JP2003225454A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine by which game media are effectively utilized and a player efficiently plays a game. <P>SOLUTION: A discharge sub-controller 59 includes: a discharge control part 64 for receiving an instruction from a main controller 40 with prize-winning as a trigger and discharging game balls; a replenishment request part 65 for receiving the request of ball lending by the depression of a ball lending button in order to continue the game and requesting the replenishment processing of the game balls to the discharge control part 64; and a replenishment control part 66 for controlling the replenishment processing under performance when a prize is won during the game ball replenishment processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a game medium is paid out in response to a prize in a game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Usually, when playing a game using a game medium, a player borrows the game medium from the hall side and plays the game.

For example, when playing a game with a pachinko gaming machine that uses a pachinko ball as a medium for gaming, the pachinko ball is borrowed from the hall in exchange for cash.

Then, the player can exchange desired prizes and game balls according to the number of acquired game media.

By the way, the exchange rate of a game medium for renting it is different from that for exchanging a prize.
For example, in the case of a pachinko game machine, the rental ball is 4 yen per item, but when exchanging with a prize, the exchange rate is usually in the range of 2 yen to 3.50 yen. However, depending on the equivalent exchange, some halls may be exchanged for 4 yen, which is the same amount as the ball rental.

The pachinko ball is borrowed from the hall from the player's side, but is lent to the player from the hall's side.

[0007] In the case of a pachinko ball, it is generally called a loan ball, so unless otherwise specified, it will be called a loan ball instead of a borrow ball.

Further, the concept of a divisor is known as a measure representing how much a premium is given to the sales of a hole, that is, the balance of the hole.

The divisor is calculated by the formula of prize amount (prize sphere) ÷ sales amount (sales sphere). At the time of opening a store or other special service, the divisor becomes 20% to 30%. , Nails provided on the game board in front of the gaming machine and changing the game contents are set to sweet nails.

However, at the time of collection for the hall side, the split number becomes low because it is set in a pinch. For example, if the prize exchange value of one sphere is 2.50 yen, the percentage is 160%, which is the income and expenditure border line for the hole. Must be set to a number.

Since there is a difference in the exchange rate as described above, it is more advantageous for the player to use the pachinko ball that has been acquired (so-called prize ball) than to use the ball to be lent by cash or a prepaid card. I understand.

[0012]

On the other hand, in some gaming machines, a minimum investment amount for playing a game is set, and there is a gaming machine below which a minimum investment amount cannot be played.

As an example of a pachinko gaming machine, there is a pachinko gaming machine compatible with a prepaid card system for a pachinko machine, which is commonly called a CR machine. The CR machine is equipped with an automatic ball lending machine (hereinafter referred to as "card unit") adjacent to the pachinko machine body.

When playing with a CR machine, the player inserts a prepaid card purchased in advance into the card unit before the game and pushes a lending button provided on the body of the CR machine to borrow a pachinko ball and play the game. To do.

In order to play the game on the CR machine, the player purchases a prepaid card in advance. Prepaid cards are currently 1000 yen, 2000 yen, 3000 yen
There are four types, yen and 5000 yen.

[0016] Since the pachinko ball rental fee is 4 yen per item, the number of balls for 100 yen is 25, which is referred to as one time with one unit. Therefore, with a 1000 yen prepaid card, you can play with 250 balls for 10 times.

In the case of such a ball rental system, when the lending button is pressed, an amount of pachinko balls corresponding to a predetermined number of times is lent out regardless of the player's intention. Specifically, when the lending button is pressed once, 125 balls for 5 times are automatically discharged to the upper plate of the pachinko gaming machine, and the frequency of the prepaid card is reduced by 5 times.

It is possible to set the number of game balls to be rented out for each operation of the lending button of the gaming machine to an arbitrary frequency on the side of the hall, but normally a player rents balls for about 5 times. Since it is rented at once, it is often set to 5 times in order not to complicate the operation of the player at the time of renting.

