JP2004041564A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for executing a visual presentation to enhance player's emotion when the game is in a prescribed winning mode, especially in a special winning mode. <P>SOLUTION: A medal tray 402 for loading game medals 70 is supported to be tilted relatively to a treasure box 100 inside the treasure box 100. The front of the medal tray 402 is tilted downward at the timing when game medals 70 are put out as prizes at a prescribed angle determined according to the number of game medals 70 to be put out. The game medals 70 loaded on the medal tray 402 fall off the tray and fall down through a communication hole 410 to a hopper 21 formed on the bottom of the treasure box 100. The series of operation in the treasure box 100 can be viewed by a player, and the player feels as if the game medals 70 falling off the medal tray 402 would be the game medals 70 to be put out as prizes. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine capable of performing a visual effect when medals or coins (hereinafter simply referred to as medals) as a prize are paid out. It is.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a slot machine known as this type of gaming machine includes a housing having a front door that can be opened and closed, a display window is provided in front of the front door, and the display window has an inside of the housing. The outer peripheral surfaces of a plurality of reels arranged on the respective sides are facing each other.
[0003]
In such a slot machine, the game start condition is set by inserting a game medal, and when a player operates a start switch, a plurality of reels rotate and a plurality of types of symbols drawn on the surface of the reel are rotated at a high speed. Move with. When the player operates a stop switch corresponding to each reel, the rotation of each reel is stopped, and a plurality of types of symbols drawn on the surface of the reel are stopped and displayed.
[0004]
Here, when the combination of the symbols stopped and displayed becomes a predetermined combination, a game medal as a prize is paid out. In addition, a special game that is more advantageous to the player than the general game is performed on the condition that the combination of the symbols stopped and displayed becomes a predetermined special winning mode.
This special game is a game called a so-called big bonus game or a regular bonus game, and can acquire an extremely large number of game medals as compared with a general game.
[0005]
By the way, in such a slot machine, the player continues the game by alternately pressing the start switch and the stop switch, and during the game, the player wins the prize as soon as possible. It is hoped that it will be a mode, especially the special winning mode described above. In other words, it can be said that the monotonous game operation up to that point does not suffer if the user can enjoy the excitement when the combination of the symbols stopped and displayed becomes the winning mode.
[0006]
Therefore, in the conventional slot machine, when the combination of symbols stopped and displayed becomes a predetermined prize mode, particularly when a special prize mode is set, an effect by light from an LED or a lamp, an effect of sound from a speaker, and In an apparatus having a liquid crystal image display unit, an image effect or the like on the image display unit is performed to further increase the excitement of the player.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-mentioned effects have already become commonplace for players, and there is a possibility that the effect of increasing the excitement when the combination of symbols stopped and displayed has a predetermined winning mode may be reduced.
And this may lead to the game itself of the slot machine being perceived as unduly.
[0008]
The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described circumstances, and when a predetermined winning mode, particularly a special winning mode, is achieved, a game that can perform a new effect that can further increase the excitement of the player. The purpose is to provide a machine.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The gaming machine according to the present invention has the following features in order to achieve the above object.
[0010]
The gaming machine according to the invention described in claim 1 is
Variation display means arranged on the front surface of the housing, which can variably display a plurality of types of symbols necessary for the game,
Starting means for starting the variable display of the symbol,
Stop means provided to be operable by the player, and for stopping the symbol during the variable display,
When a predetermined prize condition is satisfied after the start of the variable display of the symbol, in a gaming machine for giving a prize to a player,
In the front part of the housing, provided a presentation medium exhibiting portion that allows the player to visually recognize the inside,
The production medium display unit is configured to be supplied with a production medium and to be displayed,
The supplied and displayed effects are dropped according to the timing at which the prize is given to the player and the value of the prize.
[0011]
The gaming machine according to the invention described in claim 2 is:
In addition to the features of the gaming machine according to the invention described in claim 1,
The effect medium is a game medium used for a game, and is discharged from a game medium payout port for discharging the game medium after dropping from the effect display unit.
[0012]
Further, the gaming machine according to the invention described in claim 3 is:
In addition to the features of the gaming machine according to the invention described in claim 1,
The production medium display section is loaded with the production medium, and at a predetermined timing, can be tilted so that an amount of the production medium corresponding to the value of the prize out of the loaded production media is reduced to zero. Wherein the effect media loading means is provided.
