) of the payout side RAM 233. When the output permission information is stored, the prize ball permission state flag is deleted, and the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped (the prize ball permission signal from the output means for outputting the prize ball permission signal). Stop the output). In a state where the winning ball permission state flag is erased, the output of the winning ball permission signal from the payout side MPU 231 to the main side MPU 211 is stopped and the state is maintained.

  In this pachinko machine 10, since the state in which the prize ball permission signal is output is the output state of the HI level signal, the state in which the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped is the output state of the LOW level signal. . However, when the state where the prize ball permission signal is output is the output state of the LOW level signal, the state where the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped may be the output state of the HI level signal. Furthermore, the state where the output of the winning ball permission signal is stopped may be a state where no signal is output for the signal path.

  On the other hand, if the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 264 is three or less, which is the permitted reference number, in step S2101, whether or not the ball removal operation is being performed in step S2102. Determine. If the ball removal operation is not in progress, it is determined in step S2103 whether or not there is a payout error state.

  If it is in the payout error state, the award ball permission signal setting process is terminated after setting the award ball non-permission state in step S2107. In this way, by setting the prize ball non-permission state in the payout error state, in the payout error state, the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped and the output of the prize ball command is prohibited.

  As already explained, in the payout error state, payout of the game ball is stopped. Further, in the pachinko machine 10, when the power supply from the external power supply is stopped, the information stored in the payout side RAM 233 is erased. Therefore, when a prize ball command is output in the payout error state, if the power supply is stopped while the payout error state continues, the prize ball corresponding to the prize ball command is erased without being paid out. . That is, in a configuration in which a prize ball command is output in a payout error state, there is a high possibility that a prize ball corresponding to the prize ball command is erased without being paid out. On the other hand, according to the present configuration, such inconvenience can be prevented.

  If it is determined in step S2103 that there is no payout error state, it is determined in step S2104 whether or not a full tank low speed flag is stored in the full tank low speed flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233. In step S2105, it is determined whether or not the ball no low speed flag is stored in the ball no low speed flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233.

  If either the full tank low speed flag or the ball no low speed flag is stored, the prize ball permission signal setting process is terminated after setting the prize ball non-permission state in step S2107. In this way, when the full tank low speed state or the ball no low speed state is set, the prize ball disallowed state is set. Output is prohibited.

  As already described, the full tank low speed state or the ball no low speed state is a state that is set as a preceding stage when there is a high possibility of a payout error state thereafter. Then, in the payout error state, payout of the game ball is stopped. Further, in the pachinko machine 10, when the power supply from the external power supply is stopped, the information stored in the payout side RAM 233 is erased. Therefore, when a prize ball command is output in the payout error state, if the power supply is stopped while the payout error state continues, the prize ball corresponding to the prize ball command is erased without being paid out. . That is, in a configuration in which a prize ball command is output in a payout error state, there is a high possibility that a prize ball corresponding to the prize ball command is erased without being paid out. On the other hand, as in this configuration, when it is determined that there is a high possibility of a payout error state, the payout error state is disabled by stopping the output of the prize ball permission signal and prohibiting the output of the prize ball command. It is possible to prohibit the output of the prize ball command before it becomes, and the possibility of the occurrence of the above inconvenience is drastically reduced.

  If the full tank low speed flag is not stored in step S2104, and if the ball no low speed flag is not stored in step S2105, the winning ball permission state (output permission state) is set in step S2106. Later, the winning ball permission signal setting process is terminated. Even when the ball removal operation is being performed in step S2103, after setting the winning ball permission state in step S2106, the present winning ball permission signal setting process is terminated.

  Specifically, for setting the winning ball permission state, when the winning ball permission state flag is not stored in the winning ball permission state flag storage area of the payout side RAM 233, the winning ball permission state flag is stored, and the winning ball permission signal is stored. Is started (the output of the winning ball permission signal from the output means for outputting the winning ball permission signal is started). In the state where the prize ball permission state flag is stored, the output of the prize ball permission signal from the payout side MPU 231 to the main side MPU 211 is started, and the state is maintained. In other words, in the state where the ball removal operation is not being performed, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number storage area 264 of the payout side RAM 233 is three or less, which is the permitted reference number, and further, a payout error state, The output of the winning ball permission signal is continued when neither the tongue low speed state nor the ball low speed state is reached.

<About the output of the prize ball command in response to the prize ball permission signal>
Next, the manner in which a prize ball command is output in response to a prize ball permission signal will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG. In the explanation using FIG. 32, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that only a winning corresponding to four prize balls occurs among a plurality of kinds of winnings.

  First, a case where a single winning occurs will be described.

  In a situation where a winning ball permission signal has already been output from the payout side MPU 231 to the main side MPU 211, when a winning occurs at the timing t1, four main winning ball commands are output from the main side MPU 211 to the payout side MPU 231. As a result, the information on the number of four winning balls is stored in the payout side RAM 233, and the output of the winning ball permission signal is stopped by exceeding the permitted reference number (reaching the non-permitted reference number). Payment is started.

  Thereafter, by paying out one game ball at the timing of t2, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout-side RAM 233 becomes the permission reference number of three. Thereby, the output of the prize ball permission signal is started. Thereafter, the payout of one game ball is further executed at the timing of t3, so that the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 233 becomes two of the switching reference number. As a result, the payout speed of the payout motor 125 is switched from the normal cycle to the low speed cycle. Thereafter, by paying out two game balls by the timing of t4, information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 233 becomes zero. As a result, the output of the drive signal to the payout motor 125 is stopped, and the payout of the prize ball is ended.

  Next, a case will be described in which a win is generated again in a situation where the payout speed of the payout motor 125 is a low speed cycle after a single win has occurred.

  In a situation where a winning ball permission signal has already been output from the payout MPU 231 to the main MPU 211, a winning game is generated at timing t5, whereby four winning ball commands are output from the main MPU 211 to the payout MPU 231. As a result, information on the number of four winning balls is stored in the paying-out RAM 233, and when the permitted reference number is exceeded, the output of the winning ball permission signal is stopped and the payout of game balls is started.

  Thereafter, when one game ball is paid out at the timing of t6, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 233 becomes three, which is the permitted reference number. Thereby, the output of the prize ball permission signal is started. Thereafter, the payout of one game ball is further executed at the timing of t7, whereby the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 233 becomes two of the switching reference number. As a result, the payout speed of the payout motor 125 is switched from the normal cycle to the low speed cycle.

  Thereafter, a new winning is generated at timing t8 within which the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 233 is not zero, so that four prize balls are given from the main side MPU 211 to the payout side MPU 231. The command is output. As a result, information on the number of four prize balls is stored in the payout side RAM 233, and the output of the prize ball permission signal is stopped when the permitted reference number is exceeded, and the payout motor 125 is paid out when the switching reference number is exceeded. The speed is restored from the low speed cycle to the normal cycle.

  Next, a case where winnings occur continuously will be described.

  As described above, when a new winning is generated at timing t8, four winning ball commands are output from the main MPU 211 to the payout MPU 231. As a result, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout-side RAM 233 becomes five by adding a new number of prize balls to the number of prize balls stored so far.

  Thereafter, by paying out two game balls by the timing of t9, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 233 becomes three of the permitted reference number. Thereby, the output of the prize ball permission signal is started. In this case, winnings are generated continuously until the timing t9, and the main-side RAM 213 stores a plurality of pieces of information on four prize balls. Thereafter, four prize ball commands are output from the main-side MPU 211 to the payout-side MPU 231 at a timing t10 which is a timing before a new game ball is paid out. In addition, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout-side RAM 233 at the timing of t11 becomes the permission reference number, and the output of the prize ball permission signal is started. Thereafter, four prize ball commands are output from the main-side MPU 211 to the payout-side MPU 231 at a timing t12 which is a timing before a new game ball is paid out.

  That is, in the situation where the prize ball information is already stored in the main RAM 213, when the prize ball information stored in the payout RAM 233 becomes the permission reference number and the output of the prize ball permission signal is started, A prize ball command is output from the main side MPU 211 to the payout side MPU 231 at a timing before a new game ball is paid out, and the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 233 exceeds the permitted reference number. Become.

  This is due to the following reason. The payout speed in the normal cycle of the payout motor 125 is set so that one game ball is paid out at intervals of 60 msec. On the other hand, in the payout side MPU 231, the time required until the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 233 becomes the permission reference number and the output of the prize ball permission signal is started is the execution time of the timer interrupt process. It is in the range of 2 msec which is in the range of. In addition, the time required for outputting a prize ball command specified as being permitted to output a prize ball command based on the input of a prize ball permission signal in the main MPU 211 is in the range of 20 msec to 24 msec. . In addition, the time required for the payout side MPU 231 to input a prize ball command from the main side MPU 211 and add information on the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command to the payout side RAM 233 is the execution time of the timer interrupt process. It is in the range of 2 msec which is in the range of. In addition, even if the time required for transmitting the winning ball permission signal and the winning ball command, the error in processing time, and the like are included, the information on the number of winning balls stored in the payout side RAM 233 becomes the permission reference number. The time required for the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout-side RAM 233 to exceed the permitted reference number by inputting a prize ball command is about 40 msec at the maximum. This is shorter than 60 msec which is the time required for paying out one game ball. In other words, when the output of the winning ball permission signal is started in a situation where the winning ball information is already stored in the main RAM 213, the winning ball command is output at a timing before the new game ball is paid out. The processing time related to the prize balls in the main MPU 211 and the payout MPU 231 is set so that the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 233 exceeds the permitted reference number.

  In the configuration as described above, the permission reference number that triggers the output of the winning ball permission signal from the payout MPU 231 to the main MPU 211 is an opportunity to switch the payout speed of the payout motor 125 from the normal cycle to the low speed cycle. One game ball is set more than the switching reference number. Thus, in a situation where a plurality of prize ball information is stored in the main side RAM 213, the prizes stored in the payout side RAM 233 until all the output of each prize ball command corresponding to the prize ball information are executed. The information on the number of balls does not reach the switching reference number. Therefore, a prize ball permission signal is output from the payout MPU 231 to the main MPU 211, and only one prize ball command corresponding to one win is output from the main MPU 211 to the payout MPU 231. In the configuration, it is possible to prevent the payout speed of the payout motor 125 from being switched from the normal cycle to the low speed cycle even though the prize ball information is stored in the main side RAM 213, and to smoothly pay out the game ball. Can be done.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 32, information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout-side RAM 233 at the timing of t13 becomes three, which is the reference number for permission, and output of a prize ball permission signal is started. Further, by further executing payout of one game ball at the timing of t14, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 233 becomes two of the switching reference number, and the payout speed of the payout motor 125 is The normal cycle is switched from the normal cycle until then. Thereafter, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 233 at the timing of t15 becomes zero, the output of the drive signal to the payout motor 125 is stopped, and the payout of prize balls is completed.

