JP2003093590A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To store game media as excessive without releasing even when the count of the media stored exceeds the limit value. SOLUTION: The slot machine 1 is provided with a RAM having first and second memory areas for storing the count of medals stored, two storage count display devices for displaying memory data of the memory areas and a transfer switch 38 for giving indications for transferring the storage count to the first memory area from the second memory area. The control part increases or decreases the memory data in the first memory area when the medals are received, consumed or gained and gets the count exceeding the limit value stored into the second memory area. With the operation of the transfer switch 38, the storage count of the second memory area is transferred by a specified quantity to the first area. With the settling operation, a settlement processing is executed based on the storage count stored in the first and second memory areas.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slot machine introduced into a game hall such as a pachinko hall, and particularly, the present invention makes it possible to execute a game by using game media such as accumulated medals. Regarding configured slot machines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A typical conventional slot machine is configured to store a large number of medals. This method is generally called a "credit method", and when a player operates a bet switch when executing a game, 1 to 3 medals among the stored medals are consumed and the game is played. Can be executed. When the winning result is established as a result of the game, there is a medal payout, and the number of stored medals increases by the payout amount.

In this type of credit type slot machine, a predetermined limit value (for example, 50) is set for the number of stored medals.
The number of medals accumulated will increase until this limit is reached, but if the number of medals accumulated exceeds the limit due to dividend payment etc., the medal payout machine will operate. , The number of medals that have passed is released to the medal tray.

[0004]

However, if the number of stored medals is repeatedly increased and decreased in the vicinity of the limit value, the medal payout machine is frequently operated, so that the medal payout machine fails. There is a high possibility that troubles such as clogging of medals and token passages will occur. on the other hand,
Even if the number of medals exceeds the limit, the number of medals accumulated will be drastically reduced to zero after a short period of no winning. At this time, the player needs to insert the medals accumulated in the medal tray into the medal insertion slot if he wants to continue the game, which is troublesome for the player.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problem, and when the number of stored game media exceeds a predetermined limit value, the game media are not discharged but are separately stored as a surplus, whereby the game media are stored. It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine in which the number of operating times of the payout machine is significantly reduced and the cause of trouble is reduced. Another object of the present invention is to allow the game medium stored as a surplus as a surplus by a switch operation to be executed for the game even if the number of stored game media for executing the game decreases. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine in which the troublesomeness of throwing a game medium into the slot is reduced.

[0006]

A slot machine according to the present invention is configured to be able to execute a game using stored game media, and can store the number of stored game media. Possible first and second storage means, first and second display means for respectively displaying the number of storages stored in each storage means, and number of storages for each of the first and second storage means And a control means for controlling reading and writing of the data. The control means receives a game medium,
When consumed or acquired, the storage number of the game medium stored in the first storage means is increased or decreased, and when the storage number exceeds a predetermined limit value due to the increase, at least the number exceeding the limit value is It is stored in the second storage means.

Also, the slot machine according to the present invention,
In addition to the above-mentioned structure, the control means subtracts the number of game media to be returned to the player from the stored number stored in each of the first and second storage means when a settlement operation is performed by the player. Then, the settlement process can be executed.

Further, in addition to the above configuration, the slot machine according to the present invention is provided with a transfer switch for instructing to transfer the storage number from the first storage means to the second storage means. When the switch is operated, the storage number stored in the second storage means is decreased by a predetermined quantity and the storage number stored in the first storage means is increased by the above-mentioned quantity.

In the above construction, the "first storage means" and the "second storage means" can be constituted by a single storage element such as a RAM. In this case, the first and second storages are provided. Means refers to different storage areas in the storage element. In addition, "first display means" and "second display means"
A typical example is a digital display that numerically displays the number of stored game media, but the second display means, instead of the digital display, is sequentially displayed every time the stored number increases by a certain number (for example, 50). It is also possible to use a plurality of light emitting bodies that are lit. Further, the second display means is a display for numerically displaying the storage number stored in the second storage means, and when the storage number stored in the second storage means exceeds a predetermined value. It can also be configured by combining at least one light-emitting body that emits light. With such a configuration, when the player obtains a large amount of game media, for example, one light-emitting body sequentially emits light in accordance with the obtained amount of game media, so that the player can obtain the amount of game media at a glance. Not only can you grasp it, but you can appeal it to other players around you. The "control means" can be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer.