[0013]
The gaming machine according to the invention described in claim 4 is:
In addition to the features of the gaming machine according to the invention described in claim 2,
The effect medium loading means, on which the effect medium is loaded in an amount corresponding to the value of the prize, and at a predetermined timing, the effect medium can be tilted so that the loaded effect medium is dropped to zero. Is provided.
[0014]
Further, the gaming machine according to the invention described in claim 5 is:
In addition to the features of the gaming machine according to the invention of claims 1 to 4,
The production medium display unit is disposed above a hopper unit that stores the production medium,
The supply of the presentation medium to the presentation medium display section is performed by a presentation medium transport unit that transports the presentation medium upward from a hopper section that stores the presentation medium.
[0015]
Here, the term “displayed” means that the player can be visually recognized, and also includes a case where the visual recognition is instantaneous.
[0016]
It should be noted that each means in each claim described above will be specifically described. The variable display means is constituted by a plurality of rotatable reels and the like, and the start means is a start means for simultaneously starting the rotation of each reel. The stopping means is constituted by a stop switch for individually stopping the rotation of each reel.
The control means is constituted by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following description, a slot machine will be described as an example of a typical gaming machine.
[0018]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, a slot machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 3 having a front door 2 that can be opened and closed on the front. The front door 2 is provided with a display window 4 above the substantially center of the front surface, and the display window 4 faces the outer peripheral surfaces of the three reels 5 a to 5 c disposed inside the housing 3. . In addition, a pay line display 6 for displaying a valid pay line is provided across the display windows 4 around the display windows 4. The pay line display 6 is composed of three horizontal lines and two diagonal lines crossing the horizontal lines, for a total of five lines. At the left end of each pay line display 6, there are provided valid line display lamps 7a to 7e for displaying valid pay lines.
[0019]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, three reels 5a to 5c are arranged in one display window 4, but the display windows 4 may be provided corresponding to the respective reels 5a to 5c. In addition, the number of valid pay lines is five, but the number of valid pay lines may be an arbitrary number such as seven or nine.
[0020]
On the right end of the pay line display 6, a replay display lamp 8 which is lit when a replay is won, and a standby time from the start of the previous reel rotation to the start of the next reel rotation are displayed. A game stop display lamp 9, a winning display lamp 10 for displaying that a prize has been generated, a game start display lamp 11 for displaying that the start switch 20 is activated, and the insertion of a game medal 70 are permitted. A game medal insertion lamp 12 for indicating that the game is in progress is provided.
[0021]
An image display unit 13 for displaying game information, various effect images, and the like is provided substantially at the center of the front surface of the front door 2 below the display window 4. The image display unit 13 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an EL display, a CRT display, a dot matrix display, and the like, and displays various types of image information.
[0022]
On the right side of the image display unit 13, there is provided a medal insertion slot 14 for inserting game medals 70 to be used for a game one by one, and on the left side of the image display unit 13 within a credited range. A first bet switch 16 for inserting one game medal 70 for use in a game, a second bet switch 17 for inserting two game medals 70 for use in a game within a credited range, A max bet switch 18 is provided for inserting game medals 70 to be used for a game within the range up to the maximum allowable bet number (three in this embodiment).
[0023]
On the front surface of the front door 2 located below the image display unit 13 and the like, a C / P switch 19 for switching between crediting and paying out the gaming medals 70 obtained by the player, A start switch 20 for starting the rotation of each of the reels 5a to 5c under the condition of the insertion, and three stop switches 21a for individually stopping the rotation of each of the reels 5a to 5c corresponding to each of the reels 5a to 5c. -C, and an opening / closing key insertion opening 15 for opening / closing the front door 2.
[0024]
In addition, a medal tray 22 for receiving a game medal paid out as a prize is provided below the front door 2, and a medal payout outlet 23 is provided so as to face the medal tray 22. A sound transmission hole 24 is provided on the front surface of the front door 2 located above the medal tray 22, and a speaker 25 is provided inside the housing 3 so as to face the sound transmission hole 24. .
[0025]
On both sides of the front upper part of the front door 2, there are provided payout display units 26 each displaying the number of payout game medals 70 to be paid for winning, and a plurality of payout display units 26 are provided above the payout display unit 26. A decorative portion 27 in which a decorative lamp (not shown) is arranged is provided. The decorative portion 27 is divided into a plurality of sections in the left-right direction, and decorative lamps are arranged in each section, and these decorative lamps are turned on or blinked in accordance with a game state, It is possible to enhance the fun of the game.