<Handling of prize ball information when power supply is started in a full tank>
Next, the handling of prize ball information when power supply from the external power source to the pachinko machine 10 is started with the lower pan 82 in a full state will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG.

  First, the case where there is a standby process after the startup process in the main MPU 211 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The power supply from the external power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is started at the timing t1, so that the start-up process is started in each of the main MPU 211 and the payout MPU 231. Thereafter, the start-up process of the payout side MPU 231 is completed at the timing of t2. In this case, since the supply of power from the external power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is started with the lower pan 82 in a full state, it is specified in the dispensing side MPU 231 that a full tank detection signal is input from the full tank detection sensor 88. The However, at this point in time, since the payout side MPU 231 specifies that the full tank detection signal is being input, the output of the winning ball permission signal is started.

  Thereafter, the startup process of the main MPU 211 is completed at the timing of t3. However, the main MPU 211 waits without starting execution of various processes until 1 sec has elapsed from this point. Thereafter, at the timing t4 when the main MPU 211 waits without starting execution of various processes, the output continuation period of the full tank detection signal in the payout MPU 231 is about the second full tank specific reference period. When reaching 0.8 sec, the output of the winning ball permission signal is stopped.

  Thereafter, at the timing of t5, execution of various processes is started when 1 sec elapses after the startup process in the main MPU 211. However, since the output of the winning ball permission signal has already been stopped, even if the winning ball information is stored in the main RAM 213, the winning ball command is not output, and the number of winning balls to the payout RAM 233 is information. Is not remembered. Thereafter, the power supply is cut off at the timing of t6.

  As described above, according to this configuration, even if the power is turned on when the lower plate 82 is full, and the power is shut off at a relatively early stage thereafter, no prize ball command is output. Thus, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the prize ball information is erased without paying out the game balls. This is because the main-side MPU 211 waits without starting execution of various processes until 1 sec elapses after the startup process. In addition, when the power is turned on when the lower plate 82 is full and the power is shut off at a relatively early stage thereafter, or when this is repeated, the ON / OFF operation of the power switch is repeatedly performed. In addition, there may be a case where the above-described state occurs in a pseudo manner due to noise. In this configuration, the timing at which the startup process is completed in the main MPU 211 may be the same as the timing at which the startup process is started in the payout MPU 231, and the main MPU 211 is earlier in the range of 0.2 sec. It is good also as a structure completed.

  Here, a case where there is no standby processing as described above in the main MPU 211 will be described with reference to FIG.

  By starting the power supply from the external power source to the pachinko machine 10 at the timing of t11, the start-up process is started in each of the main MPU 211 and the payout MPU 231. Thereafter, the start-up process of the payout side MPU 231 is completed at the timing of t12. In this case, since the supply of power from the external power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is started with the lower pan 82 in a full state, it is specified in the dispensing side MPU 231 that a full tank detection signal is input from the full tank detection sensor 88. The However, at this point in time, since the payout side MPU 231 specifies that the full tank detection signal is being input, the output of the winning ball permission signal is started.

  Thereafter, the start-up process of the main MPU 211 is completed at timing t13. In this case, execution of various processes is started in the main MPU 211. Then, when a prize ball permission signal is input from the payout side MPU 231 in a situation where the prize ball information is stored in the main side RAM 213, a prize ball command is output from the main side MPU 211 to the payout side MPU 231 at the timing of t14. Is done. As a result, the payout side MPU 231 stops outputting the prize ball permission signal and causes the payout side RAM 233 to store information on the number of prize balls.

  Thereafter, at the timing of t15, the power supply is cut off in a situation where the information on the number of prize balls is stored in the payout side RAM 233. As a result, since the power interruption power is not supplied to the payout side RAM 233, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 233 is erased without actually executing the payout of game balls. Then, by repeating the operation from the timing t11 to the timing t15, such as from the timing t16 to the timing t17, the game ball payout is actually executed for the award ball information stored in the main RAM 213. It is erased repeatedly without any problems. In this case, it causes a great disadvantage to the player. On the other hand, in this pachinko machine 10, since it is an aspect shown in FIG. 33A as already described, it is possible to prevent the above inconvenience from occurring.

  Note that the award ball information is repeatedly deleted without actually paying out the game balls when the tank 111 is in the absence of balls and power supply from the external power source to the pachinko machine 10 is started. Are similarly concerned. On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 10, in the situation where the main MPU 211 waits without starting execution of various processes, the output continuation period of the ball non-detection signal is set to the second ball non-specific standard in the payout MPU 231. When the period reaches about 1.0 sec, the output of the winning ball permission signal is stopped. Therefore, the occurrence of the above inconvenience is prevented.

<Handling of prize ball information when power supply is started with the front door frame 14 open>
Next, handling of prize ball information when power supply from the external power source to the pachinko machine 10 is started with the front door frame 14 in an open state will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG.

  First, in the main side MPU 211, a period (output permission reference period) from the input of the prize ball permission signal of the payout side MPU 231 to the determination that the output of the prize ball command is permitted is the front door frame opening switch 22. A case where the period from when the front door frame opening signal is input until it is determined that the front door frame 14 is in the open state (opening specific reference period) will be described with reference to FIG.

  By starting the power supply from the external power source to the pachinko machine 10 at the timing t1, the start-up process is started in the main MPU 211 and the standby process is executed after the start-up process. Thereafter, at the timing of t2, execution of various processes is started when 1 sec elapses after the startup process in the main side MPU 211. In this case, since the prize ball permission signal has already been output from the payout side MPU 231, measurement of the output permission reference period is started. In addition, since the power is turned on with the front door frame 14 in the open state this time, measurement of the open specific reference period is started.

  Then, at the timing of t3, the measurement of the open specific reference period of the output permission reference period and the open specific reference period is completed, and the main MPU 211 becomes in a state where the prize ball command cannot be output. Thereafter, the measurement of the output permission reference period is completed at the timing of t4. However, since the prize ball command cannot be output at the timing t3, the prize ball command is not output even if the prize ball information is stored in the main RAM 213, and the prize ball to the payout RAM 233 is output. Number information is not stored. Thereafter, the power supply is cut off at the timing of t5.

  As described above, according to this configuration, even when the power is turned on with the front door frame 14 in the open state and the power is shut off at a relatively early stage thereafter, the prize ball command is not output. Thus, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the prize ball information is erased without paying out the game balls. This is because the output permission reference period is set longer than the open specific reference period.

  Here, the case where the output permission reference period is shorter than the open specific reference period in the main MPU 211 will be described with reference to FIG.

  By starting the power supply from the external power source to the pachinko machine 10 at the timing of t11, the start-up process is started in the main MPU 211 and the standby process is executed after the start-up process. Thereafter, at the timing of t12, execution of various processes is started when 1 sec elapses after the startup process in the main-side MPU 211. In this case, since the prize ball permission signal has already been output from the payout side MPU 231, measurement of the output permission reference period is started. In addition, since the power is turned on with the front door frame 14 in the open state this time, measurement of the open specific reference period is started.

  After that, at the timing of t13, a prize ball command is output from the main MPU 211 to the payout MPU 231 by completing measurement of the output permission reference period in the output permission reference period and the open specific reference period. Thereafter, at the timing of t14, the measurement of the opening specific reference period is completed, and the main-side MPU 211 is in a state where a prize ball command cannot be output. Further, in this case, when the front door frame opening command is output from the main side MPU 211 to the payout side MPU 231, the payout side MPU 231 enters a state in which a game ball cannot be paid out. Accordingly, the payout of game balls based on the prize ball command output at the timing of t13 is stopped, and the state where the information on the number of prize balls is stored in the payout side RAM 233 is maintained.

  Thereafter, at the timing of t15, the power supply is cut off in a situation where the information on the number of prize balls is stored in the payout side RAM 233. As a result, since the power interruption power is not supplied to the payout side RAM 233, the information on the number of prize balls stored in the payout side RAM 233 is erased without actually executing the payout of game balls. Then, by repeating the operation from the timing t11 to the timing t15, such as from the timing t16 to the timing t17, the prize ball information stored in the main RAM 213 is stored in the payout RAM 233 as information on the number of prize balls. It is memorized and erased repeatedly without actually paying out the game balls. In this case, it causes a great disadvantage to the player. On the other hand, in this pachinko machine 10, since it is an aspect shown in FIG. 34A as already described, it is possible to prevent the above inconvenience from occurring.

<About the passage configuration on the downstream side of the dispensing device 114>
Next, a characteristic passage configuration on the downstream side of the dispensing device 114 will be described in detail. FIG. 35A is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining a downstream passage configuration of the payout device 114, and FIG. 35B is a plan view showing the configuration of the payout ball detection sensor 126 provided in the payout device 114. 35 (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in the downstream passage of the dispensing device 114, and FIG. 35 (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in the downstream passage of the dispensing device 114. The payout ball detection sensor 126, the AA line portion in the passage on the downstream side of the payout device 114, and the BB line portion in the passage on the downstream side of the payout device 114 are arranged in this order in the vertical direction. 35 (b) to (d) show the relative positions in the left and right directions.

  As described above, the payout device 114 includes the payout passage 122 and the payout ball detection sensor 126 that detects a game ball passing through the payout passage 122 at a position downstream of the rotating body 124. . As described above, the payout ball detection sensor 126 is configured by a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and includes a detection unit 127 for detecting the passage of a game ball.

  As shown in FIG. 35A, the detection unit 127 is formed with a through hole 127 a that penetrates the payout ball detection sensor 126 in the thickness direction. The through hole 127a is formed such that a cross section in a direction orthogonal to the through direction is circular. The through-hole 127a is formed so as to extend in the same direction over the whole, and the diameter of the hole is the same or substantially the same over the whole. The diameter R1 of the hole is substantially the same as the diameter of the game ball, more specifically, slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball.