By the way, there are cases where a player wins a prize while replenishing a ball. And if the prize is a jackpot,
Prize balls and ball rentals will be executed in synchronization for a certain period.
For example, if a player hits the lend button and then a big hit occurs when the player plays the game twice, the ball to be rented will be discharged together with the prize ball up to five times. Therefore, the balls that are lent out after a big hit are inefficient for the player. This is because, in the prior art, when the lending button is pressed once, the rental balls of a predetermined number of times (five times in the above example) are always discharged.
The above description can be applied to winnings other than jackpots.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object to be solved is to provide a gaming machine capable of effectively utilizing a game medium. .

Another object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine which allows a player to play a game efficiently.

[0022]

The present invention is a gaming machine,
In order to solve the above-mentioned matters, the configuration is as follows.

That is, the present invention is a gaming machine for playing a game using a gaming medium, and the gaming machine according to the present invention has a payout control means for carrying out a process for paying out the gaming medium when a prize is won, and a gaming machine. Receiving a predetermined operation for continuation, a replenishment request means for requesting the payout control means to replenish the game medium, and a request from the replenishment request means, and the payout control means replenishes the game medium. When a prize is won during the process, a replenishment control unit for controlling the replenishment process of the game medium by the payout control unit is provided.

As described above, since the payout of the rental balls can be controlled, the player can play the game by using the game medium (so-called prize ball) obtained by winning the prize. It is not necessary to use an expensive ball rental with a unit price per medium. That is, according to the present invention, a player can play a game without suffering a disadvantage as much as possible.

The replenishment control means in the present invention has a function of stopping the replenishment process of the game machine medium.

As a result, it is possible to stop the replenishment process of the game medium at the time of winning during the replenishment of rented balls.

The replenishment control means in the present embodiment is
The same effect can be obtained as a replenishment stopping means capable of exhibiting the above-mentioned function.

Further, the replenishment control means in the present invention is
It has a function of stopping the replenishment process of the game machine medium.

As a result, it is possible to stop the replenishment process of the game medium in the winning during the replenishment of the rented balls.

The replenishment control means in the present embodiment is
The same effect can be obtained as a replenishment stopping means capable of exhibiting the above-mentioned function.

In addition, the replenishment control means in the present invention is
It has a function of once stopping the replenishment process of the gaming machine medium and then starting the replenishment process again. In the present invention, the replenishment control means may be replenishment suspending means capable of exhibiting the above function.

These replenishment control (replenishment stop, replenishment stop,
By suspending replenishment, it is possible to control the discharge of rental balls. Therefore, if a player wins a prize and pays out the balls while replenishing the balls, the refilling process of those balls is controlled. In other words, it is possible to prevent the rental balls with a high exchange rate from being dispensed unnecessarily. As a result, the player does not suffer the disadvantage as much as possible.

Further, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, if a prize is awarded when the payout control means is replenishing the gaming medium, a detection is made to detect the amount of the gaming medium already paid out from the time of winning. Means are provided.

Further, the replenishment control means in the present invention is
Based on the detection result from the detection means, replenishment control of the game medium (replenishment stop, replenishment stop, replenishment temporary stop) is performed.

By providing such detection means,
It is possible to prevent stop control and stop control of the game medium from being fluidly performed, and to give certainty to the timing of control.

Further, the detecting means in the present invention is a type for detecting the number of game media already paid out from the time of winning when a prize is won while the payout control means controls the replenishment of game media. There is a type that detects the weight of the game medium.

Therefore, by setting the number of pieces and the numerical value of the weight for each model, it is possible to easily cope with the capacity and size of the saucer different for each model.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when the payout control means is performing the replenishment processing of the game medium, if the winning is won, the replenishment control means notifies that the replenishment processing of the game medium is controlled. It is characterized by having a notification means.

Further, as the notification means in the present invention,
Voice notification means for notifying the control content for the game medium supplement by the voice output means, lamp notification means for notifying the control content for the game medium supplement by blinking the lamp, and game medium supplement by the symbol displayed on the symbol display means There is a symbol notifying means for notifying the control content for. Note that the control content here includes at least one of a control for stopping replenishment of the game medium, a control for stopping replenishment of the game medium, and a control for temporarily suspending replenishment of the game machine medium.