According to the present invention, when the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means increases and exceeds a predetermined limit value, at least a quantity exceeding the limit value is stored in the second storage means. Here, "store at least the quantity exceeding the limit value in the second storage means" means storing the quantity exceeding the limit value in the second storage means and the quantity exceeding the quantity exceeding the limit value. It is meant to include the case of storing in the second storage means. For example, when the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means is 45, and when 10 game media are won as a dividend due to the establishment of a prize, the limit value is “50”, for example.
Assuming that, 5 pieces of the quantity exceeding the limit value may be stored in the second storage means, and 10 pieces of the payout may be stored in the second storage means. Further, for example, when the limit value is 200 and the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means is 195, 10
When a game medium is won as a payout, a fixed number (for example, 50) may be stored in the second storage means.

The above-mentioned "limit value" is typically a fixed fixed value, but may be arbitrarily set, for example, by a player or a game hall. If it is possible for the player to perform a setting operation, a setting switch is provided at an appropriate place, or another switch is given a setting function.

In the slot machine according to the present invention, when a game medium is accepted, the number of accepted game media is first.
The storage data is stored in the storage means as the storage number, and the stored data is displayed on the first display means. When the game medium is consumed during the execution of the game, the first number is equal to the consumed game medium.
The number of stored game media stored in the storage means is reduced. When a game medium is acquired by executing a game, the number of acquired game media is added to the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means. When the stored number after the addition exceeds a predetermined limit value, at least the number exceeding the limit value is stored in the second storage means, and the stored data is displayed on the second display means.

When the number of stored game media stored in the first storage medium is reduced, the continuation of the game is hindered. In that case, if the transfer switch is operated, it is stored in the second storage means. The stored number is reduced by a predetermined amount and the stored number stored in the first storage means is added by the above-described amount, so that the game can be continued. When there is a settlement operation by the player, the first and second
The amount of game media to be returned to the player is subtracted from the number of storages stored in each of the storage means, and the settlement process is executed.

According to the present invention, even if the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means increases and exceeds a predetermined limit value, at least a quantity exceeding the limit value is not released to the outside. Since it is stored in the second storage means, the number of times the game medium dispenser is operated can be significantly reduced, and the cause of trouble can be reduced. Further, even if the number of game media exceeding the limit value is stored in the second storage means, the stored number stored in the second storage means can be confirmed by the second display means, which makes the player feel uneasy. It does not give a suspicious feeling.

Further, according to the present invention, even if the number of storages stored in the first storage means decreases, the number of storages stored in the second storage means can be changed to the first storage count by the switch operation.
Since it can be transferred to the storage means of the above and can be directed to the execution of the game, there is no trouble of inserting the game medium into the insertion slot. Moreover, since the chances of the game medium being inserted into the slot is greatly reduced, the frequency of the game medium passing through the passage communicating with the slot is reduced, and the occurrence of troubles such as clogging of medals is reduced.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the storage number of the game medium stored in the first storage means exceeds a limit value and the storage number is written to the second storage means. A notification means for notifying the player of this is further provided. According to this embodiment, the player can clearly recognize that the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means exceeds the limit value. As the notification means, a visually appealing means such as a light emitting diode or a lamp or an auditory appealing means such as a speaker can be used. For example, the installation position of the first display means and the second display can be used. By arranging an arrow-shaped light emitting display from the first display means to the second display means so as to blink with the installation position of the means, the player is memorized in the first storage means. When the stored number exceeds the limit value, it is possible to visualize the state of being transferred to the second storage means.

In another embodiment of the present invention, when the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means exceeds a limit value, a selection switch for discharging the excess number of game media is selected. Is further provided. According to this embodiment, the number of game media exceeding the limit value can be discharged by operating the selection switch, so that the player can feel that he / she has acquired the game media.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an informing means is provided to inform the player when the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means has decreased to a predetermined value. To be According to this embodiment, the player operates the transfer switch or the like by the notifying means to make the first
It is possible to know that the storage number should be supplemented with the stored number. A light-emitting body, a speaker, or the like can be used as the notification means. For example, the transfer switch is constituted by an illuminated switch, and the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means is a predetermined value (for example, When the value is reduced to half of the limit value), the light emitting body as a notification means incorporated in the switch is made to blink.

In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, when the transfer number stored in the first and second storage means is rewritten by the operation of the transfer switch, it is sent to the player. An informing means for informing is provided. According to this embodiment, the player can clearly recognize that the storage number is transferred from the second storage means to the first storage means. As the notification means, a visually appealing means such as a light emitting diode or a lamp or an auditory appealing means such as a speaker can be used. For example, the installation position of the first display means and the second display can be used. By arranging an arrow-shaped light emitting display which goes from the second display means to the first display means so as to blink with respect to the installation position of the means, the player can change the second storage means from the second storage means. It is possible to give an image of a state in which the storage number is transferred to one storage means.