  Specifically, the diameter of the game ball is about 11 mm, whereas the diameter R1 of the through hole 127a is about 12 mm. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the diameter R1 of the through-hole 127a is about 11.1 mm to about 20 mm from the viewpoint of accurately detecting one game ball while preventing ball clogging. It may be any of the 0 mm range, preferably any of the range of about 12 mm to about 15 mm. In addition, the cross section of the through hole 127a is not limited to a circular shape, and may be a polygonal shape. In this case, the cross section only needs to have a size including the entire cross section passing through the center of the game ball. In addition, from the viewpoint of accurately detecting one game ball without causing a ball clogging, the size of the cross section is in the range of about 5% to about 80% of the cross section of the game ball. It is good also as a structure large in a ratio, It is good also as a structure large in any ratio in the range of about 10%-about 30% preferably.

  The detection unit 127 incorporates a detection coil 126a along the outer peripheral side of the through hole 127a. Further, the payout ball detection sensor 126 has an oscillation capacitor and an oscillation circuit electrically connected to the detection coil. A sensor board 126b having a detection circuit, a comparator circuit, and an output circuit is incorporated. Thereby, when the game ball is passing through the through hole 127a, the magnetic flux penetrates the detection coil, and a signal to that effect is output to the payout control device 141, and as described above, the game ball Is determined by the MPU 231 of the payout control device 141.

  The payout ball detection sensor 126 is installed in a sensor installation part 121 a formed in the housing 121 of the payout device 114. Since the payout ball detection sensor 126 is installed in the sensor installation unit 121a, the detection unit 127 is disposed in the middle of the payout passage 122 and downstream of the storage unit 123 in which the rotating body 124 is stored. ing. In this case, in the payout passage 122, the downstream payout region 122a on the downstream side of the detection unit 127 extends in the vertical direction (the vertical direction of the gaming machine), and the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the passage direction is circular. ing. The diameter (that is, the inner diameter) of the downstream payout region 122a is the same as the diameter of the through hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126. The diameter of the downstream payout region 122a may be slightly larger or slightly smaller than the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126, but from the viewpoint of suppressing the occurrence of a ball clogging, etc. The size on the downstream side is preferably equal to or larger than the size on the upstream side, and more preferably, the size on the downstream side is equal to the size on the upstream side, so that the distance between the through hole 127a and the downstream payout region 122a is the same. It is preferable to prevent a step from being generated.

  The payout ball detection sensor 126 is installed in the sensor installation portion 121a so that the central axis of the through hole 127a is collinear with the central axis of the downstream payout region 122a. The region 122a communicates with each other and the passage region formed by the both has the same passage direction (specifically, the vertical direction) and the passage width is the same throughout. Thereby, the game ball led out to the downstream side by the rotating body 124 flows smoothly, and the game ball can be detected satisfactorily by the payout ball detection sensor 126.

  A passage forming unit 270 is provided below the payout device 114 and above the game ball distributor 128 as shown in FIG. The passage forming unit 270 includes a housing 271 made of synthetic resin, and a communication passage 273 is formed in the housing 271 by being partitioned by a passage wall 272. In this case, the communication passage 273 has a cylindrical shape (or a tubular shape) by being surrounded by a passage wall 272. More specifically, a part of the communication passage 273 has a cylindrical shape, and a part has a rectangular tube shape. The whole may have a cylindrical shape, or the whole may have a rectangular tube shape.

  The communication passage 273 communicates the payout passage 122 of the payout device 114 with the game ball distribution unit 128. Of the inner opening 128a and the outer opening 128b arranged side by side in the game ball distribution unit 128 (specifically, arranged side by side in the lateral direction), the communication passage 273 basically extends toward the inner opening 128a. A game ball is discharged. The inner opening 128 a communicates with the upper plate 81, and the game ball discharged to the inner opening 128 a is discharged to the upper plate 81. On the other hand, when the upper plate 81 is full, the game ball overflows from the inner opening 128a. In this state, the game ball is discharged from the communication passage 273 toward the outer opening 128b. The The outer opening 128b communicates with the lower tray 82, and the game ball discharged to the outer opening 128b is discharged to the lower tray 82.

  Here, the communication passage 273 will be described in more detail.

  The communication passage 273 basically extends in the vertical direction, so that the upstream side continuing from the payout passage 122 of the payout device 114 is narrower than the downstream side leading to the game ball distribution unit 128. Is formed. That is, the communication passage 273 is continuous with the narrow region 274 that is continuous from the payout passage 122 of the payout device 114 and has a relatively narrow passage width, and is continuous with the narrow region 274 and the game ball distributor 128. And a wide region 275 having a wide passage width.

  As shown in FIG. 35C, the narrow region 274 is formed by being partitioned by a passage wall 272, and has a circular cross section in a direction perpendicular to the passage direction. The narrow region 274 is a region within a range defined by the passage wall 272. Further, the passage wall 272 for defining the narrow region 274 does not need to have a circular cross section, and may have a polygonal shape.

  The narrow region 274 has the same or substantially the same diameter (that is, inner diameter) of the passage hole throughout the passage direction. The diameter R2 of the passage hole is substantially the same as the diameter of the game ball, more specifically, slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. Further, the diameter R2 of the passage hole is the same as the diameter R1 of the through hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126 and the diameter of the downstream payout region 122a in the payout passage 122.

  Specifically, the diameter of the game ball is about 11 mm, whereas the diameter R2 of the narrow region 274 is about 12 mm. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be any of the range of about 11.1 mm to about 20.0 mm from the viewpoint of narrowing the passage width while preventing the occurrence of clogging, and preferably about Any in the range of 12 mm to about 15 mm. Further, the cross section of the narrow region 274 is not limited to a circular shape, and may be a polygonal shape. In this case, the cross section only needs to have a size including the entire cross section passing through the center of the game ball. In addition, from the viewpoint of narrowing the passage width while preventing ball clogging, the size of the cross-section is larger than the cross-section of the game ball at any rate in the range of about 5% to about 80%. Preferably, it may be configured to be large in any proportion in the range of about 10% to about 30%.

  In the narrow region 274, the position of the outlet part, which is a communication point with the wide region 275, is shifted in the horizontal direction, specifically in the left-right direction, with respect to the position of the inlet part, which is a communication point with the downstream payout region 122a. It is formed to be detoured so as to be in the position. In other words, the outlet portion is formed so as to be detoured so as to be out of the range where the through-hole 127a of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126 is extended downstream in the passage direction.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 35A, the narrow region 274 includes an upstream vertical region (upstream vertical region) 281 extending in the vertical direction and a downstream side with respect to the upstream vertical region 281. , And an inclined region 282 that is inclined downward toward the inside of the pachinko machine 10 and a downstream vertical region (downstream vertical region) 283 that is continuous on the downstream side with respect to the inclined region 282 and extends in the vertical direction. ing.

  The upstream vertical region 281 is formed such that its central axis is collinear with the through-hole 127a of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126 and the central axis of the downstream dispensing region 122a. The upstream vertical region 281 and the downstream payout region 122a communicate with each other, and the passage region formed by the both has the same passage direction (specifically, the vertical direction) and the entire passage region. The passage width is the same throughout. That is, no step is formed between the upstream vertical region 281 and the downstream payout region 122a. Thereby, the introduction of the game ball from the downstream payout region 122a to the upstream vertical region 281 is smoothly performed without being caught on the passage wall or the like.

  The inclined region 282 is formed by at least a passage bottom portion 284 and a passage ceiling portion 285 constituted by the passage wall 272, and is inclined downward from the upstream vertical region 281 toward the downstream vertical region 283. . That is, the inclined area 282 has a different passage direction from the passage direction of the upstream passage area including the through hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126. The game ball passing through the inclined area 282 is lowered toward the downstream vertical area 283 while being placed on the passage bottom 284. A metal plate 286 is fixed to the passage bottom portion 284 on the outer wall surface side, and the passage bottom portion 284 is reinforced. In addition, although the metal plate 286 is formed by being curved along the passage bottom portion 284, the metal plate 286 is not limited to this and may be formed in a flat plate shape.

  The inclined region 282 has a passage length so that the central axis of the downstream vertical region 283 is not aligned with the central axis of the upstream vertical region 281, that is, the central axis of the through-hole 127 a of the payout ball detection sensor 126. Is set. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 35B and 35C, the inclined region 282 is between the central axis of the downstream vertical region 283 and the central axis of the through hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126. The path length is set so that the distance L1 is larger than the radius of both holes. Furthermore, the inclined region 282 has an end portion on the through hole 127a side of the payout ball detection sensor 126 in the downstream vertical region 283 and an end portion on the downstream side vertical region 283 side in the through hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126. The passage length is set so as to be separated by a predetermined distance L2 in the lateral direction. As a result, the entire downstream vertical region 283 does not overlap the range in which the through-hole 127a of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126 is extended downstream in the passage direction. In other words, the entire downstream vertical region 283 is not included in the projection range of the through ball 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126 to the downstream side in the passage direction.

  Since the narrow region 274 is formed as described above, the passage region having the same passage width that extends from the through hole 127a of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126 to the downstream dispensing region 122a is the most downstream of the narrow region 274. To the part. In addition, this passage area allows passage of one game ball, but makes it impossible for a plurality of game balls to pass through the same location at the same time. Specifically, the passage width is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. It has become. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the ball clogging in the channel | path area | region is suppressed. In addition, the passage area has a circular cross section in the passage direction, and a gap generated between the game ball passing therethrough is suppressed as compared with a configuration in which the cross section is a polygonal shape. Further, in this passage region, when the portion of the through hole 127a is an inlet portion and the most downstream portion of the downstream vertical region 283 is an outlet portion, the central axis of the inlet portion and the central axis of the outlet portion are on the same straight line. The position is set so as not to shift.

  As described above, the wide region 275 is formed on the downstream side of the narrow region 274. The wide region 275 is a region within a range defined by the passage wall 272. As shown in FIG. 35 (d), the wide region 275 has a rectangular cross section, and the length dimensions X1 and X2 of each side are larger than the diameter R2 of the passage hole of the narrow region 274, and It is set so that a plurality of game balls can be arranged in any side direction. The wide region 275 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be a square shape, a polygonal shape other than a rectangular shape, or a circular shape.