Further, the above-mentioned voice output means, lamp and symbol display device may be a part of the device constituting the gaming machine, or provided separately for the purpose of notifying only. May be

With such an informing means, it is possible to know the control contents and control status of the game medium supplement even when the player is playing the game.

Further, this notifying means is not limited to the control contents and control state of the game medium replenishment, but also when the game medium replenishment control is not performed for some reason or the replenishment control is not completed, that is, the replenishment. It is also possible to provide a configuration in which an error warning is issued when, for example, the control of replenishing the game medium by the control means is continuously performed.

[0043]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A gaming machine according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is described as a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as "gaming machine") that uses a pachinko ball (hereinafter referred to as "gaming ball" unless otherwise specified) as a gaming medium.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine I. The gaming machine I in this embodiment is an outer frame 15 that is configured by a vertically long rectangular frame and is firmly fixed to the installation location of the gaming machine I.
And one side thereof is held by the outer frame 15 and the outer frame 15
And a table frame 16 that can be opened and closed with respect to the table frame 1
A window frame 17 that can be opened and closed is provided on the upper part of the front surface of 6, and a front frame 16 is provided with substantially all of the main constituent components of the gaming machine I.

Main components provided on the front frame 16 are a game board 18 having a game area 30 on the board surface, and a launching device 58 provided inside the game machine I for launching a game ball to the upper portion of the game board 18. (See FIG. 2), a handle 19 for operating the launching device 58, a ball discharging unit (not shown) for discharging a predetermined number of balls as necessary, and control for controlling various devices. Examples include devices, a game ball to be supplied to the game machine I, and a tray 20 for storing a part of the game ball discharged as a prize ball from the game machine I. The game machine I in the first embodiment will be described as a type of game machine in which an upper plate and a lower plate that store game balls are integrated, but of course, the upper plate and the lower plate are provided separately. It may be a gaming machine.

Further, the gaming machine I in the present embodiment,
A window frame 17 that is openable and closable with respect to the front frame 16 is provided. The window frame 17 is provided with a see-through window 21 through which the entire game area 30 of the game board 18 can be seen through the frame.

Further, decoration LEDs 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, lamps 11a and 11b, a speaker (audio output device) 10 are provided along the outer periphery of the transparent window 21.
a, 10b, etc. are provided. This decoration LED22
a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e and the lamp 11a,
11b is blinked according to the state of the game. Further, the speakers 10a and 10b emit various sound effects according to the progress of the game.

Further, the game board 18 is formed of a substantially square plywood so as to be housed and fixed in a housing frame (not shown) of the game board 18 which is integrally formed on the back side of the front frame 16. There is.

Further, on the front surface thereof, a guide rail 25 formed in a circular spiral shape for guiding the destination of the game ball hit by the launching device 58 and the guide rail 25.
Obstacles such as nails (not shown) and windmills 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d in the game area 30 surrounded by, and a symbol display device 7 for displaying symbols and information according to the progress of the game, and this symbol A start winning opening 27 having a pair of left and right movable wing pieces that receive a game ball that is provided immediately below the display device 7 and serves as a trigger for varying the display content of the symbol display device 7, and is provided directly below the starting winning opening 27. The big winning device 28 that is opened and closed by the opening and closing member, and a plurality of general winning openings 29a, 2a provided at predetermined positions in the game area 30.
9b are provided.

Furthermore, at the lowermost part of the game area 30 of the game board 18, there is provided an outlet 31 for taking in game balls which are not won in any winning device.

The above is the external configuration of the gaming machine I in this embodiment.

The gaming machine I in the present embodiment is a gaming machine compatible with the prepaid card system, and the prepaid card unit II is adjacent to the gaming machine I adjacent to the gaming machine I.
Is equipped with.

The prepaid card unit II is provided with a card reader 32 therein, and the player inserts the prepaid card 33 purchased before the execution of the game into the reading port 34 of the card reader 32 to play the game. Get ready to run.

Further, on the left side of the tray 20, there is provided a lending button 35 which interlocks with the prepaid card unit II and dispenses game balls. In the vicinity of the lending button 35, the prepaid card 33 is returned. A return button 36 is provided for this purpose.