[0026]
Reels 5a to 5c are rotatably arranged inside the housing 3 at positions where the outer peripheral surface faces the display window 4, and a game medal 70 as a prize is provided at a position communicating with the medal payout opening 23. A hopper 121 (see FIG. 4) for dispensing the hopper is disposed. Further, a control device (see FIG. 3) for electrically controlling the slot machine 1 is provided inside the housing 3.
[0027]
A game medal display room 100 (hereinafter, referred to as a treasure box 100) for displaying the game medals 70 so that they can be visually recognized by a player is provided in a central portion of an upper front portion of the housing 3, and the game medals 70 as prizes are provided. According to the payout timing and the number of payout game medals 70, it is possible to perform an effect as if the exhibited game medals 70 were paid out from the medal payout exit 23. .
The treasure box 100 will be described later.
[0028]
<Arrangement of symbols on reels>
As shown in FIG. 2, a translucent reel tape in which a plurality of types of symbols are displayed at predetermined intervals is attached to the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 5a to 5c.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 2, "reel 7", "red 7", "BAR", "watermelon", "cherry", "bell", "JAC", etc. Are displayed. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 51 indicates “white 7”, reference numeral 52 indicates “red 7”, and reference numeral 53 indicates “BAR”.
[0030]
In addition, in each reel tape corresponding to each of the reels 5a to 5c, the arrangement order of the symbols is different. These symbols are arranged so that when the stop switches 21a to 21c are operated aiming at a specific symbol combination, another specific symbol combination cannot appear.
[0031]
For example, "BAR", "white 7", "white 7", "BAR", "white 7", "red 7", "BAR", "white 7", and "BAR" , "BAR""Red7""White7","BAR""Red7""Red7","BAR""Red7" and "BAR" are set. In this case, the arrangement of the symbols on the center reel 5b and the right reel 5c is such that when the player operates the stop switches 21a to 21c to aim at any of the 15-sheet combinations, the result of the internal lottery is determined by the player. If the target is other than the intended 15-sheet combination, even if a so-called pull-in control is performed to draw in a symbol within three frames, the 15-sheet combination cannot be configured.
[0032]
That is, in the middle reel 5b, "white 7 (51)" and "red 7 (52)" are arranged at least four frames apart, and in the right reel 5c, "white 7 (51)" and "red 7 (51)" 7 (52) "and" BAR (53) "are arranged at least four frames apart.
[0033]
Therefore, for example, when the result of the internal lottery is “BAR”, “White 7”, “White 7”, the player selects “BAR” “White 7” “Red 7” or “BAR” “Red 7” “White 7”. Even if a so-called pushing operation is performed aiming at 15 sheets other than that permitted by the internal lottery, such as “7”, “BAR”, “White 7”, and “White 7” permitted by the internal lottery are formed. I can't.
[0034]
Although the type of the symbol shown in FIG. 1 is different from the type of the symbol shown in FIG. 2, the type of the symbol and the number of symbols displayed on each of the reels 5a to 5c can be changed appropriately.
[0035]
Also, inside each of the reels 5a to 5c, three back lamps (not shown) for vertically illuminating a symbol visually recognized through the display window 4 from the inner side of the reels 5a to 5c are provided. Have been. By turning on the back lamp, each of the reels 5a to 5c can be illuminated from the inside, and the symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay line can be highlighted.
[0036]
<Gaming on gaming machines>
In order to play a game in the slot machine 1 described above, first, a game medal 70 is actually inserted into the medal insertion slot 14 or one of the bet switches 16, 17, 18 is operated to play a game within a credit range. A game medal 70 to be offered is inserted. Here, a pay line that is valid according to the number of inserted game medals 70 is determined, and the corresponding valid line display lamps 7a to 7e are turned on. For example, when one game medal 70 is inserted, one central horizontal line is valid, and when two game medals 70 are inserted, three upper, middle, and lower horizontal lines are valid, When three gaming medals 70, which are the maximum allowable bet number, are inserted, three lines of upper, middle, and lower horizontal lines and two diagonal lines are valid for a total of five lines.
[0037]
Next, when the player operates the start switch 20, the reels 5a to 5c simultaneously start rotating, and a plurality of types of symbols displayed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 5a to 5c move up and down in the display window 4. Is done. When the rotation of the reels 5a to 5c reaches a predetermined speed, the stop switches 21a to 21c are activated, and when the player operates the stop switches 21a to 21c, the rotation of the corresponding reels 5a to 5c is stopped. I do.
[0038]
Here, when the combination of the symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay line has a predetermined winning mode, the number of game medals 70 corresponding to each winning mode is paid out as a prize, Or it is added as a credit.