  The wide area 275 is continuous with the game ball distributing unit 128 as described above. As a result, the game balls introduced from the narrow region 274 to the wide region 275 are further introduced into the game ball distribution unit 128. In this case, the position of the most downstream portion (exit portion) of the narrow region 274 is a position vertically above the inner opening 128a that continues to the upper plate 81 in the game ball distribution unit 128 across the wide region 275. ing. Thereby, the game ball paid out from the payout device 114 is basically discharged to the upper plate 81. In addition, the wide region 275 is formed in a size that allows a plurality of game balls to be arranged in a direction in which the openings 128a and 128b are arranged in parallel at least in the game ball distribution unit 128, whereby the upper plate 81 When the player becomes full, the derivation of the game ball to the outer opening 128b, that is, the lower plate 82, is performed without causing a ball clogging.

  The wide region 275 is formed at a position shifted laterally with respect to the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126. In other words, the wide region 275 is formed so as to be out of the range where the through hole 127a of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126 is extended downstream in the passage direction.

  Specifically, the end on the through hole 127a side of the payout ball detection sensor 126 in the wide region 275 and the end on the wide region 275 side in the through hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126 are separated by a predetermined distance L3 in the lateral direction. Thus, the wide region 275 is formed. Thereby, the entire wide region 275 does not overlap the range in which the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126 is extended downstream in the passage direction. In other words, the entire wide region 275 is not included in the projection range to the downstream side in the passage direction of the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126.

  Next, a fraud suppression effect due to the formation of the communication passage 273 as described above will be described. In addition, in the following description, the said fraud suppression effect in this pachinko machine 10 is demonstrated, comparing with the conventional pachinko machine. 36A is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the downstream portion of the dispensing device 291 in the conventional pachinko machine, and FIG. 36B is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the downstream portion of the dispensing device 114 in the pachinko machine 10. FIG.

  In a conventional pachinko machine, when a payout operation of a rotating body is performed or in a situation where it is performed, the payout ball detection sensor 292 can not normally detect a game ball, thereby An improper act that causes a larger number of game balls to be paid out than the game balls to be issued is assumed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 36 (a), the fraudulent tool 293 is arranged on the downstream side of the dispensing ball detection sensor 292 from the lower plate side or the like. The fraudulent tool 293 is formed with a through-hole 294 as a passing portion through which a game ball can pass, and a coil is built in along the periphery of the illegal tool 293, and for supplying current to the coil. Built-in circuit. In this case, the unauthorized tool 293 is configured such that the central axis of the through hole 294 is positioned on the same straight line as the central axis of the through hole 292 a of the payout ball detection sensor 292, and the through hole 294 passes through the payout ball detection sensor 292. It arrange | positions so that it may connect with the channel | path area | region connected from the hole 292a.

  In this state, a current is caused to flow through the coil of the unauthorized tool 293 to generate a magnetic flux, whereby the magnetic flux penetrates the inside of the coil provided along the through hole 292a in the dispensing ball detection sensor 292 in the axial direction. In this case, for example, by generating a magnetic flux corresponding to that the game ball is passing through the through hole 292a from the unauthorized tool 293, the through hole 292a is passed through the through hole 292a even though the game ball has finished passing through. It is possible to cause the payout ball detection sensor 292 to erroneously detect that the ball is passing. Further, for example, by generating a magnetic flux corresponding to the fact that the game ball does not enter the through hole 292a from the unauthorized tool 293, the game ball passes through the through hole 292a even though the game ball passes through the through hole 292a. If the ball does not pass, the payout ball detection sensor 292 will erroneously detect.

  The payout-side MPU is configured to identify that one game ball has been paid out based on confirming a change in the detection signal at the timing when the game ball detection is started by the payout ball detection sensor 292. If the detection state of the ball detection sensor 292 is set as described above by the unauthorized tool 293, a large number of game balls are actually passing through the through-hole 292a, but in the payout side MPU, a large number of these game balls. The passage of the rotating body cannot be grasped and there is a concern that the payout operation of the rotating body may be continued, and if this is continued, this state is continued until a retry operation or a subsequent payout device abnormal state is executed. There is concern. In this case, in a configuration in which the period until the retry operation is executed is set to be long, a large number of game balls have been paid out by then.

  Furthermore, as the fraudulent tool 293, a tool that can be set to be switched between an operation state in which the paying ball detection sensor 292 cannot accurately detect the game ball and a non-operation state in which the detection can be accurately performed is used. It is assumed that In this case, the retry operation or the like is not executed by switching the unauthorized device 293 from the operation state to the non-operation state at a timing before the retry operation or the like is executed. Then, at the timing when the illegal tool 293 is switched from the operating state to the non-operating state, the payout side MPU can specify the payout of one game ball, but the payout ball until immediately before the retry operation or the like is executed. The act of causing the detection sensor 292 to normally not detect the game ball is repeated for the actual number of game balls to be paid out.

  In contrast, as shown in FIG. 36 (b), in the pachinko machine 10, the above-described narrow region 274 is formed in the communication passage 273 on the downstream side of the payout device 114. Even if the unauthorized tool 293 having the passable through hole 294 is arranged to communicate with the passage area continuing from the through hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126, it is arranged on the upstream side by the exit portion of the narrow area 274. Is practically impossible. In this case, as already described, since the central axis of the through hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126 and the central axis of the exit portion of the narrow region 274 are not collinear, the coil of the payout ball detection sensor 126 The central axis and the central axis of the coil of the unauthorized tool 293 are not arranged on the same straight line, and even if a magnetic flux is generated from the unauthorized tool 293, it is difficult to penetrate the coil of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126. Become. In particular, the exit portion of the narrow region 274 is not entirely included in the projection range of the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126 toward the downstream side in the axial direction (vertical direction). This makes it difficult to penetrate the coil of the payout ball detection sensor 126.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 36 (b), in the pachinko machine 10, the wide region 275 is formed so as not to line up in the axial direction of the through hole 127 a with respect to the through hole 127 a of the payout ball detection sensor 126. Therefore, in the wide area 275, it is impossible to arrange the unauthorized tool 293 so that the center axis of the coil of the payout ball detection sensor 126 and the center axis of the coil of the unauthorized tool 293 are on the same straight line. Thus, even if the fraudulent tool 293 is disposed in the wide region 275 and magnetic flux is generated therefrom, it is difficult to penetrate the coil of the payout ball detection sensor 126. In particular, since the entire wide region 275 is not included in the projection range of the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126 to the downstream side in the axial direction, the magnetic flux from the unauthorized tool 293 is applied to the coil of the payout ball detection sensor 126. It becomes harder to penetrate inside.

  As described above, the illegal tool 293 is inserted into the pachinko machine 10 from the upper plate 81 or the lower plate 82, and the payout ball detection sensor 126 is erroneously detected using the inserted illegal tool 293 so as to illegally obtain a game ball. Can also be prevented.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 36B, a metal plate 286 that functions as a magnetic shield plate is fixed to the passage bottom portion 284 of the inclined region 282 in the narrow region 274 on the outer wall surface side. Therefore, even if the fraudulent tool 293 is arranged not on the upper plate 81 or the lower pan 82 but on the downstream side in the axial direction of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126 from the back side of the pachinko machine 10, the magnetic flux is generated from the fraudulent tool 293. The magnetic flux is blocked by the metal plate 286, and the magnetic flux is prevented from penetrating through the coil of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126.

<Second Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the configuration of the narrow region of the communication passage is different from that of the first embodiment. The configuration of communication passage 301 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 37 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the downstream portion of the dispensing device 114 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 37, the communication passage 301 basically extends in the vertical direction like the communication passage 273 in the first embodiment, and the upstream side continuing from the payout passage 122 of the payout device 114. This is formed so that the passage width is narrower than the downstream side leading to the game ball distribution unit 128. That is, the communication passage 301 is continuous with the narrow region 302 where the passage width is relatively narrow and the narrow region 302 and the game ball distributor 128 are relatively continuous with the payout passage 122 of the payout device 114. And a wide region 303 having a wide passage width.

  The narrow region 302 is formed such that the central axis at the outlet portion (the most downstream portion) is not arranged on the same straight line as the central axis of the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126. Specifically, the outlet portion of the narrow region 302 does not entirely overlap the range where the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126 is extended downstream in the passage direction. In other words, the entire outlet portion of the narrow region 302 is not included in the projection range of the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126 to the downstream side in the axial direction. The wide region 303 is formed at a position shifted laterally with respect to the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126. Specifically, the wide region 303 does not entirely overlap the range in which the through hole 127a of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126 is extended downstream in the passage direction. In other words, the entire wide region 303 is not included in the projection range to the downstream side in the axial direction of the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126.

  The diameter of the passage hole of the narrow region 274 in the first embodiment is set to be the same as the diameter of the through hole 127a of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126 and the diameter of the downstream dispensing region 122a. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the passage hole of the narrow region 302 is set larger than the diameter of the through hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126 and the diameter of the downstream payout region 122a.

  However, an annular reduced-diameter portion 304 that protrudes toward the center side of the inner peripheral surface on the upstream side is integrally formed at the outlet portion of the narrow region 302. In this case, the reduced diameter portion 304 is formed in a tapered shape so that the diameter is gradually reduced from the upstream side toward the downstream side. By forming the reduced diameter portion 304, the diameter of the passage hole of the narrow region 302 is reduced at the outlet portion. It should be noted that the reduced diameter portion 304 is not limited to being formed integrally, and may be provided as a separate body.

  The diameter R3 at the exit portion is set to be slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, more specifically, a size that allows one game ball to pass but not allow a plurality of game balls to pass simultaneously. In addition, the diameter R3 at the outlet portion is the same as the diameter R1 of the through hole 127a of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126.

  Specifically, the diameter of the game ball is about 11 mm, whereas the diameter R3 of the narrow region 274 is about 12 mm. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be any of the range of about 11.1 mm to about 20.0 mm from the viewpoint of narrowing the passage width while preventing the occurrence of clogging, and preferably about Any in the range of 12 mm to about 15 mm. Further, the cross section of the narrow region 274 is not limited to a circular shape, and may be a polygonal shape. In this case, the cross section only needs to have a size including the entire cross section passing through the center of the game ball. In addition, from the viewpoint of narrowing the passage width while preventing ball clogging, the size of the cross-section is larger than the cross-section of the game ball at any rate in the range of about 5% to about 80%. Preferably, it may be configured to be large in any proportion in the range of about 10% to about 30%.