These lending button 35 and return button 36
Are push buttons. These buttons are electrically connected to a device (board) that controls ON / OFF. The device for performing this ON / OFF control is provided in the payout sub-control device 59 (see FIG. 2) installed inside the gaming machine I.

For example, when the lending button 35 is pressed, a payout sub-control device 59 (details will be described later) installed inside the gaming machine I performs payout control so that a predetermined amount of game balls can be lent to the player. It has become. It should be noted that the payout sub-control device 59 performs not only control of lent balls but also control of prize balls when a prize is won.

When a predetermined amount of game balls are paid out, the frequency of the prepaid card unit II is subtracted and the remaining frequency is stored in the prepaid card 33.

Next, various control devices provided on the back side of the gaming machine I for controlling the gaming machine I will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the main controller 40 will be described.
The main control device 40 is a main device that controls the gaming machine I as a whole, and is a basic processing device such as a CPU (Center).
alProcessing Unit, central processing unit)
41 and a RAM for temporarily storing processing items of the CPU 41
(Random Access Memory) 42
And R for storing various programs executed by the main controller 40
And an OM (Read Only Memory) 43. The programs stored in the ROM 43 include a jackpot determination program, a symbol determination program, a variation pattern determination program, and the like.

The main control device 40 is connected to a plurality of sub control devices. Then, the main control device 40 transmits 8-bit data indicating the presence or absence of a big hit, the presence or absence of a prize ball, and the like assigned by the big hit determination program to a predetermined sub control device by a 2-byte transmission method.

Next, the sub controller 44 will be described. still,
This sub-control device 44 in the present embodiment is a symbol sub-control device 45 for controlling the symbol display device 7, a lamp sub-control device 49 for controlling various lamps, and the speaker 1.
Audio sub-control device 53 for controlling 0a and 10b
And a payout sub-control device 59 for controlling the payout of the game balls, and a launch control device 57 for controlling a launch device 58 for launching the game balls onto the game board 18 for playing the game.

First, the design sub-control device 45 will be described. The symbol sub-control device 45 is a sub-control device that performs processing relating to display contents displayed on the symbol display device 7 shown in FIG. 1 based on the processing of the main control device 40.

In the symbol sub-control device 45, the CPU 4 which stores a program for controlling the symbol display device 7
6 and a RAM 47 for temporarily storing processing items of the CPU 46
And a ROM 48 for storing effect information such as designs.

Next, the lamp sub controller 49, based on the processing of the main controller 40, the decorative LEDs 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 2 provided on the front surface of the gaming machine I shown in FIG.
The light emission of the lamp 2e, the lamps 11a, 11b, etc. is controlled. The lamp sub-control device 49 includes decorative LEDs 22a, 22
b, 22c, 22d, 22e and the CPU 50 that stores a program for controlling the light emission of the lamps 11a, 11b.
And a RAM 51 for temporarily storing processing items of the CPU 50
And a ROM 52 for storing effect information and the like.

Further, the audio sub-control device 53 is a sub-control device which performs a voice effect process based on the process of the main control device 40, and is provided on the front surface of the gaming machine I shown in FIG. 1 according to the progress of the game. A speaker 10a that outputs various sounds,
Output control of 10b is performed. The audio sub-control device 53 is also provided with a CPU 54 for storing a program for controlling output of the speakers 10a, 10b, a RAM 55 for temporarily storing processing items of the CPU 54, a ROM 56 for storing effect information by voice, and the like. Has been.

The firing control device 57 is a sub-control device for controlling a firing device 58 for firing a game ball onto the game board 18 by operating the handle 19 shown in FIG. 1 by the player.
The launch control device 57 includes a CPU that controls a launch device 58 that launches a game ball onto the game board 18, and a CPU.
Although a RAM for temporarily storing the processing items by the above and a ROM for storing various control programs are not usually provided, these may be provided.

Next, the structure of the payout sub-control device 59 in this embodiment will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, in the payout sub-control device 59 of the present embodiment, a CPU 60 that controls a payout device 63 that pays out game balls, a RAM 61 that temporarily stores processing items by the CPU 60, and various controls. A ROM 62 for storing a program is provided.

