JP4422816B2 - Discharge ball abnormality determination device in pachinko ball dispensing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a main control device that commands a prize ball command including the number of prize balls to be paid out according to a winning detection signal, a ball discharge device that discharges pachinko balls one by one, and a command according to a prize ball command In a payout device for a pachinko ball having a payout control device for controlling the operation of the ball discharge device so as to discharge the pachinko balls of the specified payout number, a prize ball is determined based on a difference in the number of actual discharged prize balls with respect to the commanded payout command number. The present invention relates to a discharge ball abnormality determination device for determining abnormality.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-254242 discloses a rotating ball receiver having a plurality of ball receiving portions, a position detection plate provided coaxially with the rotating ball receiver, and a ball receiving portion provided on the rotating ball receiver. A ball discharge device having a photo switch for detecting circumferential grooves provided at equal intervals on the periphery of the position detection plate, and a payout control device for controlling the ball discharge device. The rotating ball receiver and the position detection plate are rotated, and the pachinko balls received in the ball receiving portion of the rotating ball receiver are fed by the rotation of the rotating ball receiver and discharged one by one, and at the periphery of the position detection plate There is described a pachinko ball payout device that counts the number of pachinko balls discharged by the payout control device when the provided circumferential groove is detected by a photoswitch.
[0003]
In this system, the main control unit that controls the pachinko gaming state in response to various winnings generated by the pachinko game and the above-described payout control device are configured as separate devices. An output command is issued to the payout control device in the form of a payout signal for the number of prize balls paid out corresponding to the winning, and the payout control device receiving this command discharges the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the commanded payout number. It is configured to control the operation of the ball discharge device.
[0004]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-343754 has a device configuration similar to that of the pachinko ball payout device described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-254242, and receives a payout signal based on a lending request signal from a card unit. Describes a pachinko ball payout device that operates the ball discharge device in units of 100 yen (for example, 25) and lends pachinko balls.
[0005]
In these conventional pachinko ball payout devices, a photo switch arranged in the ball discharge device detects a circumferential groove provided in a position detection plate corresponding to the pachinko ball discharged from the rotating ball receiver. Thus, since the pachinko spheres discharged from the ball discharge device are not directly detected, the number of discharges based on the actually discharged pachinko spheres is not controlled.
[0006]
For this reason, when the number of discharged pachinko balls actually discharged is smaller than the number of paid-out prize balls requested from the main control unit, the difference cannot be newly paid out. Further, regarding the payout of prize balls, the main control unit cannot grasp the number of pachinko balls actually discharged.
[0007]
In addition, when trying to determine the number of pachinko balls actually discharged from the ball discharge device with respect to the number of prize balls paid out requested by the main control unit, the pachinko balls discharged from the ball discharge device are dedicated. A discharge ball detecting means for directly detecting the pachinko balls discharged to the prize ball discharge path to be guided is provided for each ball, and the prize balls requested by the main control unit are counted by counting the detection signals of the discharge ball detecting means. It is conceivable to determine whether or not the number of payouts matches.
[0008]
However, even in the above-described ball discharge device, the ball discharge device is not normally discharged because the ball receiving portion of the rotating ball receiver is clogged with the pachinko ball, and the ball discharge device actually does not exceed the number of payout commands. When the photoswitch causes a detection failure due to a small amount of discharged balls or due to dust or the like adhering to the photoswitch itself, extra pachinko balls may be discharged. In such a case, the number of pachinko balls actually discharged from the ball discharge device does not match the prize ball payout command number requested from the main control unit. If it is determined that there is an abnormality every time a difference occurs, a prize ball discharge abnormality frequently occurs, and the pachinko game must be interrupted each time, which is inconvenient for both the player and the game hall.
[0009]
On the other hand, the discharge ball detection means for directly detecting the pachinko balls discharged to the prize ball discharge path for each ball is illegally moved to a position where the discharge prize balls cannot be detected, or the discharge ball detection means. For illegal tampering that illegally modifies the wiring (disconnection or short circuit) in a state in which it is not possible to detect this, it is common practice to predict and monitor these tampering individually.
[0010]
If the above-described illegal tampering with the discharge ball detection means is performed, the discharge ball detection means does not function at all, so that the actual discharge from the ball discharge device for the number of prize balls to be paid out requested by the main control device. The difference in the number of discharged pachinko balls is not limited to about one ball, but inevitably becomes a large difference. Also, in the case of a malfunction that causes the ball discharge device to repeatedly clog the ball, the difference in the number of pachinko balls actually discharged from the ball discharge device with respect to the number of prize balls paid out from the main control device is It can be expected that it will inevitably become a large difference, not just the difference of about one ball.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The object of the present invention is that the number of pachinko balls actually discharged from the ball discharge device is not a difference of about one ball but a certain size with respect to the number of prize balls paid out from the main control device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a discharge ball abnormality determination device that determines a prize ball abnormality when a very serious (serious) abnormality that causes a difference (for example, about 100 balls) occurs.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The discharged ball abnormality determining device in the pachinko ball payout device according to claim 1 is:
  A main control device for instructing a prize ball command including the number of prize balls to be paid out in response to a winning detection signal, a ball discharge device for discharging pachinko balls one by one, and the command instructed in accordance with the prize ball command A dispensing control device for controlling the operation of the ball discharging device so as to discharge the number of pachinko balls to be paid out,
  A prize ball discharge path for guiding the pachinko balls discharged by the ball discharge device in response to the prize ball command, and a discharge prize ball for directly detecting the pachinko balls discharged to the prize ball discharge path for each ball Detecting means,
  Connecting the discharged prize ball detecting means to the payout control device;
  In the payout control device,
  A prize ball abnormality notifying means for notifying a prize ball abnormality;
  Prize ball command number accumulating means for accumulating the number of prize balls to be paid out according to the winning detection signal and calculating a cumulative prize ball command number;
  The actual number of winning prize balls according to the detection signal of the discharging prize ball detecting means is subtracted from the cumulative number of winning ball instructions, and the difference between the number of cumulative prize balls commanded and the number of actual winning prize balls is,
It is not a difference of about one ball, but a very significant difference in sizeDifference determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined number has been reached;
  Timer means reset by a detection signal from the discharged prize ball detecting means;
Provided,
  In the payout control device, the cumulative prize ball command number exceeds the actual discharged prize ball number, and the difference determining means has a difference between the cumulative prize ball command number and the actual discharged prize ball number reaching the predetermined number. If it is determined that the timer means is set, and the timer means times out without being reset, it is determined that the prize ball is insufficiently discharged abnormally, and the prize ball is insufficiently notified by the prize ball abnormality notifying means. Is notified.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a principal block diagram of a control system related to a pachinko ball payout device 1 provided in the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment.
[0022]
In FIG. 1, a ball discharge device 2 is a known device having the same configuration as the ball discharge device described in, for example, JP-A-6-254242 and JP-A-6-343754. A plurality of rotating sphere receivers, a position detecting plate provided coaxially with the rotating sphere receiver, and the periphery of the position detecting plate corresponding to the number of ball receiving portions provided on the rotating sphere receiver, etc. And a photosensor 3 for detecting circumferential grooves provided at intervals, and a rotating ball receiver and a position detecting plate are rotated forward / reversely by a stepping motor capable of rotating forward and backward, The received pachinko balls are fed by the rotation of the rotating ball receiver and discharged one by one.
[0023]
In this embodiment, it is assumed that the prize balls are discharged when the stepping motor rotates in the forward direction, and the rental balls are discharged when the stepping motor rotates in the reverse direction.
[0024]
The aforementioned photosensor 3 is disposed inside the ball discharge device 2 and is a circumferential groove provided at the periphery of the position detection plate according to the discharge operation of the pachinko ball for each ball by the rotation of the rotating ball receiver. By detecting this, the discharge of pachinko spheres is indirectly detected for each sphere.
[0025]
The payout control device 4 rotationally drives the stepping motor in accordance with the commanded payout number (in accordance with the number of prize balls) and controls the pachinko ball payout control with respect to the ball discharge device 2, and each control performed by the sub CPU5. A ROM (not shown) storing a program and a RAM (not shown) capable of reading and writing data at any time are configured. Detailed illustration of the internal configuration of the payout control device 4 is omitted.
[0026]
In the lower part of the ball discharge device 2, the prize ball discharge path 6 through which the pachinko balls (prize balls) discharged from the ball discharge device 2 flow down and the pachinko balls (rental balls) discharged from the ball discharge device 2 flow down. The ball rental discharge path 7 is provided separately, and a prize winning ball detector 8 for directly detecting a prize ball flowing down the discharge path 6 is provided in the middle of the prize ball discharge path 6. 7 is provided with a discharge lending detector 9 that directly detects a lending ball flowing down the discharge path 7. In addition, the discharge prize ball detector 8 and the discharge ball rental detector 9 are constituted by proximity switches, for example.
