JP2000000373A - Supply control device of medal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize diverse progresses of a game by arranged a detecting means for detecting a flow of medals passing through a field in a medal game machine for supplying the medals by passing through the field, and adjusting the flow of the medals by controlling an adjusting means according to the detecting information. SOLUTION: In a pusher game machine for dropping medals from a field by using reciprocating motion of a table repeating the reciprocating motion, a fixing plate 41 and a fan-shaped moving plate 42 rotatable around a central shaft X of the game machine are arranged with respective plural fan-shaped sections SC1. A refund rate adjusting mechanism 70 is movably arranged in the vicinity of the end part 41b of the fixing plate 41. This refund rate adjusting mechanism 70 is composed of an adjusting plate 71 hindering dropping of the medals, a linear motor 42 for driving the adjusting plate 71 along the end part 41b and a rail 73 for guiding a moving piece of the linear motor 72. A projecting quantity of the adjusting plate 71 is adjusted by a movement of the adjusting plate 71 to adjust a rate at which the medals drop from the end part 41b.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a medal supply control device for a medal game machine in which a medal is inserted into a field to advance a game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is known a so-called pusher game machine in which a table which repeats reciprocating motion is provided in a field and a medal is dropped from the field using the reciprocating motion of the table to enjoy a game. .
In such a pusher game machine, a player can insert medals one by one into the field using a medal insertion device called a shoot. However, if you only put medals into the field one by one,
Game development tends to be monotonous. Further, the conventional pusher game machine lacks elements that appeal visually and draw attention.

Further, in a game machine of a type in which medals are inserted into a field and played, it is necessary to appropriately manage a payout rate for the number of inserted medals, that is, a so-called payout rate. However, conventionally, since the adjustment of the payout rate is performed manually, it takes time and effort to adjust the payout rate, and it is extremely difficult to set an accurate payout rate. The ability to set an appropriate payout rate is a factor that has a significant effect on game sales and game performance (interesting) when proceeding with a game. Coveted.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a medal supply control device which can make a game development various and can appropriately manage a medal flow which affects a payout rate and the like. Aim.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medal supply control device for a medal game machine for supplying medals via a field (3). It is characterized by comprising a detecting means (45, 82, etc.) for detecting the flow and an adjusting means (71, etc.) for physically adjusting the medal flow according to the information from the detecting means (45, 82, etc.).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the medal supply control device according to the first aspect, the adjusting means (71, etc.)
And controlling the payout rate of the game machine body.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the medal supply control device according to the first or second aspect, the flow of medals is divided into a direction of paying out to a player and a direction of collecting medals. The means (71, etc.) is characterized in that the ratio of this branch is adjusted.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the medal supply control device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects,
The adjusting means (71 etc.) is characterized in that the width of the passage through which the medals flow is variable.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the medal supply control device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects,
The adjusting means is provided so as to be movable, and is a member that obstructs the movement of the medal.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the medal supply control device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects,
The adjusting means changes the inclination of the passage through which the medals flow.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the medal supply control device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects,
The game machine body includes a moving body (42) that reciprocates in the field (3), and at least a part of medals dropped from the field (3) using the reciprocating movement of the moving body (42) is used by a player. Is configured to be paid.

According to the first and seventh aspects of the present invention, the detecting means (45, 82, etc.) for detecting the flow of the medal through the field (3) and the medal according to the information from the detecting means (45, 82, etc.). An adjusting means (71 or the like) for physically adjusting the flow of medals is provided, so that the flow of medals can be appropriately controlled without complicated work.

According to the second and seventh aspects of the present invention, the payout rate of the game machine body is controlled by the adjusting means (71, etc.), so that the payout rate can be set to an appropriate value without complicated work. it can.

According to the third and seventh aspects of the present invention, the flow of medals is branched into a direction of paying out to the player and a direction of collecting medals, and the adjusting means (71 or the like) adjusts the ratio of this branch. Therefore, the payout rate can be set to an appropriate value without requiring complicated work.

According to the fourth and seventh aspects of the present invention, since the adjusting means (71, etc.) changes the width of the passage through which the medals flow, the flow of the medals can be reliably controlled.

According to the fifth and seventh aspects of the present invention, since the adjusting means is a movably provided member which obstructs the movement of the medals, the flow of the medals can be reliably controlled.

According to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, since the adjusting means changes the inclination of the passage through which the medals flow, the flow of the medals can be reliably controlled.

To facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are appended in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a medal supply device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the game machine is provided with a substantially cylindrical base 1, a substantially hemispherical transparent cover 2 mounted on the base 1, and provided inside the transparent cover 2. And a field 3 as a place where a game is advanced by inserting medals. At the top of the transparent cover 2, a display board P for displaying a game name or the like is attached.

The base 1 has a transparent cover 2 when viewed from above.
Are equally divided radially into six regions with the position of the support 21 (see FIG. 1) supporting the player as a boundary, and each of the regions is used as stations ST1 to ST6 where the player performs an operation for advancing the game. . That is, the game machine is configured so that a maximum of 12 players can enjoy each independent game.

Each of the stations ST1 to ST6 receives a tray 11 for receiving a medal according to the progress of the game.
And a plate 12 for explaining how to play, and two shoots 13 for a player to insert medals toward the field 3. When a medal is stored in the medal slot 13a of the chute 13 in the vertical direction, the medal rolls down the chute 13 by its own weight and
It is thrown in. The shoot 13 is attached so as to be rotatable in the left and right directions as viewed from the player. The player turns the shoot 13 in the target direction, inserts a medal into the medal slot 13a, and rolls the medal down to the field 3. You can enjoy the game. The chute 13 is provided with a medal insertion sensor 13b (FIG. 18) for counting the inserted medals one by one.