Further, according to the present invention, when the transfer switch is operated, the storage number stored in the second storage means is reduced by a predetermined amount and the storage number stored in the first storage means is reduced. The number of storages is changed between the first and second storage means by increasing the number of storages. In this case, the number of storages is fixed by a fixed number (for example, 10). You may move it, or
First, the storage number may be moved by an amount corresponding to the difference between the storage number stored in the storage means and the limit value, and furthermore, only a variable number preset by the player or the game hall. The number of storages may be changed.

Further, if the player transfers the storage number by the quantity corresponding to the length of time that the transfer switch is operated, it becomes easy to transfer the quantity according to the player's request.
For example, if the player keeps pushing the push-button type transfer switch for 2 seconds, 10 pieces are transferred, and if they are pushed for 4 seconds, 20 pieces are transferred, respectively. Furthermore, it is also possible to transfer all the quantities stored in the second storage means to the first storage means. In this case, the number of storages stored in the first storage means exceeds the limit value. The condition is not to exceed.

Further, according to the present invention, when the player makes a settlement operation, the number of game media to be returned to the player is subtracted from the number of stored in the first and second storage means. However, the total value of the “number of storages stored in each of the first and second storage means” and the “number of game media to be returned to the player” do not always match here. Not something to do. For example, first, second
The storage number stored in each storage unit of
When it is set to 5 "and" 70 ", the total value of both is" 85 ".
May be the number of game media to be returned to the player, but may be the number of game media to be returned to the player, only the storage number "70" stored in the second storage means. Also,
It is also possible to leave "5", which is a fraction of the total value, as "80" as the number of game media to be returned to the player.

The above-mentioned "settlement process" may be executed by releasing the amount of game media to be returned to the player, and a recording medium recording the number of game media to be returned to the player. May be executed. As the recording medium, a card-shaped magnetic storage medium for printing and magnetically storing the number of game media to be returned to the player is suitable, but it is not necessarily a magnetic storage medium, and it is simply printed. It may be.

In the above-mentioned settlement process, in the embodiment in which the game medium is discharged to perform the settlement, all the game mediums to be returned to the player in response to the pushing operation of the settlement switch may be released. The game medium may be released only while the switch is pressed, and the release of the game medium may be stopped when the operation of the settlement switch is released. In addition, when returning the total value of the number of storages stored in each of the first and second storage means to the player, the number of storages stored in the first storage means by one operation of the settlement switch. May be settled, and the stored number stored in the second storage means may be settled by the second operation of the settlement switch.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control means has a shortage of games when the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means is smaller than the number of game media required to execute the game. The number of mediums is subtracted from the number of stored game media stored in the second storage means. According to this embodiment, even if the stored number stored in the first storage means becomes smaller than the number of game media required to execute the game, the stored number of game media is stored in the second storage means. If so, the shortage of game media is the second
Since it is supplemented by the stored number stored in the storage means, the game can be executed. In this embodiment, each time the game is executed thereafter, the game medium is replenished by the stored number stored in the second storage means, but it is stored in the second storage means. A fixed amount or the total amount of the stored number may be transferred to the first storage means.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control means stores in the second storage means when the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means reaches a predetermined lower limit value. The stored number of stored game media is decreased by a predetermined amount and the stored number of game media stored in the first storage means is increased by the above-mentioned amount. According to this aspect, even if the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means decreases to near zero, if the number of stored game media stored in the second storage means is: Second
Since it is replenished by the stored number stored in the storage means, the game can be continued.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control means, when the number of stored game media stored in the second storage means exceeds a predetermined limit value, only the quantity exceeding the limit value. Try to release the game medium. In the slot machine according to the present invention, when a player obtains a large amount of game media, first, the number of pools stored in the first storage means increases, and then, the number of pools stored in the second storage means increases. Although it increases, it is not enough for the player to feel that they have acquired a large amount of game media. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the storage number of the game media stored in the second storage means exceeds the predetermined limit value, the game media are released in an amount exceeding the limit value, so that the player It is possible to obtain a feeling that a large amount of game media has been acquired, and to give a sense of superiority to other players. The "limit value" may be set freely by the player or the game hall.

[0028]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a slot machine 1 which is an embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 has a configuration capable of receiving and storing medals inserted as a game medium, and the player can obtain one to three medals for each game within the range of the number of stored medals. Consume and run the game. Note that “consumption of medals” here is consumption in data processing, and does not mean consumption by using actual medals. Five winning lines are shown in the symbol display window 20 of the front panel 11, which will be described later. One winning line for one medal, three winning lines for two medals, and five medals for three medals.
Each winning line of the book is activated.