[0027]
The main control device 10 is capable of reading and writing data at any time, and a main CPU 11 that performs substantial control relating to the game according to the game situation, a ROM (not shown) that stores each control program executed by the main CPU 11 It includes a RAM (not shown). Detailed illustration of the internal configuration of the main controller 10 is omitted.
[0028]
The main control device 10 and the payout control device 4 are connected to be communicable in only one direction from the main control device 10 to the payout control device 4, and control commands (for example, (E.g., launch stop command, launch stop release command, prize ball disable command, prize ball disable release command, etc.) and a prize ball command (e.g., 7 or 15) including a payout number (number of prize ball commands) according to the winning detection signal. Or any one of 5 or 13) is transmitted.
[0029]
Also, the payout control device 4 includes a card unit 12 and a launching device 13 for projecting a pachinko ball, a ball lending abnormality notifying means 14 for notifying a ball lending abnormality (for example, a notification lamp or a speaker for generating sound). Etc.) and a prize ball discharge abnormality notifying means 21 for notifying a prize ball discharge abnormality that does not detect any prize balls that should have been discharged. The card unit 12 inserts a prepaid card, subtracts the amount according to the ball lending operation from the amount stored in the prepaid card, and also issues a lending request signal corresponding to the amount according to the ball lending operation. For each ball lending operation, 100 yen is subtracted from the amount stored in the prepaid card, and a lending request signal is output to the payout controller 4 with 25 lending as one unit.
[0030]
In addition, the launching device 13 is controlled to enable / stop firing according to the control output from the payout control device 4. The ball lending abnormality notifying means 14 operates in accordance with the control output from the payout control device 4 and notifies a player or a staff of the game hall when an abnormality is detected in the lending discharge. The prize ball discharge abnormality notifying means 21 is constituted by, for example, a notification lamp or the like, and is arranged on the back side of the pachinko machine or the front side of the pachinko machine, and does not detect any prize balls that should have been discharged. When the payout control device 4 detects an abnormality, it operates according to the control output from the payout control device 4, and notifies that effect.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 1, a photosensor 3 that detects a discharge operation corresponding to one pachinko ball by rotation of a rotating ball receiver of the ball discharge device 2 (detects discharge of the pachinko ball indirectly for each ball). Is connected to the payout control device 4, and the detection signal of the photosensor 3 is input to the payout control device 4 and counted by the photo counting means.
[0032]
A discharge prize ball detector 8 that directly detects a prize ball flowing down the prize ball discharge path 6 is connected to the main control device 10 and the payout control device 4, and a ball detection signal (actual discharge) of the discharge prize ball detector 8. (Corresponding to one winning ball) is input to the main control device 10 and the payout control device 4, respectively.
[0033]
Further, a discharged lending detector 9 that directly detects a lending ball flowing down the lending lending path 7 is connected to the payout control device 4, and a ball detection signal of the discharged lending detector 9 (the actual discharged lending number) 1 corresponding to one ball) is input to the payout control device 4.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 1, a ball supply tank 15 for storing pachinko balls is provided with a ball break detector 16 for detecting a shortage of pachinko balls in the tank 15. Note that the pachinko balls stored in the ball supply tank 15 are guided to the ball discharge device 2 to be replenished with the pachinko balls. The ball break detector 16 is connected to the main controller 10, and a ball break detection signal from the ball break detector 16 is input to the main controller 10.
[0035]
The end of the prize ball discharge path 6 and the end of the lending ball discharge path 7 are merged, and the merged discharge path (not shown) is communicated with an upper ball tray and a lower ball tray, not shown. In the middle of the discharge path for guiding the discharged pachinko balls to the lower ball tray, a full tank detector 17 is provided for detecting the full state of the pachinko balls in the discharge path leading to the lower ball tray. The full tank detector 17 is connected to the main controller 10, and a full tank detection signal from the full tank detector 17 is input to the main controller 10.
[0036]
Further, the main control device 10 has a first payout number (for example, five payout exits in which the number of prize balls to be paid out for winning is set to five, or payouts among the payout holes set on the game board surface. A first winning detection means 18 for detecting a pachinko ball that has won a winning opening set to a winning opening set to seven (the number of prize balls is set to seven), and a second payout number (for example, for winning) For example, a pachinko ball that has won a prize at a winning opening set at 13 payout openings set to 13 and 15 payout openings set to 15 payout balls) is detected. The two winning detection means 19 are connected, and these winning detection signals are respectively input to the main control device 10.
[0037]
Furthermore, a prize ball abnormality notifying means 20 (for example, a notification lamp or a speaker for generating sound) is connected to the main control apparatus 10, and the prize ball abnormality notifying means 20 is controlled by the main control apparatus 10. It operates according to the output, and when an abnormality is detected in the prize ball discharge, it notifies the player or the staff of the game hall to that effect.
[0038]
Further, the main control device 10 accumulates the number of prize balls to be paid out according to the winning detection signals from the first winning detection means 18 and the second winning detection means 19, and calculates a cumulative prize ball command number. The actual accumulated prize ball number corresponding to the ball detection signal from the number accumulation means and the ejection prize ball detector 8 is subtracted from the accumulated prize ball command number, and the difference between the accumulated prize ball command number and the actual ejected prize ball number is a predetermined number. And a timer means that is reset by a ball detection signal from the discharged prize ball detector 8 and discriminating that the prize ball is abnormal when the difference reaches a predetermined number. And are provided. These means are constituted by control program means stored in a ROM (not shown).
[0039]
The predetermined number to be compared with the difference between the cumulative number of awarded prize balls and the actual number of awarded prize balls is not a difference of about 1 to 5 balls, but a difference of a certain size, for example, a difference of about 100 balls. In the embodiment, the predetermined number is ± 127. The timer means is also reset by a ball break detection signal and a full tank detection signal. The timer means is set when the cumulative number of prize balls commanded exceeds the actual number of winning prize balls and the difference between the cumulative number of prize balls commanded and the number of prize balls paid out has reached a predetermined number (= 127). The
[0040]
In addition, the payout control device 4 includes a discharge prize ball detector 8 from the time point when the operation control of the ball discharge device 2 is started to the time point when the operation control of the ball discharge device 2 is ended according to the prize ball command sent from the main control device 10. Sent from the card unit 12 and the abnormal stop control means for stopping the discharge operation of the ball discharge device 2, the prize ball discharge abnormality notification control means for reporting and controlling the prize ball discharge abnormality, and the ball unit 12. Accumulating means for accumulating the number of rented balls according to the rented ball command and calculating the accumulated number of rented balls, and accumulating the actual number of rented balls according to the detection signal from the discharged rent detector 9 It is subtracted from the number of rented balls, and it is determined whether or not the difference between the number of accumulated rented balls and the actual number of rented balls has reached a predetermined number (= 127). If the difference exceeds the specified number, And another for lending sphere abnormality judgment means. Further, when the ball discharge device 2 is controlled in response to the ball rental request, the payout control device 4 includes a discharge ball rental detector 9 from the start point to the end point of the operation control of the ball discharge device 2. When the ball lending detection signal is not detected at all, the abnormal stop control means for stopping the discharge operation of the ball discharge device 2 and the payout control device 4 when the abnormal stop control means stops the discharge operation of the ball discharge device 2. And an abnormality processing means for notifying the ball rental abnormality is provided. These means are constituted by control program means stored in the ROM of the payout control device 4 (not shown).
[0041]
When the payout control device 4 receives the prize ball command sent from the main control device 10, the payout control device 4 sets the commanded prize ball command number included in the prize ball command, and operates the ball discharge device 2 to activate the pachinko ball. Ejection is monitored, and each time a detection signal is input from the photosensor 3, the number of photocount values is counted, and the operation of the ball ejector 2 is stopped on condition that the photocount value has reached the prize ball command number. End the ball discharge operation.
[0042]
The main control device 10 transmits a prize ball command to the payout control device 4 and accumulates the number of prize ball commands included in the transmitted prize ball command in the prize ball command number accumulating means to obtain the cumulative number of prize ball commands. calculate. Then, every time a ball detection signal (corresponding to one actual payout winning ball number) is input from the discharged winning ball detector 8, the actual discharged winning ball number is calculated from the accumulated winning ball command number accumulated in the winning ball command number accumulating means. By subtracting and determining whether or not the difference between the cumulative prize ball command number and the actual discharged prize ball number has reached a predetermined number, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the prize ball payout. However, even when the difference reaches a predetermined number, either the case where the ball break detector 16 detects a ball break state or the case where the full tank detector 17 detects a full tank state. In such a case, it is not determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the prize ball payout.
[0043]
In addition, when the payout control device 4 does not reach the commanded number of winning balls at the time when the number of discharged winning balls has not reached the commanded number at the time when the discharging operation of the winning balls to the ball discharging device 2 is completed, the payout control device 4 The number of prize balls is reset in the payout control device 4, and the prize balls are discharged again (retry).