FIG. 3 is a diagram in which the area section of the field 3 in FIG. 2 is extracted and drawn. As shown in FIG. 3, a circular common area CA is arranged at the center of the field 3. The common area CA includes the stations ST1 to ST6.
Is an area commonly used by the players in the progress of the game. Around the common area CA, six fan-shaped sections SC <b> 1 to SC <b> 6 partitioned by the positions of the columns 21 of the transparent cover 2 are arranged so as to surround the common area CA. The sections SC1 to SC6 are dedicated areas used by the players at the corresponding stations ST1 to ST6 to advance the game.

As shown in FIG. 4, the common area CA is provided with a turntable 31 rotatable about the central axis X (FIG. 3) of the base 1 as a rotation axis. Rotary table 31
At the center of the cap is a cap 3 fixed to the game console body
2, and a circular opening 32a is formed at the center of the cap 32 (see FIG. 1). The opening 32a is a hole through which medals pass when a large amount of medals are blown up like a fountain on the rotary table 31. The blown-up medals fall on the turntable 31, are temporarily stored on the turntable 31, and are then paid toward each section (SC1 to SC6). The mechanism for blowing up the medals and the like will be described later.

Although the rotary table 31 rotates as a whole as a whole, the rotary table is divided into a plurality of concentric tables, and different rotary operations are given to the respective divided tables to express visually complex movements. You may make it.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 8, each of the sections SC1 to SC6 has a fixed plate 41 fixedly mounted on the base 1 and a center plate X around the center axis X of the game machine. Fan-shaped moving plate 42 rotatably mounted
Are installed such that their upper surfaces are lower than the upper surface of the turntable 31. The moving plate 42 is driven by a moving table drive motor 207 (FIG. 17) to perform a reciprocating rotational movement in the AB direction as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the position indicated by reference numeral 42 'in FIG.
It repeatedly moves between the positions indicated by '. Protrusions 42a are formed at both ends of the moving plate 42 in the moving direction, so that medals are prevented from falling onto the fixed plate 41 and medals can be accumulated on the moving plate 42 to some extent. I have.

One of the chutes 13 installed in each station is aimed at the fixed plate 41 and the other is aimed at the movable plate 42, and the range of the rotation angle is set so that medals can be inserted. I have. Therefore, the player can insert a medal into either the fixed plate 41 or the moving plate 42 by selecting the shoot 13 into which the medal is inserted.

As shown in FIG. 5 (a sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG. 4), the fixed plate 41 and the moving plate 42 are both common members in the sections 1 and 2, and the moving plate 42 Section 1 when turning in the direction
In the section 2, the moving plate 42 moves in the direction in which the medals on the fixed plate 41 are pushed out, and in section 2, the moving plate 42 moves in the direction in which the medals on the fixed plate 41 are retracted. When the moving plate 42 rotates in the B direction, these relationships are reversed. A medal presser 43 is provided on the boundary between the section SC1 and the section SC2 to prevent medals from being mixed into an adjacent section, and medals on the moving plate 42 move as the moving plate 42 moves. It does not enter the next section.

FIG. 5 shows a boundary area between the section SC1 and the section SC2.
Area between section SC4 and section SC4
The boundary area between the section 5 and the section SC6 is similarly configured. As described above, in this game machine, section SC1 and section SC2, section SC3 and section S
C4, section SC5, and section SC6 are configured to be line-symmetric with respect to their respective boundaries, and each of these three sections is composed of two sections.
The two blocks are arranged so as to be rotationally symmetric.

While the game is in progress, medals are accumulated on the fixed plate 41 and the moving plate 42. When the medals are further replenished, the moving plate 42 reciprocates and the moving plate 42 The medals are pushed out by the medal presser 43 and the medals on the fixed plate 41 are pushed out by the end of the movable plate 42 in turn. Therefore, the medals gradually move from the movable plate 42 to the fixed plate 41, and finally fall from the fixed plate 41.

The rotary table 31 and each section S
A gate (not shown) for selectively supplying medals from the turntable 31 to each of the sections SC1 to SC6 is provided between C1 and SC6. The gates are provided one by one between each of the sections SC1 to SC6 and the turntable 31, and each gate is configured to be able to open and close independently of the other gates.

The gate may have any structure.
The medal may be configured to be able to pass above the gate when the gate sinks, or the gate may be slid laterally to be opened. Further, the gate may be retracted above the upper surface of the turntable 31, or the gate may be pivotally opened.

When a predetermined gate is opened by rotating the rotary table 31 while a large number of medals (for example, about 100 medals) are placed on the rotary table 31 by ejecting medals as described above, the rotary table is rotated. The medals on 31 flow by centrifugal force into the corresponding section through the opened gate. By adjusting the position of the gate, the place where the medals are poured can be set. For example, if the gate is installed near the moving plate 42, the medals on the turntable 31 can be supplied onto the moving plate 42. When a large amount of medals are supplied on the fixed plate 41 at once, the medals immediately fall from the fixed plate 41. Therefore, it is preferable to supply medals to the movable plate 42 in order to enhance the game characteristics.

The segment-type display device 51 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 displays the result of a lottery performed when a checker hit described later occurs occurs in three digits. Each digit is displayed using seven segments. Immediately before displaying the lottery result, the fact that the lottery process is in progress is displayed by blinking the seven segments separately. If the display of the lottery result on the segment type display device 51 is the same for all three digits, it is "hit", and if only two digits are the same, it is "reach". If it does not correspond to either, it is "out". Further, the game development is distinguished as "hit" if the number is odd, and "even" if the number is even.

