JP6137292B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a slot machine, or a coin gaming machine.

  For example, there is a pachinko machine that is generally known as this type of gaming machine. This pachinko machine is configured to pay out a predetermined number of balls to the player based on the establishment of a predetermined condition such that the ball wins a winning opening. The payout of the balls is executed by the payout control board controlling the payout device.

  However, in the conventional payout control, there is a problem that accurate payout may not be executed due to a malfunction of the payout device.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, Comprising: It aims at providing the gaming machine which can improve the precision regarding payout operation | movement.

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention has the following configuration.
That is, the invention described in claim 1
Driven to pay out the game balls stored on the upstream side, a payout member for paying out the number of game balls corresponding to the drive amount, and disposed at the downstream side of the payout member and paid out by the payout member A game ball detecting means for detecting a game ball, a winning opening for winning the game ball, a winning detection means for detecting a gaming ball won in the winning opening, and the winning detection means Control means for driving the payout member based on
In a gaming machine in which a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the winning are paid out by driving the payout member when a gaming ball wins the winning opening ,
The control means includes
Payout drive determination means for determining whether or not the payout member has reached a drive amount necessary for payout of the game ball;
First storage means for storing first storage information corresponding to the number of balls required to be paid out;
Second storage means for storing second storage information corresponding to the driving amount necessary for paying out the game ball;
First update means for updating the first storage information to information corresponding to the predetermined number when the number of balls required for payout is not found and a game ball is detected by the winning detection means;
Second update means for updating the second stored information to information corresponding to the predetermined number when the number of balls required for payout is not found and a game ball is detected by the winning detection means;
A third updating means for updating the first storage information updated by the first updating means to information corresponding to the number of balls obtained by subtracting the number detected by the gaming ball detection means from the predetermined number;
When the second storage information is updated by the second update means, the payout member is driven by a drive amount necessary for paying out the predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the updated second storage information. First payout driving means for causing
A fourth update for updating the first storage information to information corresponding to the number obtained by adding the predetermined number when there is a number of balls that needs to be paid out and a game ball is detected by the winning detection means Means,
Fifth updating means for updating the first storage information updated by the fourth updating means to information corresponding to the number of balls obtained by subtracting the number detected by the game ball detecting means from the number obtained by adding the predetermined number. When,
The first storage information is added by the fourth update means when the payout drive determining means determines that the drive amount necessary for paying out the predetermined number of game balls by the first payout driving means has been reached. The second storage information is updated to the information corresponding to the driving amount necessary for paying out the one or more prize balls added by the fourth updating means when the information corresponds to the one or more balls obtained. Sixth updating means to perform,
The timing at which the sixth update means updates the second stored information is determined by the game ball detection means after the payout drive determination means determines that the drive amount necessary for paying out the predetermined number of game balls has been reached. Timing setting means for setting after a predetermined time longer than the time until a game ball is detected;
When the second storage information is updated by the sixth update means after the predetermined time set by the timing setting means, the payout member is driven by a drive amount corresponding to the second storage information. And a second payout driving means .

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy related to the payout operation.

  The present specification also discloses an invention relating to the following gaming machines.

(0) In a gaming machine comprising a payout means for paying out game media, and a game medium detection means for detecting the game media paid out by the payout means,
A gaming machine comprising payout state detection means for detecting the state of the payout means.
According to the invention of (0), in addition to the payout means for paying out the game medium and the game medium detection means for detecting the game medium paid out by the payout means, the state of the payout means is further changed. A payout state detection means for detecting is provided. Since the state of the payout means can be detected by providing the payout state detection means, it is possible to detect a malfunction of the payout means, and the game medium detection means detects the game medium paid out by the payout means. By combining with the above, it is possible to improve the accuracy related to the payout operation.
(1) In the gaming machine according to (0) , the payout means is payout drive means for paying out game media by being driven, and the payout state detection means detects a drive state of the payout drive means. A gaming machine characterized by that.

  An example of the payout means is payout drive means for paying out game media by driving as in the invention of (1). In this case, the payout state detection means can detect the state of the payout means that is the payout drive means by detecting the drive state of the payout drive means.

(2) In the gaming machine according to (0) or (1), the gaming machine includes a payout control unit that controls payout of the game medium, and the payout control unit includes a game medium to be paid out. A first payout number storage means for storing the number; subtracting the number of game media detected by the game medium detection means from the number of game media stored in the first payout number storage means; A gaming machine, wherein the number of gaming media is rewritten and stored in the first payout number storage means.

  According to the invention of the above (2), the payout control means for controlling the payout of the game medium is provided, and the payout control means is provided with the first payout number storage means for storing the number of game media to be paid out. The number of game media detected by the game medium detection means is subtracted from the number of game media stored in the first payout number storage means, and rewritten with the subtracted number of game media, so that the first payout number storage means I remember it. With this configuration, the number of game media to be paid out can be grasped by the game medium detection means and the first payout number storage means.

  (3) In the gaming machine according to (2), the payout control means includes second payout number storage means for copying and storing the number of game media stored in the first payout number storage means, The number of game media subtracted by subtracting the number of game media according to the state of the payout means detected by the payout state detection means from the number of game media stored in the second payout number storage means. A gaming machine that is rewritten into and stored in the second payout number storage means.

  In the case of the invention of (2), in addition to the first payout number storage means for rewriting the number of game media to be paid out based on the number of game media detected by the game medium detection means, It is preferable to separately provide storage means for rewriting the number of game media to be paid out based on the number of game media according to the state of the means. Therefore, as in the invention of (3), the payout detected by the payout state detection means is provided with the second payout number storage means for copying and storing the number of game media stored in the first payout number storage means. By subtracting the number of game media according to the state of the means, rewriting the number of game media subtracted and storing it in the second payout number storage means, the game medium detection means and the first payout number storage means In addition to grasping the number of game media to be paid out, the number of game media to be paid out can be grasped by the payout state detection means and the second payout number storage means. Further, since the second payout number storage means is provided separately from the first payout number storage means, the detection result of the game medium detection means is stored in the first payout number storage means, and the detection result of the payout state detection means is stored in the second. Each can be divided into payout number storage means, and rewriting of the number of game media to be paid out can be prevented from becoming complicated.

  (4) In the gaming machine according to (3), when the number of game media stored in the second payout number storage unit is other than 0, the payout control unit operates the payout unit. When the number of game media stored in the second payout number storage means is 0, the payout control means controls the payout means to stop.

  According to the invention of (4), the payout control means controls the operation / stop of the payout means according to whether or not the number of game media stored in the second payout number storage means is 0. The operation can be controlled with higher accuracy. When the number of game media stored in the second payout number storage means is 0, the payout control means controls the payout means to stop so that the next game medium to be paid out is the payout means. It is possible to solve the problem of extra payout by the operation of.

  (5) In the gaming machine according to (3) or (4), the number of game media stored in the first payout number storage means is other than 0 and is stored in the second payout number storage means. Only when the number of game media is 0, the number of game media stored in the first payout number storage means is copied and stored in the second payout number storage means.

  According to the invention of (5), the timing for copying the number of game media stored in the first payout number storage means and storing it in the second payout number storage means is stored in the first payout number storage means. By limiting the number of game media to be paid out only when the number of game media is other than 0 and the number of game media stored in the second payout number storage means is 0, the second payout number storage means Can be stored with high accuracy.