[0044]
For example, if the commanded number of prize balls is 15 and the discharge control of the ball discharge device 2 is finished, the actual number of winning balls is 13, that is, the pachinko actually discharged When the number of spheres is 13, discharge control is performed again on the sphere discharge device 2 for the two shortages. However, in this case, the cumulative prize ball command number is not added.
[0045]
Also, when the payout control device 4 receives a ball rental request signal (corresponding to 25 balls) sent from the card unit 12, it sets 25 as the number of ball rental commands according to the ball rental request signal, and cumulative ball rental Add 25 to the number of commands. Then, the ball discharge device 2 is operated in reverse to monitor the discharge of the pachinko ball, and each time a detection signal is input from the photo sensor 3, the photo count value is counted, and the photo count value has reached the ball rental command number. As a condition, the operation of the ball discharge device 2 is stopped, and the discharge operation of the pachinko balls is finished. Further, every time a ball detection signal is input from the discharged ball detector 9, the number of discharged balls is counted and the value of the accumulated ball command number is reduced by one.
[0046]
In addition, at the time when the ball discharge control of the ball discharge device 2 is finished, if the number of discharged balls has not reached the set number of loan commands (25), the shortage is newly reset, Attempt to release the rental ball again (retry). However, in this case, the cumulative number of rental balls is not added.
[0047]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an abnormality determination algorithm in the prize ball discharge control. Hereinafter, the above-described prize ball payout processing and ball lending processing will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 6 are flowcharts of prize ball processing executed by the main CPU 11 of the main control device 10 in the discharged ball abnormality determination device of the first embodiment. 7 to 14 are flowcharts of the ball discharge processing executed by the sub CPU 5 of the payout control device 4 in the discharge ball abnormality determination device of the first embodiment. Among these, the processing of steps A01 to A50 is executed by the sub CPU 5. Regarding the prize ball discharge process to be executed, the processes of Step A60 to Step A86 relate to the ball rental discharge process executed by the sub CPU.
[0048]
First, a prize ball process executed by the main CPU 11 (hereinafter simply referred to as a main CPU) and a prize ball discharge process executed by the sub CPU 5 (hereinafter simply referred to as a sub CPU) will be described. The main CPU performs initialization processing after power-on, and initializes (clears to 0) various counters, identification flags, timer flags, and timers T1 necessary for the following processes (step S01).
[0049]
The winning counter CA1 is a counter that is incremented by one every time a winning to a 15 payout opening provided on a game board surface (not shown) is detected, and transmits 15 payout ball commands to the sub CPU. Each time, the value is reduced by one. The winning counter CA2 is a counter that is incremented by one every time a winning at a seven payout exit provided on a game board surface (not shown) is detected, and transmits a seven-ball payout ball command to the sub CPU. Each time, the value is reduced by one.
[0050]
The cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 is a counter that cumulatively adds the number of prize ball commands commanded to the sub CPU, and the initial value immediately after the power is turned on is zero. The cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 adds a prize ball command number of 15 each time 15 prize ball commands are sent to the sub CPU, while 7 prize ball commands are issued to the sub CPU. A prize ball command number of 7 is added for each transmission. Further, every time a detection signal of the discharge prize ball detector 8 arranged in the prize ball discharge path 6 is input (each time one prize ball is detected), the value is reduced by one.
[0051]
The award ball impossibility command identification flag F1 is a flag that is set when the main CPU detects a condition that the award ball cannot be paid out. When the award ball impossibility command identification flag F1 is set, the sub CPU A no-play ball command is sent to the player. The award ball impossible command identification flag F1 is cleared when the main CPU detects a condition that award balls can be paid out.
[0052]
The condition that the award ball cannot be paid out is when a ball break detection signal is detected by the ball break detector 16 or when a full tank detection signal is detected by the full tank detector 17. Further, the conditions for enabling the payout of the winning ball are a case where a ball break detection signal from the ball break detector 16 is not detected and a case where a full tank detection signal from the full tank detector 17 is not detected.
[0053]
The timer T1 is actually discharged from the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 when the number of prize balls actually ejected is too small with respect to the number of prize ball commands commanded by the main CPU to the sub CPU. A timer that is started when the current value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 subtracted according to one prize ball that has been reached has reached a predetermined number (127 in the present embodiment), When the timer T1 is timed for a predetermined time, it is determined that the prize ball discharge is insufficient.
[0054]
In addition, the timer T1 is configured to detect when a ball break detection signal is detected by the ball break detector 16, when a full tank detection signal is detected by the full tank detector 17, and when a discharge is provided in the prize ball discharge path 6. In any case where the detection signal of the prize ball detector 8 is input, the timer T1 is reset (reset). The timer flag is a flag for identifying whether or not the timer T1 is currently performing a timekeeping operation.
[0055]
When the main CPU finishes the initialization process, it proceeds to the input determination process in steps S02 to S07. In step S02, it is determined whether or not there is a winning detection signal from the first winning detecting means 18, that is, whether or not there is a winning to the 15 payout exits. The main CPU increments the value of the winning counter CA1 by 1 when there is a prize at the 15 payouts and proceeds to step S04 (step S03), but directly steps when there is no prize at the 15 payouts. The process proceeds to S04.
[0056]
In step S04, it is determined whether or not there is a winning detection signal of the second winning detecting means 19, that is, whether or not there is a winning to the seven payouts. The main CPU increments the value of the winning counter CA2 by one when there is a winning at the seven payouts and proceeds to step S06 (step S05), but directly steps when there is no winning at the seven payouts The process proceeds to S06.
[0057]
In step S06, it is determined whether or not there is a ball break detection signal input from the ball break detector 16. The main CPU proceeds to step S31 when there is a ball break detection signal input, but proceeds to step S07 when there is no ball break detection signal input. In step S07, it is determined whether or not there is a full tank detection signal input from the full tank detector 17. The main CPU proceeds to step S31 if there is a full tank detection signal input, but proceeds to step S08 if there is no full tank detection signal input.
[0058]
The main CPU, which has proceeded to step S08, determines whether or not a prize ball impossible command identification flag F1 is set. When no ball break detection signal is input and no full tank detection signal is input, the winning ball impossible command identification flag F1 is not set. The main CPU proceeds to step S09 if the no-price ball command identification flag F1 is not set.
[0059]
When there is an input of a ball break detection signal or a full tank detection signal, the main CPU proceeds to step S31 to clear the timer flag (step S31), and 1 is set to the winning ball impossible command identification flag F1. Is set (step S32), a prize ball disable command is transmitted to the sub CPU (step S33), and the process proceeds to step S09. Note that processing after the prize ball disabling command is transmitted will be described later.
[0060]
The main CPU that has proceeded to step S09 determines whether or not the value of the winning counter CA1 is 0, that is, whether or not there is a winning memorization to the 15 payouts (step S09). If the value of the winning counter CA1 is not 0, there will be a winning memory for 15 payouts. If there is a winning memory for the 15 payout exits, the main CPU transmits a 15 payout ball command to the sub CPU (step S10), and adds the prize ball command number 15 to the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1. (Step S11), the value of the winning counter CA1 is decremented by 1 (Step S12), and the process proceeds to Step S17.
[0061]
If there is no memory for winning 15 payouts, the main CPU proceeds to step S13 and determines whether the value of the winning counter CA2 is 0, that is, whether there is no memory for winning 7 payouts. It discriminate | determines (step S13). If the value of the winning counter CA2 is not 0, there is a winning memory for seven payouts. If there is a winning memory for the 7 payout exits, the main CPU transmits a 7 payout prize ball command to the sub CPU (step S14), and adds the prize ball command number 7 to the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1. (Step S15), the value of the winning counter CA2 is decremented by 1 (Step S16), and the process proceeds to Step S17. On the other hand, if there is no winning memory at the seven payouts, the main CPU proceeds directly to step S17.
[0062]
The main CPU that has proceeded to step S17 determines whether or not the detection signal of the discharged prize ball detector 8 provided in the prize ball discharge path 6 is input (step S17). When the ball discharging device 2 is operated, the prize balls are discharged one by one, and when the prize winning ball detector 8 detects the prize balls, the detection signal of the discharged prize ball detector 8 is input to the main CPU. If there is a detection signal from the discharged prize ball detector 8, the main CPU decrements the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 by 1 (step S18), then clears the timer flag to 0 (step S19), and proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if there is no detection signal from the discharged prize ball detector 8, the main CPU directly proceeds to step S20.
[0063]
The main CPU that has proceeded to step S20 determines whether or not the timer flag is set (step S20). It is assumed that the timer flag is not set. If the timer flag is not set, the main CPU proceeds to step S21.