The segment type display device 51 has green and red light-emitting elements.
By turning on both light emitting elements, orange light emission can be obtained. The light emitting diode display 52 arranged alongside the segment type display 51 is "reach".
Is displayed as the number of light-emitting diodes up to eight. The light emitting diode display 5
Reference numeral 2 has seven green light-emitting elements and one orange light-emitting element, and the red light-emitting element is turned on for the first time when up to eight “reach” are accumulated.

The medals that fall through the end 41a of the fixed plate 41 (FIGS. 2 and 4)
From (FIG. 2), the player falls onto a medal shooter (not shown), slides down the medal shooter, is guided to the tray 11 shown in FIG. 1, and is paid back to the player. A medal count sensor 45 (FIG. 18) for counting the number of medals passing therethrough is mounted in the middle of the medal shooter. The player can obtain more medals by dropping as many medals as possible from the end portion 41a of the fixed plate 41.

The checker 60 shown in FIG. 6 is for selectively detecting only medals falling from a predetermined position of the end 41 of the fixed plate 41. When the drop of the medal is detected by the checker 60, the result is "checker hit", and a lottery is performed in response thereto, and the lottery result is displayed on the segment type display device 51.

The checker 60 has three detectors 61A to 61A.
C and the detectors 61A to 61C at predetermined intervals.
(FIG. 7). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the detector 61A includes a detection piece 63A rotatably mounted in the CD direction (FIG. 7), a light shielding member 64 mounted on the detection piece 63, and a rotation of the detection piece 63. A photo interrupter 65 for detecting a moving position and a case 66 for housing the photo interrupter 65 are provided. The configuration of the detectors 61B and 61C is the same as that of the detector 61A.

As shown in FIG. 8, the checker 60 is attached so that the detection pieces 63A to 63C protrude laterally from the end 41a of the fixed plate 41.
A to 63C are in a state of being rotated in the direction D of FIG. 7 by their weight balance. The medals falling from the end 41a of the fixed plate 41 to the medal drop opening 201 are detected pieces 63A-63.
When falling to C, the detecting pieces 63A to 63C lose the balance of balance due to the own weight of the medal and rotate in the C direction, and the light shielding member 64 blocks the light beam of the photo interrupter 65, so that the falling of the medal can be detected. .

The detection piece 63A of the detector 61A and the detection piece 63C of the detector 61C are green, the detection piece 63B of the detector 61B is orange, and each of the detectors 61A to 61C is colored. 61C case 6
An effect lamp 67 is attached to 6. As will be described later, the number of the detectors 61A to 61C that can be activated, that is, the operation that proceeds in the order of the lottery players, differs depending on the hit state at that time, and the segment display device 51 at that time is different.
Are associated with the colors of the detection pieces 63A to 63C of the detectors 61A to 61C which are regarded as valid. More specifically, when only the detector 61B is valid, the display color of the segment display device 51 is green, and when all of the detectors 61A to 61C are valid, the display color of the segment display device 51 is orange. When a medal passes over any of the detection pieces 63A to 63C and a drop of the medal is detected, the effect lamp of the detector is turned on for a predetermined time and the detection piece in which the drop of the medal is detected becomes the color. It will light up brightly and the player will be notified that there was a checker hit.

The medals that have collided with any of the detection pieces 63A to 63C are guided down to the tray 11 shown in FIG. Payed out to players.

As described above, the standby positions of the detection pieces 63A to 63C are determined by their own weights, and the non-contact detection using the photo interrupter 65 is performed, so that the detection pieces 63A to 63C stop in an unexpected posture. And the detection becomes unstable due to poor electrical contact. In addition, there is no need for a biasing means such as a spring or a drive mechanism for returning the rotational position to its original position, which is mechanically simple and causes little trouble.

The payout rate adjusting mechanism 7 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10
Numeral 0 is for controlling the drop of medals from the end 41b of the fixed plate 41 near the center of the game machine (see FIG. 8).

In general, a configuration in which medals are dropped from a portion other than the medal drop opening of the fixed plate 41 and are not refunded to the player side is called a "fallout mechanism" and is used to adjust the rebate rate of the entire pusher game machine. Is provided. The losing mechanism drops the medals on the fixed plate 41 into a medal supply mechanism (preliminary hopper 110) in the pusher game machine as described later so that the player is not noticed as much as possible. However, the conventional drop-off mechanism is, for example, a fixed slit, and although the slit width can be manually adjusted, it takes time and effort to adjust the slit width, and it is extremely difficult to set an accurate payout rate.
The payout rate adjusting mechanism 70 according to the present embodiment solves such a problem.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the payout rate adjusting mechanism 70 is movably provided near the end 41 and adjusts the obstruction of the medal by dropping the adjusting plate 71 to the end 41b. Linear motor 72 for linear driving along
And a rail 73 for guiding the moving element of the linear motor 72
And a mounting bracket 74 for fixing the rail 73 to the fixing plate 41
And three photo interrupters 75 (FIG. 9) for detecting the position of the adjustment plate 71.

As shown in FIG. 9, a part of the adjusting plate 71 is attached at a height protruding upward from the upper surface of the fixed plate 41, and is driven by the linear motor 72 in the GH direction (FIGS. 8 and 9). You. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10,
The detection claw 7 is formed at the lower end of the adjustment plate 71 by bending.
1b, and the linear motor 7 is positioned at a position where the detection claw 71b blocks any of the photointerrupters 75.
By controlling the stop of 2, the position of the adjustment plate 71 can be changed in three stages.