  Since the narrow region 302 is formed as described above, an unauthorized tool having a through hole through which a game ball can pass is removed from the through hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126, as in the first embodiment. Even if it tries to be arranged while communicating with the passage area that follows, the outlet portion of the narrow area 302 makes it substantially impossible to arrange it upstream. In this case, as already described, since the central axis of the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126 and the central axis of the exit portion of the narrow area 302 are not collinear, the coil of the payout ball detection sensor 126 The central axis and the central axis of the coil of the illegal tool are not arranged on the same straight line, and even if a magnetic flux is generated from the illegal tool, it is difficult to penetrate the coil of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126. In particular, the exit portion of the narrow region 302 is not included in the entire projection range in the axial direction downstream side (vertical direction) of the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126. It becomes more difficult to penetrate the coil of the payout ball detection sensor 126. Furthermore, the wide area 303 has the same configuration as the wide area 275 in the first embodiment. Therefore, even if an illegal tool is inserted into the pachinko machine 10 from the upper plate 81 or the lower plate 82 and the payout ball detection sensor 126 is erroneously detected using the inserted illegal tool, It becomes possible to stop.

<Third Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the configuration of the outlet portion of the narrow region 302 is different from the configuration of the outlet portion in the second embodiment. The configuration of the outlet portion will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 38 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the downstream portion of the dispensing device 114 in the present embodiment. In the following description, differences from the second embodiment will be described, and description of the same configuration will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 38, a leaf spring portion 311 is provided at the exit portion of the narrow region 302 instead of the reduced diameter portion 304 in the second embodiment. The leaf spring portion 311 protrudes from the passage wall side to the axis line side of the passage while being inclined from the upstream side to the downstream side in the natural state. In this case, the passage width R4 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball at the location where the leaf spring portion 311 protrudes. However, the leaf spring portion 311 is formed so as to be able to bend toward the downstream side due to the weight of the game ball flowing down the narrow region 302, and is formed so as not to prevent passage of the outlet portion of the narrow region 302. Yes. In addition, the leaf | plate spring part 311 which bent to the downstream side at the time of passage of a game ball | bowl returns to a natural state with its own elastic force after the game ball | bowl passes.

  On the other hand, the leaf spring portion 311 is inclined from the upstream side to the downstream side as described above, and is difficult to deform from the downstream side to the upstream side. Therefore, even if an unauthorized tool having a through-hole through which a game ball can pass is to be inserted from the exit portion of the narrow region 302 toward the upstream side, it is substantially impossible. Therefore, even if an illegal tool is inserted into the pachinko machine 10 from the upper plate 81 or the lower plate 82 and the payout ball detection sensor 126 is erroneously detected using the inserted illegal tool, It becomes possible to stop.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the configuration of the outlet portion of the narrow region 302 is different from the configuration of the outlet portion in the second embodiment. The configuration of the outlet portion will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 39 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the downstream portion of the dispensing device 114 in the present embodiment. In the following description, differences from the second embodiment will be described, and description of the same configuration will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 39, an impeller 321 is provided at the exit of the narrow region 302 instead of the reduced diameter portion 304 in the second embodiment. The impeller 321 includes a rotating shaft 322 and a plurality (specifically, four) of blades 323 extending radially from the rotating shaft 322 at equal intervals in the rotating direction of the rotating shaft 322.

  The impeller 321 is installed such that the rotation shaft 322 extends in the passage width direction. In this case, of the passage walls facing the rotation shaft 322 in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the rotation shaft 322 extends, the rotation shaft 322 is biased to the one passage wall 324 side and the other passage wall. An interval of distance R5 is secured between the terminal 325 and the terminal 325. The interval corresponding to the distance R5 is set to be slightly larger than a diameter of the game ball, specifically, a size that allows a single game ball to pass but a plurality of game balls cannot pass simultaneously.

  The blades 323 of the impeller 321 pass through the space in which the interval is secured as the impeller 321 rotates. Further, the impeller 321 rotates in the game ball lead-out direction (specifically, counterclockwise) when the game ball passing through the space in which the interval is secured hits the blade 323 from the upstream side. Thereby, in the structure which provided the impeller 321 in the exit part of the narrow area | region 302, passage of the game ball of the said exit part is attained.

  On the other hand, the impeller 321 is provided with a reverse rotation restricting structure (not shown) so that the impeller 321 cannot rotate in the direction opposite to the game ball lead-out direction (specifically, clockwise). Specifically, a ratchet structure is given to the rotating shaft 322 as the reverse rotation restricting structure. In addition, when the rotational position of the impeller 321 is a position where one blade 323 enters a predetermined amount or more into the space where the space is secured, the distance between the tip of the one blade 323 and the passage wall 325 is It becomes smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Therefore, even if an unauthorized tool having a through-hole through which a game ball can pass is to be inserted from the exit portion of the narrow region 302 toward the upstream side, it is substantially impossible. Therefore, even if an illegal tool is inserted into the pachinko machine 10 from the upper plate 81 or the lower plate 82 and the payout ball detection sensor 126 is erroneously detected using the inserted illegal tool, It becomes possible to stop.

<Fifth embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the configuration of the narrow region 302 of the communication passage is different from that of the first embodiment. The configuration of the communication passage 331 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 40 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the downstream portion of the dispensing device 114 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 40, the communication passage 331 basically extends in the vertical direction, like the communication passage 273 in the first embodiment, and is located upstream from the payout passage 122 of the payout device 114. This is formed so that the passage width is narrower than the downstream side leading to the game ball distribution unit 128. That is, the communication passage 331 is continuous from the payout passage 122 of the payout device 114, and is continuous to the narrow region 332 having a relatively narrow passage width, the narrow region 332, and the game ball distributing unit 128, and And a wide region 333 having a wider passage width. Further, the diameter of the passage hole in the narrow region 332 is the same as the diameter of the through hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126 and the diameter of the downstream payout region 122a, similarly to the narrow region 274 in the first embodiment. It is set to become.

  However, the narrow region 332 in the present embodiment differs from the narrow region 274 in the first embodiment in that the central axis of the outlet portion (the most downstream portion) is the center of the through-hole 127a of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126. It is formed so as to be arranged on the same straight line as the axis. Even in this case, a U-shaped detour region 334 is formed in the middle of the narrow region 332, and the central axis of the maximum detour portion in the detour region 334 is the through hole of the payout ball detection sensor 126. It is not arranged on the same straight line as the central axis of 127a. Specifically, the entire maximum detour portion is not included in the projection range of the through ball 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126 toward the downstream side in the axial direction. Furthermore, the diameter of the passage hole in the narrow region 332 is the same (or substantially the same) throughout, and as described above, the diameter is equal to the diameter of the through hole 127a of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126 and the downstream side. It is the same as the diameter of the payout area 122a.

  Since the narrow region 332 is formed as described above, even if an unauthorized tool having a through hole through which a game ball can pass is arranged on the downstream side of the payout ball detection sensor 126, at least from the maximum detour portion. Can not place illegal tools upstream. Further, even if the fraudulent tool is arranged in the wide area 333 so as to be overlapped immediately downstream of the exit portion of the narrow area 332, at least the height of the narrow area 332 is separated from the payout ball detection sensor 126. Therefore, it is difficult for the magnetic flux generated from the fraudulent tool to penetrate the coil of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126. As a result, even if an illegal tool is inserted into the pachinko machine 10 from the upper plate 81 or the lower plate 82 and the payout ball detection sensor 126 is erroneously detected using the inserted illegal tool, Can be prevented.

  40, the magnetic shield plate 336 is disposed in a region outside the passage where the narrow region 332 is formed in the passage forming unit 335 and in a region sandwiched by the detour region 334. May be. In this case, the magnetic shield plate 336 may be disposed so as to include the entire projection range on the downstream side in the axial direction of the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126. As a result, even if a fraudulent tool is arranged in the wide area 333 so as to be superimposed immediately downstream of the exit portion of the narrow area 332, and a magnetic flux is generated from the fraudulent tool, the coil of the dispensing ball detecting sensor 126 It becomes difficult to penetrate inside. Further, by superimposing the magnetic shield plate 336 from the outside of the passage to the passage bottom of the upstream inclined region 337 leading to the maximum detour portion in the detour region 334, the effect of reinforcing the passage bottom can also be achieved.

<Other embodiments>
In addition, it is not limited to the description content of each embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be applied alone to the configuration of each of the above embodiments, or may be applied to the configuration of each of the above embodiments in a predetermined combination. Moreover, you may apply each following structure to embodiment which is not illustrated as an application object of the structure.

  (1) In the first embodiment, the insertion of the unauthorized tool 293 upstream of the outlet portion of the narrow region 274 is restricted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, The insertion of the unauthorized tool 293 upstream of the midway position of the downstream vertical region 283 may be restricted, and the insertion of the unauthorized tool 293 upstream of the midway position of the inclined region 282 may be restricted. It is good also as composition which has. However, in order to prevent the through hole 294 of the unauthorized tool 293 from being directed toward the through hole 127a of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126, insertion of the unauthorized tool 293 upstream of the inlet portion of the downstream vertical region 283 is restricted. A configuration is preferable.

  (2) In the first embodiment, the entire outlet portion of the narrow area 274 that restricts the insertion of the unauthorized tool 293 is not connected to the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126. Although it was set as the structure which does not overlap with the range extended to the channel | path direction downstream side, it may replace with this and may be set as the structure which a part of said exit part overlaps with the said extended range. Further, in the configuration in which the insertion of the unauthorized tool 293 upstream of the inclined region 282 is restricted at the middle position, the whole middle position may not be overlapped with the extended range. A part of the midway position may overlap with the extended range. However, in order to prevent the through hole 294 of the unauthorized tool 293 from being directed toward the through hole 127a of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126, insertion of the unauthorized tool 293 is restricted as in the first embodiment. It is preferable that the entire portion does not overlap the extended range.