[0064]
In step S21, it is determined whether or not the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 is smaller than zero. For example, extra pachinko balls may be discharged when the photosensor 3 has a detection failure due to, for example, dust adhering to the photosensor 3 disposed inside the ball discharge device 2. To do. In such a case, the number of prize balls actually discharged with respect to the cumulative value of the number of prize balls commanded to the sub CPU by the main CPU (the prize balls detected one by one by the discharged prize ball detector 8). ) Will increase. That is, there are too many prize balls. In this case, since the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 is decremented by one every time the detection signal of the discharged prize ball detector 8 is detected, the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 is greater than zero. Get smaller.
[0065]
  When the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 is smaller than 0, the main CPU determines whether or not the absolute value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 has reached a predetermined number (127 in this embodiment). (Step S22). That is, whether or not the number of prize balls actually ejected exceeds the cumulative prize ball command number, and whether or not the difference between the cumulative prize ball command number and the number of prize balls actually ejected has reached a predetermined number. It is determined whether or not the number of past prize balls has reached 127 (step S22). When the absolute value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 reaches a predetermined number, the main CPU notifies the prize ball abnormality notifying means 20 of an excessive prize ball discharge abnormality (step S23) and fires it to the sub CPU.StopA command and a winning ball impossible command are transmitted (step S24), and continuation of the game is prohibited. The main CPU returns to step S02 when the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 is smaller than 0 and the absolute value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 has not reached the predetermined number. Note that in the case of excessive prize ball discharge abnormality, for example, processing relating to a special symbol display device or a normal symbol display device is stopped.
[0066]
On the other hand, if the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 is not smaller than 0, the main CPU proceeds to step S25. In step S25, it is determined whether or not the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 is greater than zero. When the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 is greater than 0, the main CPU determines whether or not the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 has reached a predetermined number (127 in this embodiment) ( Step S26).
[0067]
For example, if the cumulative number of prize balls exceeds the number of prize balls actually discharged and the difference between the cumulative number of prize balls and the number of prize balls actually discharged reaches a predetermined number, for example, In the discharge device 2, if the ball discharge device does not perform normally due to clogged pachinko balls in the ball receiving portion of the rotating ball receiver, it is actually discharged rather than the number of prize balls commanded. There will be fewer prize balls. That is, the prize balls are insufficiently discharged.
[0068]
When the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 has reached a predetermined number, the main CPU sets a value corresponding to the predetermined time in the timer T1 (step S27) and sets a timer flag (step S28). Return to step S02. On the other hand, when the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 has not reached the predetermined number, the process directly returns to step S02. Further, when the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter SC1 is 0, that is, when the cumulative prize ball command number and the number of prize balls actually ejected coincide with each other, the process directly returns to step S02.
[0069]
As described above, the main CPU that has returned to step S02 increases the value of the winning counter CA1 by 1 if there is a prize at 15 payouts, and the value of the prize counter CA2 if there is a win at the 7 payouts. , One is sequentially determined as to whether or not there is a ball break detection signal input from the ball break detector 16 and whether or not a full tank detection signal is input from the full tank detector 17. If there is no input of a ball break detection signal and no full tank detection signal, the winning ball impossible command identification flag F1 is not set, step S08 is determined to be false, and the process proceeds to step S09. If there is a winning memory for the 15 payout exits, Steps S10 to S12 are performed and the process proceeds to Step S17. On the other hand, there is no memorized winning prize for the 15 payout exits and there is a winning memory for the 7 payout exits. For example, step S13 to step S16 are performed, and the process proceeds to step S17. If there is no memory for winning at the 15 payouts and there is no memory for winning at the 7 payouts, the process proceeds directly to step S17.
[0070]
In the present embodiment, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, 15 payout ball commands corresponding to 15 payout exit winning balls are assigned to 7 payout balls corresponding to 7 payout exit winning commands. Prior to the command, it is transmitted to the sub CPU. Further, as long as there are winning memories for the 15 payout exits and the 7 payout exits, the main CPU periodically sends a prize ball command (step S10 or step S14) to the sub CPU.
[0071]
Hereinafter, the process when the timer flag is set will be described. The main CPU that has proceeded to step S17 determines whether or not the detection signal of the discharged prize ball detector 8 provided in the prize ball discharge path 6 is input (step S17). In the ball discharge device 2, if the ball discharge device is not normally discharged due to a clogged pachinko ball in the ball receiving portion of the rotating ball receiver, the prize ball is discharged to the prize ball discharge path 6. There is no detection signal from the discharged prize ball detector 8. If there is no detection signal from the discharged prize ball detector 8, step S17 is determined to be false and the process proceeds to step S20. As a result of setting the timer flag, step S20 is determined to be true (step S20).
[0072]
When the main CPU determines that step S20 is true, the main CPU performs timer processing to subtract one value corresponding to the predetermined time set in the timer T1 (step S29), and determines whether the timer T1 has timed out (step S29). Step S30). If the timer T1 has not timed out, the main CPU returns to step S09. In the following, when there is no ball break detection signal input, no full tank detection signal is input, and there is no detection signal from the discharged prize ball detector 8, the no-wage ball command identification flag F1 is 0 and the timer As a result of setting the flag, step S20, step S29, and step S30 are repeatedly executed, and the timer T1 times out after a predetermined time has elapsed. When the timer T1 times out, the main CPU notifies the prize ball abnormality notifying means of the prize ball discharge shortage abnormality (step S36), transmits a firing stop command and a prize ball impossible command to the sub CPU (step S24), and continues the game. Is prohibited. Note that, in the case of an abnormal shortage of prize balls, for example, the processing related to the special symbol display device or the normal symbol display device is not particularly stopped.
[0073]
In this way, when the cumulative prize ball command count exceeds the number of prize balls actually discharged, and the difference between the cumulative prize ball command number and the number of prize balls actually discharged reaches a predetermined number. Starts a timer T1 that counts that the prize balls have not been discharged for a predetermined time. When the timer T1 times out, it notifies the prize ball discharge shortage abnormality and stops the continuation of the game.
[0074]
When the timer flag is set and there is an input of a ball break detection signal or a full tank detection signal, the timer flag is cleared in step S31, and the detection signal of the discharged prize ball detector 8 is detected. Even when there is a timer flag, the timer flag is cleared in step S19, and the determination result in step S20 becomes false, so that the timer processing relating to the timer T1 is stopped.
[0075]
If there is a ball break detection signal input (step S06), or if a full tank detection signal is input (step S07), the process proceeds to step S31 to clear the timer flag (step S31). 1 is set to the impossible command identification flag F1 (step S32), a prize ball disabled command is transmitted to the sub CPU (step S33), and the process returns to step S09. Note that when the sub CPU receives a prize ball disabling command, the sub CPU stops the operation of the ball discharge device 2.
[0076]
When there is an input of a ball break detection signal, the ball break detection signal of the ball break detector 16 continues to be input to the main CPU unless the ball breakage state of the ball supply tank 15 is resolved. Therefore, the main CPU repeats the processing loop formed by steps S02 to S06 and steps S31 to S33.
[0077]
Further, when there is an input of a full tank detection signal, the full tank detection signal of the full tank detector 17 continues to be input to the main CPU unless the full tank state of the pachinko ball on the ball discharge path leading to the lower ball tray is resolved. . Therefore, the main CPU repeats the processing loop formed by step S09 and subsequent steps after steps S02 to S06, step S07, and steps S31 to S33.
[0078]
Then, the ball breakage detection signal from the ball breakage detector 16 is detected by eliminating the ball breakage state of the ball supply tank 15 or eliminating the full tank state of the pachinko balls in the ball discharge path to the lower ball receiving tray. If the full tank detection signal from the full tank detector 17 is not detected, the main CPU discriminates step S08 as true as a result of setting the prize ball impossible command identification flag F1 to 1 and the prize ball The impossible command identification flag F1 is cleared to 0 (step S34), a prize ball impossible cancellation command is transmitted to the sub CPU (step S35), and the process proceeds to step S09. Note that when the sub CPU receives the prize ball disabling cancel command, the sub CPU enables the operation of the ball discharge device 2.
[0079]
Next, a prize ball discharge process executed by the sub CPU 5 of the payout control device 4 will be described. First, the sub CPU performs initialization processing after power-on, and initializes (clears to 0) various counters, various flags, and timer T2 values necessary for the following processing (step A01).
[0080]
The prize ball command counter CB1 is a counter that is incremented by one every time the sub CPU receives 15 prize ball commands sent from the main CPU. The prize ball command counter CB1 performs a ball ejection operation for 15 prize balls. At the start, the value is reduced by one. The prize ball command counter CB2 is a counter that is incremented by one every time the sub CPU receives a 7-payout prize ball command transmitted from the main CPU. At the start, the value is reduced by one.