  (6) In the gaming machine described in (5) above, when the maximum time that the game medium passes from the payout means to the game medium detection means is the maximum passage time, the first payout number storage means A game stored in the first payout number storage means after a predetermined time after the number of stored game media is other than 0 and the number of game media stored in the second payout number storage means becomes zero. A gaming machine, wherein the number of media is copied and stored in second payout number storage means, and the predetermined time is set longer than the maximum passage time.

  According to the invention of (6), the timing for copying the number of game media stored in the first payout number storage means and storing it in the second payout number storage means is further stored in the first payout number storage means. The number of game media played is other than 0 and is limited to a predetermined time after the number of game media stored in the second payout number storage means becomes 0. Since it is set to be longer than the maximum passage time that is the maximum time for the game medium to pass to the detection means, the number of game media to be paid out can be stored in the second payout number storage means with higher accuracy. .

  For example, when the number of game media stored in the first / second payout number storage means is 1, and the payout means pays out the game media, the game media stored in the second payout number storage means When the number becomes 0, the number of game media stored in the first payout number storage means is 1 and other than 0, so 1 which is the number of game media stored in the first payout number storage means is copied. There is a possibility that one extra game medium to be paid out next is written out in the second payout number storage means. Therefore, as in the above invention (6), by writing the number of game media in the second payout number storage means after a predetermined time, the number of game media stored in the first / second payout number storage means is reduced. When both of them are 1 and the payout means pays out the game medium, even when the number of game media stored in the second payout number storage means becomes 0, the predetermined time passes from the payout means to the game medium detection means. Since it is set to be longer than the maximum passage time, which is the maximum time for the game medium to pass, even if the game medium detection means is in the stage of detecting the game medium, it is stored in the first payout number storage means. The game medium stored in the first payout number storage means is detected by the game medium detecting means without the 1 being the number of game media being copied and written in the second payout number storage means. The number of is also 0 It made. Accordingly, it is possible to solve the problem that one extra game medium to be paid out next is paid out.

  (7) In the gaming machine according to any one of (3) to (6), the payout means is a motor that pays out the game medium by being rotationally driven, and is stored in the second payout number storage means. A game characterized in that the number of stored game media is subtracted by 1 for each predetermined angle at which the motor is driven to rotate, rewritten with the subtracted number of game media, and stored in the second payout number storage means. Machine.

  A further example of the payout means is a motor for paying out game media by being rotationally driven as in the invention of (7). The number of game media stored in the second payout number storage means is decremented by 1 for each predetermined angle at which the motor is rotated, and is rewritten to the subtracted number of game media and stored in the second payout number storage means. It becomes possible to do.

  (8) In the gaming machine according to (7), the motor is a stepping motor that is driven to rotate at a predetermined angle by one step each time a pulse signal is received, and is stored in the second payout number storage unit. A gaming machine, wherein the number of game media is subtracted by 1 for each predetermined step, rewritten with the subtracted number of game media, and stored in the second payout number storage means.

  As a further example of the motor, there is a stepping motor that rotates at a predetermined angle by one step each time a pulse signal is received, as in the invention of (8). The number of game media stored in the second payout number storage means can be subtracted by 1 for each predetermined step, rewritten with the subtracted number of game media, and stored in the second payout number storage means. .

  (9) In the gaming machine according to any one of (2) to (8), the number of game media stored in the first payout number storage means is detected by the game media detection means. A gaming machine characterized by subtracting one by one, rewriting the number of subtracted gaming media, and storing it in a first payout number storage means.

  As an example of rewriting of the first payout number storage means, as in the invention of (9), the game medium is detected by the game medium detection means for the number of game media stored in the first payout number storage means. One is subtracted every time, and it is rewritten with the number of subtracted game media and stored in the first payout number storage means.

  (10) In the gaming machine according to any one of (2) to (9), the game machine has a main control means for controlling a game, and a game medium has won a winning means arranged in the gaming machine. Sometimes, a game machine characterized in that a payout request signal for requesting payout of game media is output from the main control means, and the payout control means receives the payout request signal.

  According to the invention of the above (10), the payout request is provided with the main control means for controlling the game, and when the game medium wins the winning means arranged in the gaming machine, the payout of the game medium is requested. By outputting the signal from the main control means and receiving the payout request signal by the payout control means, the payout control means can grasp the timing of control of the payout operation.

  (11) In the gaming machine according to (10), when the payout control means receives the payout request signal, the number of game media corresponding to the payout request signal is accumulated in the first payout number storage means. A game machine characterized by memorizing it.

  According to the invention of (11), when the payout control means receives the payout request signal, the number of game media corresponding to the payout request signal is accumulated and stored in the first payout number storage means. With this configuration, the payout control means can grasp the number of game media to be paid out based on the payout request signal.

  (12) In the gaming machine according to any one of (3) to (11), (a) a process in which the payout control means receives a payout request signal requesting payout of a game medium, and (b) the payout request. A process of accumulating the number of game media in accordance with the signal and storing it in the first payout storage means; (c) the number of game media stored in the first payout number storage means is other than 0, and the second A process of copying the number of game media stored in the first payout number storage means and storing it in the second payout number storage means only when the number of game media stored in the payout number storage means is 0, (d) The number of game media detected by the game medium detection means is subtracted from the number of game media stored in the first payout number storage means and rewritten with the subtracted number of game media to be stored in the first payout number storage. Memorize in the means and second payout Subtracting the number of game media according to the state of the payout means detected by the payout state detection means from the number of game media stored in the number storage means, and rewriting the number of game media by subtraction. (2) When the number of game media stored in the second payout number storage means is other than 0, the payout control means controls the payout means to operate. When the number of game media stored in the second payout number storage means is 0, a series of payout operations including the process of controlling the payout means to stop and the processes (a) to (e) above. In the gaming machine, the series of payout operations is executed until the number of game media stored in the first payout storage means becomes zero.

  The invention of (12) is an example of a series of payout operations in the gaming machine, and this series of payout operations is executed until the number of game media stored in the first payout storage means becomes zero.

(13) The gaming machine according to any one of (0) and (1) to (12), wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko machine.

  According to the invention of (13), it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can lend gaming media appropriately. The basic configuration of the pachinko machine is provided with an operation handle, and a ball is launched in a predetermined game area in accordance with the operation of the operation handle, and the ball is awarded to an operation port arranged at a predetermined position in the game area ( Alternatively, it is necessary that the identification information (designs, etc.) dynamically displayed on the display device is fixed and stopped after a predetermined time as a necessary condition that it passes through the operation gate). In addition, when a special gaming state occurs, a variable winning device (specific winning opening) disposed at a predetermined position in the gaming area is opened in a predetermined manner so that a ball can be won, and a value corresponding to the number of winnings is obtained. Examples include those to which values (including data written on magnetic cards as well as premium balls) are given.

(14) The gaming machine according to any one of (0) and (1) to (12), wherein the gaming machine is a slot machine.

  According to the invention of (14), it is possible to provide a slot machine that can lend out game media appropriately. The basic configuration of the slot machine is as follows: “Variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after dynamically displaying an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and for operating the starting operation means (for example, an operation lever). As a result, the dynamic display of the identification information is started, and the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stopping (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time has elapsed. The game machine is provided with special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the confirmed identification information at that time is the specific identification information. In this case, examples of the game media include coins and medals.