Further, FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram in the payout sub controller 59 of the present embodiment. The various functional units in the payout sub-control device described below are executed by the CPU 60, the ROM 62, and the RAM 61 described above.

Dispensing sub controller 59 in the present embodiment
Is a payout control section (payout control means) 64 which performs a process of paying out game balls in response to an instruction from the main control device 40, and a lending button 35 shown in FIG. 1 for continuing the game. In response to the request to lend a ball when pressed, a replenishment request unit (replenishment request means) 65 that requests the payout control unit 64 to replenish the game ball, and during the process of replenishing the game ball. When the player wins a prize, the player has a replenishment control unit (replenishment control means) 66 for controlling the replenishment process being executed.

Further, the replenishment controller 66 in this embodiment.
Is a replenishment stop unit (replenishment stop means) 67 for stopping the game ball replenishment process, a replenishment stop unit (replenishment stop unit) 68 for stopping the game sphere replenishment process, and the game ball replenishment process is once stopped, It is assumed that it is composed of three types of replenishment control units including a replenishment temporary stop unit (replenishment temporary stop means) 69 for restarting. Of course, the replenishment control unit 66 has a replenishment stop function,
It may be configured to have a replenishment stop function and a replenishment temporary stop function.

In addition, a replenishment stop unit 67 (replenishment stop function),
Replenishment stop unit 68 (replenishment stop function) and replenishment temporary stop unit 6
9 (supplementary suspension function) can be selectable.

Further, the payout sub-control device 59 is provided with an informing section (informing means) 70 for informing the player that the replenishment process is controlled by the above-mentioned replenishment control section 66.

As the notification method by the notification unit 70 in this embodiment, the speakers 10a and 10 shown in FIG.
From b, a method of notifying by voice that the replenishment process is controlled, and a method of notifying the player that the replenishment process is controlled by blinking various lamps provided on the front surface of the gaming machine I, , There is a method of displaying the fact that the replenishment process is controlled on the symbol display device 7 shown in FIG. 1 to inform the player.

Further, the payout sub-control device 59 in the present embodiment wins a prize while the game ball replenishing process is being performed, and detects the amount of the game ball already paid out by the winning part (detection). (Means) 71, based on the detection result by means 71, further replenishment processing of the game ball is performed.

The detection unit 71 has a number detection type for detecting the number of game balls already paid out by winning just before receiving the replenishment control, and the weight of the game balls stored in the tray 20 shown in FIG. There are two types, a weight detection type and a weight detection type. Which detection type to use, the number of gaming balls, and the setting of specific numerical values for the weight may be set by the manufacturer at the time of manufacturing the gaming machine I, or the hall side that handles the gaming machine I sets it for each model. May be. The detection unit 71 in this embodiment will be described as a number detection type.
Therefore, the detection unit 71 in the present embodiment is provided on the front surface of the gaming machine I shown in FIG. 1 and is provided near the prize ball payout opening 72 for paying out the prize balls (A in FIG. 1).

The above is the configuration of the payout sub-control board in the present embodiment.

The control relationship between the game ball refilling process and the prepaid card unit II shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, when the player presses the lending button 35 shown in FIG. 1, the prepaid card unit II turns on the lending switch O.
The N signal is detected, the prepaid card unit II turns on the lending request completion signal (BRQ) by using this as a trigger, and requests the replenishment requesting unit 65 shown in FIG. 3 to replenish the game ball.

Next, the payout control unit 64, which has received the request from the replenishment requesting unit 65, turns on the lending request completion signal (BRQ).
When it is detected, the lending completion signal (EXS) is turned on, the lending preparation is performed, and the gaming ball is lent (replenishment process). The lending completion signal (EXS) in this embodiment
Is output when 100 yen worth (25 game balls), that is, a few game balls of the prepaid card 33 are replenished.

When the game ball lending is completed, the payout control unit 64 turns off the lending completion signal (EXS), and the game ball refilling process is completed.