[0081]
The photo counting counter C <b> 1 is a counter that is incremented by one for each input of a photo detection signal corresponding to one ball discharging operation of the photo sensor 3 provided in the ball discharging device 2. The discharged prize ball counter B1 is a counter that is incremented by one every time a detection signal of the discharged prize ball detector 8 provided in the prize ball discharge path 6 is input. The retry counter RTC discharges the shortage when the number of prize balls actually discharged (value of the discharge prize ball counter B1) is insufficient with respect to the payout command number QT (15 or 7). It is a counter that is incremented by one every time a discharge operation (retry operation) is started.
[0082]
The discharging flag FF is a flag for identifying whether or not the prize ball discharging operation and the lending ball discharging operation are being performed. When the value is 0, the discharging operation can be started. 1 indicates a discharging operation related to the payout of 15 prize balls, 2 indicates a discharging operation related to the payout of 7 prize balls, and 3 indicates a rental ball Indicates that the ejecting operation is in progress.
[0083]
Furthermore, the ball rental command counter CC1 is a counter that is incremented by one every time a ball rental command sent from the card unit 12 is input, and at the time of starting the ball discharge operation of 25 balls paid out, Its value is reduced by one. The accumulated ball rental command number counter KC1 is a counter that cumulatively adds the number of ball rental commands commanded to the ball discharge device 2, and the initial value immediately after power-on is zero. The accumulated lending command number counter KC1 is incremented by the lending command number 25 every time the lending of 25 lending balls is started, while the lending lending detector 9 provided in the lending discharge path 7 Each time a rented ball detection signal is input (each time one lent is detected), the value is decremented by one. The discharged lending counter D1 is a counter that is incremented by 1 every time a lending detection signal of the lending lending detector 9 provided in the lending lending path 7 is input (every lending is detected). It is.
[0084]
When the sub CPU finishes the initialization process, it proceeds to the command input determination process in steps A02 to A05. In step A02, it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main CPU is a firing stop command. When the sub CPU receives the firing stop command, it stops the operation of the launching device 13 (step A06), stops the continuation of the game, and then proceeds to step A10. If the sub CPU does not receive the firing stop command, the sub CPU proceeds to step A03.
[0085]
In step A03, it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main CPU is a fireable command. When the sub CPU receives the firing enable command, the sub CPU enables the firing device 13 (step A07), and proceeds to step A10. If the sub CPU does not receive the firing enable command, the sub CPU proceeds to step A04.
[0086]
In step A04, it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main CPU is a winning ball impossible command. When the sub CPU receives a prize ball unavailable command, it sets a prize ball unavailable flag (step A08) and proceeds to step A10. If the sub CPU does not receive the prize ball disabling command, the sub CPU proceeds to step A05.
[0087]
In step A05, it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main CPU is a winning ball possible command. If the sub CPU receives a winning ball enable command, the sub CPU clears the winning ball disabled flag (step A09), and proceeds to step A10. If the sub CPU does not receive the winning ball enable command, the sub CPU directly proceeds to step A10.
[0088]
The sub CPU that has shifted to step A10 determines whether or not the command transmitted from the main CPU is a payout ball command of 15 (step A10). When the sub CPU receives 15 payout ball commands, the sub CPU increments the win ball command counter CB1 by 1 (step A11) and proceeds to step A14, but does not receive 15 pay ball commands. If yes, the process proceeds to step A12.
[0089]
In step A12, the sub CPU determines whether or not the command transmitted from the main CPU is a 7-payout prize ball command (step A12). When the sub CPU receives a 7-payout ball command, the sub CPU increments the win ball command counter CB2 by 1 (step A13) and proceeds to step A14, but does not receive a 7-payout ball command. If it does, the process proceeds directly to step A14.
[0090]
The sub CPU that has shifted to step A14 determines whether or not a ball rental instruction is transmitted from the card unit 12 (step A14). When receiving the lending instruction, the sub CPU determines whether or not the value of the discharging flag FF is a value “3” indicating that the lending is being discharged (step A15), and the value of the discharging flag FF is lent. If the value is not “3” indicating that the ball is being discharged, the ball rental command counter CC1 is incremented by one (step A16), and the process proceeds to step A17, while the value of the discharging flag FF is a value “representing that the ball is being discharged” If "3", the process directly proceeds to step A17. On the other hand, when the sub CPU does not receive the ball rental instruction, the sub CPU directly proceeds to step A17.
[0091]
The sub CPU, which has proceeded to step A17, determines whether or not a prize ball impossibility flag is set (step A17). In this case, description will be made assuming that the prize ball impossible flag is cleared. The sub CPU determines that step A17 is false, and proceeds to step A18.
[0092]
The sub CPU that has proceeded to step A18 determines whether or not the value of the discharging flag FF is zero. When the value of the discharging flag FF is 0, the discharging operation can be started. When determining that step A18 is true, the sub CPU determines whether or not the ball lending process stop flag is set (step A20). In this case, description will be made assuming that the ball lending process stop flag is set. The sub CPU determines that step A20 is true and proceeds to step A22.
[0093]
The sub CPU that has proceeded to step A22 determines whether or not a prize ball processing stop flag is set (step A22). In this case, description will be made assuming that the prize ball processing stop flag is not set. The sub CPU determines that step A22 is false, and proceeds to step A23. In the following description, it is assumed that 15 winning ball commands have been received from the main CPU. That is, the prize ball command counter CB1 has received and stored 15 prize ball commands.
[0094]
The sub CPU proceeds to step A23 and determines whether or not the prize ball command counter CB1 is 0, that is, whether or not 15 prize ball commands are received and stored (step A23). In this case, since there is a memory for receiving 15 winning ball commands, it is determined to be false, 1 is set in the discharging flag FF, and the start of the discharging operation related to 15 paying is stored (step A24). QT is set to 15 (step A25), the value of the prize ball command counter CB1 is decremented by 1 (step A26), and the process proceeds to step A31.
[0095]
If there is no reception and storage of 15 payout ball commands in step A23, the sub CPU proceeds to step A27 and determines whether or not the win ball command counter CB2 is 0, that is, 7 payouts. It is determined whether or not a ball command is received and stored (step A27). If there is a reception memory of 7 payout prize ball commands, 2 is set in the discharging flag FF to store the start of the discharge operation regarding 7 payouts (step A28), and 7 in the payout command number QT. Is set (step A29), the value of the prize ball command counter CB2 is decremented by 1 (step A30), and the process proceeds to step A31. If there is no reception and storage of 15 payout prize ball commands and no reception and storage of 7 payout prize ball commands, the process directly returns to step A02.
[0096]
When the sub CPU proceeds to step A31, the discharged prize ball counter B1 is cleared to 0 (step A31), the photo counting counter is cleared to 0 (step A32), and the process proceeds to step A33.
[0097]
The sub CPU that has proceeded to step A33 drives the ball discharge device 2 to rotate forward by one ball discharge (step A33). Next, the sub CPU determines whether or not the photo detection signal of the photo sensor 3 has been input (step A34).
[0098]
In the following explanation, first, the ball discharging device 2 normally discharges the prize ball, and the photosensor 3 that detects the rotation amount of the ball receiver for one ball normally performs the detecting operation. The case of the normal discharge state in which the discharged prize ball detector 8 arranged in the prize ball discharge path 6 is normally detecting the discharged prize balls will be described.
[0099]
In the above-described normal discharge state, the photo detection signal of the photo sensor 3 is input to the sub CPU, so that the sub CPU increases the photo count counter C1 by one in response to the discharge operation for one ball (step S1). A34), the process proceeds to step A35. And it is discriminate | determined whether the detection signal of a prize ball is input from the discharge prize ball detector 8 arrange | positioned to the prize ball discharge path 6 (step A35). In the normal discharge state, the prize balls are discharged to the prize ball discharge path 6 in response to the prize ball discharge operation, so that the discharged prize balls are detected by the discharge prize ball detector 8. The sub CPU determines that a prize ball detection signal has been input from the discharged prize ball detector 8, increases the count value of the discharged prize ball counter B1 by 1 (step A36), and proceeds to step A37.
[0100]
The sub CPU that has proceeded to step A37 determines whether or not the count value of the photo counting counter C1 has reached the payout command number QT (step A37). If the count value of the photo counter C1 has not reached the payout command number QT, the sub CPU returns to step A02. Thereafter, after the processing from step A02 to step A18, the sub CPU determines that step A18 is false based on the value 1 of the discharging flag FF, determines that subsequent step A19 is false, and returns to step A33. The processing from step A33 to step A37 is performed. The sub CPU repeats the above processing routine.
[0101]
In the normal discharge state, the count value of the photocounter counter C1 is incremented by one each time the processing from step A33 to step A37 is performed, and the count value of the photocounter counter C1 reaches the dispensing command number QT. For example, when 15 is set in the payout command number QT, the forward rotation drive for one ball of the ball discharge device 2 is executed 15 times, and the count value of the photo counting counter C1 reaches 15. Further, since 15 prize balls are discharged corresponding to the 15 discharge operations of the ball discharge device 2 and detected by the discharge prize ball detector 8, the count value of the discharge prize ball counter B1 reaches 15. Become.