(15) The gaming machine according to any one of (0) and (1) to (12), wherein the gaming machine is a fusion of a pachinko machine and a slot machine. Machine.

  According to the invention of the above (15), it is possible to provide a product in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine can be combined, which can lend out game media appropriately. The basic configuration of the merged component is “variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after dynamically displaying an identification information string made up of a plurality of identification information, and for starting operation means (for example, an operation lever). The dynamic display of the identification information is started due to the operation, the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time, Special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player, on condition that the confirmed identification information at the time of stoppage is specific identification information, and using a ball as a game medium, and the identification The game machine is configured so that a predetermined number of balls are required at the start of dynamic display of information, and a large number of balls are paid out when a special gaming state occurs.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, a pachinko machine that is a kind of a ball game machine, in particular, a first type pachinko game machine will be described as an example of the game machine. It should be noted that the present invention can naturally be used in other game machines such as third-class pachinko gaming machines (also called rights), coin gaming machines, slot machines, and the like.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a game board of the pachinko machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine P according to the present embodiment includes a game board 1, an upper receiving tray 2 and a lower receiving tray 3 for storing a ball, and a launching handle 4 for launching the ball to the game board 1. ing. The game board 1 is covered with a polycarbonate transparent plate 1b fitted in the front frame 1a.

  As shown in FIG. 2, around the game board 1, there are provided a plurality of normal winning ports 5 through which 5 to 15 balls are paid out when a ball wins. A liquid crystal display (hereinafter simply referred to as “LCD”) 6 for displaying a plurality of types of identification information and the like is provided at the center of the game board 1. The display screen of the LCD 6 is, for example, divided into three in the vertical direction, that is, it is composed of three columns of the left column, the middle column, and the right column. The symbols are displayed while scrolling vertically from bottom to bottom.

  Above the LCD 6, there is disposed a normal symbol display device 9 composed of two LEDs (light emitting diodes) 9a and 9b on which normal symbols “O” and “X” are displayed. In this normal symbol display device 9, when a ball that is thrown into the game area passes through the gates 10 arranged on both sides of the LCD 6, the variation of alternately lighting the “9” and “X” LEDs 9 a and 9 b Display is performed. When such a change display ends with the LED 9a of “◯”, the ordinary electric accessory 7 below the LCD 6 is opened as shown by a two-dot chain line for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). It becomes easy for a ball to enter the ordinary electric accessory 7.

  The ordinary electric accessory 7 disposed below the LCD 6 is provided with a symbol operating port (first type starting port) 7a. When the ball passes through the symbol operating port 7a, the fluctuation display of the LCD 6 described above is performed. Is started. A specific winning port (large winning port) 8 is provided below the symbol operating port 7a. The specific winning opening 8 is a big hit when the display result after the change of the LCD 6 matches one of the predetermined symbol combinations, and a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds elapses) so that the ball is easy to win. (Or until 10 balls have been won).

  A V zone 8a is provided in the specific winning opening 8, and when the ball passes through the V zone 8a while the specific winning opening 8 is opened, a continuation right is established and the specific winning opening 8 is closed. Thereafter, the specific winning opening 8 is opened again for a predetermined time (or until a predetermined number of balls win the specific winning opening 8). The opening / closing operation of the specific winning opening 8 can be repeated up to 16 times (16 rounds), and the state where the opening / closing operation can be performed is a state where a predetermined game value is given (special game state). is there.

  Note that a state in which a predetermined game value is given in the third type pachinko gaming machine (special game state) is specified when the display result after fluctuation of the LCD 6 matches one of the predetermined symbol combinations. It means that the winning opening is opened for a predetermined time. When the ball wins into the specific winning opening while the specific winning opening is opened, a large winning opening provided separately from the specific winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time.

  Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko machine P will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic rear view of the pachinko machine. As shown in FIG. 3, the back surface of the pachinko machine P includes a mechanism plate 11 behind the game board 1. The mechanism plate 11 is composed of an assembly in which mechanical devices such as a supply rail 13, a payout unit S and a vibrator 14, which will be described later, and a control board such as a main control board C and a payout control board H are assembled. .

  A tank 12 for supplying a ball from a game hall (hole) outside the pachinko machine P and storing the ball is disposed at the upper part of the mechanism plate 11. From the upper part to the lower part of the mechanism plate 11, a supply rail 13 for supplying a ball to the payout unit S and paying out the ball from the payout unit S to the upper tray 2 (see FIG. 1) 11 is disposed so as to pass through a right end portion. That is, the supply rail 13 is disposed so as to have a so-called “U” shape. Further, the supply rail 13 is configured so as to communicate with the tank 12 at the most upstream and communicate with the upper tray 2 (see FIG. 1) at the most downstream.

  The supply rail 13 includes a vibrator 14 configured to drive an unbalanced weight (not shown) between the tank 12 and the dispensing unit S in order from the upstream side by a vibration motor 31 and a transmission type photosensor. A tank empty switch 15 including a ball emptying crank 16 for controlling ball emptying is provided.

  The case portion of the vibrator 14 is formed integrally with the supply rail 13. Further, the vibration motor 31 in the vibrator 14 drives the unbalance weight so that the unbalance weight rotates eccentrically, and vibration is generated by the eccentric rotation, and the vibrator 14 applies vibration to the supply rail 13. By providing this vibrator 14, it is possible to eliminate the clogging of the balls that has occurred in the vicinity of the vibrator 14.

  The tank empty switch 15 is a switch that detects the presence or absence of a sphere. When a sphere passing through the supply rail 13 passes through the tank empty switch 15, the light is blocked and the sphere is turned off. If it does not pass through, it is made up of a transmissive photosensor that receives light and is turned on. The ball removal crank 16 is connected to a ball removal button 17, and a ball removal passage 18 is disposed below the ball removal crank 16 so as to extend to the lower part of the mechanism plate 11. The ball passage 18 is connected to the supply rail 13 through a ball crank 16. When the ball removal button 17 is pressed, the ball removal crank 16 is opened, and the ball passes from the supply rail 13 to the ball removal passage 18 to perform ball removal. By pressing the ball removal button 17 again, the ball removal is performed. The crank 16 is closed, and the ball removal from the supply rail 13 does not pass to the ball removal passage 18 and stops.

  Each control board is assembled to the mechanism plate 11 so as to be sandwiched between supply rails 13 arranged in a “U” shape. In the present embodiment, a cover member 19 that covers the display control board, a main control board C described later, a payout control board H, and the like are disposed in order from the upper part to the lower part of the mechanism plate 11.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine P will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. As shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko machine P is roughly divided into a main control board C that controls the game content of the pachinko machine P, a payout control board H that controls payout of prize balls and balls, a power supply board 50, and the like. Although not shown in the figure, a display control board for controlling the variable display of symbols displayed on the display screen of the LCD 6 (see FIG. 2), and a sound effect control board for controlling the output of sound effects And a lamp control board that controls lighting of the lamp. The main control board C corresponds to the main control means in the present invention, and the payout control board H corresponds to the payout control means in the present invention.

  The main control board C of the pachinko machine P is equipped with an MPU 21 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit. The MPU 21 includes a ROM 22 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 21 and a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when executing the control program stored in the ROM 22. A certain RAM 23 and the like are incorporated.