As shown in FIG. 9, the adjusting plate 71 has an inclined portion 71a formed by being cut off obliquely, and by moving the adjusting plate 71 in the EF direction, the end portion 41 of the fixed plate 41 is moved.
The range in which the adjustment plate 71 projects upward from b moves simultaneously. Although not shown in the drawing, a wall surface is formed on the left side (E direction side) of the left end of the adjustment plate 71 in FIG. 9 so that the medal does not fall from the end 41b. Is allowed to fall only from the opening in the wall. In other words, medals fall only in the area on the right side of the range where the adjustment plate 71 projects in FIG. Therefore, as the adjustment plate 71 moves in the direction E, the range in which the adjustment plate 71 does not project in the right-hand direction in FIG. 9 expands, and medals fall in that portion. It will be easier. As described above, by selecting the position of the adjustment plate 71 in the EF direction, it is possible to adjust the rate at which medals fall from the end 41b in three stages.

As shown in FIG. 8, an adjustment plate 76 movably provided in the GH direction is provided near the outer peripheral end 41c of the fixed plate 41 in the game machine. The adjusting plate 76 is formed in the same shape as the adjusting plate 71, and by selecting a position in the GH direction in the same manner as the adjusting plate 71, the rate at which medals fall from the end 41c can be adjusted.
The adjustment plate 76 is driven by a linear motor 77 (FIG. 18), and its position is detected by a photo interrupter 78 (FIG. 18). The linear motor 77 is a linear motor 72
And the photo interrupter 78 is a photo interrupter 75
Work similarly.

The medals falling from the fixed plate 41
a, there is no other falling path via any one of the end 41b and the end 41c. Therefore, the ratio of the number of medals falling from the end 41a to the number of medals falling from the end 41b or the end 41c is adjusted by adjusting the ease of the medal falling from the end 41b or the end 41c as described above. Can be adjusted.

The rate at which medals fall is determined by the end 41b.
Alternatively, by decreasing the ratio from the end 41c,
The number of payouts (payout rate) with respect to the number of inserted medals can be increased. Conversely, the end 41
By increasing the ratio from b or from the end 41c, the payout rate can be increased.

It should be noted that the vicinity of the end 41b and the end 41c may be covered with a suitable shielding member so that the player may not notice the medal falling from the end 41b or the end 41c. Further, in the case where the adjustment plate is provided near the outer periphery of the game machine as in the case of the adjustment plate 76, there is an advantage that it is difficult for the player to recognize the presence of the defeat mechanism.

In this game machine, the number of medals passing through the game machine is grasped, and the payout rate or a value correlated with the payout rate is calculated based on the number of medals. 71 and 7
By moving 6, the desired payout rate can be automatically set.

As shown in FIG. 26, the adjusting plate 171 may be provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and the width of the medal passage formed by the inclined portion 171 and the upper surface of the end portion 41b may be changed. Indicate the case where the position of the adjustment plate 171 is lowered in order. As the position of the adjustment plate 171 is lowered, the passage width of the medals increases, and
The medals easily fall from b.

The installation position of the adjusting means for changing the flow of medals is not limited to the positions of the adjusting plates 71 and 76. The adjusting means may be provided at any position as long as the payout rate can be adjusted by changing the flow of medals, for example. In the above-described example, the medal passage width is varied in order to change the medal flow. However, for example, a member that obstructs the medal flow may be movably provided, or the medal passage may be inclined. May be changed to control the flow of medals. Examples of the obstructing member include a protrusion provided on the fixed plate 41 so as to be freely retractable, a projecting portion extending from the end 41a of the fixed plate 41 toward the medal drop opening, and a cantilever member capable of adjusting the amount of projection or its inclination. And the like. In addition, any means for changing the flow of medals can be widely used as the adjusting means.

FIG. 11 schematically shows the state of a medal M falling from the fixed plate 41 via the end 41b or the end 41c. The medals dropped from the end 41b or the end 41c are collected by the game machine without being paid to the player. As shown in FIG.
Alternatively, the medals Md dropped from the end 41c are collected at one outlet 81a by a collector 81 arranged below the fixed plate 41. At the exit 81a, a medal count sensor 82 for counting the number of medals Md discharged from the collector 81 is attached.

As shown in FIG. 12, the outlet 8 of the collector 81
1a, a medal shooter 83 is attached, and one spare hopper 11 is provided for each of two stations.
Connected to 0. The medals that have fallen from the end portions 41b or 41c of the fixed plate 41 further slide down the medal shooter 83 through the collector 81 and are collected by any of the three spare hoppers 110.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the spare hopper 110 includes a holding container 111 capable of storing a large number of medals Md, and a stirring blade 1 provided at the bottom of the holding container 111.
12, an auxiliary hopper motor 113 for rotating the stirring blades 112, and an escalator 114 for aligning and guiding the medals Md hit by the rotating stirring blades 112 one by one upward.

As shown in FIG. 12, the medals conveyed from the holding container 111 by the escalator 114 are guided to the main hopper 120 disposed below the turntable 31. As shown in FIG. 15, the main hopper 120 includes a holding container 121 capable of storing a number of medals, a stirring blade 122 provided at the bottom of the holding container 121, a motor 123 for rotating the stirring blade 122, An escalator 124 for aligning and ejecting medals ejected in contact with the stirring blade 122 one by one, and a discharge mechanism 12 for ejecting medals upward from an exit of the escalator 124.
6 is provided.

The discharging mechanism 126 is a urethane rubber roller 1 rotatably attached to the upper end of the escalator 124.
26a, a motor 126b mounted in the middle of the escalator 124, a pulley 126c mounted on a rotating shaft of the motor 126b, and a belt 126 wound between the pulley 126c and the urethane rubber roller 126a.
d. By adopting such a configuration, the urethane roller 126a can be rotated at a high speed in the clockwise direction in FIG. The linear velocity on the outer periphery of the urethane roller 126a is set to be higher than the velocity of medals guided by the escalator 124.