[0102]
When the count value of the photo counting counter C1 reaches the payout command number QT, the sub CPU proceeds to step A38 and determines whether or not the discharged prize ball counter B1 is 0 (step A38). Since the prize ball detection signal is input from the discharge prize ball detector 8 after the prize ball discharge operation is started and the value of the discharge prize ball counter B1 is not 0, the sub CPU determines that it is false and proceeds to step A39. Transition.
[0103]
The sub CPU that has proceeded to step A39 determines whether or not the payout command number QT is larger than the count value of the discharged prize counter B1 (step A39). In the normal discharge state, the count value of the discharge prize ball counter B1 matches the payout command number QT, so the determination result in step A39 is false. The sub CPU proceeds to step A40, clears the discharging flag FF to 0 and enables a new discharging operation to start (step A40), and returns to step A02.
[0104]
The above is the prize ball discharge process in the normal discharge state. If the sub CPU receives and stores 15 prize ball commands, it starts a new 15 prize ball discharge operation. In addition, if there is no memory for receiving 15 prize ball commands and there is a memory for receiving 7 prize ball commands, a new 7-ball ejection operation is started.
[0105]
Next, processing when there is an abnormality in the prize ball discharging operation will be described. First, the discharged prize ball detector 8 that directly detects the pachinko balls discharged to the prize ball discharge path 6 is illegally moved to a position where the discharged prize balls cannot be detected or discharged prize balls. A description will be given of a process in a case where an unauthorized tampering action that illegally modifies (disconnects or shorts) the wiring in a state where the detector 8 cannot be detected is performed.
[0106]
In this case, the abnormal state is that the ball discharging device 2 performs normal rotation in response to the normal rotation drive command for one ball of the sub CPU. Therefore, a photo detection signal from the photo sensor 3 that detects the amount of rotation of the ball receiver for one sphere is input to the sub CPU. However, since the prize winning ball detector 8 cannot detect the prize balls discharged to the prize ball discharging path 6, no prize ball detection signal from the prize winning ball detector 8 is input to the sub CPU. For this reason, the count value of the discharged prize ball counter B1 remains zero.
[0107]
Therefore, after the processing from step A02 to step A18, the sub CPU determines that step A18 is false based on the value 1 of the discharging flag FF, determines that step A19 is false, and returns to step A33. The process proceeds to step A33, step A34, step A35, and step A37. When the count value of the photo counting counter C1 reaches the payout command number QT, the sub CPU proceeds to step A38, and as a result of the discharged prize ball counter B1 being 0, the sub CPU determines that step A38 is true and sets a prize ball processing stop flag. Set (step A41), the prize ball discharge abnormality notification means 21 shown in FIG. 1 notifies the prize ball discharge abnormality (step A50), and the process returns to step A02 again.
[0108]
Then, as a result of setting the winning ball processing stop flag, it is determined that the determination process in step A22 is true, and the process directly returns to step A02. As a result, a new prize ball 15-ejecting operation and a 7-ejecting operation are not started, and only the award ball command count relating to the 15-award and 7-award payout is performed.
[0109]
In addition, for some reason, for example, due to a ball clogging or the like, the count value of the photo counting counter C1 has reached the payout command number QT, but the count value of the discharged prize ball counter B1 is (the prize ball that has actually been discharged) ) May not reach the payout command number QT. In this case, the determination result of step A39 performed after determining that step A37 is true and step A38 is false is true.
[0110]
After determining that step A39 is true, the sub CPU calculates a deficiency by subtracting the count value of the discharged prize ball counter B1 from the payout command number QT (step A42), and newly resets the deficiency to the payout command number QT. (Step A43), the winning prize ball counter B1 is cleared to 0 (Step A44), the photo counting counter C1 is cleared to 0 (Step A45), the retry counter RTC is incremented by 1 (Step A46), and the retry counter RTC It is determined whether or not the count value exceeds the upper limit number 5 (step A47). If the count value of the retry counter RTC does not exceed the upper limit number 5, the process proceeds to step A02 and the value “1” of the discharging flag FF is set. ”Or“ 2 ”, the process proceeds to step A33, and the process from step A33 to step A37 is performed to Performing a retry operation for discharging the shortage of prize balls to two.
[0111]
If the shortage of prize balls reset to the payout command number QT is discharged to the prize ball discharge path 6 by this retry operation, it is detected by the discharge prize ball detector 8 and the count value of the discharge prize ball counter B1 is ( The number of prize balls actually discharged reaches the payout command number QT, the determination result of step A39 becomes false, the process of step A40 is performed, and the process returns to step A02.
[0112]
Also, even if the retry operation is performed, if the shortage prize balls reset to the payout command number QT are not discharged to the prize ball discharge path 6, the count value of the discharge prize ball counter B1 does not reach the payout command number QT. Again, the determination result of step A39 becomes true, and the processing of step A42 to step A47 is performed. That is, the retry operation is repeated five times until the count value of the retry counter RTC exceeds the upper limit number of times 5. When the count value of the retry counter RTC is 6 and exceeds the upper limit number 5, the determination result of step A47 becomes true. In this case, the sub CPU sets a prize ball processing stop flag (step A48), and step Return to A02.
[0113]
Then, as a result of setting the winning ball processing stop flag, it is determined that the determination process in step A22 is true, and the process directly returns to step A02. As a result, a new prize ball 15-ejecting operation and a 7-ejecting operation are not started, and only the award ball command count relating to the 15-award and 7-award payout is performed.
[0114]
Further, when a prize ball impossible command is transmitted from the main CPU, step A04 is determined to be true and a prize ball impossible flag is set (step A18), and then the process proceeds to step A10. As a result of setting the winning ball impossible flag, it is determined that the determination process in step A17 is true, the operation of the ball discharging device 2 is stopped (step A49), and the process returns to step A02. Hereinafter, as a result of setting the no-pick ball flag, the processing loop from step A02 to step A17 is repeated until a no-pick ball cancel command sent from the main CPU is received.
[0115]
Then, when receiving the winning ball permission command transmitted from the main CPU, the sub CPU determines that step A05 is true, clears the winning ball impossible flag (step A09), and after moving to step A10, sets step A17 to false. Since the determination is made, the prize ball discharging operation is resumed.
[0116]
In addition, when the photo sensor 3 has caused a detection failure due to dust or the like adhering to the photo sensor 3 itself (the photo detection signal may or may not be input for the normal rotation operation for one ball). When the count value of the photo counter C1 reaches the payout command number QT, the actual number of forward rotations for one ball exceeds the count value of the photo counter C1. , Too many prize balls will occur. Accordingly, the count value of the discharge prize ball counter B1 is larger than the payout command number QT. The processing for the abnormal state in this case is not monitored by the payout control device 4, but is monitored by the above-described main control device 10 in the process for determining the excessive prize ball discharge abnormality.
[0117]
Next, a rental ball discharge process by the sub CPU will be described. As described above, when the sub CPU receives the lending instruction sent from the card unit 12 (step A14), when the value of the discharging flag FF is not “3” indicating that the lending is being discharged, The lending command counter CC1 is incremented by 1 (step A16), and the process proceeds to step A17. Then, it is determined whether or not a prize ball impossibility flag is set (step A17). If the prize ball impossibility flag is cleared, it is determined whether or not the discharging flag FF is “0” that can start discharging. If the discharging flag FF is “0”, it is determined whether or not the ball lending process stop flag is set (step A20), and if the ball lending process stop flag is cleared. Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the lending command counter CC1 is 0 (step A21).
[0118]
When the count value of the lending command counter CC1 is 0, that is, when there is no received lending command reception memory, the sub CPU determines that step A21 is true and then proceeds to step A22. In this case, the lending operation is not performed. If the count value of the ball rental command counter CC1 is not 0, that is, if there is a reception and storage of the ball rental command, the sub CPU determines that step A21 is false and then proceeds to step A60.
[0119]
Then, the sub CPU sets 3 to the discharging flag FF to store the start of the lending operation (step A60), sets the lending number 25 to the lending command number PT (step A61), and accumulates it. The ball rental command number 25 is cumulatively added to the ball rental command number counter KC1 (step A62), the value of the ball rental command counter CC1 is decremented by 1 (step A63), and the discharged ball rental counter D1 is cleared to 0 (step A64). The photo counting counter C1 is cleared to 0 (step A65), and the process proceeds to step A66.
[0120]
The sub CPU that has shifted to step A66 drives the ball discharge device 2 in the reverse direction by one ball discharge (step A66). Next, the sub CPU determines whether or not the photo detection signal of the photo sensor 3 is input (step A67).