Most of the existing prepaid cards 33 are designed such that when the lending button 35 is pressed once, 500 yen (125 game balls), that is, five or several times, is paid out by one lending. In the present embodiment, the lending completion signal (EXS) is turned on each time the prepaid card 33 is charged for a few minutes, so that 100 yen of game balls can be replenished five times by one lending.

When the return button 36 shown in FIG. 1 is pressed, the prepaid card unit II detects a return switch ON signal, and the player is caused to return the prepaid card 33 from the prepaid card unit II using this signal as a trigger.

In order to exchange these various signals, the prepaid card unit READY signal (BRDY) indicating that the prepaid card unit II shown in FIG. 1 is in an operable state is ON, and It is premised that the table READY signal (PRDY) indicating that the gaming machine I is in the operable state is ON.

Next, the process of game ball replenishment process control in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The replenishment process control in this step is assumed to be replenishment stop control for stopping the game ball replenishment process.

Further, in the explanation of the process of the replenishment control in the present embodiment, it is premised that the process of replenishing the game balls, that is, the process of renting out the game balls has already been executed.

First, during the game ball refilling process, it is determined whether or not there is a signal from the main control device 40 regarding the presence or absence of a prize. That is, the detecting unit 71 determines whether or not the payout number of game balls (prize balls) associated with winning is "0" (S01).

Here, the RAM 6 of the payout sub-control unit 59
The number of game balls (that is, the number of prize balls) to be paid out at the time of winning stored in 1 is checked. More specifically, the payout sub-control device 59 has already paid out from the payout number of the game balls stored in the RAM 61 and the prize detected by the detection unit 71 every time a command relating to the payout is sent from the main control device 40. A process of subtracting the number of game balls that have been played is performed.

If it is determined in step 01 that there is no winning, the process proceeds to step 04 to continue the game ball refilling process.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 01 that a prize has been won, it is determined whether or not the replenishment processing by the replenishment stopping unit 67 can be stopped (S02).

Here, if it is determined that the replenishment process can be stopped, the replenishment stop unit 67 performs stop control for the game ball replenishment process (S03). In addition, in order to perform the stop control for the game ball supplement processing, it is a condition that the lending completion signal (EXS) is not output. still,
Since the lending completion signal (EXS) in the present embodiment is output every time the gaming ball is paid out for 100 yen, it is assumed that the stop control of the gaming ball refilling process is performed after the lending completion signal (EXS) is output. Also, only about ⅕ of the number of game balls to be paid out in the conventional lending will be paid out.

If the lending completion signal (EXS) is not output for a predetermined time for some reason, the prepaid card unit II side determines that it is a time-out error, and the supplement of the game ball is forcibly stopped. Incidentally, the time that results in this timeout error can be set as appropriate.

Then, in response to the stop control for the replenishment process being performed, the notification unit 70 causes the audio sub-control unit 53 to operate.
Alternatively, it notifies that the lamp sub-control device 40 or the symbol sub-control device 45 is performing stop control (S05).

For example, in the case of the notification by the audio sub-control device 53, an announcement such as "Stopping payout of rental balls" is output by the sound of the computer,
Further, if the notification by the lamp sub-control device 40, to notify the stop of the game ball refilling process by blinking various lamps violently, further, if the notification by the symbol control device 45, to the symbol display device 7. It is possible to notify the stop of the game ball replenishment process by displaying the content of "payment of rental balls is stopped."

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 02 that the replenishment process cannot be controlled, the lending completion signal (EXS) is set to O.
The game ball replenishing process is continued to N (S04).

Further, after the process of step 03 or before the process of step 04, it is possible to add a process for updating the time during which the game ball supplement process is stopped by the supplement stop unit 67. .

This process is performed because the content of the replenishing process to be restarted is different corresponding to the time when the replenishing process was stopped.

The time during which the game ball replenishing process is stopped is the same as the time when the prize balls are paid out. The longer this time is, the more prize balls are paid out. Because it is.

That is, as the time for which the game ball replenishing process is stopped becomes longer, many prize balls are stored in the tray 20 shown in FIG. This means that the number of game balls played must be reduced.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the relationship between the time during which this replenishment process is stopped and the number of game balls to be paid out by the replenishment process of the game balls to be restarted.