The slot machine 1 is, as shown in FIG.
Inside the box-shaped main body 2, the reel block 4,
A circuit board 5, a medal payout machine 6 and the like are incorporated.
The reel block 4 includes three reels 8a,
8b and 8c and stepping motors 9a, 9b and 9c which are drive sources for the respective reels are assembled. Each of the reels 8a, 8b, and 8c has a plurality of symbols on its outer peripheral surface. The circuit board 5 is mounted with circuit components such as an IC constituting a control unit 40 described later. The medal payout machine 6 has a hopper 6a for accommodating a large number of medals, and at the end of the game, pays out the number of medals corresponding to the number of stored coins and executes the settlement process.

A front surface of the main body 2 is opened, and a door 3 is attached to the opening. Door 3 has three panels 1
The front surface is composed of 1, 12, and 13. Each panel 1
Nos. 1, 12, and 13 are silk screen printed on the surface of a transparent synthetic resin plate or tempered glass.
A model name, a game name, etc. are printed on the upper panel 12 and the lower panel 13.

An uncolored and transparent symbol display window 20 is formed in the center of the front panel 11. The outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c are made to face the symbol display window 20 from behind. As shown in FIG. 3, when the reels are stopped, the symbol display window 20 has symbols S for three frames for each reel.
Is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape so that can be seen. The symbol display window 20 has three horizontal pay lines L1 to L1.
L3 and two diagonal pay lines L4, L5 are shown, and the symbols S of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c are aligned and displayed along these five pay lines L1 to L5. .

On one side of the symbol display window 20 of the front panel 11, there are arranged a first storage number display 31 and a second storage number display 32 each having a digital display. The number of stored medals is displayed on each of the first and second stored number indicators 31, 32. The control unit 40, which will be described later, has a RAM 43 as a storage unit that stores the number of stored medals displayed on each of the first and second stored number indicators 31, 32.

The first accumulated number indicator 31 indicates the accumulated number of medals within a predetermined limit value N (N = 50 in this embodiment) that can be immediately used for executing the game among the accumulated medals ( Hereinafter, this will be referred to as the “first storage number”) n. The first accumulated number display 31 first displays the number of medals inserted by the player as the first accumulated number n, prior to the execution of the game. This first stored number n changes as the player executes the game, and since 1 to 3 medals are consumed at the start of the game, the first stored number n decreases accordingly. ,
On the other hand, if there is a medal payout due to the establishment of a prize, a predetermined number of medals are acquired, so the first stored number n increases by that amount.

The second accumulated number indicator 32 indicates that the accumulated medals exceed the above-mentioned limit value N (50).
The number of medals exceeding that number is stored in the second storage number (hereinafter, “second
The number of storages. ) It is for displaying as m. The second storage number m does not change with the execution of the game, except when the first storage number n reaches the limit value N or when it is close to zero (described later).

Below the front panel 11, the medal slot 16, three bet switches 33 to 35, and the starting lever 1 are provided.
4, 3 stop switches 15a, 15b, 15c, a settlement switch 36, a changeover switch 37, a transfer switch 38 and the like are provided. Further, below the lower panel 13, a medal tray 18 for receiving medals discharged from the medal discharge port 17 is provided. The medal outlet 17
Communicates with the above-mentioned medal payout machine 6.

The bet switches 33 to 35 are pressed at the start of the game. When the bet switch 33 is pressed, one stored medal is consumed and one pay line L1 is activated. When the bet switch 34 is pressed, the two stored medals are consumed and the three pay lines L1 to L3 are activated. When the bet switch 35 is pressed, the three stored medals are consumed and the five pay lines L1 to L5 are activated. Bet switch 3
When any one of 3-35 is operated and then the start lever 14 is operated, the three reels 8a, 8b and 8c are simultaneously started to start the game. Three stop switches 15a,
When the push operation is performed on 15b or 15c, the corresponding reel stops rotating.

The settlement switch 36 is pushed when the game is finished. When the settlement switch 36 is pushed, the first storage number n and the second storage number n displayed on the first storage number display 31 are displayed. Second storage number m displayed on the storage number display 32 of
And the medal corresponding to the total value (n + m) is 1
Emitted to 8. The changeover switch 37 is for selecting a game mode in which a game is executed using the stored medals and a game mode in which the game is executed while inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 16.