[0121]
In the following description, first, the ball discharge device 2 normally performs the rental operation of the rental ball, and the photosensor 3 that detects the rotation amount of the ball receiver for one ball normally performs the detection operation. Next, a case of a normal discharge state in which the discharged rental ball detector 9 arranged in the rental ball discharge path 7 is normally detecting the discharged balls will be described.
[0122]
In the above-described normal discharge state, the photo detection signal of the photo sensor 3 is input to the sub CPU, so that the sub CPU increases the photo count counter C1 by one in response to the discharge operation for one ball (step S1). A68), the process proceeds to step A69. And it is discriminate | determined whether the detection signal of a lending is input from the discharge lending detector 9 installed in the lending discharge path 7 (step A69). In the normal discharge state, the rental balls are discharged to the rental ball discharge path 7 according to the rental operation of the rental balls and detected by the discharged ball detector 9. When a rental ball detection signal is input from the discharged lending detector 9, the sub CPU determines that step A69 is true and increments the discharged lending counter D1 by 1 (step A70). Correspondingly, the value of the accumulated ball rental command number counter KC1 is decreased by 1 (step A71), and the process proceeds to step A72. .
[0123]
The sub CPU, which has proceeded to step A72, determines whether or not the value of the accumulated ball rental command number counter KC1 is smaller than 0 (step A72). In the normal discharge state, the value of the accumulated ball rental command number counter KC1 does not become smaller than zero. The sub CPU determines that step A72 is false and proceeds to step A74.
[0124]
The sub CPU that has proceeded to step A74 determines whether or not the count value of the photo counting counter C1 has reached the ball rental command number PT (= 25) (step A74). If the count value of the photo counter C1 has not reached the ball rental command number PT, the sub CPU returns to step A02.
[0125]
Thereafter, after the processing from step A02 to step A18, the sub CPU determines that step A18 is false based on the value 3 of the discharging flag FF, determines that subsequent step A19 is true, and proceeds to step A66. . Then, each process from step A66 to step A72 and step A74 is performed, and if step A74 is determined to be false, the process returns to step A02. The sub CPU repeats the above processing routine.
[0126]
In the normal discharge state, the count value of the photo count counter C1 is incremented by one each time the processing of step A66 to step A74 is performed, and the count value of the photo count counter C1 reaches the ball rental command number PT. For example, when 25 is set for the ball rental command number PT, the reverse rotation driving for one ball of the ball discharging device 2 is executed 25 times, and the count value of the photo counting counter C1 reaches 25. In addition, 25 balls are discharged in response to the 25 discharge operations of the ball discharge device 2, and are detected by the discharge ball detector 9. Therefore, the count value of the discharge ball counter D1 reaches 25. Become.
[0127]
When the count value of the photo counting counter C1 reaches the ball rental command number PT, the sub CPU determines that step A74 is true and proceeds to step A75. In step A75, whether or not the discharge ball rental counter D1 is 0 or not. Is discriminated (step A75). In the normal discharge state, since a prize ball detection signal is input from the discharge ball detector 9 after the start of the ball discharge operation, the discharge ball counter D1 is not 0, and the sub CPU determines that it is false. Migrate to
[0128]
The sub CPU that has proceeded to step A76 determines whether or not the ball rental command number PT is larger than the count value of the discharged ball rental prize counter D1 (step A76). In the normal discharge state, the count value of the discharge lending counter D1 coincides with the lending command number PT, so the determination result in step A76 is false. The sub CPU proceeds to step A77, clears the discharging flag FF to 0 and enables a new discharging operation to start (step A77), and returns to step A02. The above is the rental ball discharge processing in the normal discharge state. The sub-CPU starts a new 25-ball discharge operation if there is a received storage instruction for the ball rental command.
[0129]
Next, processing in the case where there is an abnormality in the lending operation for lending balls will be described. The discharged lending detector 9 that directly detects the pachinko balls discharged to the lending discharge path 7 is illegally moved to a position where the discharged lending balls cannot be detected, or the discharged lending detector Next, a description will be given of a process in a case where an unauthorized tampering operation is performed in which the wiring 9 is illegally modified (disconnected or short-circuited) so that 9 cannot be detected.
[0130]
In this case, the abnormal state is such that the ball discharging device 2 performs a reverse operation in response to the reverse drive command for one ball of the sub CPU. Therefore, a photo detection signal from the photo sensor 3 that detects the amount of rotation of the ball receiver for one sphere is input to the sub CPU. However, since the rented lending detector 9 cannot detect the lent lending discharged to the lending lending channel 7, the lending detection signal from the discharged lending detector 9 is not input to the sub CPU at all. For this reason, the count value of the discharge lending ball counter D1 remains 0 as in the abnormal state such as the above-described ball clogging.
[0131]
Accordingly, the sub CPU determines that step A67 is true, increments the count value of the photocounter C1 by 1 in step A68, determines that there is no discharge lending signal, and proceeds to step A72. As a result, every time the processing from step A66 to step A74 is performed, the count value of the photo counting counter C1 is incremented by one, and the count value of the photo counting counter C1 reaches the ball rental command number PT. However, the value of the discharged lending counter D1 remains 0. The sub CPU determines that the determination process in step A75 is true, instructs the card unit 12 to stop communication (step A78), sets a ball lending process stop flag (step A79), and causes the ball lending abnormality notifying means 14 to A loan abnormality is notified (step A80), and the process returns to step A02.
[0132]
As a result of setting the ball lending process stop flag, it is determined as true whether the ball lending process stop flag in step A20 is set, and whether or not the ball lending instruction counter CC1 is received and stored. Therefore, the rental ball discharge process is stopped.
[0133]
Further, for some reason, for example, due to a ball clogging or the like, the count value of the photo counting counter C1 has reached the ball rental command number PT, but the count value of the discharge ball rental counter D1 is (the prize that has been actually discharged) In some cases, the number of balls does not reach the ball rental command number PT. In this case, the determination result in step A76 is true.
[0134]
After determining that step A76 is true, the sub CPU calculates a deficiency by subtracting the count value of the discharged lending counter D1 from the lending command count PT (step A81), and newly adds a deficiency to the lending command count PT. Reset (step A82). In this case, the shortage is not added to the cumulative ball rental command number counter KC1. Next, the emission lending counter D1 is cleared to 0 (step A83), the photo counting counter C1 is cleared to 0 (step A84), the retry counter RTC is incremented by 1 (step A85), and the count value of the retry counter RTC is the upper limit. It is determined whether or not the number of times 5 has been exceeded (step A86). If the count value of the retry counter RTC does not exceed the upper limit number of times 5, the process returns to step A02, and step A66 is based on the value “3” of the discharging flag FF. Then, step A66 to step A72 are performed, and a retry operation for discharging the shortage of rental balls to the ball discharge device 2 is performed.
[0135]
If the shortage of rental balls reset to the number of ball rental instructions PT is discharged to the ball rental discharge path 7 by this retry operation, it will be detected by the discharge ball detector 9 and the count value of the discharge ball rental counter D1 will be The number of rented balls actually reached (the number of rented balls) reaches the number of rented balls command PT, and the determination result in step A76 becomes false, and the discharging flag FF is cleared to 0 by the processing in step A77. Return to A02.
[0136]
Further, even if the retry operation is performed, if the shortage of rental balls reset to the ball rental command number PT is not discharged to the ball rental discharge path 7, the count value of the discharged ball counter D1 reaches the ball rental command number PT. Again, the determination result of step A76 becomes true, and the processing of step A81 to step A86 is performed. That is, the retry operation is repeated five times until the count value of the retry counter RTC exceeds the upper limit number of times 5. Then, when the count value of the retry counter RTC becomes 6 and exceeds the upper limit number 5, the determination result of step A86 becomes true, and in this case also, the sub CPU instructs the card unit 12 to stop communication (step A78). Then, the ball lending process stop flag is set (step A79), and the ball lending abnormality notifying means 14 notifies the ball lending abnormality (step A80).
[0137]
In addition, when the photosensor 3 has a detection failure due to dust or the like adhering to the photosensor 3 itself (the photodetection signal may or may not be input for the reverse operation of one ball). In this state, the actual number of reversing operations for one ball is greater than the count value of the photo counting counter C1, and an excessively lent out state occurs. Therefore, the count value of the discharge lending counter D1 is larger than the ball lending command number PT.
[0138]
In this case, while repeatedly performing the lending operation according to the lending command several times, the value of the accumulated lending command number counter KC1, which is cumulatively adding the lending command number according to the lending command, Since the number of balls actually discharged as a rental ball is large, the value of the cumulative ball rental command number counter KC1 becomes smaller than 0 during the subtraction process of the cumulative ball rental command number counter KC1 in step A71, and the determination in step A72 The result is true.