[0039]
<Winning mode>
The predetermined winning modes include a general winning mode and a special winning mode that is a condition for starting a special game that is more advantageous to the player than the general game. Further, the special prize mode includes a so-called big bonus prize mode and a regular bonus prize mode.
[0040]
The so-called small role, which is a general winning mode, is, for example, when the combination of the symbols stopped and displayed on the activated winning line becomes "watermelon""watermelon""watermelon", the display window on the left side This is a case where “Cherry” is stopped and displayed, and a predetermined number of game medals 70, for example, two to ten game medals 70 are paid out.
[0041]
In addition, a replay winning mode is set, and when the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay line becomes “JAC”, “JAC”, or “JAC”, the immediately preceding game is executed. Replay can be performed under the same conditions as described above.
[0042]
<Big bonus>
The above-mentioned big bonus winning modes are, for example, combinations of symbols stopped and displayed on the activated winning line are “red 7”, “red 7”, “red 7”, “white 7”, “white 7”. This is a game to be performed with the condition of “white 7” being a start condition. After a predetermined number of game medals 70, for example, 15 game medals 70 have been paid out, more game medals 70 are obtained as compared with the general game. As a result, a big bonus advantageous to the player can be provided.
[0043]
In this big bonus, a game similar to the general game in which the lottery probability of the small role called the general game during the big bonus (the general game in the BB) is increased up to 30 times can be performed, and the same game as this general game can be performed. When the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay line becomes “watermelon”, “watermelon” and “watermelon”, ten game medals 70 are paid out and “cherry” is displayed on the left display window. When a predetermined symbol such as is stopped and displayed, two game medals 70 are paid out, and the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay line becomes "JAC""JAC""JAC". In addition, five game medals 70 are paid out and a maximum of three JAC games can be played.
[0044]
<JAC game>
In this JAC game, a predetermined number of game medals 70, for example, one game medal 70 are inserted, the start switch 20 is operated, the rotation of the reels 5a to 5c is started, and then the stop switches 21a to 21c are operated to operate each reel. The rotation of 5a-c is stopped.
[0045]
Then, when the combination of the stop symbols is a predetermined combination, for example, “JAC”, “JAC”, or “JAC”, a predetermined number of game medals 70, for example, 15 are paid out.
[0046]
In this JAC game, the maximum number of games and the maximum number of winnings are limited. For example, the above-mentioned game is played 12 times, which is the maximum number of games, or the above-mentioned winning is reduced to eight times, which is the maximum number of winnings. When it reaches, the JAC game ends.
[0047]
<Regular bonus>
In addition to the above-described big bonus, there is a special game mode called a so-called regular bonus.
[0048]
The winning mode of the regular bonus is, for example, a game played on the condition that the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the activated winning line becomes “BAR”, “BAR”, or “BAR”. After a predetermined number of game medals 70 are paid out, for example, a regular bonus can be provided.
[0049]
In the regular bonus, the profit that can be obtained is smaller than that of the above-mentioned big bonus, and for example, the above-described JAC game can be performed at most once.
[0050]
The above-described series of game operations is controlled by a control device provided in the housing 3.
[0051]
<Control device>
This control device will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the control device includes a sub control board 200 and an image control board 300 in addition to the main control board 180.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 3, the main control board 180 is a board for performing main control of a game operation in the slot machine, and includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a clock circuit 104 for generating an operation clock signal of the CPU 101, a big bonus And a probability setting unit 105 for setting a winning probability.
[0053]
The ROM 102 stores a sequence of processing in a game of the slot machine 1 as a sequence program, a winning probability table for determining a lottery probability and the like, an internal winning of a winning mode, and a reel corresponding to a game state. Data such as a stop control table for performing stop control of 5a to 5c is stored, and a game in the slot machine 60 is controlled by operating the CPU 101 and the like based on a sequence program.
[0054]
Further, in the ROM 102, the operation for the above-described effect in the treasure box 100, specifically, the tilting operation of the medal tray 402, and the medal lift unit 502 (see FIG. 4) to be described later, which are the points of the present embodiment, are stored. A program for a medal lift operation is stored, and the CPU 101 and the like operate in accordance with a payout operation of the game medal 70 as a prize, whereby the medal tray 402 is tilted by a predetermined angle, and the game medal 70 When the medal tray 402 spills from the tray 402 and thereafter returns to the original posture, the game medals 70 in the hopper 121 are transported upward by the medal lift unit 502 and refilled on the medal tray 402. .