The transfer switch 38 stores the second storage number m in the storage area of the RAM 43 (hereinafter, referred to as "second storage area") to the storage area of the RAM 43 in which the first storage number n is stored (hereinafter, referred to as "second storage area"). A push button switch for instructing to transfer a predetermined amount (10 sheets in this embodiment) of data to one storage area. When the transfer switch 38 is pressed, the second storage number m stored in the second storage area is decremented by "10", while the first storage number n stored in the first storage area is "10". ] Is added. As a result, the second storage number m displayed on the second storage number display 32 is updated to a value obtained by subtracting “10”, and the first storage number n displayed on the first storage number display 31. Is updated to a value obtained by adding "10".

In this embodiment, the number of medals that can be transferred by one operation of the transfer switch 38 is set to a fixed value (10
However, a setting switch may be provided so that the player can freely set this number.

FIG. 4 shows an electrical configuration of the slot machine 1 described above. In the figure, reference numeral 40 denotes a control unit composed of a microcomputer, which is a main body of calculation and control.
PU41, R for storing programs and fixed data
In addition to the OM 42 and the RAM 43 used for reading and writing data, a random number generator 45 used for lottery processing is included. The RAM 43 is provided with first and second storage areas for storing the first and second storage numbers n and m displayed on the first and second storage number indicators 31 and 32, respectively. ing.

The CPU 41 is provided with reel drive units 47a, 47 for the reels 8a, 8b, 8c via a bus 49.
b, 47c, medal payout machine 6, first and second storage number indicators 31, 32, medal detection sensor 46, starting lever 1
4, 3 bet switches 33, 34, 35, 3 stop switches 15a, 15b, 15c, settlement switch 3
6, input / output units such as a changeover switch 37 and a transfer switch 38 are connected. The CPU 41 has a ROM 42
While reading / writing data from / to the RAM 43 in accordance with the program stored in, the operations of the input / output units are sequentially controlled.

The reel drive units 47a, 47b and 47c are
It controls the drive of the stepping motors 9a, 9b, 9c which are the drive sources of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c. At the end of the game, the medal payout machine 6 gives a predetermined number of medals to the medal ejection opening 17
The coins are released to the medal tray 18. Medal detection sensor 46
Detects a medal received at the medal insertion slot 16 and outputs a medal detection signal to the CPU 41.

5 to 7 show the flow of control by the control unit 40. In the figure, "ST" means "STE".
It is an abbreviation for "P" (step) and indicates each procedure in the control flow. In ST1 to ST4 of FIG. 5, C of the control unit 40
The PU 41 is on standby for operation by the player.

In this standby state, when the player inserts a medal into the medal insertion slot 16, the determination in ST1 is "YE."
S ”, and the process proceeds from ST1 to ST5. If the game mode with the accumulated medals is set by the changeover switch 37, the determination in ST5 becomes "YES", and the CPU 41 of the control unit 40 adds 1 to the current first accumulated number n to newly add it. The first stored number n is calculated (ST6).
If the game mode with the inserted medals is set by the changeover switch 37, the determination in ST5 is "NO", and the game is executed while inserting 1 to 3 medals for each game. Transition.

At the next step ST7, the CPU 4 of the control unit 40
1, the first storage number n is a limit value N (N = 5 in this embodiment).
0) is exceeded, and the determination is “N
If it is "O", the first storage number n is displayed as it is on the first storage number display 31 (ST8). If the first storage number n exceeds the limit value N, the determination in ST7 is "YE
S ”, and after the quantity (n−N) exceeding the limit value N is added to the second storage number m, the first storage number n is changed to the limit value N (ST9), and first and second. Each storage number display 31,3
The new first and second storage numbers n and m are displayed in 2 (ST10).

When the player tries to execute the game in the standby state of ST1 to ST4, the bet switch 33
Press any one of ~ 35. As a result, the determination in ST2 becomes “YES”, and the process proceeds to ST11 in FIG. When the player wants to move the number of stored medals, he pushes the transfer switch 38. As a result, the determination in ST3 is "YE
S ”, and the process proceeds to ST35 in FIG. When the player wants to end the game, he / she operates the settlement switch 36. As a result, the determination in ST4 becomes "YES", and ST in FIG.
Proceed to 40.

When the player presses the bet switch 35 for three bets among the three bet switches 33 to 35 to execute the game, the determination at ST11 in FIG. 6 becomes "YES", and the control section The CPU 41 of 40 determines whether the first storage number n is 3 or more. If the determination is “YES”, the CPU 41 determines the current first storage number n.
By 3 (ST14), and the first storage number n after subtraction
Is displayed on the first storage number display 31 (ST15).