[0139]
When the determination result of step A72 becomes true, the sub CPU determines whether or not the absolute value of the accumulated lending command number counter KC1 has reached a predetermined number (127 in the present embodiment) ( Step A73). That is, whether the number of rented balls actually discharged exceeds the cumulative number of rented balls, and whether the difference between the cumulative number of rented balls and the number of rented balls actually reached a predetermined number (discharge It is determined whether or not the number of excess balls has reached 127).
[0140]
When the absolute value of the value of the cumulative lending command number counter KC1 has not reached the predetermined number, the sub CPU proceeds to the processing after step A74. In such an abnormal state, the absolute value of the value of the cumulative lending command number counter KC1 eventually reaches a predetermined number. If the absolute value of the value of the cumulative ball rental command number counter KC1 has reached the predetermined number, the sub CPU proceeds to step A78, commands the card unit 12 to stop communication (step A78), and stops ball lending processing. A flag is set (step A79), and the ball lending abnormality notifying means 14 notifies the ball lending abnormality (step A80).
[0141]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 15 is a principal block diagram of an embodiment in which the discharged prize ball detector 8 is communicated to the payout control device 4 and prize ball command number accumulating means and prize ball abnormality determining means are provided in the payout control device 4. In FIG. 15, an abnormality determination system relating to the rental ball discharge is not shown.
[0142]
From the main control device 10, a winning ball command (15 winning ball commands or 7 winning ball commands) and a control command (stop firing, firing allowed, no winning ball, prize ball) according to the detection signal of the first winning detection means. Is sent to the payout control device 4. When receiving the prize ball command, the sub CPU of the payout control device 4 stores the received memory in the prize ball command counter (CB1 or CB2) according to the prize ball command number 15 or the prize ball command number 7. To do.
[0143]
The sub CPU discriminates that the ball discharging device 2 is not discharging the rental ball, that the winning ball is not being discharged, and that the winning ball impossible flag is not set. A process of discharging a prize ball for the number of prize balls for the apparatus 2 is started. At the same time, the prize ball command number is cumulatively added to the cumulative prize ball command number counter.
[0144]
When the ball discharging device 2 operates normally and the winning ball is discharged to the winning ball discharge path 6, a photo detection signal is input from the photosensor 3 in response to the discharging operation of one winning ball of the ball discharging device 2, Whether or not the number of photo detections has reached the prize ball command number is determined by the actual discharge number determination means (photo counting counter C1). Also, the prize balls discharged to the prize ball discharge path 6 are detected by the discharge prize ball detector 8, and this detection signal is input to the payout control device 4.
[0145]
The sub CPU increases the count value of the discharge prize ball counter B1 every time the detection signal of the discharge prize ball detector 8 is input. Further, every time the detection signal of the discharged prize ball detector 8 is input, the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter is decremented by one. Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter is smaller than 0 and the absolute value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter has reached a predetermined number. At this time, when the absolute value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter reaches a predetermined number, the prize ball abnormality notifying means 20 notifies the prize ball abnormality excessive abnormality, and the operation of the launching device (not shown) is stopped. , Stop processing related to the prize ball discharge.
[0146]
When the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter is not smaller than 0 (when the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter is 0 or more), next, whether or not the absolute value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter has reached a predetermined number Is determined. At this time, if the absolute value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter has reached a predetermined number, the timer is activated to run out of the ball detector 16, the full tank detector 17, the discharged prize ball detector during a predetermined time period. Whether the detection signal is input from any of 8 is monitored. If these detection signals are input while the timer is operating, the timer is reset. When there is no ball break detection signal from the ball break detector 16, no full tank detection signal from the full tank detector 17, and no discharge prize ball detection signal from the discharge prize ball detector 8 during the timer operation period Then, the prize ball abnormality notifying means 20 notifies the prize ball discharge shortage abnormality, the operation of the launching device (not shown) is stopped, and the process related to the prize ball discharge is stopped.
[0147]
When the value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter is 0 or more and the absolute value of the cumulative prize ball command number counter has not reached the predetermined number, the sub CPU determines that the count value of the photo count counter C1 is the current prize. It is determined whether or not the ball command number has been reached. If the count value of the photo counting counter C1 has reached the prize ball command number, it is determined whether or not the count value of the discharged prize ball counter B1 is zero. When the count value of the discharged prize ball counter B1 is 0, it is an abnormality due to unauthorized tampering with the discharged prize ball detector 8, which is notified by the prize ball abnormality notifying means 20, and the operation of the launching device (not shown) is performed. Stop and stop processing related to the prize ball discharge.
[0148]
When the count value of the discharge prize ball counter B1 is not 0, the sub CPU next determines whether or not the number of prize ball commands is larger than the count value of the discharge prize ball counter B1. If the prize ball command number is larger than the count value of the discharge prize ball counter B1, the number of prize balls actually discharged is insufficient for the prize ball command number, and the shortage of prize ball discharge is reset, The retry operation of the ball discharge device 2 relating to the shortage of prize ball discharge is performed.
[0149]
If the number of prize balls commanded is greater than the count value of the ejection prize ball counter B1, the prize ball ejection is terminated and the prize ball ejection operation relating to reception and storage of a new prize ball command is started.
[0150]
【The invention's effect】
  Claim 1In the pachinko ball dispensing deviceAccording to the discharge ball abnormality determination device, MeThe number of pachinko balls actually discharged from the ball discharge device is not a difference of about one ball but a certain size difference (for example, 100) with respect to the number of prize balls paid out from the in-control device. When a very serious (serious) abnormality such as that of a ball occurs, it can be determined that the prize ball is abnormal. Therefore, even if a difference of about 1 occurs, it is not determined as abnormal, so that abnormal discharge of prize balls does not occur frequently, and it is determined that there is a prize ball abnormality every time a difference of about 1 occurs. A situation that is inconvenient for both the player and the game hall can be resolved.
  If the cumulative number of prize balls commanded exceeds the number of prize balls actually ejected, and the difference between the number of prize prize balls commanded and the number of prize balls actually ejected has reached a predetermined number, and the ball ejection device When the discharging operation is stopped for a predetermined time, it is possible to determine that the prize ball is abnormal as a shortage of prize balls (insufficient prize ball discharge).
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a main part of a control system related to a pachinko ball dispensing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an abnormality determination algorithm for prize ball discharge control in the pachinko ball payout device according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a part of a prize ball payout process executed by a main CPU arranged in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 5 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG.
6 is a continuation of the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a part of a ball discharge process executed by a sub CPU arranged in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment.
8 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 10 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 11 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 12 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG.
13 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 14 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a main part of a control system related to a pachinko ball dispensing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Dispensing device
2 ball discharge device
3 Photosensor
4. Dispensing control device
5 Sub CPU
6 prize ball discharge path
7 Rent a ball
8 Discharge prize ball detector
9 discharge ball rental detector
10 Main controller
11 Main CPU
12 Card unit
13 Launcher
14 Ball rental abnormality notification means
15 ball supply tank
16 Out-of-ball detector
17 Full detector
18 First winning detection means
19 Second winning detection means
20 Prize ball abnormality notification means
21 Prize ball discharge abnormality notification means

Claims (1)

A main control device for instructing a prize ball command including the number of prize balls to be paid out according to a winning detection signal, a ball discharge device for discharging pachinko balls one by one, and the command instructed in accordance with the prize ball command In a pachinko ball payout device comprising a payout control device for controlling the operation of the ball discharge device so as to discharge the number of pachinko balls to be paid out,
A prize ball discharge path for guiding the pachinko balls discharged by the ball discharge device in response to the prize ball command, and a discharge prize ball for directly detecting the pachinko balls discharged to the prize ball discharge path for each ball Detecting means,
Connecting the discharged prize ball detecting means to the payout control device;
In the payout control device,
A prize ball abnormality notifying means for notifying a prize ball abnormality;
Prize ball command number accumulating means for accumulating the number of prize balls paid out according to the winning detection signal and calculating the accumulated prize ball command number;
Subtracting the actual number of winning prize balls according to the detection signal of the discharging prize ball detecting means from the cumulative number of winning ball instructions, and the difference between the number of cumulative prize balls commanded and the number of actual discharged prize balls is :
A difference determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined number which is a very significant difference in size is reached instead of a difference of about one ball ;
Timer means reset by a detection signal from the discharged prize ball detecting means;
Provided,
In the payout control device, the cumulative prize ball command number exceeds the actual discharged prize ball number, and the difference determining means has a difference between the cumulative prize ball command number and the actual discharged prize ball number reaching the predetermined number. If it is determined that the timer means is set, and the timer means times out without being reset, it is determined that the prize ball is insufficiently discharged abnormally, and the prize ball is insufficiently notified by the prize ball abnormality notifying means. ,
A discharge ball abnormality determination device in a pachinko ball payout device.

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