[0055]
The clock circuit 104 includes a clock pulse generator 106 for generating a reference clock having a predetermined frequency, and a frequency divider 107 for generating an operation clock signal for the CPU 101 by dividing the frequency of the reference clock signal. .
[0056]
The probability setting unit 105 is for generating a random number within a certain range under the control of the CPU 101, and for extracting an arbitrary random number from the random numbers generated by the random number generator 108 and transmitting the random number to the CPU 101. Random number sampling circuit 109 is provided. Further, a probability setting switch 190 for setting the probability of occurrence of the big bonus is connected to the probability setting unit 105.
[0057]
The probability setting unit 105 generates a random number used for a general game, a big bonus, and the like. As a specific process, the presence / absence of internal winning and the winning mode are determined based on a comparison between the random number value extracted at the timing when the start switch 20 is operated and the winning probability table stored in the ROM 102. The internal winning result of the big bonus or the regular bonus can be carried over to the next game and thereafter, but the internal winning result of the small role and the replay is valid only for the internally won game.
[0058]
The first bet switch 16, the second bet switch 17, the max bet switch 18, the C / P switch 19, the start switch 20, and the medal slot 14 are inserted into a plurality of I / O ports provided in the CPU 101. A medal sensor 111 for detecting the game medal 70, a setting switch 112 for switching whether or not to perform a setting process, a setting release switch 113 for canceling the setting, a motor drive circuit 114, a reel position detecting circuit 115, A reel stop signal circuit 116, a hopper drive circuit 117, a payout completion signal circuit 118, and a lamp drive circuit 119 are connected.
[0059]
Further, a motor drive circuit 401 for driving a motor 153 for performing the above-described tilting operation of the tray tilting means 150 and a motor 504 for operating a medal lift unit 502 for transferring the game medals 70 from the hopper 121 to the treasure box 100. Is connected to the I / O port.
[0060]
Hereinafter, each of the above circuits will be described in detail.
[0061]
The motor driving circuit 114 is connected to stepping motors 120a to 120c for rotating the respective reels 5a to 5c, and supplies or stops supplying driving pulses to the stepping motors 120a to 120c under the control of the CPU 101. Thus, the rotation of each of the reels 5a to 5c is started or stopped.
[0062]
The reel position detection circuit 115 is provided with a position detection sensor (not shown) composed of an optical sensor or the like for detecting the rotation position of each of the reels 5a to 5c. The position detection signals of the reels 5a to 5c are transmitted to the CPU 101.
[0063]
Stop switches 21a to 21c are connected to the reel stop signal circuit 116. When the player operates the stop switches 21a to 21c, the stop switches 21a to 21c are detected and a stop switch detection signal is transmitted to the CPU 101. As a specific control, after the start switch 20 is operated and the reels 5a to 5c reach the constant speed rotation, the operation of the stop switches 21a to 21c is permitted, and when the stop switches 21a to 21c are pressed, respectively. Based on the stop switch detection signal and the position detection signal, and the stop control table stored in the ROM 102, a total of seven frames of symbols from the shortest stop position to four frames ahead are checked to correspond to the internally won prize mode. If there is a symbol, pull-in control is performed so that the symbol is arranged on the activated pay line. Also, the reels 5a to 5c are stopped by performing kick-off control so that other winning modes that are not internally won are not established. In the case of a loss that has not been won in any of the internal winning combinations, the reels 5a to 5c are stopped so that no winning combination is achieved. Even if the internal winning is carried over when the internal winning is carried out, even in the game where the internal winning is carried over, a lottery for a winning mode other than the bonus is performed, and if the internal winning is performed in the small role or the replay, the small role or the replay is prioritized. To perform the pull-in control.
[0064]
A hopper 121 for storing game medals 70 is connected to the hopper drive circuit 117.
[0065]
The payout completion signal circuit 118 is connected to a medal storage unit 122 and a medal detection unit 123. The medal storage unit 122 is a part for storing and storing the game medals 70 inserted from the medal insertion slot 14, the game medals 70 to be paid out as a prize, and the game medals 70 used for the effects in the treasure box 100. Further, the game medals 70 actually paid out are counted by the medal detection unit 123 when the medals are paid out from the hopper 121 to the medal tray 22. Then, in the payout operation of the game medals 70 at the time of winning, when the added value added and stored in the medal storage unit 122 or the count value in the medal detection unit 123 reaches a predetermined payout number, the payout completion signal circuit 118 sends the CPU 101 a signal. A payout completion signal is transmitted.