If the first storage number n is 2 or less, S
The determination of T13 is "NO", and it is determined whether the total value of the first storage number n and the second storage number m is 3 or more (ST16). If the total value is 3 or more, ST1
The determination of 6 is "YES", the CPU 41 subtracts (3-n) from the second storage number m, sets the first storage number n to "0" (ST17), and causes the first storage number display 31 to display. "0" is displayed on the second storage number display 32, and the second storage number m after subtraction is displayed (ST18). If the total value of the first storage number n and the second storage number m is 2 or less, S
The determination of T16 is “NO”, and the operation of the bet switch 35 is invalid.

A bet switch 34 for the player to bet two
When is pressed, the determination in ST11 is “NO”, ST
The determination of 12 is “YES”, and it is determined whether the first storage number n is 2 or more (ST19). If it is 2 or more, the determination in ST19 is “YES”, and the control unit 40
CPU 41 of subtracts 2 from the first stored number n (ST
20), the first storage number n after subtraction is indicated by the first storage number display 3
No. 1 is displayed (ST21).

If the first storage number n is 1 or less, S
The determination of T19 is "NO", and it is determined whether the total value of the first storage number n and the second storage number m is 2 or more (ST22). If the total value is 2 or more, ST2
The determination of 2 is “YES”, and the CPU 41 of the control unit 40
Subtracts (2-n) from the second stored number m, and
The first stored number n is set to "0" (ST23), "0" is displayed on the first stored number display 31, and the score after subtraction is displayed on the second stored number display 32 (ST24). If the total value of the first storage number n and the second storage number m is 1 or less, the determination in ST22 is "NO" and the operation of the bet switch 34 is invalid.

A bet switch 33 for the player to bet one
When is pressed, both determinations in ST11 and ST12 are "NO", and it is determined whether the first storage number n is 1 or more (ST25). If it is 1 or more, ST25
Is YES, the CPU 41 of the control unit 40
Decrements the first storage number n by 1 (ST26), and displays the subtracted first storage number n on the first storage number display 31 (ST27).

If the first storage number n is 0, ST2
The determination of 5 is "NO", and then it is determined whether the second storage number m is 1 or more (ST28). If the second storage number m is 1 or more, the determination in ST28 is "YE.
S ”, and the CPU 41 of the control unit 40 causes the second storage number m
1 is subtracted from (ST29), and the second storage number indicator 32
The second stored number m after subtraction is displayed in (ST30). If the second storage number m is zero, the determination in ST28 is "NO" and the operation of the bet switch 33 is invalid.

In this embodiment, even if the first stored number n is less than the bet point (the number of bets), if the second stored number m is supplemented, the second stored number m is automatically consumed. Although the second storage number m is not automatically consumed, an alarm or the like is issued to prompt the player to move the storage number from the second storage number m to the first storage number n. Good. Further, even when the second storage number m is automatically consumed, the first storage number display 3
It is desirable to notify the player by blinking the display of the first or second storage number display 32 or issuing an alarm sound.

Next, when the starting lever 14 is operated, ST
The judgment of 31 becomes "YES", and the reels 8a, 8b, 8
c is rotated at the same time, and the player stops this switch 15
The game is executed by stopping by operating a, 15b, 15c (ST32). If there is a medal payout X due to the establishment of a prize, the determination in ST33 becomes "YES", and the payout X is added to the first stored number n (ST3
4) The procedure proceeds to ST7 described above, and it is determined whether the first storage number n after addition exceeds the limit value N.

If the first storage number n does not exceed the limit value N, the first storage number display 31 indicates the first storage number n.
Is displayed (ST8), but if the first stored number n exceeds the limit value N, the number (n−N) that exceeds the limit value N is the second.
The new storage number n is added to the storage number m, the first storage number n is changed to the limit value N (ST9), and the new first storage number n is displayed on the first storage number display 31. The new second storage number m is displayed on the display 32 (ST10).

In the standby state of ST1 to ST4, when the player wants to move the stored number from the second stored number m to the first stored number n, the transfer switch 38 is pushed. As a result, the determination in ST3 becomes "YES", and ST in FIG.
35, first, it is determined whether or not the second storage number m is not zero. If the second storage number m is not zero,
Next, it is determined whether the second storage number m is 10 or more (ST36). If the determination is “YES”, the CPU 41 of the control unit 40 adds 10 to the first storage number n, subtracts 10 from the second storage number m, and then subtracts it to the second storage number display 32. The subsequent second stored number m is displayed (ST37, 39).