The photo interrupter 127 mounted close to the motor 126b is for detecting the cutting of the belt 126d. In addition, a medal count sensor 128 for counting the number of medals discharged from the outlet 124a is attached near the outlet 124a.

When the medal guided by the escalator 124 reaches the position of the urethane rubber roller 126a,
The medals come into contact with the urethane rubber roller 126a rotating at a high speed, and are vigorously directed almost upward from the outlet 124a of the escalator 124, for example, to a height of about 50 cm from the outlet 124a. Since the medals arranged by the escalator 124 are sent out one after another, the medals are continuously ejected from the exit 124a.

As shown in FIG. 4, the outlet 124a is disposed so as to face the opening 32a of the cap 32, so that many medals are formed in the common area CA of the field 3, that is, in the center of the game machine, through the opening 32a. It is flipped one after another, and it is possible to obtain a directing effect as if you were watching a fountain. In addition, the sound when the medal falls onto the turntable 31 can attract the attention of the people around.

Instead of using a roller as a discharge mechanism for ejecting medals, another mechanism can be used.

As described above, if the medals are sent to the main hopper 120 via the spare hopper 110, the medals are set at the stage of the spare hopper 110 in a case where the flow of medals is obstructed by foreign matter mixing. Failures such as clogging can be prevented, and similar failures in the main hopper 120 can be suppressed. As shown in FIG.
The main hopper 120 must be arranged at the center of the game machine for the purpose of ejecting medals from the center of the game machine, but the spare hopper 110 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the game machine,
Door 14 of each station ST1 to ST6 (see FIG. 1)
Inspection can be easily performed by opening. Therefore, maintenance and inspection related to the hopper can be performed very easily.

From the viewpoint of suppressing the medal clogging in the main hopper, it is desirable to unify the medal sending mechanism and the structure of the holding container between the main hopper 120 and the spare hopper 110. Alternatively, for the spare hopper 110, the conditions for passing medals are strictly set daringly, and the medals that have passed the spare hopper 110 are
It is also possible to configure so that no clogging occurs at zero.

Further, according to the above configuration, the spare hopper 11
By providing 0, the inclination of the medal shooter (in this case, the inclination of the medal shooter 83) can be increased, so that there is no possibility that the medal shooter is clogged with medals.

The operation of the backup hopper 110 may be switched according to the amount of medals stored in the main hopper 120. For example, medals may be sent from the spare hopper 110 only when the amount of medals stored in the main hopper 120 is smaller than a predetermined amount. By performing such control, the accumulated amount of medals to be circulated can be effectively distributed between the main hopper 120 and the spare hopper, thereby increasing the medals circulation amount as a whole.

As shown in FIG. 16, the preliminary hopper 110
After the medal is conveyed almost directly above by the escalator 114A of A, the medal may be slipped down toward the hopper 120 by the medal shooter 115.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are block diagrams showing a control system of the game machine.

The main CPU 200 is connected to six station CPUs 300 provided for each station, and the main CPU 200 and the station CPU 300 can communicate with each other. Although FIG. 18 shows a station CPU 300 corresponding to one station, the other five stations have the same configuration.

As shown in FIG. 17, the main CPU 200
Includes a photo interrupter 127 for detecting the cutting of the belt 126d, and an exit 124a of the elevator 124.
A medal count sensor 128 for counting the number of medals spouted from the camera is connected, and the drive control circuit 20
A rotary table drive motor 201 for driving the rotary table 31 through the drive control device 202a; and a gate drive motor 202 for opening and closing the gate through the drive control device 202a.
, The standby hopper motor 1 via the drive control device 203.
Reference numeral 13 denotes a main hopper motor 123 via a drive control device 204, a medal discharge motor 126b via a drive control device 205, and a moving table drive motor 207 for reciprocatingly driving the movable table 42 via a drive control device 206.
Are connected respectively.

Further, the main CPU 200 has an illumination device 208 (FIG. 1) for performing illumination in accordance with the progress of the game.
And a sound device 209 for outputting sound in accordance with the progress of the game.

As shown in FIG. 18, the station CPU
300 includes a detector 61A for detecting a checker hit.
61C, the number-of-checkers counter 301 for counting the number of times per checker, the reach number counter 302 for counting the number of reach, the valid detector (61
A to 61C), a detector switching determination counter 303 used for determining whether or not to switch the number, photointerrupters 75 and 78 for detecting the position of the adjustment plate 71, and a medal insertion sensor for detecting medal insertion by the shoot 13. 13b, a medal count sensor 82 for counting the number of medals dropped to the collector 81, a medal count sensor 45 for counting medals paid to the player, a segment display device 51, and a light emitting diode display device 52, which are respectively connected. I have. Further, the adjusting plate 7
Linear motors 72 and 77 for driving the motors 1 and 76 are connected to the station CPU 300 via a drive control device 304.

Next, a part of the operation of the game machine will be described with reference to FIGS. When the power of the game machine is turned on, the main CPU 200 performs a predetermined startup process, and then executes various processes described later.

FIG. 24 shows the processing of the main CPU 200, and FIGS. 19 to 23 and FIG.
Is shown. In these processes, setting of the number of checkers in each station, control of reels, and the like are performed. FIG.
25 are executed in parallel.

FIG. 19 shows a process in the station CPU 300 for counting the number of times per checker.
By this counting process, up to four checkers can be accumulated.