  (3) In the first embodiment, the downstream vertical region 283 as the downstream continuous region is configured to be parallel to the passage direction of the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126, but instead, The passage direction of the downstream continuous region may be inclined with respect to the passage direction of the through hole 127a. In this case, in order to prevent the magnetic flux generated from the through-hole 294 of the unauthorized tool 293 from passing through the coil of the dispensing ball detection sensor 126, it may be parallel as in the first embodiment, or The passage direction of the downstream continuous region is the passage of the through hole 127a so that the extension line toward the upstream side of the passage direction of the downstream continuous region does not intersect the extension line toward the downstream side of the passage direction of the through hole 127a. You may incline with respect to a direction.

  (4) In the first embodiment, the passage direction of the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126 is a vertical direction. Instead, the passage direction is inclined in a predetermined direction. Also good. Even in this case, the communication passage 273 is formed with a passage region set in a passage direction different from the passage direction of the through-hole 127a, and at least an unauthorized tool upstream of a predetermined position of the passage region. By adopting a configuration in which it is impossible to insert 293, it is possible to prevent an illegal act performed by inserting the unauthorized tool 293 from the upper plate 81 or the lower plate 82 into the dispensing ball detection sensor 126 side. .

  Further, a downstream continuous region is provided on the downstream side of the inclined passage region, and the downstream direction of the downstream continuous region is set downstream of the extension line to the upstream side of the passage direction and the passage direction of the through hole 127a. You may set so that the extension line to the side may not cross. And the effect which prevents the said fraud is heightened by setting it as the structure which becomes impossible even if it tries to insert the unauthorized tool 293 upstream from the predetermined position of the said downstream continuous area | region. Furthermore, the effect which prevents the said fraud is heightened by setting it as the structure which the whole downstream continuous area does not overlap with the range which extended the through-hole 127a to the passage direction downstream.

  (5) In the communication passage 273 in the first embodiment, the downstream vertical region 283 may be omitted, and the inclined region 282 may be directly connected to the wide region 275. In this case, even if it tries to insert the unauthorized tool 293 upstream from the predetermined position of the inclined area 282, it is made difficult to perform an unauthorized act using the unauthorized tool 293. It becomes possible. Further, at least the inclined area 282 and the downstream vertical area 283 are provided, but the upstream vertical area 281 may not be provided, and the payout device 114 does not include the downstream payout area 122a and detects the payout ball. The through-hole 127a of the sensor 126 may be directly connected to the communication passage 273.

  Further, the inclined region 282 and the downstream vertical region 283 may be formed not in a straight line but in a curved line. In a curved configuration, the range in which a predetermined passage region is extended upstream in the passage direction is a range in which the inlet portion of the passage region is extended tangentially upstream in the inlet portion. The range in which the predetermined passage region is extended downstream in the passage direction is a range in which the outlet portion of the passage region is extended downstream in the tangential direction in the outlet portion.

  Further, the payout ball detection sensor is an electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor that does not have the through-hole 127a, and the sensor is disposed on the passage wall of the medium passage area corresponding to the through-hole 127a from the outside of the passage. Thus, the characteristic configuration in each of the above embodiments may be applied. In addition, the characteristic configuration in each of the above embodiments is applied to a pachinko machine that has a recess and is provided with a payout ball detection sensor that detects a change in the magnetic field due to a game ball passing through the recess. May be. Further, the present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that uses a proximity ball detection sensor other than an electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor.

  (6) In the first embodiment, the communication passage 273 may be the narrow region 274 over the entire area, and the wide region 275 may be omitted. In this case, for example, a structure in which the passage toward the upper plate 81 and the passage toward the lower plate 82 are branched on the front door frame 14 side, and the upper plate 81 and the lower plate 82 are provided as a storage unit. Instead of this, in a configuration provided with a single reservoir, the narrow region 274 may continue to the inlet portion of the reservoir.

  (7) In the first embodiment, the inclined region 282 is formed so that the downstream vertical region 283 is shifted in the left-right direction of the gaming machine with respect to the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the inclined region 282 is formed so that the downstream vertical region 283 is shifted in the front-rear direction (depth direction) of the gaming machine with respect to the through-hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126. May be.

  (8) The narrow region 274 of the communication passage 273 is disposed downstream of the through hole 127a in the passage direction from the downstream side of the through hole 127a of the payout ball detection sensor 126 without providing the inclined region 282 and the downstream vertical region 283. More specifically, the narrow region 274 is provided so that the axis of the narrow region 274 is arranged on the same straight line as the axis of the through hole 127a throughout the narrow region 274. In addition, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which an unauthorized tool that does not block the passage of the game ball cannot be inserted upstream of the exit portion of the narrow region 274, and in this case, the payout is close to the payout ball detection sensor 126. Since it becomes impossible to dispose the sphere detection sensor 126, a fraud countermeasure is taken against a fraudulent tool having a weak output. However, it may not be an effective measure against a fraudulent tool with strong output, and therefore it is preferable to provide a region such as an inclined region 282 or a downstream vertical region 283.

  (9) In each of the above embodiments, a magnetic detection sensor or a radio wave detection sensor may be provided separately. These magnetic detection sensors and radio wave detection sensors are provided, for example, for discovering an act of transmitting an illegal radio wave toward a magnetic detection sensor or a game area provided to discover an act of bringing a magnet close to the game area. It may be a radio wave detection sensor. By providing the magnetic detection sensor and the radio wave detection sensor in this way, when the magnetic flux is generated from the unauthorized tool and the output intensity exceeds a predetermined value, the magnetic detection sensor or the radio wave detection sensor is used. Can be detected. On the other hand, the structure of the communication passage in each of the above embodiments makes it impossible to bring the unauthorized tool close to the dispensing ball detection sensor 126. Can be prevented from being received by the dispensing ball detection sensor 126.

  (10) In each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10 provided with the payout device 114 having the rotating body 124 as the payout execution means. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types are used. The present invention may be applied to a gaming machine provided with the payout device. For example, the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine provided with a payout device having a protruding and retracting piece that blocks or allows a game ball to pass through by appearing and retracting as a payout execution means.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10 provided with the payout device 114 having the payout ball detection sensor 126 on the downstream side of the payout execution means. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may be applied to a gaming machine provided with another type of payout device. For example, the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine provided with a payout device 114 having a payout ball detection sensor 126 on the upstream side of the payout execution means.

  Further, the present invention relates to a gaming machine that specifies the number of game balls to be paid out not only based on the detection result of the payout ball detection sensor 126 but also based on the operating state of the payout execution means, more specifically, the number of rotations of the rotating body 124. May be applied.

  (11) In each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10 provided with the upper plate 81 and the lower plate 82 as the storage unit, but instead, a pachinko device provided with a single outer storage unit. The present invention may be applied to a machine. In this case, the full tank detection sensor 59 is provided so as to detect whether or not the single outer reservoir is full. When it is specified that the outer reservoir is full, the game ball is paid out. To limit.

  (12) In each of the above embodiments, the main control board 201 may be configured to have the function of only the main control circuit 202 by providing the power failure monitoring device separately from the main control device 162.

  (13) In each of the above embodiments, the sound lamp control device 92 controls the display control device 225. Alternatively, the display control device 225 may control the sound lamp control device 92. . Further, a single control device having both functions of the sound lamp control device 92 and the display control device 225 may be provided.

  (14) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above-described embodiments, such as pachinko machines that release a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, or games in a specific area of a special device The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that generates a big hit when a ball enters, a pachinko machine equipped with another accessory, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball, and the like.

  Also, a non-ball-type gaming machine, for example, a plurality of reels with a plurality of types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction, starts rotation of the reel by inserting a medal and operating a start lever, and a stop switch is operated. If a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on the effective line visible from the display window after the reel has stopped after a predetermined time has passed, a privilege such as paying out medals is given to the player The present invention can also be applied to a slot machine. In this case, the configuration of the communication passage in each of the above embodiments may be applied to the hopper device of the slot machine.

  In addition, a pachinko machine and a slot machine that have a take-in device and start rotation of a reel by operating a start lever after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are taken in by the take-in device The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which is integrated.

<Invention Group Extracted from the Embodiments>
Hereinafter, the features of the invention group extracted from the above-described embodiment will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configuration in the above embodiment is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

Features 1. Game medium passage portions (payout passage 122, communication passage 273, game ball distribution portion) for guiding game media toward a storage portion (upper plate 81, lower plate 82) provided on the front surface portion of the gaming machine (front door frame 14) 128)
A payout executing means (rotating body 124) for paying out the game medium toward the storage section through the game medium passage section;
A payout detection means (payout ball detection sensor 126) for detecting the passage of the game medium in the medium passage area (through hole 127a) set in the middle position of the game medium passage portion;
In a gaming machine in which payout of a game medium is specified based on a detection result of the payout detection means,
The game medium passage portion is
A passage direction different region (inclined region 282) provided on the downstream side of the medium passage region and formed to have a passage direction different from the passage direction of the medium passage region;
A fraudulent tool for fraudulently preventing the passage of the game medium and preventing the passage of the game medium while preventing the passage of the game medium in the game medium passage portion is at least a predetermined area of the passage direction difference region. A structure for restricting insertion upstream of the position;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature 1, even if an attempt is made to dispose an illegal tool for improperly performing the payout detection means and does not block the passage of the game medium on the downstream side of the payout detection means, at least a predetermined position in the path direction difference area Insertion to the upstream side is restricted. This makes it impossible to insert an unauthorized tool from the storage section side into the game medium passage section and to place the unauthorized tool on the downstream side of the payout detection means.

  In addition, since insertion of the unauthorized tool upstream of a predetermined position in the path direction different area is restricted, the medium passing area is extended with respect to the medium passing area in the area extending downstream in the path direction. It is difficult to do this even if you try to make the wrong tools face each other. Even if it can be opposed, at least the area where the path direction different area is provided is separated from the medium passing area.

  As described above, it is possible to prevent an act of erroneously detecting the payout of the game medium by causing the payout detection means to detect erroneously using the illegal tool.

Feature 2. A game medium passage section (peripheral section is formed by a passage wall and guides the game medium toward a storage section (upper tray 81, lower tray 82) provided on the front surface of the gaming machine (front door frame 14). A payout passage 122, a communication passage 273, a game medium distribution unit 128, etc.),
A payout executing means (rotating body 124) for paying out the game medium toward the storage section through the game medium passage section;
A payout detection means (a payout ball detection sensor) that detects a change in a magnetic field in a medium passage area (through hole 127a) set at an intermediate position of the game medium passage portion to detect passage of a game medium in the medium passage area. 126),
In a gaming machine in which payout of a game medium is specified based on a detection result of the payout detection means,
The game medium passage portion includes a passage direction different region (inclined region 282) formed on the downstream side of the medium passage region so as to have a passage direction different from the passage direction of the medium passage region. ,
The space through which the game medium can pass at a predetermined position in the passage direction difference area or a predetermined passage area downstream from it is for improper use of the payout detection means and prevents the passage of the game medium. A gaming machine characterized in that it is set to a size that restricts the insertion of an unauthorized tool that is not allowed into the upstream side of the space.