If the second storage number m is not 10 or more, the determination in ST36 is "NO", and the control unit 40 C
The PU 41 adds the second storage number m to the first storage number n, sets the second storage number m to zero, and then the second storage number indicator 32 subtracts the second storage number m (in this case, m = 0) is displayed (ST38, 39). In addition, the above-mentioned ST35
In, when it is determined that the second stored number m is zero, the operation of the transfer switch 38 is invalid.

Since the score data n may exceed the limit value N due to the transfer of the storage number from the second storage number m to the first storage number n, the process proceeds from ST39 to ST7 and the first storage number n is limited. It is determined whether the value N is exceeded. If the first storage number n does not exceed the limit value N, the first
The first stored number n is displayed on the stored number display 31 (ST8). If the first storage number n exceeds the limit value N,
The quantity (n−N) that exceeds the limit value N is added to the second storage number m, and the first storage number n is changed to the limit value N (ST
9), the new storage number n is displayed on the first storage number display 31, and the new second storage number m is displayed on the second storage number display 32 (ST10).

When the player presses the settlement switch 36 to end the game in the standby state of ST1 to ST4, the determination in ST4 becomes "YES" and ST4 in FIG.
The process proceeds to 0, and the CPU 41 of the control unit 40 determines whether the first storage number n or the second storage number m is greater than zero. If the first storage number n or the second storage number m is greater than zero, the determination in ST40 is “YES”, the first storage number n is added to the second storage number m, and the first storage number n
Is cleared to zero, zero is displayed on the first storage number display 31, and a new second storage number m is displayed on the second storage number display 32.
Each is displayed (ST41, 42).

At ST43, after the number of medals corresponding to the second stored number m displayed on the second stored number display 32 is discharged to the medal tray 18, the second stored number m becomes zero. After being cleared, zero is displayed on the second storage number display 32 (ST44, 45). In addition, the above ST
In 40, if it is determined that both the first storage number n and the second storage number m are zero, ST41 to 45 described above.
Is skipped.

FIG. 8 shows another control example. When it is determined in ST33 that there is no payout due to winning after the execution of the game, the first stored number n is a predetermined lower limit value N ₀ (eg N _0). =
1) It is judged whether it is smaller than (ST10).
1). When the determination in ST101 is "YES", if the second storage number m is equal to or greater than the set value M ₀ (for example, M ₀ = 50) (ST102 determination is "YES"), the first storage number n is set to the set value. M ₀ is added and the second storage number m is the set value M _0.
Is subtracted (ST103). If the second storage number m is smaller than the set value M ₀ (determination in ST102 is “NO”),
The second storage number m is added to the first storage number n, and the second storage number m is added.
The stored number m is set to zero (ST104). Then, the new first storage number n is displayed on the first storage number display 31.
However, the new second storage number m is displayed on the second storage number display 32.
Each is displayed (ST105). In addition, ST of FIG.
If it is determined in 33 that there is a winning dividend,
Similarly to step ST34, predetermined data processing is performed.

[0062]

According to the present invention, when the storage number of the game medium stored in the first storage means exceeds the limit value, the game medium is not discharged to the outside and the second storage is stored as a surplus. Since it is stored in the means, the number of times the game medium dispenser is operated can be greatly reduced, and the cause of trouble can be reduced. Further, since the player can confirm the stored number stored in the second storage means by the second display means, the player does not feel uneasy or suspicious. Furthermore, since the stored number stored in the second storage means can be transferred to the first storage means by operating the transfer switch and can be used for execution of the game, it is troublesome to insert the game medium into the insertion slot. Absent. Moreover, since the chances of the game medium being inserted into the slot is greatly reduced, the frequency of the game medium passing through the passage communicating with the slot is reduced, and the occurrence of troubles such as clogging of medals is reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the internal structure of the slot machine.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a configuration of a front panel.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control flow of the slot machine.

6 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another control example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 slot machine 31 1st storage number indicator 32 Second storage number indicator 38 Transfer switch 40 control unit 41 CPU 43 RAM

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Tamotsu Kawamura             2-9-14 Minamisenba, Chuo-ku, Osaka Takasago             Denki Sangyo Co., Ltd.