  The main control board C is connected to the payout control board H through an input / output port (not shown) so that bidirectional communication is possible. In addition, the main control board C is connected to a plurality of normal winning switches 24, a first type start port switch 25, a V count switch 26, a 10 count switch 27, a power supply board 50, and the like via input / output ports (not shown). Has been.

  The plurality of normal winning switches 24 are switches for detecting balls that have won the plurality of ordinary winning ports 5 provided on the game board 1, and are provided in the vicinity of the entrances of the respective normal winning ports 5. The first type starting port switch 25 is a switch for detecting a sphere that has passed through the symbol operating port (first type starting port) 7a, and is provided in the vicinity of the symbol operating port 7a. When a ball is detected by any one of the normal winning switch 24 or the first type start port switch 25, a command related to paying out a winning ball is transmitted from the main control board C to the payout control board H, and 5 pieces are issued by the payout control board H. The prize ball is paid out.

  The V count switch 26 is a switch for detecting a ball that has won the V zone 8 a in the specific winning opening 8. Further, the 10 count switch 27 is a switch for detecting a ball that has won a prize other than the V zone 8 a in the specific prize opening 8. When a ball is detected by the V count switch 26 or the 10 count switch 27, a command for paying out a prize ball is transmitted from the main control board C to the payout control board H, and 15 prize balls are paid out by the payout control board H. .

  The payout control board H performs payout control of prize balls and balls, and the MPU 28 is mounted as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit. The MPU 28 includes a ROM 29 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 28 and a RAM 30 that is used as a work memory. The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 are stored in the ROM 29 as a part of the control program.

  The payout control board H is connected to the main control board C described above via an input / output port (not shown). In addition, the payout control board H is connected to the tank empty switch 15, the ball removal crank 16, the vibration motor 31 in the vibrator 14, and the payout motor 32 mounted on the payout unit S via an input / output port (not shown). The award ball count switch 33, the payout rotation sensor 34, and the power supply board 50 are connected.

  The vibration motor 31 is provided in the vibrator 14 as described above, and the drive of the vibration motor 31 is controlled by the payout control board H. During driving, the vibration motor 31 is driven intermittently (600 ms in this embodiment) by the payout control board H.

  The prize ball count switch 33 is a switch for detecting a prize ball paid out by the payout motor 32, and is mounted on the payout unit S together with the payout motor 32 and the payout rotation sensor 34. The payout motor 32 is a motor for paying out a prize ball. The drive of the payout motor 32 is controlled by the payout control board H. The payout motor 32 corresponds to the payout means in the present invention, and the prize ball count switch 33 corresponds to the game medium detection means in the present invention. The payout motor 32 corresponds to the payout driving means in the present invention. The payout motor 32 and the prize ball count switch 33 will be described in detail later with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 5, the perspective view of FIG. 6, and the sectional view of FIG.

  The payout rotation sensor 34 monitors the drive state of the payout motor 32 and is mounted on the payout unit S together with the payout motor 32 and the prize ball count switch 33. The payout rotation sensor 34 corresponds to the payout state detection means in the present invention. The payout rotation sensor 34 will also be described in detail later with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 5, the perspective view of FIG. 6, and the cross-sectional view of FIG.

  The RAM 30 of the payout control board H is provided with a total prize ball counter 30a and a payout counter 30b in which the number of prize balls to be paid out is stored, and the prize balls stored in the total prize ball counter 30a. Each time the prize ball count switch 33 detects a prize ball, the value of the total prize ball number counter 30a is decremented by "1", and the number of prize balls stored in the number-of-payout counter 30b is calculated by the payout motor 32. Each time the payout rotation sensor 34 monitors and detects a predetermined number of steps (30 steps in this embodiment), the value of the payout number counter 30b is decremented by "1". If there is no prize ball to be paid out when the value of the payout number counter 30b becomes “0”, the payout motor 32 is stopped. Otherwise, the payout motor 32 remains driven. Further, when the value of the total prize ball counter 30a becomes “0”, the series of payout operations is terminated. This series of payout operations will be described in detail later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The prize ball number counter 30a corresponds to the first payout number storage means in the present invention, and the payout number counter 30b corresponds to the second payout number storage means in the present invention. The prize ball number counter 30a and the payout number counter 30b will also be described in detail later with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  The RAM 23 of the main control board C and the RAM 30 of the payout control board H are each provided with a backup area (not shown), and these RAMs 23 and 30 are backed up from the power board 50 even after the pachinko machine P is turned off. A voltage is supplied, and data can be held (backed up).

  Next, the mutual relationship between the total prize ball number counter 30a, the payout number counter 30b, the payout motor 32, the prize ball count switch 33, and the payout rotation sensor 34 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows the electrical configuration of the total prize ball number counter 30a and the payout number counter 30b in the payout control board H, the payout motor 32, the prize ball count switch 33, and the payout rotation sensor 34 in the payout unit S. It is a block diagram.

  When the ball wins, the main control board C outputs a payout request signal (winning signal) requesting the payout of the winning ball. When the payout control board H receives the payout request signal, the award ball number corresponding to the payout request signal is accumulated and stored in the total prize ball counter 30a. For example, when a ball wins the normal winning slot 5, the normal winning switch 24 detects the winning ball, and the main control board C outputs a payout request signal for five in order to pay out five winning balls. When a prize is entered into the specific winning opening 8, the V count switch 26 or the 10 count switch 27 detects a ball, and the main control board C outputs a payout request signal for 15 to pay out 15 prize balls. When the payout control board H receives five payout request signals, the five prize balls stored in the total prize ball counter 30b are accumulated and newly stored in the total prize ball counter 30b. When the payout control board H receives the payout request signal for 15 balls, it accumulates 15 prize balls stored in the total prize ball counter 30b and newly stores them in the total prize ball counter 30b.

  Further, the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a is decremented by “1” every time the prize ball count switch 33 detects a prize ball, and the total number of prize balls is subtracted. When the value of the number counter 30a reaches “0”, the series of payout operations is terminated. That is, a series of payout operations are executed until the value of the total prize ball number counter 30a becomes “0”.

  The payout number counter 30b copies and stores the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a. Specifically, the total number of winning balls is only when the number of winning balls stored in the total winning ball number counter 30a is other than “0” and the number of winning balls stored in the payout number counter 30b is “0”. The number of prize balls stored in the counter 30a is copied and stored in the payout number counter 30b.

  In the present embodiment, the award number stored in the total number of winning ball counter 30a is a predetermined time (0.5 seconds in the present embodiment) after the number of winning balls stored in the payout number counter 30b becomes “0”. The number of balls is copied and stored in the payout number counter 30b. The reason for setting the copy timing after 0.5 seconds will be described in detail later.

  Each time the payout rotation sensor 34 monitors and detects that the payout motor 32 is driven for 30 steps, the number of prize balls stored in the payout number counter 30b is decremented by “1”. When the value of the payout number counter 30b becomes “0”, the payout motor 32 is stopped, assuming that there are no prize balls to be paid out. Otherwise, the payout motor 32 remains driven.

  Next, specific configurations of the payout unit S, particularly the payout motor 32, the prize ball count switch 33, and the payout rotation sensor 34 in the payout unit S will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 is a perspective view of the dispensing unit, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB, c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC. As shown in FIG. 6, the payout unit S has a casing shape, and is arranged so that the supply rail 13 is inserted into the casing. The supply rail 13 is configured to be a first rail 13 a and a second rail 13 b that are divided into two in the width direction of the supply rail 13 on the upstream side of the payout unit S. Both the first and second rails 13a and 13b are inserted into the body.