In step S101, the number-of-checkers counter 301 (FIG. 18) is reset, the count is set to "0", and the flow advances to step S102. Step S1
In 02, it is determined whether or not the passing of the medal is detected in any of the valid detectors 61A to 61C. If it is determined that the passing is detected, the process proceeds to step S103, and it is determined that the passing of the medal is not detected. Step S10
Repeat 2. If it is determined in step S103 that the counter number is “4”, the process returns to step S102. If it is determined that the counter number is not “4”, in step S104, the checker count counter 301 is determined.
Is added to the count number, and the process returns to step S102. Thereafter, steps S102 to S104 are performed similarly.
Is repeated.

As described above, in the processing of FIG. 19, when the passing of a medal is detected by any of the valid detectors 61A to 61C, "1" is added to the count number of the checker counter, but the count number is incremented. Is not added if has already reached "4". In the processing of FIG. 21 described later, “1” is subtracted from the count per checker after the lottery is performed per checker (step S211), so that the count is between 0 and 4 as the game progresses. fluctuate.

In the processing shown in FIGS. 20 to 23, setting of valid detectors (61A to 61C) to be checked per checker in the station CPU 300 of each station, lottery in the case where there is a checker check, and the like are performed.

In step S 201, initialization is performed, and an effective detector to be checked per checker is detected by the detector 61.
In addition to setting to only B, the number-of-checkers counter 301, the reach counter 302, and the detector switching counter 303 (FIG. 18) are reset, and the count is set to "0". At this time, the detector 61B is valid, and the detector 61A and the detector 61C are invalid. In this state, if the medal passes on the detecting piece 63B shown in FIG. 6, the passing of the medal is detected by the detector 61B. Can be added to the count number of the checker number counter 301 (step S104). However, even if the medal passes on the detection piece 63A or the detection piece 63C, no medal is detected, and the checker number counter 30
The count of 1 does not change.

In the following step S202, the count number of the checker number counter 301 is read, and the flow advances to step S203. If the count is "0" in step S203, the process returns to step S202, and steps S202 to S203 are repeated while the count is "0". In step S203, the count number per checker is not “0”,
If it is determined to be any one of No. 4, the process proceeds to step S204.
In step S204, the lottery result is determined by calculation,
The process proceeds to step S205 in FIG. Step S2 above
In the lottery of 04, "odd number" where three-digit numbers are odd, "even number" where three-digit numbers are even, 2
"Reach" where the digits are the same and the other digits are different,
Any one of "outside" which does not correspond to any of "per odd number", "per even number" and "reach" is selected, and an operation for determining a three-digit number in each case is performed. This three-digit number is stored in step S21 described later.
0 is displayed.

The calculation in step S204 can be performed based on the progress of the game and other data. For example, a lottery result that causes the payout rate to approach a predetermined value may be selected.

In step S205, step S204
If the lottery result calculated in the step is "hit", that is, "odd number" or "even number", step S206
In step S206A, the count of the reach counter 302 (FIG. 18) is reset to "0". In step S206B, the detector switching determination counter 303 (FIG. 1)
8) is reset to set the count number to “0”. In step S207, a display indicating that the lottery process is being performed is displayed on the segment type display device 51. In step S208, the process waits until the hit flag is turned off, and then proceeds to step S210.
Proceed to.

The hit flag is the station CP.
It is stored in U300 and is used to control the flow of medals at the time of medal ejection as described later. The count of the detector switching determination counter 303 is used in a switching determination process (FIG. 23) for determining whether to reduce the number of valid detectors (61A to 61C) from 3 to 1.

On the other hand, if the lottery result is not "winning" in step S205, the process proceeds to step S209. In step S209, a display indicating that the lottery process is being performed is displayed on the segment type display device 51.
Go to 9A. If the count flag is on in step S209A, the process proceeds to step S209B, and if the count flag is off, the process skips to step S210. Note that the count flag is the station CPU 300
Is turned on when the immediately preceding hit is "even number hit" (step S226 in FIG. 22).

In step S209B, "1" is added to the count number of the detector switching determination counter 303.

In step S210, the lottery result is displayed in three digits on the segment type display device 51, and the flow advances to step S211. In step S211, “1” is subtracted from the count number of the checker number counter 301, and the process proceeds to step S212 in FIG.

In step S212, if the lottery result is "reach", the process proceeds to step S213, and if the lottery result is not "reach", the process proceeds to step S219. Step S
In step 213, “1” is added to the count of the reach counter 302, and the flow advances to step S214. Step S
At 214, it is determined whether or not the count number of the reach number counter 302 is "8". If the count number is "8", the process proceeds to step S216, where the count number is not "8", that is, "1" to "7". If any, step S21
Go to 5. In step S215, the number of lighting elements of the light emitting diode display device 52 is increased by one. Step S2
At 15A, a detector switching determination process (FIG. 23) is executed, and the process returns to step S202 (FIG. 20).

On the other hand, if the count number of the reach number counter 302 is "8" at step S214, the process proceeds to step S216, where the count number of the reach number counter 302 is reset to "0", and at step S2
At 17, the display of the light emitting diode display device 52 is reset and all the light emitting elements are turned off. Subsequent step S21
In step S20, all the detectors 61A to 61C are made effective, and the count flag is turned off, and the process proceeds to step S20
2 (FIG. 20).

When all of the detectors 61A to 61C are valid, if the medal falling from the fixed plate 41 passes over any of the detecting pieces 63A to 63C in FIG. 6, the passing of the medal is detected. In step S104 (FIG. 19), “1” can be added to the number of counters per checker 301. That is, the probability of hitting the checker increases as compared with the case where only the detector 61B is effective.

As described above, if it is determined in step S212 that the lottery result is not "reach", the process proceeds to step S219, and in step S219, the lottery result is "even number" in which the three-digit numbers are even-numbered. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S223. If it is not “even number”, the process proceeds to step S220.