  According to the feature 2, even if an attempt is made to dispose an unauthorized tool for improperly performing the payout detection means and does not block the passage of the game medium on the downstream side of the payout detection means, at least a predetermined position in the passage direction difference area Insertion to the upstream side is restricted. This makes it impossible to insert an unauthorized tool from the storage section side into the game medium passage section and to place the unauthorized tool on the downstream side of the payout detection means.

  In addition, since the insertion of the unauthorized tool is restricted as described above, even if an attempt is made to make the unauthorized tool face the medium passing area in the area where the medium passing area is extended downstream in the passage direction, it is performed. It becomes difficult. Even if it can be opposed, at least the area where the path direction different area is provided is separated from the medium passing area. Even if a magnetic field is generated from an unauthorized tool at such a restricted position, the medium passage region is less susceptible to the magnetic field.

  Furthermore, for example, even if an unauthorized tool can be arranged in the passage direction different region or downstream thereof, the passage direction different region is different in the passage direction from the passage direction of the medium passage region. Therefore, even if it tries to face the output part of the unauthorized tool in parallel with the medium passing area, it is difficult to do so. Even if a magnetic flux is generated from the unauthorized tool, the magnetic flux passes through the medium passing area. It becomes difficult.

  As described above, it is possible to prevent an act of erroneously detecting the payout of the game medium by causing the payout detection means to detect erroneously using the illegal tool.

  Feature 3. The path direction different region is formed so that at least the predetermined position does not overlap at least the entire range where the outlet portion of the medium passage region is extended downstream in the passage direction of the medium passage region. 3. The gaming machine according to feature 1 or 2, which is characterized.

  According to the feature 3, in the configuration in which the insertion of the dispensing detection means to the upstream side of at least a predetermined position in the path direction different area is restricted, at least the predetermined position of the path direction different area is the outlet of the medium passing area. Since the portion does not overlap at least the whole with respect to the range extended to the downstream side in the passage direction of the medium passing region, the outlet portion of the medium passing region is changed to the medium passing region in the range extended to the downstream side in the passage direction. On the other hand, even if it tries to make an illegal tool oppose, it becomes difficult to do it.

  Feature 4. The gaming medium passage portion cannot allow the unauthorized tool to pass within a range in which the passage width of the region extending from the medium passage region to at least the predetermined position of the passage direction different region does not prevent the passage of the game medium. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 3, wherein the gaming machine is formed so as to have a constant passage width or a passage width similar to a constant.

  According to the feature 4, the passage width of the region extending from the medium passage region to at least a predetermined position in the passage direction different region is a constant passage width or a passage width similar to a constant to the extent that the unauthorized tool cannot pass. With the relatively simple configuration of setting as described above, the above-described excellent effect can be achieved.

  Further, in the configuration in which the insertion of the illegal tool is regulated by the passage width as described above, the passage width in the region extending from the medium passage region to at least a predetermined position in the passage direction different region is a constant passage width or a passage width similar to the constant passage width. Therefore, the above excellent effect can be achieved while suppressing the occurrence of clogging in the region.

Feature 5. The game medium passage portion is a space restricting portion (a reduced diameter portion 304, a leaf spring) that narrows the passage space downstream of the predetermined position or the predetermined position in the passage direction different region as compared with the upstream side. Part 311 or impeller 321),
The space restricting portion is formed so as to narrow the passage space to such an extent that insertion of the unauthorized tool upstream of the portion where the space restricting portion is provided is restricted within a range that does not prevent the passage of game media. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 3, wherein

  According to the feature 5, since the space restricting portion is provided, the above excellent effect can be achieved.

Feature 6 The game medium passage section includes a downstream continuous region (downstream vertical region 283) that is continuous downstream of the passage direction different region.
The passage direction different region is formed such that the continuous portion with the downstream side continuous region does not overlap at least the entire range in which the outlet portion of the medium passage region is extended downstream in the passage direction of the medium passage region. Has been
The downstream continuous region is formed such that the passage direction does not intersect the extension line toward the upstream side in the passage direction and the extension line toward the downstream side in the passage direction in the medium passage region,
The game medium passage portion restricts the unauthorized tool from being inserted upstream of a predetermined position of the downstream continuous region while preventing the passage of the game medium through the game medium passage portion. The gaming machine according to Feature 1 or 2, wherein the gaming machine is provided as described above.

  According to the feature 6, even if the illegal tool is arranged on the downstream side of the payout detecting means, insertion to the upstream side of at least a predetermined position of the downstream continuous region is restricted. This makes it impossible to insert an unauthorized tool from the storage section side into the game medium passage section and to place the unauthorized tool on the downstream side of the payout detection means.

  Further, the continuous portion of the passage direction different region and the downstream side continuous region does not overlap with at least the entire range in which the outlet portion of the medium passage region is extended to the downstream side in the passage direction of the medium passage region, Since insertion of the unauthorized tool upstream of a predetermined position in at least the downstream continuous area is restricted, the medium passing area is illegal in the range where the medium passing area is extended downstream in the passage direction. It is difficult to do it even if you try to make the tools face each other. Even if it can be opposed, at least a portion in which the passage direction different region and the downstream continuous region are provided is separated from the medium passage region.

  Furthermore, the configuration having the above feature 2 has the following effects. That is, the downstream continuous region is formed such that the passage direction does not intersect the extension line toward the upstream side in the passage direction and the extension line toward the downstream side in the passage direction in the medium passage region. Therefore, for example, even if an improper tool can be disposed at a predetermined position in the downstream continuous area or an area along the downstream continuous area and further downstream than the predetermined position in the downstream continuous area, it passes through the medium. Even if the output part of the unauthorized tool is made to face the area, it is difficult to do this, and even if a magnetic flux is generated from the unauthorized tool, the magnetic flux is difficult to pass through the medium passage area.

  As described above, it is possible to prevent an act of erroneously detecting the payout of the game medium by causing the payout detection means to detect erroneously using the illegal tool.

  Feature 7. The passage direction different region is formed so that the whole continuous portion with the downstream side continuous region does not overlap with a range in which the outlet portion of the medium passage region is extended downstream in the passage direction of the medium passage region. 8. The gaming machine according to feature 6, wherein

  According to the feature 7, the entire continuous portion of the passage direction different region and the downstream side continuous region does not overlap with a range in which the outlet portion of the medium passage region is extended downstream in the passage direction of the medium passage region. At the same time, the downstream continuous region is formed such that the passage direction does not intersect the extension line toward the upstream side in the passage direction and the extension line toward the downstream side in the passage direction in the medium passage region. Therefore, for example, even if an improper tool can be disposed at a predetermined position in the downstream continuous area or an area along the downstream continuous area and further downstream than the predetermined position in the downstream continuous area, it passes through the medium. Even if it is attempted to make the passage of the illegal tool face the area, it is impossible.

  Feature 8 The downstream continuous region is formed so that the entire downstream continuous region does not overlap with a range in which an outlet portion of the medium passage region is extended downstream in the passage direction of the medium passage region. 8. The gaming machine according to 7.

  According to the feature 8, the entire downstream continuous region does not overlap with a range in which the outlet portion of the medium passing region extends to the downstream side in the passage direction of the medium passing region, and the downstream continuous region is in the passage direction. However, the extension line toward the upstream side in the passage direction and the extension line toward the downstream side in the passage direction in the medium passage region are not crossed. Therefore, for example, even if an improper tool can be disposed at a predetermined position in the downstream continuous area or an area along the downstream continuous area and further downstream than the predetermined position in the downstream continuous area, it passes through the medium. Even if it is attempted to make the passage of the illegal tool face the area, it is impossible.

Feature 9 The medium passage area is formed so that the passage direction is the up-down direction of the gaming machine,
The gaming machine according to any one of features 6 to 8, wherein the downstream continuous region is formed such that a passage direction is a vertical direction of the gaming machine.

  According to the feature 9, the above excellent effect can be achieved while increasing the passing speed of the game medium in the medium passing area and the downstream continuous area.

  Feature 10 The gaming medium passage portion cannot allow the unauthorized tool to pass within a range in which the passage width of the area extending from the medium passage area to at least the predetermined position of the downstream continuous area does not prevent the passage of the gaming medium. 10. The gaming machine according to any one of features 6 to 9, wherein the gaming machine is formed so as to have a constant passage width or a passage width similar to the constant passage.

  According to the feature 10, the passage width of the region extending from the medium passage region to at least a predetermined position of the downstream side continuous region becomes a constant passage width or a passage width similar to a constant to the extent that the unauthorized tool cannot pass through. With the relatively simple configuration of setting as described above, the above-described excellent effect can be achieved.

  Further, in the configuration in which the insertion of the illegal tool is regulated by the passage width as described above, the passage width of the region extending from the medium passage region to at least a predetermined position in the downstream continuous region is a constant passage width or a passage width similar to the constant passage width. Therefore, the above excellent effect can be achieved while suppressing the occurrence of clogging in the region.

  In a configuration in which a game ball is used as the game medium, a cross section in a direction orthogonal to the passage direction of the area extending from the medium passage area to at least the predetermined position of the downstream continuous area may be circular. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the space between the passage wall that divides the area and the game ball that passes through the area, and it is more difficult to perform the act of arranging the unauthorized tool immediately downstream of the payout detecting means. Become.

  Further, when the cross section is circular as described above, the hole diameter may be the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the space between the passage wall that divides the area and the game ball that passes through the area, and it is more difficult to perform the act of arranging the unauthorized tool immediately downstream of the payout detecting means. Become.

Feature 11. The game medium passage portion is a space restricting portion (a reduced diameter portion 304, a leaf spring) that narrows the passage space to the predetermined position of the downstream continuous region or to the downstream side of the predetermined position, compared to the upstream side. Part 311 or impeller 321),
The space restricting portion is formed so as to narrow the passage space to such an extent that insertion of the unauthorized tool upstream of the portion where the space restricting portion is provided is restricted within a range that does not prevent the passage of game media. 10. The gaming machine according to any one of features 6 to 9, wherein

  According to the feature 11, since the space restricting portion is provided, the above excellent effect can be achieved.