Each rail 13a, 13b is provided with a payout cam 35. The payout motor 35, the payout rotation sensor 34, the payout cam 35 provided on the second rail 13b, and the first rail 13a. in the order of dispensing cam 35 which is, via a rotary shaft 36 are connected, respectively.

  The payout motor 32 is a stepping motor that is driven to rotate at a predetermined angle (3 ° in the present embodiment) by one step each time a pulse signal is received. When driven by 30 steps, the payout motor 32 is rotated by 90 °. To do. In this embodiment, when the payout motor 32 is rotated by 90 °, it is recognized that one ball has been paid out. Accordingly, when the payout rotation sensor 34 monitors and detects that the rotation is driven by 90 °, that is, when the payout rotation sensor 34 monitors and detects that the payout motor 32 is driven by 30 steps, the value of the payout number counter 30b is detected. Is subtracted by “1”.

  The two payout cams 35 respectively disposed on the rails 13a and 13b are combined by being shifted by 90 ° from each other. As shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), each payout cam 35 is Each time it rotates by 180 °, the ball passes through the payout cam 35 and the payout cam 35 pays out one ball. Accordingly, when one ball is paid out by the pay-out cam 35 in one rail 13, one ball is paid out by the pay-out cam 35 in the other rail 13 every time the pay-out cam 35 rotates 90 °. Since the payout cam 35 is connected to the payout motor 32 via the rotary shaft 36, when the payout motor 32 is driven by 30 steps, that is, when the payout motor 32 is rotated by 90 °, each The payout cam 35 rotates by 90 °, and a single ball is paid out on any rail 13. Thus, as long as the payout rotation sensor 34 monitors that the payout motor 32 is normally driven, when the payout motor 32 is driven for 30 steps, as shown in FIG. Can be recognized as paid out.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the prize ball count switch 33 is disposed downstream of the payout motor 32 in the direction in which the ball flows down. In this embodiment, when the maximum time for the ball to pass from the payout motor 32 to the prize ball count switch 33 is “maximum passage time”, this maximum passage time is 200 ms (= 200 × 10−3 seconds). is there. This maximum passing time varies depending on the speed at which the ball flows down and the distance from the payout motor 32 to the prize ball count switch 33.

  Further, as described above, the payout motor 32 is continuously driven until the value of the payout number counter 30b becomes “0”. Therefore, when the payout motor 32 pays out 15 balls, for example, 15 balls The payout motor 32 is continuously driven until the payout is made. However, since the payout motor 32 rotates at high speed, if it is driven to rotate at the same rotational speed until the 15 balls are paid out, even if the last 15th ball is paid out, the extra ball May be paid out. Therefore, conventionally, the rotational speed of the payout motor 32 is gradually decreased, the speed is reduced at the 14th, which is just before the 15th to be paid out, and the payout motor 32 is stopped at the 15th ball. Yes. However, when there is no payout rotation sensor 34 as in the prior art, the drive state of the payout motor 32 is not detected, so the stop position of the payout cam 35 is not known. For example, one of the four corners of the stopped payout cam 35 is stopped. There is a risk that the ball will get stuck in the supply rail 13 depending on the stop position because the ball is caught between the corner of the ball and the inner wall of the supply rail 13. In the case of this embodiment, a stepping motor is used as the payout motor 32. Therefore, the rotation drive angle of the payout motor 32 can be known from the number of steps, and the stop position of the payout cam 35 can be known to some extent. If the payout motor 32 is not rotating at the same time, and the actual rotational speed is different, the stop position of the payout cam 35 changes. Therefore, by providing the payout rotation sensor 34, the driving state of the payout motor 32 can be monitored and detected, so that the stop position of the payout cam 35 can be easily understood. As a result, the so-called “immediate stop” is also possible in which the payout motor 32 is rotationally driven at high speed up to the 14th immediately before the 15th to be paid out, and the payout motor 32 is stopped at the 15th ball.

  Next, the reason why the copy timing is set after a predetermined time (0.5 seconds) will be described. When a certain ball passes through the payout rotation sensor 34 connected to the payout motor 32, the payout cam 35 rotates 90 °, so that it is recognized that one ball has been paid out, and the value of the payout number counter 30b becomes “ 1 ”is subtracted. Even after the ball has passed through the payout motor 32, the ball passes the prize ball count switch 33 after 200 ms of the maximum passage time, and after 200 ms, the value of the total prize ball number counter 30 a becomes “ 1 ”is subtracted. That is, a time lag of 200 ms occurs at most after the value of the payout number counter 30b is decremented by “1”, but after 200 ms, the value of the total prize ball number counter 30a is decremented by “1”. That is, every time the value of the payout number counter 30b is decremented by “1”, the value of the total prize ball number counter 30a is decremented by “1” after 200 ms at the longest.

  In such a state, for example, the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a and the number-of-payout counter 30b is both “1”, and the payout motor 32 pays out the balls, whereby the number of payout counters 30b. When the number of prize balls stored is “0”, the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball counter 30a is “1” and other than “0” until 200 ms elapses. If copying starts immediately without setting the copy timing after 5 seconds, “1” of the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a is copied to the number-of-payout counter 30b and then paid out. One extra ball may be paid out.

  Therefore, by setting the copy timing after 0.5 seconds, the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a and the number of payout counters 30b are both “1”, and the payout motor 32 pays out the balls. Even when the number of winning balls stored in the payout number counter 30b is “0”, the predetermined time of 0.5 seconds is set longer than the maximum passage time of 200 ms. Even when the prize ball count switch 33 is in a stage for detecting a ball, the prize ball count switch 33 does not copy the “1” stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a and writes it to the payout number counter 30b. By detecting the ball, the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball counter 30a is also “0”. Accordingly, it is possible to solve the problem that one extra ball to be paid out next is paid out.

  Next, a series of payout operations executed by the pachinko machine P configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a series of payout operations executed by the payout control board, FIG. 9 is a flowchart of payout motor drive processing, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart of prize ball count switch reading processing. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the payout rotation sensor reading process.

  In step S1, the payout control board H receives the payout request signal (winning signal) output from the main control board C. When the payout control board H receives the payout request signal, in step S2, the number of prize balls corresponding to the payout request signal is accumulated and stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a. Step S1 corresponds to the process (a) in the present invention, and step S2 corresponds to the process (b) in the present invention.

  In step S3, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the payout number counter 30b is “0”. If the value of the payout number counter 30b is not “0”, the process jumps to step S4. If the value of the payout number counter 30b is “0”, the process jumps to step S5.

  In step S4, it is confirmed whether or not the payout control board H has received a payout request signal. If not received, the process returns to step S3 and loops the processing of steps S3 and S4 until the value of the payout number counter 30b becomes “0”. If received, the process returns to step S2, and the number of prize balls according to the payout request signal is accumulated and stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a.

  In step S5, it is confirmed whether 0.5 second has elapsed since the process of step S3. If 0.5 seconds have not elapsed, the process of step S5 is looped until it has elapsed. If 0.5 second has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S6, it is confirmed whether or not the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a for this 0.5 second has changed from "1" to "0". If the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a is changed from “1” to “0” in 0.5 seconds, the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a is “0”. This series of payout operations is terminated. That is, a series of payout operations are executed until the value of the total prize ball number counter 30a becomes “0”. If the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a for 0.5 seconds is not "1" to "0", the number of prize balls stored in the payout number counter 30b in step S3 is Since it is already “0”, the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a is other than “0” and the number of prize balls stored in the payout number counter 30b is “0”. In step S7, the number of winning balls stored in the total winning ball number counter 30a is copied and stored in the payout number counter 30b. This step S7 corresponds to the process (c) in the present invention.