[0066]
The lamp drive circuit 119 is connected to a back lamp 124 for transmitting and illuminating a symbol visually recognized through the display window 4 from the inner surfaces of the reels 5a to 5c. The three back lamps 124 are vertically arranged for each of the reels 5a to 5c. The nine back lamps 124 transmit and illuminate the reels 5a to 5c from the inner side.
[0067]
The sub-control board 200 and the image control board 300 are mainly boards for controlling the image display unit 13. The sub-control board 200 and the image control board 300 receive signals from the main control board 180 to generate sound effects and the like from the speaker 25. The image display related to various effects in is performed.
[0068]
<Direction when paying out game medals>
In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as described above, the treasure chest 100 for displaying the game medals 70 so as to be visible to the player is provided at the center of the front upper portion of the housing 3. The treasure box 100 has a front surface that is a deep space covered with a transparent body 110 such as an acrylic plate, and a medal tray 402 on which the game medals 70 are loaded is supported inside the treasure box 100 so as to be tiltable with respect to the treasure box 100. Have been.
[0069]
The medal tray 402 is tilted such that, at the timing when the game medals 70 as a prize are paid out, the front side thereof is further downward by a predetermined angle determined in accordance with the number of the game medals 70 to be paid out, and the loaded game medals 70. Spills from the medal tray 402. The dropped game medals 70 fall from the communication port 410 to the hopper 121 formed on the bottom surface of the treasure chest 100.
[0070]
Such a series of operations in the treasure box 100 can be visually recognized by a player through a transparent body 110 such as an acrylic plate, and the player receives the game medal 70 falling from the medal tray 402 as if receiving a prize. It is felt that the game medal 70 will be paid out as a result, whereby an effect that can further excite the excitement at the time of winning, especially the excitement at the time of special winning can be achieved.
[0071]
<Circulation of game medals>
FIG. 4 shows a state where the front door 2 of the housing 3 is opened.
[0072]
As shown in the figure, the present embodiment is provided with a circulation path for the game medals 70 in order to perform an effect in the treasure box 100, and as described above, the treasure box 100 incorporating the medal tray 402 loaded with the game medals 70. The medal tray tilting means 150 for tilting the medal tray 402 by rotating the support shaft 404 to which the medal tray 402 is fixed by a predetermined amount, the hopper 121 storing the game medals 70, and the medal in the treasure box 100. A medal lift means for letting the game medals 70 spilled from the receiving tray 402 flow down to the hopper 121 and for raising the game medals 70 stored in the hopper 121 upward to supply them to the medal receiving tray 402 in the treasure chest 100. 502.
[0073]
As shown in FIG. 5, the tray tilting means 150 described above is provided at one end of the support shaft 404 coaxially with the support shaft 404 that supports the medal tray 402 via the tray support plate 403. A first gear 151, a second gear 152 meshing with the first gear 151, and a stepping motor 153 for rotating the second gear 152 by a predetermined angle. The support shaft 404 is rotatably supported on both side walls of the treasure box 100.
[0074]
The stepping motor 153 switches the second gear 152 by the drive signal output from the motor drive circuit 401 based on the above-described instruction signal output from the CPU 101 of the main control board 180 in accordance with the payout timing of the game medal as a prize. Rotate by a predetermined angle. The second gear 152 rotates the first gear 151 meshed with the second gear 152, and the medal tray 402 is tilted by a predetermined angle by rotating the support shaft 404 by a predetermined angle, and the second gear 152 is loaded on the medal tray 402. A predetermined number of game medals spill out. Note that the relationship between the number of game medals 70 that spill and the tilt angle of the medal tray 402 is checked in advance, and a data table based on the result is stored in the ROM 102 of the main control board 180.
[0075]
Here, the predetermined number of game medals 70 means approximately the same as the number of game medals 70 to be paid out, and does not necessarily mean that the number of game medals 70 to be paid out is the same.
[0076]
The spilled game medals 70 are configured to flow down from the communication port 410 formed on the bottom surface of the treasure chest 100 to the hopper 121 via the flow-down path 160.
[0077]
After a predetermined number of game medals 70 have fallen from the medal tray 402, the medal tray 402 is returned to the original posture. The operation of the tray tilting means 150 at this time is performed by the stepping motor 153 rotating the second gear 152 in a direction opposite to the direction of the operation of tilting the medal tray 402 described above.