If it is determined in step S220 that the result of the lottery is "odd hit" in which the three-digit numbers are arranged in odd numbers, the flow advances to step S221 to turn on the medal ejection flag of the main CPU 200. The medal ejection flag is for instructing the main CPU 200 to eject a medal, and a medal ejection process described later is performed in accordance with the instruction. In step S222, the detectors 61A to 61A
The process proceeds to step S222A assuming that all of 1C are valid. In step S222A, the count flag is turned off, and the process returns to step S202 (FIG. 20).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S220 that it is not "per odd", a detector switching determination process (FIG. 23) is executed in step S228, and the process returns to step S202 (FIG. 20). In this case, the lottery result is "out".

As described above, if it is determined in step S219 that "per even number", then step S223 is executed.
Then, the medal ejection flag of the main CPU 200 is turned on, and the process proceeds to step S226. In step S226, the count flag is turned on. In step S227, all of the detectors 61A to 61C are determined to be valid, and in step S2
02 (FIG. 20).

Next, the procedure of the switching determination process will be described with reference to FIG. In step S251, the count number of the detector switching determination counter 303 is read, and if the count number is 7, the process proceeds to step S252, where the count number is 7
If not, return. In step S252, only the detector 61B is enabled. In step S253, the detector switching determination counter 303 is reset to set the count number to “0”. In step S254, the count flag is turned off.

As described above, in the processing of FIGS. 20 to 21, by switching the number of valid detectors (61A to 61C) to “1” or “3” in accordance with the progress of the game, the game can be variously developed. Is giving sex. Specifically, when "per odd", all three detectors are enabled (step S222 in FIG. 22). In the case of “per even”, all three detectors are once enabled (step S22 in FIG. 22).
7) If no "hit" comes out even after seven consecutive lotteries, only one detector is enabled (step S253 in FIG. 23). Even if the "hit" does not come, if the "reach" is performed eight times, all three detectors are enabled (step S218 in FIG. 22).

As described above, the number of effective detectors (61A to 61C) is changed in accordance with the progress of the game so that the frequency per checker is changed. You can enjoy it even more.

FIG. 24 shows a medal ejection process in the main CPU 200. The process of FIG. 24 is executed in parallel with other processes. In step S301, a medal ejection flag is read, and the flow advances to step S302. This medal ejection flag is determined in step S223 or step S221.
(FIG. 22). Step S
If it is determined in 302 that the medal ejection flag is on, the process proceeds to step S303. If it is determined that the medal ejection flag is off, the process returns to step S301 and repeats steps S301 to S302.

In step S303, the station CPU
Data necessary for medal ejection is read from 300. This data includes sections to which medals are to be supplied (SC1 to S
C6), the number of medals to be supplied, and the like. As described above, the number of medals to be ejected may be changed each time. The number of medals to be ejected can be determined from the viewpoint of making the payout rate close to a predetermined value or enhancing the game characteristics.

In step S304, the counting of medals by the medal counting sensor 128 is started. In step S305, the main hopper motor 123 is rotationally driven by the drive control device 204, and the drive control device 205
This drives the medal discharge motor 126b to rotate (FIG. 17). Thereby, the exit 1 of the escalator 124
The medals flipped out of the game machine 24a by the urethane roller 126a blow up one after another at the center of the game machine (FIG. 1,
14 and 15). Medals rising on the escalator 124 are counted by a medal count sensor 128.

Next, at step S306, the drive control device 2
The rotary table drive motor 201 is driven to rotate by 01a (FIG. 17). Thus, the turntable 31 starts rotating. In step S307, the drive control device 20
The gate drive motor 202 is driven by 2a, and a predetermined gate is opened according to the data read in step S303. As a result, a large amount of medals are supplied from the turntable 31 to predetermined sections (SC1 to SC6) via the opened gate.

In step S308, it is determined whether or not the count of the medal count sensor 128 has reached the predetermined count (target count) read in step S303. If it is determined that the count has reached the predetermined count, step S309 is performed. Proceed to. If it is determined that it has not reached, step S308 is repeated. In step S309, the drive controller 204 and the drive controller 205 stop the main hopper motor 123 and the medal discharge motor 126b, respectively, to stop the ejection of medals.

In step S310, the timer in the main CPU starts counting time. In step S311, after waiting for the timer to count up, in step S312
Proceed to. This timer is set to a time sufficient for the medals on the turntable 31 to be completely supplied to predetermined sections (SC1 to SC6). In step S312, the timer is reset.

In step S313, the drive control unit 202
The gate drive motor 202 is driven by a to close the opened gate. In step S314, the rotation control of the rotary table drive motor 201 is performed by the drive control device 201a to stop the rotary table 31. Step S31
At 5, the medal ejection flag is turned off and the routine returns.

Next, control of the payout rate will be described with reference to FIG. The processing in FIG. 25 is executed by the station CPU 300 of each station.

In step S401, the hit flag is read. If it is determined that the hit flag is on, the process proceeds to step S407, and if it is determined that the hit flag is off, the process proceeds to step S402. In step S402, the number of medals inserted into the medal game machine during a predetermined time (medal-in addition value) is read. If it is determined that the medal-in addition value is larger than a predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S403. If it is determined that the value is not larger than the predetermined value, the process returns to step S401. The medal-in addition value is
Medal insertion sensor 13b and medal count sensor 1
It is counted based on the detection signals of 28 and is sequentially stored in the memory in the station CPU 300. While the game machine is operating, the total number of coins is constantly updated.