For example, when there is no time during which game ball replenishment control has been performed (0 seconds), the number of game balls to be paid out in the next game ball replenishing process is 125, and 1
When the game ball replenishment control is performed for 0 seconds, the game ball to be paid out next is 75, and when the game ball replenishment control is performed for 20 seconds, the game ball to be paid out next is 2
An example of such a relationship is that there are five.

Next, the steps of the replenishment processing control when the replenishment control section 66 is the replenishment stopping section 68 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Incidentally, the replenishment suspending unit 68
The replenishment stop control by means of the game, when the winning is confirmed while the game balls are being replenished, until the player requests replenishment of the gaming machine, that is, until the lending button 35 is pressed next time. It is a control to stop the replenishment of balls.

First, during the game ball replenishing process, it is determined whether or not there is a signal from the main control device 40 regarding the presence or absence of winning. That is, the detecting unit 71 determines whether or not the payout number of game balls (prize balls) associated with winning is "0" (S20).

Here, the RAM 6 of the payout sub-control device 59 is used.
The number of game balls (that is, the number of prize balls) to be paid out at the time of winning stored in 1 is checked. More specifically, the payout sub-control device 59 has already paid out from the payout number of the game balls stored in the RAM 61 and the prize detected by the detection unit 71 every time a command relating to the payout is sent from the main control device 40. A process of subtracting the number of game balls that have been played is performed.

When it is determined in step 20 that there is no winning, the process proceeds to step 23 to continue the game ball refilling process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 20 that a prize has been won, it is determined whether or not the replenishment process can be stopped by the replenishment stopping unit 68 (S21).

If it is determined that the supplement process can be suspended, the supplement suspending unit 68 controls the suspension of the game ball supplement process (S22). In addition, in order to perform the stop control for the game ball refilling process, it is a condition that the lending completion signal (EXS) is not output.

Then, in response to the suspension control for the replenishment process, the notification unit 70 causes the audio sub-control unit 53 to operate.
Alternatively, the lamp sub-control device 40 and the symbol sub-control device 45 are informed that the stop control is performed (S24), and the present process ends. That is, replenishment of game balls is stopped until the player next presses the lending button 35 shown in FIG.

Incidentally, in the control for canceling the game ball replenishing process in the present embodiment, the game ball replenishing process is stopped at intervals of one prepaid card. That is, if the game balls for 5 times should be replenished, but the winning is confirmed at the time when the game balls are replenished up to 3 times for a few minutes later, it is not immediately stopped at that time, Control is performed such that the game ball is replenished up to several times and then stopped.

As the notification method, for example, in the case of the notification by the audio sub-control unit 53 shown in FIG. 2, an announcement such as "payment of rented ball has been stopped" is displayed by the voice of the computer in FIG. Speakers 10a, 10 shown
Output from b, or, if the notification by the lamp sub-control device 40 shown in FIG. 2, to notify the suspension of the game ball refilling process by turning on all the various lamps, further, the symbol shown in FIG. If the notification is made by the control device 45,
It is possible to notify the cancellation of the game ball supplement process by displaying the content "Paid out of the ball has been canceled" on the symbol display device 7 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 21 that the replenishment process cannot be controlled, the lending completion signal (EXS) is set to O.
The game ball replenishing process is continued with N (S23).

Through the above steps, the gaming machine I in the present embodiment receives the prize when a player wins a prize while the player is supplementing the game ball, for example. Since the replenishment process can be stopped, the player uses the prize balls (gaming balls) with a low exchange rate acquired in the game without increasing the usage amount of balls (gaming balls) with a high exchange rate more than necessary. You can play games. Of course, according to the gaming machine I of the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same action and effect even in a prize other than the jackpot.

Further, since the gaming machine I of the present embodiment replenishes the game balls every several minutes for each prepaid card, it does not inefficiently pay out the balls to be redeemed with a high exchange rate, and the balls are effectively used. can do.

That is, according to the gaming machine I of this embodiment,
The player can efficiently play the game.