[0078]
When the medal tray 402 is returned to the original posture, the number of the game medals 70 on the medal tray 402 is smaller than the number of the game medals 70 that have been spilled. 70 is supplied from the hopper 121 onto the medal tray 402.
[0079]
The refill of the game medals 70 is performed by the medal lift unit 502 as follows.
[0080]
That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the medal lift unit 502 is configured by an escalator-type medal lift device. The medal lift unit 502 transmits a medal sending unit 510 that sends out the game medals 70 discharged from the hopper 121 in which a large number of game medals 70 are stored, and conveys the game medals 70 sent from the medal sending unit 510 upward. An escalator unit 520 is provided. The medal sending section 510 includes a medal tilt change sending device 530 that sends the game medals 70 discharged from the medal discharge port 513 of the hopper 121 to the escalator section 520 while changing the tilt.
[0081]
The medal discharge from the hopper 121 is performed by a medal discharge disk (not shown) provided at a lower portion in the hopper 121 and rotationally driven by the motor 504 in a state inclined from a horizontal plane. The medal 70 discharged from the medal discharge port 513 is guided by the medal guide part 514 in an inclined direction, and thereafter, turned in the vertical direction, and inserted into the escalator part 520 from the lower end. The inserted game media 70 is sequentially conveyed upward by an escalator unit 520 driven by a motor (not shown), and supplied one by one from the upper end 521 of the escalator unit 520 onto the medal tray 402 in the treasure box 100. Note that a guide hood 522 (see FIG. 4) for the game medals 70 is provided in the treasure box 100 so that the game medals 70 conveyed by the escalator unit 520 are reliably supplied onto the medal tray 402.
[0082]
In this way, by adding the game medals 70 to the medal tray 402, the effect using the game medals 70 can be repeatedly performed.
[0083]
In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the configuration is as described above, so that when a predetermined prize mode is achieved as described above, a number of games corresponding to the gaming medals 70 paid out as the prize are provided. It is possible to perform such an effect that the medals 70 spill out from the medal tray 402 in the treasure box 100, so that the player can be more excited when winning.
[0084]
In particular, when the special prize mode is set, the game medal 70 is felt as if continuously overflowing from the treasure box 100, so that the excitement is further increased.
[0085]
The hopper 121 has a function of supplying the game medals 70 for the above-described effects and a function of supplying the game medals 70 to the medal payout exit 23. Switching between these two functions is performed as follows. Done.
[0086]
Although the shape of the medal guide 514 is not clearly shown in FIG. 6, it is actually a bent plate-like member as shown in FIG. 7 (a view as viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 6). The medals 70 are guided from the medal payout exit 23 to the rotating roller 532 of the medal inclination changing / sending device 530 in a direction in which the game medals 70 are inclined, by the portions 514A in which the plate-shaped members are bent to form valleys. Thereby, it becomes possible to supply the game medals 70 for the effect to the escalator unit 520.
[0087]
On the other hand, when the game medals 70 are supplied from the hopper 121 to the medal payout exit 23, the direction of the medal guide section 514 is changed. That is, the medal guide 514 is rotatably supported on the housing on the roller 532 side of the upper end surface (rotation shaft 514B), and when the game medals 70 are supplied to the medal payout exit 23. Rotates the medal guide 514 to the position shown in FIG. As a result, there is no guide route for the game medals 70 from the medal discharge port 513 to the rotating roller 532 of the medal inclination change transmission device 530, and the game medals 70 discharged from the medal discharge port 513 are positioned so as to close the traveling direction. The medal guide portion 514 is bounced back in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 8 by the back surface 514C, whereby the gaming medals 70 can be supplied to the medal payout exit 23.
[0088]
<Other embodiments>
The gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and other various modifications can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the medal tray 402 loaded with the game medals 70 is tilted in the treasure box 100 to produce an effect such that the game medals 70 spill, but without the medal tray 402, for example, The game medal 70 is directly dropped from the upper end portion 521 of the escalator section 520 toward the bottom surface of the treasure box 100, or the game medal 70 is ejected upward like a fountain into the treasure box 100 and then dropped. Then, the above-described effect may be performed.
[0089]
Further, in the above embodiment, the game medals 70 used for the production and the game medals 70 actually paid out from the medal payout exit 23 are used separately. This does not exclude that some or all of the game medals 70 used are actually game medals 70 paid out as prizes.
[0090]
That is, in this case, for example, the game medals 70 that have spilled from the medal tray 402 flow down the downflow path 160 from the communication port 410 formed on the bottom surface of the treasure chest 100. The game medal 70 is configured to be positioned so as to flow down to the medal payout exit 23 instead of 121.