In step S403, the actual payout rate or a correlation value or the like related to the payout rate is compared with the target payout rate or the target value.
The position where the adjustment plate 71 and the adjustment plate 76 (FIG. 8) should be set is calculated. The payout rate or the correlation value is determined by the medal insertion sensor 13b, the medal count sensor 128, the medal count sensor 82, and the medal count sensor 4.
5 can be calculated based on the count value of the detection signal.

In step S404, the drive control device 304
The linear motors 72 and 77 are driven by the
Drive 1 and 76 to the desired position. Step S4
In 05, the total number of sheets is reset to “0”,
To return. Therefore, in step S402, a determination is made based on the data accumulated from when the total-in number is reset to when the total-in number reaches a predetermined value.

The total number of sheets, the actual payout rate,
Alternatively, as the correlation value, an integrated value or an average value for an arbitrarily set period can be used. For example, an integrated value, an average value, or the like from when the power of the game machine is turned on to the present may be used, or a value over the immediately preceding day or one hour may be used.

Further, the target rate or the target value can be arbitrarily set. The target rate or the target value may be always determined as a constant value so as to exclusively optimize the payout rate, or may be changed according to the progress of the game. Further, it may be changed depending on the time zone of the day, the day of the week, or the total number of sheets per predetermined time. Furthermore, the setting may be freely changed by a manual operation of the operator.

The payout rate may be set differently for each station. In this case, the setting of each station may be determined in consideration of the payout rate of the entire game machine. More specifically, for example, in the above-described payout rate adjusting mechanism 70, the adjustment plate 71 for adjusting the payout rate can be controlled to only three positions, and therefore, the adjustment of the payout rate tends to be slightly rough. By setting the position of the adjustment plate 71 to be different for each station, it is possible to finely control the average payout rate of the entire game machine. Alternatively, the same effect can be obtained even if the position of the adjustment plate 71 is adjusted for all stations at a time without performing adjustment at once. In this case, the CPU corresponding to the main CPU 200 can perform the process of controlling the position of the adjustment plate.

When the payout rate of each station is set to a different value, for example, the payout rate of each station may be changed randomly or regularly at regular time intervals while maintaining the average of the payout rates at a constant value. Good.

As described above, if it is determined in step S401 that the hit flag is ON, the flow advances to step S407. In step S407, step S40
3, but the positions of the adjustment plates 71 and 76 are determined on the assumption that the medal ejection is performed, and the adjustment plates 71 and 76 are driven to that position in step S408. In step S409, the hit flag is turned off and the routine returns. After confirming that the hit flag has been turned off (step S208 in FIG. 21), medals are ejected (step S2 in FIG. 22).
21, step S223), at the time when the medal ejection is performed, the moving plates 71 and 76 have already been set to the desired positions.

As described above, the position of the adjusting plates 71 and 76 is adjusted each time the total number of sheets reaches a predetermined value, so that the present game machine does not require complicated operations or operations.
An appropriate payout rate is automatically set (steps S402 to S405 in FIG. 25).

When the medal ejection process is performed, a target rate different from a normal payout rate is set, and the moving plates 71 and 76 are driven in accordance with the target rate. It is possible to accurately control the rate or set a flow of medals that enhances game characteristics (steps S407 to S409).

The adjustment of the payout rate by moving the adjustment plate may be performed during ejection of medals or during rotation of the turntable 31.

[0117]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Game development can be varied,
The medal flow can be managed appropriately.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the pusher game machine.

FIG. 2 is a view of the pusher game machine as viewed from above.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining divisions of a field;

FIG. 4 is a view of the field as viewed from above.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view of the checker as viewed from above.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fixed table and a movable table.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a collection rate adjusting mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a view schematically showing a medal collecting mechanism.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the overall arrangement of a medal collection mechanism.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a preliminary hopper.

FIG. 14 is a view of a preliminary hopper viewed from a direction XIV in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a main hopper.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing a modified example of a medal supply mechanism using a hopper.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a control system of the pusher game machine.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a control system of the pusher game machine.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a process of counting the number of times per checker.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing processing such as setting of the number of checkers;

FIG. 21 is a view following FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a diagram following FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating switching determination processing.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing medal ejection processing.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a payout rate control process.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a modification in which the adjustment plate is moved in the vertical direction.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 Field 42 Moving plate 45 Medal count sensor 71 Adjustment plate

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] April 14, 1999 (1999.4.1
4)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

7. The game machine main body includes a moving body that reciprocates in the field, and at least a part of medals dropped from the field using the reciprocating movement of the moving body is paid to the player. The medal supply control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the medal supply control device is configured as follows. ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] April 16, 1999 (1999.4.1
6)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

8. The medal supply device according to claim 7, further comprising: a fixing plate for receiving medals falling from the moving body, wherein the adjusting unit is attached to the fixing plate. ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] September 27, 1999 (September 9, 1999
7)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A medal supply control device for a medal game machine for supplying medals via a field, comprising: detecting means for detecting a flow of the medals passing through the field; and the medal according to information from the detecting means. And an adjusting means for physically adjusting the flow of medals. 2. The medal supply control device according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting means controls a payout rate of the game machine main body. 3. The flow of medals is divided into a direction of paying out to a player and a direction of collecting medals, and the adjusting means adjusts a ratio of the branches. A medal supply control device as described. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said adjusting means changes a width of a passage through which the medal flows.
5. The medal supply control device according to any one of 4. 5. The medal supply control device according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting unit is a member that is provided so as to be movable, and is a member that hinders the movement of the medal. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said adjusting means changes a slope of a passage through which the medal flows.
5. The medal supply control device according to any one of 4. 7. The game machine main body includes a moving body that reciprocates in the field, and at least a part of medals dropped from the field using the reciprocating movement of the moving body is paid to the player. The medal supply control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the medal supply control device is configured as follows.