  If the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a is changed from “1” to “0” in 0.5 seconds, the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a is calculated. Since a series of payout operations is completed without performing the processing of step S7 which is copied and stored in the payout number counter 30b, “1” stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a is copied and the payout number counter 30b. The number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a is also set to “0” when the prize ball count switch 33 detects a ball during this 0.5 second. Accordingly, it is possible to solve the problem that one extra ball to be paid out next is paid out.

  When the process of step S7 is completed, the process jumps to step S4 to check whether or not a payout request signal has been received.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the payout motor driving process. The payout motor 32 is driven to rotate by this payout motor driving process, and a ball is paid out. The number of prize balls that have been paid out, that is, the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a, is counted by a prize ball count switch reading process (see FIG. 10), which will be described later, and the number of paid-out counters 30b. The number of prize balls stored in is counted by a payout rotation sensor reading process (see FIG. 11) described later.

  In the payout motor driving process, in step S11, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the payout number counter 30b is “0”. If the value of the payout number counter 30b is not “0”, in step S12, the payout motor 32 is rotationally driven to pay out the ball. If the value of the payout number counter 30b is “0”, it is determined that there are no prize balls to be paid out. In step S13, the payout motor 32 is stopped and the payout motor driving process is terminated. This payout motor driving process corresponds to the process (e) in the present invention.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the winning ball count switch reading process. The number of balls actually paid out is counted by the winning ball count switch reading process. First, in step S21, it is confirmed whether or not the winning ball count switch 33 has detected a ball. If a ball has been detected, the value of the total winning ball number counter 30a is decremented by "1" in step S22. . On the other hand, if the prize ball count switch 33 has not detected a ball, the process of step S22 is skipped and the prize ball count switch reading process is terminated. This step S22 corresponds to a part of the process (d) in the present invention.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the payout rotation sensor reading process. By the payout rotation sensor reading process, the number of prize balls stored in the payout number counter 30b is counted. First, in step S31, the payout rotation sensor 34 checks whether or not the payout motor 32 has been driven for 30 steps, that is, rotated by 90 °. If it has been driven for 30 steps, one ball is paid out. Assuming that the payout is made by the cam 35, the value of the payout number counter 30b is decremented by "1" in step S32. On the other hand, if it has not been driven for 30 steps, the process of step S32 is skipped, and the payout rotation sensor reading process is terminated. Step S32 also corresponds to part of the process (d) in the present invention.

  Next, a more specific example in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the value of each counter and the driving state of the payout motor, showing a more specific example. In FIG. 12, the payout control board H receives the payout request signal for “x” when the number of winning balls stored in both the total prize ball counter 30a and the payout counter 30b is “0”. When the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a and the number-of-payout counter 30b becomes “5”, the payout control board H newly receives a payout request signal for “y” pieces. To do.

  When the number of award balls stored in both the total prize ball number counter 30a and the payout number counter 30b is “0”, the payout control board H receives a payout request signal relating to “x” ((1) in FIG. 12). (See ▼) and the number of “x” prize balls is accumulated and stored in the total prize ball counter 30a. At this time, since the number of prize balls of the payout number counter 30b, that is, the value is “0”, the payout motor 32 remains stopped. The payout motor 32 is stopped until the value of the payout number counter 30b becomes a value other than “0” (see (1) to (4) in FIG. 12). Since the prize ball number stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a is “0” before reception, the total number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a is “x” after reception. ] (See FIG. 12 (2)).

  When 0.5 seconds elapses after the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a reaches “x”, the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a becomes “x”. Since the number of prize balls other than “0” and the number of prize balls stored in the payout number counter 30b is “0”, the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a is copied. It is stored in the payout number counter 30b (see (3) in FIG. 12). As a result of copying, the number of winning balls stored in the payout number counter 30b is also “x” (see (4) in FIG. 12). As a result, the number of prize balls stored in the payout number counter 30b, that is, the value becomes a value other than “0”, so that the payout motor 32 starts to rotate (see (4) in FIG. 12).

  After the number of prize balls stored in the payout number counter 30b reaches “x”, that is, after the rotational drive of the payout motor 32 starts, the payout motor 32 pays out the balls. When the payout motor 32 is driven for 30 steps, the value of the payout number counter 30b is decremented by “1”, assuming that one ball has been paid out. As a result, the number of prize balls stored in the payout number counter 30b becomes “x−1” (see (5) in FIG. 12). At this time, the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a remains “x”.

  After the number of prize balls stored in the number-of-payout counter 30b reaches “x−1”, the delivered balls flow down from the payout motor 32 to the prize ball count switch 33, and the balls pass through the payout motor 32. After that, the winning ball count switch 33 is passed 200 ms after the maximum passage time. The winning ball count switch 33 detects the ball and the value of the total winning ball number counter 30a is decremented by “1”. As a result, the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a also becomes “x−1” (see (6) in FIG. 12). That is, a time lag of 200 ms at most occurs after the value of the payout number counter 30b reaches “x−1”, but the value of the total prize ball number counter 30a also becomes “x−1” after 200 ms. .

  Thereafter, in the same procedure, each time a ball passes through the payout unit S one by one, a time lag occurs, but the value of each counter 30a, 30b is decremented by “1”.

  When the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a and the number-of-payout counter 30b both becomes “5”, the payout control board H newly receives a payout request signal relating to “y” (see FIG. 12 (7)), the number of “y” prize balls is accumulated and stored in the total prize ball counter 30a. At this time, since the number of prize balls of the payout number counter 30b is “5”, the total number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a is “y + 5” after reception (FIG. 12). (Refer to (8)).

  The number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a is other than “y + 5” and “0”, but the number of prize balls stored in the payout number counter 30b is “5”. The number of winning balls “y + 5” stored in the total winning ball counter 30a is not copied to the payout counter 30b.

  When the payout motor 32 is driven for 30 steps after the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a reaches “y + 5”, it is assumed that one ball has been paid out. The value is subtracted by “1”. As a result, the number of winning balls stored in the payout number counter 30b becomes “4” (see (9) in FIG. 12). At this time, the number of winning balls stored in the total winning ball counter 30a remains “y + 5”.

  A time lag of 200 ms occurs at most after the number of prize balls stored in the payout number counter 30b becomes “4”, but after 200 ms, the value of the total prize ball number counter 30a is decremented by “1” and becomes “y + 4”. ] (See FIG. 12A). Thereafter, in the same procedure, each time a ball passes through the payout unit S one by one, a time lag occurs, but the value of each counter 30a, 30b is decremented by “1”.

  When the number of winning balls stored in the total winning ball counter 30a is “y” and the number of winning balls stored in the payout counter 30b is “0” (see FIG. 12B), the payout counter Since the number of prize balls of 30b, that is, the value is “0”, the payout motor 32 is stopped. When 0.5 seconds elapses after the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a reaches “y”, the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a becomes “y”. Since the number of prize balls other than “0” and the number of prize balls stored in the payout quantity counter 30b is “0”, the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a is copied. Stored in the payout number counter 30b (see FIG. 12C). As a result of copying, the number of winning balls stored in the payout number counter 30b is also “y” (see FIG. 12D). As a result, the number of prize balls stored in the payout number counter 30b, that is, the value becomes a value other than “0”, so that the rotational drive of the payout motor 32 is resumed (see FIG. 12D). The description after that is omitted.