[0114]

As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to provide the gaming machine which can effectively use the game medium.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which a player can efficiently play a game.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a gaming machine in the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a control block diagram of the gaming machine in the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of a payout sub-control device in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a correlation between a payout sub-control device and a prepaid card unit according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of stop control for game ball refilling processing in the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the relationship between the replenishment process stop time and the number of game balls paid out by the replenishment process in the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of stop control for a game ball refilling process in the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

I gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) II Prepaid card unit 7 Symbol display device 10 speaker (audio output device) 11 lamps 15 outer frame 16 table frames 17 window frames 18 game board 19 handle 20 saucer 21 Perspective window 22 Decorative LED 25 guide rails 26 windmill 27 Starting prize hole 28 Grand Prize Winner 29 General prize holes 30 game areas 31 Out mouth 32 card reader 33 prepaid cards 34 Reading port 35 Lending button 36 Return button 40 Main controller 41 CPU 42 RAM 43 ROM 44 Sub controller 45 Design sub-control device 46 CPU 47 RAM 48 ROM 49 Lamp sub-control device 50 CPU 51 RAM 52 ROM 53 Audio sub-control device 54 CPU 55 RAM 56 ROM 57 Fire control device 58 launcher 59 Discharge sub-control device 60 CPU 61 RAM 62 ROM 63 dispensing device 64 payout control unit (payout control means) 65 Replenishment Request Section (Replenishment Request Means) 66 Replenishment control unit (replenishment control means) 67 Replenishment Stopper (Replenishment Stopper) 68 Replenishment Stopping Section (Replenishment Stopping Means) 69 Replenishment temporary stop unit (replenishment temporary stop means) 70 Notification unit (notification means) 71 Detector (Detector) 72 prize ball exit BRDY prepaid card unit READY signal BRQ loan request completion signal EXS loan completion signal PRDY stand READY signal

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine for playing a game using a game medium, a payout control means for paying out the game medium when a prize is won, and a predetermined operation for continuing the game. Replenishment requesting means for requesting the payout control means to perform the replenishment processing of the medium, and a request from the replenishment requesting means, when the payout control means is performing the replenishing processing of the game medium, if the prize is won, A gaming machine comprising: replenishment control means for controlling replenishment of the game medium by the replenishment request means. 2. The replenishment control means stops the replenishment processing of the game machine medium when a prize is won while the game medium replenishment processing is being performed by the payout control means. The gaming machine described in 1. 3. The replenishment control means suspends the replenishment processing of the gaming machine medium when a prize is won while the game medium replenishment processing is being performed by the payout control means. The gaming machine described in 1 or 2. 4. The replenishment control means temporarily stops the replenishment processing of the game medium and restarts the replenishment processing after a predetermined time if a prize is won while the replenishment processing of the game medium is being performed by the payout control means. Claim 1 characterized by the above.
The gaming machine according to any one of 3 to 3. 5. A detection means for detecting the amount of the game medium paid out from the time of winning when a prize is won while the game medium is being replenished by the payout control means. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The game according to claim 5, wherein the replenishment control means stops the replenishment processing of the game medium in response to detection of a predetermined amount of game medium by the detection means. Machine. 7. The detecting means detects the number of game media already paid out at the time of winning when a prize is won while the payout control means controls the replenishment of game media. The gaming machine according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that. 8. When the winning means wins when the payout control means controls replenishment of the gaming medium, the sensing means detects the weight of the gaming medium already paid out from the winning time. The gaming machine according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that. 9. A notification means for notifying that the replenishment processing of the game medium is controlled by the replenishment control means when a prize is won while the replenishment processing of the game medium is being performed by the payout control means. 1 to 5 characterized by
The gaming machine according to any one of 1. 10. The game machine according to claim 9, wherein the notifying means has a voice notifying means for notifying by voice a control content for replenishing the game medium. 11. The gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein the notifying means has a lamp notifying means for notifying a control content for replenishing the game medium by blinking a lamp. 12. The gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein the notifying unit has a symbol notifying unit for notifying a control content for replenishing the game medium by a symbol displayed on the symbol display unit.