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A slot machine configured to be able to execute a game using stored game media, wherein first and second storage means are capable of storing the number of stored game media. And first and second display means for displaying the storage numbers stored in the storage means, respectively, and
And a control unit that controls reading and writing of the number of stored data to and from each of the second storage units, and the control unit is stored in the first storage unit when a game medium is received, consumed, or acquired. A slot machine in which the number of stored game media is increased or decreased, and when the number of stored games exceeds a predetermined limit value due to the increase, at least the number exceeding the limit value is stored in the second storage means. 2. A slot machine configured to be able to execute a game using stored game media, wherein first and second storage means are capable of storing the number of stored game media. And first and second display means for displaying the storage numbers stored in the storage means, respectively, and
And a control unit that controls reading and writing of the number of stored data to and from each of the second storage units, and the control unit is stored in the first storage unit when a game medium is received, consumed, or acquired. The number of stored game media is increased / decreased, and when the stored value exceeds a predetermined limit value due to the increase, at least the number exceeding the limit value is stored in the second storage means, and a settlement operation is performed by the player. In this case, the slot machine is capable of executing the settlement process by subtracting the number of game media to be returned to the player from the number of storages stored in each of the first and second storage means. 3. A slot machine configured to be able to execute a game using stored game media, wherein first and second storage means are capable of storing the number of stored game media. And first and second display means for displaying the storage numbers stored in the storage means, and a transfer for instructing to transfer the storage number from the second storage means to the first storage means. It is provided with a switch and a control means for controlling reading and writing of the number of stored data to and from the first and second storage means, respectively, and the control means is configured to control the first, when the game medium is received, consumed, or acquired. The number of stored game media stored in the storage means is increased or decreased, and when the storage value exceeds a predetermined limit value due to the increase, at least the number exceeding the limit value is stored in the second storage means, and the transfer switch Is operated In this case, the number of storages stored in the second storage means is decreased by a predetermined amount and the number of storages stored in the first storage means is increased by the above-mentioned amount, and the player performs a settlement operation. In this case, the slot machine is capable of executing the settlement process by subtracting the number of game media to be returned to the player from the storage number stored in each of the first and second storage means. 4. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means exceeds a limit value to cause a second storage. A slot machine comprising notifying means for notifying a player of the stored number being written to the means. 5. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means exceeds a limit value, the number of game media is exceeded. A slot machine comprising a selection switch for ejecting a game medium. 6. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein when the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means decreases to a predetermined value, it is sent to a player. A slot machine provided with an informing means for informing. 7. The slot machine according to claim 3, wherein the storage number stored in each of the first and second storage means is rewritten by operating the transfer switch. A slot machine provided with notifying means for notifying the player of it when being played. 8. The slot machine according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the control means keeps the number of storages stored in the second storage means constant when the transfer switch is operated. 2. The number of storages stored in the first storage means is increased by the number and the number of storages is increased by the number.
Slot machine described in. 9. The slot machine according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the control means indicates a storage number stored in the second storage means when the transfer switch is operated. A slot machine for decreasing the number of storages stored in one storage unit by the amount corresponding to the difference between the limit value and increasing the number of storages stored in the first storage unit by the amount. 10. The slot machine according to claim 3, wherein the control unit preliminarily sets the storage number stored in the second storage unit when the transfer switch is operated. A slot machine for decreasing the set variable quantity and increasing the stored quantity stored in the first storage means by the quantity. 11. The slot machine according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the control means transfers the stored number stored in the second storage means when the transfer switch is operated. A slot machine for decreasing the quantity corresponding to the length of time that the switch is operated and increasing the number of pools stored in the first storage means by the quantity. 12. The slot machine according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the control means limits the storage number stored in the first storage means when the transfer switch is operated. The storage number stored in the second storage means is set to zero and the storage number stored in the first storage means is stored in the second storage means on condition that the value does not exceed the value. Slot machine that increases by the number. 13. The slot machine according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the control means causes the player to release a game medium in a quantity to be returned when the player performs a settlement operation. A slot machine that executes payment processing. 14. The slot machine according to claim 2, wherein the control means records the number of game media to be returned to the player when a settlement operation is performed by the player. A slot machine that executes settlement processing by issuing a recording medium. 15. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the second display means is a second
An indicator for numerically displaying the stored number stored in the storage means, and at least one light-emitting body that emits light when the stored number stored in the second storage means exceeds a predetermined value. A slot machine containing. 16. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control means requires the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means to execute a game. A slot machine adapted to subtract the number of insufficient game media from the number of stored game media stored in the second storage means when the number of game media is smaller than the number of game media. 17. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means causes the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means to reach a predetermined lower limit value. When this is done, a slot machine that reduces the number of stored game media stored in the second storage means by a predetermined quantity and increases the number of stored game media stored in the first storage means by the above quantity. 18. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control means has a storage number of game media stored in the second storage means that exceeds a predetermined limit value. At this time, a slot machine that releases a game medium in an amount exceeding the limit value.