  From the above, according to the configuration of the pachinko machine P described above, in addition to including the payout motor 32 for paying out the balls by rotational driving, and the prize ball count switch 33 for detecting the balls paid out by the payout motor 32 Further, a payout rotation sensor 34 for detecting (monitoring) the driving state of the payout motor 32 is provided. By providing the payout rotation sensor 34, it is possible to detect the driving state of the payout motor 32, so that it is possible to detect a malfunction of the payout motor 32. By combining this with the detection, the accuracy related to the payout operation can be improved.

  For example, in the case of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, since the payout motor 32 rotates at a high speed, if the rotation is driven at the same rotational speed until a predetermined number of balls are paid out, even if the last ball is paid out, the extra balls are quickly discharged. There is a risk. Therefore, conventionally, the rotational speed of the payout motor 32 is gradually decreased, the speed is reduced immediately before the ball to be paid out, and the payout motor 32 is stopped at the last ball. However, when there is no payout rotation sensor 34 as in the prior art, the drive state of the payout motor 32 is not detected, so the stop position of the payout cam 35 is not known. For example, one of the four corners of the stopped payout cam 35 is stopped. Depending on the stopping position, there is a possibility that the ball is clogged in the supply rail 13 such that the ball is caught between the corner of the ball and the inner wall of the supply rail 13. In the case of the present embodiment, by providing the payout rotation sensor 34, the driving state of the payout motor 32 can be monitored and detected, so that the stop position of the payout cam 35 can be easily understood. As a result, a so-called “immediate stop” in which the dispensing motor 32 is rotationally driven at a high speed just before the ball to be dispensed and the dispensing motor 32 is stopped at the last ball becomes possible, thereby improving the accuracy of the dispensing operation. be able to.

  Many ordinary pachinko machines are provided with a prize ball count switch 33 for detecting a ball paid out by the payout motor 32, and a prize ball count downstream of the payout motor 32 in the direction in which the ball flows down. A switch 33 is provided. By providing the prize ball count switch 33 in this way, the state of the paid-out ball can be grasped by the prize ball count switch 33.

  Further, many ordinary pachinko machines are provided with a payout control board H for controlling the payout of balls, and the payout control board H is provided with a total prize ball number counter 30a for storing the number of prize balls to be paid out. The award ball number detected by the award ball count switch 33 is subtracted from the award ball number stored in the total award ball number counter 30a, and the subtracted award ball number is rewritten and stored in the total award ball number counter 30a. ing. With this configuration, the number of prize balls to be paid out can be grasped by the total prize ball counter 30a and the prize ball count switch 33. In the case of the present embodiment, every time a ball is detected by the winning ball count switch 33, the value of the total winning ball number counter 30a is decremented by "1" and rewritten with the subtracted value to obtain the total winning ball number. It is stored in the counter 30a.

  Further, as in the present embodiment, a payout number counter 30b for copying and storing the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a is provided, and the driving state of the payout motor 32 detected by the payout rotation sensor 34 is set. The number of prize balls to be paid out is subtracted from the total number of prize balls 30a and the prize ball count switch 33 by subtracting the number of prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls and storing it in the number-of-payout counter 30b. In addition to grasping, it is also possible to grasp the number of prize balls to be paid out by the payout rotation sensor 34 and the payout number counter 30b. In the case of the present embodiment, the payout number counter 30b is provided at every predetermined angle at which the payout motor 32 is rotationally driven, more specifically, at every predetermined step (30 steps in the present embodiment). Is subtracted by "1", rewritten with the subtracted value, and stored in the payout number counter 30b.

  Further, since a payout number counter 30b is provided separately from the total prize ball number counter 30a, the detection result of the prize ball count switch 33 is set to the total prize ball number counter 30a, and the detection result of the payout rotation sensor 34 is set to the payout number counter 30b. The number of prize balls to be paid out can be prevented from becoming complicated.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the payout control board H controls the driving / stopping of the payout motor 32 according to whether the value of the payout number counter 30b is “0”, so that the payout operation is controlled with higher accuracy. can do. Further, when the number of winning balls stored in the payout number counter 30b, that is, the value of the payout number counter 30b is “0”, the payout control board H controls the payout motor 32 to stop next. Thus, it is possible to solve the problem that the balls to be paid out are paid out excessively by the payout motor 32.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the timing of copying the value of the total prize ball number counter 30a and storing it in the payout quantity counter 30b is the same as the timing when the value of the total prize ball number counter 30a is other than “0”. Only when the value of 30b is “0”, more specifically, it is limited to a predetermined time (0.5 seconds in this embodiment) after the value of the payout number counter 30b becomes “0”, and the predetermined time Is set to be longer than the maximum passage time (200 ms in this embodiment), which is the maximum time for a ball to pass from the payout motor 32 to the prize ball count switch 33. The number of balls can be stored in the payout number counter 30b with high accuracy.

  Subsequently, the reason for setting the copy timing after a predetermined time (0.5 seconds) is stored in, for example, the total prize ball number counter 30a and the payout number counter 30b unless the timing is set as described above. When the number of award balls is “1” and the payout motor 32 pays out the balls, the number of award balls stored in the payout number counter 30b becomes “0”. Since the number of prize balls stored in the prize ball number counter 30a is “1” and other than “0”, the total prize ball number counter can be obtained by immediately starting copying without setting the copy timing after 0.5 seconds. There is a possibility that “1” of the number of prize balls stored in 30a is copied to the payout number counter 30b, and one extra ball to be paid out next is paid out.

  Therefore, as in this embodiment, by setting the copy timing after 0.5 seconds, the number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball number counter 30a and the number-of-payout counter 30b is both “1” and the payout amount When the motor 32 pays out the ball, even when the number of prize balls stored in the payout number counter 30b becomes “0”, the predetermined time of 0.5 seconds is longer than the maximum passing time of 200 ms. Since it is set to be long, even if the winning ball count switch 33 is in the stage of detecting a ball, “1” stored in the total winning ball number counter 30a is not copied and written to the payout number counter 30b. When the winning ball count switch 33 detects a ball, the number of winning balls stored in the total winning ball counter 30a also becomes “0”. Accordingly, it is possible to solve the problem that one extra ball to be paid out next is paid out.

  Also, many ordinary pachinko machines are provided with a main control board C for controlling the game, and a ball is placed in the winning means (ordinary winning port 5, specific winning port 8 in this embodiment) arranged in the gaming machine. When a prize is won, a payout request signal for requesting payout of game media is output from the main control board C, and the payout control board H receives the payout request signal so that the payout control board H controls the payout operation. Can grasp the timing.

  In addition, when a payout request signal is received by the payout control means H, many ordinary pachinko machines accumulate and store the number of prize balls according to the payout request signal in the total prize ball number counter 30a. With this configuration, the payout control board H can grasp the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the payout request signal.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be modified as follows.