Thereby, the route of the game medals 70 is the hopper 121-the medal lift means 502-the treasure chest 100-the downflow path 160-the medal payout exit 23.
[0091]
Furthermore, the above-described effect may not be performed in the general winning mode, and may be performed only in the special winning mode such as a big bonus that can acquire a large number of medals. In the effect in this case, the medals 70 may be accumulated on the medal tray 402 during the special game period, and all the game medals 70 on the medal tray 402 may be dropped at the end of the special game.
[0092]
Further, in the above embodiment, the effect is for a gaming machine that actually pays out medals. However, without paying out medals, a value corresponding to the amount of medals is stored in a magnetic card or the like. It may be used as an effect. In a coinless gaming machine, the effect of the present invention is particularly large, because it is not possible to enjoy the excitement of actually paying out medals.
[0093]
Further, in the above embodiment, the stepping motor is used as the drive unit of the medal tray, but another known actuator such as a solenoid can be used instead.
[0094]
【The invention's effect】
Since the gaming machine according to the present invention has the above-described configuration, the following effects can be obtained.
[0095]
In the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, a game medal display section for displaying a game medal so that the player can visually recognize the game medal is provided on a front portion of the housing, and a timing at which a game medium as a prize is paid out. In accordance with the number of the game media to be paid out, the game media displayed in the game medal display section falls, and it is possible to perform an effect as if the game media were paid out from the game medium payout exit. ing. Thereby, when a predetermined winning mode, particularly a special winning mode, is achieved, it is possible to perform an effect that can further increase the excitement of the player.
[0096]
Further, in the gaming machine according to the second aspect of the present invention, the game medium is loaded on the game medium display section, and the game medium can be tilted at a predetermined timing so that substantially a predetermined number of the loaded game media are reduced to zero. Game medium loading means.
As a result, it is possible to perform a more unique and interesting effect, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the player.
[0097]
Further, in the gaming machine according to the third aspect of the present invention, the supply of the game medium to the game medium display section is performed by the game medium transport means for transporting the game medium upward from the hopper section for storing the game medium. It is configured to:
As a result, the game medium can be replenished to the game medium display section, and the predetermined number of game media can be always set, so that the continuity of the effect can be secured.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a symbol arrangement of each reel.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control device for controlling the slot machine.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the inside of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the pan tilting means shown in FIG. 4 in detail;
FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a medal lift section shown in FIG. 4 in detail;
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the function of the hopper shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the function of the hopper shown in FIG. 6;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 slot machine
2 Front door
3 Case
4 Display window
5a, 5b, 5c reel
13 Image display
20 Start switch
21a, 21b, 21c Stop switch
70 game medals
100 treasure chests (game medal exhibition room)
101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
115 Reel position detection circuit
116 Reel stop signal circuit
121 Hopper
150 Pan tilting means
160 Downstream
180 Main control board
402 Medal tray
502 Medal lift
510 medal sending section
520 Escalator section
514 Medal Guide

Claims (5)

Variation display means arranged on the front surface of the housing, which can variably display a plurality of types of symbols necessary for the game,
Starting means for starting the variable display of the symbol,
Stop means provided to be operable by the player, and for stopping the symbol during the variable display,
When a predetermined prize condition is satisfied after the start of the variable display of the symbol, in a gaming machine for giving a prize to a player,
In the front part of the housing, provided a presentation medium exhibiting portion that allows the player to visually recognize the inside,
The production medium display unit is configured to be supplied with a production medium and to be displayed,
A gaming machine characterized in that the supplied and displayed effect medium is dropped according to the timing at which the prize is given to the player and the value of the prize. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect medium is a game medium used for a game, and is paid out from a game medium payout port for paying out the game medium after dropping from the effect display unit. The production medium display section is loaded with the production medium, and at a predetermined timing, can be tilted so that an amount of the production medium corresponding to the value of the prize out of the loaded production media is reduced to zero. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: an effect medium loading means. The effect medium loading means, on which the effect medium is loaded in an amount corresponding to the value of the prize, and at a predetermined timing, the effect medium can be tilted so that the loaded effect medium is dropped to zero. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, further comprising: The production medium display unit is disposed above a hopper unit that stores the production medium,
The supply of the presentation medium to the presentation medium display section is performed by a presentation medium transport unit that transports the presentation medium upward from the hopper section. The gaming machine according to the item.

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