Feature 12. The payout detection means detects passage of a game medium in the medium passing area by detecting a change in the magnetic field in the medium passing area,
The game medium passage portion includes a wide area (wide area 275) having a passage width set wider than the restricted position on the downstream side of the position where insertion of the unauthorized tool is restricted,
The wide region is formed so as not to overlap at least the entire range in which the outlet portion of the medium passage region is extended downstream in the passage direction of the medium passage region. The gaming machine according to any one of 11 to 12.

  According to the feature 12, since the wide area is formed, the insertion of the illegal equipment is restricted as described above, and there is a space in the passage width in the storage medium side area in the game medium passage part. Therefore, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of ball clogging.

  In this case, since the wide area does not overlap at least the entire range in which the exit portion of the medium passage area is extended to the downstream side in the passage direction of the medium passage area, the exit portion of the medium passage area is passed through the passage in the wide area. Even if it is attempted to make the unauthorized tool face the medium passage area in the range extended to the downstream side in the direction, it becomes difficult to do so. And by making it hard to oppose in this way, even if it produces magnetic flux from a fraudulent tool, the said magnetic flux becomes difficult to pass a medium passage area | region. Therefore, even if it is the structure provided with the wide area | region, it becomes possible to make it difficult to perform the act which makes the payout detection means misdetect using the said unauthorized tool.

Feature 13. The storage unit includes an upper plate (upper plate 81) and a lower plate (lower plate 82),
13. The wide area includes a medium distribution unit (game ball distribution unit 128) that distributes the game medium paid out from the payout execution unit to the upper plate or the lower plate. Game machines.

  According to the feature 13, since the wide region is formed, the above-described excellent effect can be achieved while the game medium is distributed well to the upper plate or the lower plate.

Feature 14. The payout detection means detects passage of a game medium in the medium passing area by detecting a change in the magnetic field in the medium passing area,
The passage direction different region has a portion overlapping with a range in which an outlet portion of the medium passage region is extended downstream in the passage direction of the medium passage region on the upstream side of the predetermined position, and at least 14. The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 13, wherein electromagnetic shielding means (metal plate 286) is applied to the overlapping portion.

  According to the feature 14, even if an illegal tool is inserted from the storage unit side and the illegal tool is arranged at a position facing the medium passing area across the passage direction different area, the gap between the medium passing area and the illegal tool is between Since the electromagnetic shielding means is present, the medium passage area is not easily affected by the magnetic field generated by the unauthorized tool. Furthermore, even if an improper tool is arranged from the outside of the game medium passage portion, not from the storage portion side, at a position facing the medium passage region across the passage direction different region, it is similarly less susceptible to the influence of the magnetic field.

In addition, according to said each characteristic, the following subjects can be solved.

A pachinko gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine, is provided with a storage tank for storing game balls inside the pachinko gaming machine, for example. The game balls stored in the storage tank are guided to the ball tray on the front portion of the gaming machine through the guide passage portion. Further, a payout execution means such as a rotating body is provided at a midway position of the guide passage portion, and the game ball guided by the guide passage portion is temporarily stopped by the payout execution means.

The payout executing means is electrically connected to the control device. Based on the fact that a game ball has entered the ball entering section provided in the game area or a rental device such as a CR unit is provided, a lending operation is performed on the ball rental device. The payout amount information is stored in the control device, and the payout execution means is driven and controlled by the control device so as to execute the payout operation, whereby the game ball that has been stopped is paid out to the ball tray.

Further, a payout ball detection sensor (payout detection means) is provided on the downstream side of the payout execution means, and a game ball derived downstream by the payout operation of the payout execution means is detected by the payout ball detection sensor. . Based on the detection result of the payout ball detection sensor, the control device grasps the number of game balls that have been paid out, and when the number of game balls corresponding to the payout number information is paid out, the payout of the payout execution means End the operation.

Here, in the pachinko gaming machine, when the payout operation of the payout execution means is performed or in the situation where it is being performed, by preventing the game ball from being normally detected by the payout ball detection sensor, An illegal act is assumed in which more game balls are paid out than the number corresponding to the payout number information stored in the control device.

The fraudulent act will be described by taking as an example a case where a proximity sensor that converts a magnetic field change caused by a game ball passing through a detection unit into an electrical signal and outputs the signal is used as a payout ball detection sensor. In this fraudulent act, for example, a fraudulent tool is arranged at the position of the payout ball detection sensor from the ball tray side or the like. A fraudulent tool can generate a magnetic field, and when a fraudulent tool generates a magnetic field, the game ball stays in the detection unit even though the game ball passes through the detection unit. Or if it does not pass, the payout ball detection sensor will detect it erroneously.

On the other hand, the control device changes the electric signal at the timing when the game ball detection is started by the payout ball detection sensor (for example, the rise of the electric signal) or the timing when the detection of the game ball is ended by the payout ball detection sensor. In the configuration that specifies that one game ball has been paid out due to a change in the electrical signal (for example, the fall of the electrical signal), the detection state of the payout ball detection sensor is set as described above by an unauthorized tool. Even though a large number of game balls are actually passing through the detection unit, the control device cannot grasp the passage of the large number of game balls, and the payout operation of the payout executing means is continued. .

The above problems are not limited to pachinko gaming machines, and the same applies to other gaming machines in which game media is paid out through the payout execution means and the game medium is detected by the payout detection means. It is.

  The basic configuration of various gaming machines to which the above features can be applied is shown below.

  Pachinko gaming machine: operation means operated by a player, game ball launching means for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, a ball path for guiding the launched game ball to a predetermined game area, and a game A gaming machine that includes each gaming component arranged in an area, and gives a bonus to a player when a gaming ball passes through a predetermined passing portion of each gaming component.

  Revolving type gaming machine such as a slot machine: equipped with a picture display device for variably displaying a plurality of pictures, variably starting display of the plurality of pictures due to the operation of the start operation means, and due to the operation of the stop operation means In addition, the game machine is configured such that the variable display of the plurality of patterns is stopped when a predetermined time elapses and a privilege is given to the player according to the pattern after the stop.

The front view which shows the pachinko machine in 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which expand | deploys and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. The perspective view which expand | deploys and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. The front view which shows the structure of a game board. The rear view which shows the structure of a front door frame. The front view which shows the structure of a back pack unit. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the channel | path structure formed in the dispensing apparatus inside. The block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of a pachinko machine. Explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the various counters used for game control. The flowchart which shows the NMI interruption process by MPU of the main control board. The flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. The flowchart which shows a start winning process. The flowchart which shows a main process. The flowchart which shows a normal process. The block diagram which shows the electrical structure regarding payout of a game ball. The flowchart which shows an input state monitoring process. The flowchart which shows a front door frame open | release signal monitoring process. The flowchart which shows a prize ball permission signal monitoring process. The flowchart which shows the output process for payment. The flowchart which shows a prize ball command output process. The flowchart which shows the main process by MPU of a payout control board. The flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. The flowchart which shows a command determination process. The flowchart which shows the process for full tanks. The flowchart which shows a prize ball setting process. The flowchart which shows a lending setting process. The flowchart which shows payout number setting processing. The flowchart which shows payout control processing. The flowchart which shows the payout state setting process. The flowchart which shows a drive signal output process. The flowchart which shows a prize ball permission signal setting process. The time chart for demonstrating the mode of the output of the prize ball command with respect to a prize ball permission signal. The time chart for demonstrating the handling of prize ball information when a power supply is turned on when a lower plate is full. The time chart for demonstrating handling of prize ball information when a power supply is turned on with a front door frame open. (A) Longitudinal sectional view for explaining the passage configuration on the downstream side of the dispensing device, (b) Plan view showing the configuration of the dispensing ball detection sensor, (c) AA line portion in the passage on the downstream side of the dispensing device (D) Sectional drawing of the BB line part in the channel | path of the downstream of a discharge device. (A) The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the downstream part of the dispensing apparatus in the conventional pachinko machine, (b) The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the downstream part of the dispensing apparatus in this pachinko machine. The longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating the structure of the downstream part of the payout apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. The longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating the structure of the downstream part of the payout apparatus in 3rd Embodiment. The longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating the structure of the downstream part of the payout apparatus in 4th Embodiment. The longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating the structure of the downstream part of the payout apparatus in 5th Embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 14 ... Front door frame, 81 ... Upper plate, 82 ... Lower plate, 122 ... Discharge passage, 124 ... Rotating body, 126 ... Discharge ball detection sensor, 127a ... Through hole, 128 ... Game Sphere distribution unit, 273 ... communication passageway, 274 ... narrow region, 275 ... wide region, 282 ... inclined region as passage direction different region, 283 ... downstream vertical region as downstream continuous region, 286 ... electromagnetic shielding means ,...,...,...,...,.

Claims (1)

A game medium passage section for guiding the game medium toward a storage section provided on the front surface of the gaming machine;
Payout execution means for paying out game media toward the storage section through the game medium passage section;
A payout detecting means for detecting the passage of a game medium in a medium passage area set at a midway position of the game medium passage portion;
In a gaming machine in which payout of a game medium is specified based on a detection result of the payout detection means,
The game medium passage portion is
A passage direction different region provided downstream of the medium passage region and formed to have a passage direction different from the passage direction of the medium passage region;
A fraudulent tool for fraudulently preventing the passage of the game medium and preventing the passage of the game medium while preventing the passage of the game medium in the game medium passage portion is at least a predetermined area of the passage direction difference region. A structure for restricting insertion upstream of the position;
A wide area provided downstream of the position where insertion of the unauthorized tool is restricted, and having a wider passage width than the restricted position;
With
The wide region is formed so as not to overlap the entire range in which the outlet portion of the medium passage region is extended downstream in the passage direction of the medium passage region ,
The gaming machine includes radio wave detection means for detecting radio waves,
The radio wave detection means can detect an illegal radio wave output at an output intensity that can reach the payout detection means from the unauthorized tool placed at a position where insertion to the upstream side is regulated by the regulating structure. A gaming machine characterized by being provided at a position .

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