  (1) In the embodiment described above, the payout state detection means in the present invention is the payout rotation sensor 34, but is not limited to the payout rotation sensor 34. What is necessary is just to detect the payout means in the present invention represented by the payout motor 32 and the driving state of the payout means. The payout driving means in the present invention is the payout motor 32 that is a stepping motor, but is not limited to a stepping motor, and is not limited to a motor. Any means for paying out a game medium such as a ball by driving may be used. In the embodiment described above, the payout means in the present invention is the payout drive means (payout motor 32) that is a means for paying out a game medium such as a ball by driving. There may be. In this case, the payout state detection means in the present invention is a means for detecting the state of the entire payout unit S.

  (2) In the embodiment described above, the main control means represented by the main control board C, the payout control means represented by the payout control board H, and the payout control board H are provided as in a normal pachinko machine. The total prize ball counter 30a (first payout number storage means in the present invention) and the payout number counter 30b (second payout number storage means in the present invention) are provided, but it is not always necessary to provide all of them. For example, when it is not necessary to grasp the number of balls to be paid out and only to improve the accuracy related to the payout operation, it is not necessary to provide the counters 30a and 30b described above.

  (3) In the embodiment described above, a series of payout operations are executed until the value of the total prize ball number counter 30a corresponding to the first payout number storage means in the present invention becomes “0”. Although it was shown to the flowchart of FIGS. 8-11, if it is normal payout operation | movement, it will not be limited to the payout operation | movement which concerns on an Example.

  (4) In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to a case where a winning ball, that is, a winning ball is paid out. However, the present invention may be applied to a case where a lending ball, that is, a rental ball is paid out. In particular, when paying out a prize ball / rental ball also using the payout motor 32, the payout number counter is used for both the prize ball / rental ball and is used for a rental ball having a function corresponding to the total prize ball number counter. A separate counter may be provided. In this case, only when the value of the lending counter is other than “0” and the value of the payout number counter is “0”, the value of the lending counter, that is, the lending counter is stored. The number of rented balls is copied and stored in the payout number counter. In addition, after receiving the lending request signal for requesting lending from the lending card unit, it may be accumulated and stored in the lending counter.

  It should be noted that when the total prize ball number counter value is other than “0” and the payout number counter value is “0”, and the rented ball counter value is other than “0”, the payout number counter When the value of “0” is “0” at the same time, copying may be performed with priority given to either the total prize ball counter or the lending counter.

  (5) You may implement this invention in the pachinko machine etc. of a type different from the said Example. For example, once a big hit, a pachinko machine that raises the expected value of the big hit until a big hit state occurs (for example, two times or three times) including that (for example, a two-time right item, a three-time right item) May also be implemented. Moreover, after a jackpot symbol is displayed, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine that enters a special gaming state on the condition that a ball is won in a predetermined area. Further, in addition to pachinko machines, various game machines such as an arrangement ball type pachinko machine, a sparrow ball, a game machine in which a so-called pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated may be used.

  In the slot machine, for example, the symbol is changed by operating the operation lever in the state where the symbol effective line is determined by inserting coins, and the symbol is stopped and confirmed by operating the stop button. is there. Accordingly, the basic concept of the slot machine is that “a variable display means for confirming and displaying a symbol after a symbol string composed of a plurality of symbols is displayed in a variable manner, and the symbol resulting from the operation of the starting operation means (for example, an operating lever). The change of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the stop operating means (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the fixed symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol Is a slot machine provided with special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player. In this case, the game medium is typically a coin, a medal or the like.

  In addition, as a specific example of a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, a variable display means for displaying a fixed symbol after displaying a variable symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols is provided, and a handle for launching a ball is provided. What is not provided. In this case, after throwing a predetermined amount of spheres based on a predetermined operation (button operation), for example, the variation of the symbol is started due to the operation of the operation lever, for example, due to the operation of the stop button, or the predetermined amount With the passage of time, the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped, and a jackpot state advantageous to the player is generated on the condition that the confirmed symbol at the time of stoppage is a so-called jackpot symbol. A lot of balls are paid out.

  As described above, the present invention is suitable for gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko machine of the example of the present invention. It is a schematic front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. It is a schematic rear view of a pachinko machine. It is the block diagram which showed the electrical structure of the pachinko machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a mutual relationship among a total prize ball number counter, a payout number counter, a payout motor, a prize ball count switch, and a payout rotation sensor 34; It is a perspective view of a payout unit. It is sectional drawing of FIG. 6, Comprising: (a) is an arrow sectional view of AA, (b) is an arrow sectional view of BB, (c) is an arrow sectional view of CC. It is a flowchart of a series of payout operations performed on the payout control board. It is a flowchart of a payout motor drive process. It is a flowchart of a prize ball count switch reading process. It is a flowchart of a payout rotation sensor reading process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the value of each counter which showed the more specific example, and the drive state of a payout motor.

30a ... Prize ball number counter 30b ... Discharged number counter 32 ... Discharge motor 33 ... Prize ball count switch 34 ... Discharge rotation sensor C ... Main control board H ... Discharge control board S ... Dispensing unit

Claims (1)

Driven to pay out the game balls stored on the upstream side, a payout member for paying out the number of game balls corresponding to the drive amount, and disposed at the downstream side of the payout member and paid out by the payout member A game ball detecting means for detecting a game ball, a winning opening for winning the game ball, a winning detection means for detecting a gaming ball won in the winning opening, and the winning detection means Control means for driving the payout member based on
In a gaming machine in which a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the winning are paid out by driving the payout member when a gaming ball wins the winning opening ,
The control means includes
Payout drive determination means for determining whether or not the payout member has reached a drive amount necessary for payout of the game ball;
First storage means for storing first storage information corresponding to the number of balls required to be paid out;
Second storage means for storing second storage information corresponding to the driving amount necessary for paying out the game ball;
First update means for updating the first storage information to information corresponding to the predetermined number when the number of balls required for payout is not found and a game ball is detected by the winning detection means;
Second update means for updating the second stored information to information corresponding to the predetermined number when the number of balls required for payout is not found and a game ball is detected by the winning detection means;
A third updating means for updating the first storage information updated by the first updating means to information corresponding to the number of balls obtained by subtracting the number detected by the gaming ball detection means from the predetermined number;
When the second storage information is updated by the second update means, the payout member is driven by a drive amount necessary for paying out the predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the updated second storage information. First payout driving means for causing
A fourth update for updating the first storage information to information corresponding to the number obtained by adding the predetermined number when there is a number of balls that needs to be paid out and a game ball is detected by the winning detection means Means,
Fifth updating means for updating the first storage information updated by the fourth updating means to information corresponding to the number of balls obtained by subtracting the number detected by the game ball detecting means from the number obtained by adding the predetermined number. When,
The first storage information is added by the fourth update means when the payout drive determining means determines that the drive amount necessary for paying out the predetermined number of game balls by the first payout driving means has been reached. The second storage information is updated to the information corresponding to the driving amount necessary for paying out the one or more prize balls added by the fourth updating means when the information corresponds to the one or more balls obtained. Sixth updating means to perform,
The timing at which the sixth update means updates the second stored information is determined by the game ball detection means after the payout drive determination means determines that the drive amount necessary for paying out the predetermined number of game balls has been reached. Timing setting means for setting after a predetermined time longer than the time until a game ball is detected;
When the second storage information is updated by the sixth update means after the predetermined time set by the timing setting means, the payout member is driven by a drive amount corresponding to the second storage information. And a second payout driving means .

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