JP2004261291A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect the surplus or shortage of game media and to start a game at an early stage while keeping a machine body compact. <P>SOLUTION: When an operation part (a first operation part 6a, e.g.) is operated after an internal state becomes ready for play in a game machine such as a slot machine, a game employing a prescribed number of game media B as one unit is started. The game machine comprises: an accepting part 1 for accepting the game medium B; a fetching means 3 for fetching the game medium B from the accepting part 1 into the machine through a path 2; and a state setting means 5 which makes the internal state ready for play on completion of fetching of the game medium B by the fetching means 3. Since the state setting means 5 makes the internal state ready for play directly after the completion of fetching of the game medium B and the operation of the operation part, the game can be started at the early stage without waiting fetching of the game medium B. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine configured to be able to realize a game for each unit (predetermined number) of game media.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In order to mix a pachinko machine and a slot machine in the same island facility, considering that a pachinko ball can be shared as a game medium, the slot machine may be configured to be playable using the pachinko ball. In order to allow a slot machine to be played with a value equivalent to one medal (or coin), it is necessary to provide a loading device for loading, for example, five pachinko balls into the machine as one unit. Usually, each time a player operates a button, one unit of pachinko ball is taken into the aircraft. When trying to capture a large number of pachinko balls, it would be complicated to operate the buttons each time. For this reason, an automatic credit function for automatically taking a pachinko ball into the machine with, for example, an upper limit of 50 units has already been known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
However, when the pachinko ball is taken into the machine using the auto credit function, it takes a long time to complete the taking up to the upper limit because the ball is taken in using a sprocket or the like. This means that it takes time to start the game. In addition, it takes time to pay out remaining balls in order to finish the game after taking in using the auto credit function. In order to reduce such a waiting time, when it is detected that one or more units of pachinko balls are present in a passage (gutter) used for taking in pachinko balls, a game can be started, and the game is taken in after the game starts. Is known (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-239079 (page 5-6, FIG. 8)
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent No. 3053028 (page 13, FIG. 34)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in order to realize the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, a passage having a length sufficient to detect the presence of one or more pachinko balls is required. Therefore, a space is needed to provide the passage inside the aircraft, and the aircraft must be enlarged. Further, since the passage is covered with the cover, the player cannot visually check the presence or absence of the pachinko ball. Therefore, when there is less than one unit of pachinko balls in the passage, the lack of pachinko balls cannot be known unless the start lever is actually operated.
The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and it is possible to know in advance the excess or deficiency of a game medium (for example, a pachinko ball or the like) while maintaining a compact body, and to play a game early. The purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can be started.
[0006]
[Means for solving the problem 1]
Means 1 for solving the problem is that, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, when the first operation unit 6a (corresponding to the operation unit) is operated after the internal state becomes available for playing, a predetermined number of operations are performed. A game machine configured to start a game with the game medium B as one unit,
A receiving unit 1 for receiving the game medium B;
Taking-in means 3 for taking in the game medium B into the machine from the receiving section 1 through the passage 2 irrespective of whether or not the game is being played;
A second operation unit 6b operated to request the loading of the game medium B,
State setting means 5 for enabling the internal state to be played upon completion of the taking-in of the game medium B by the taking-in means 3 and operation of the second operation portion 6b.
[0007]
The terms described in the above means 1 are interpreted as follows. The same applies to the terms described in the claims and the detailed description of the invention.
(1) The “internal state” is an index indicating the directionality of the game, and usually includes a plurality of internal states for one game machine for each purpose.
(2) The "first operation unit" and the "second operation unit" are a predetermined number (that is, an arbitrary value from one to the maximum number that can be installed) of levers, buttons, buttons, and the like, and are at least operable by the player. Are applicable. The first operation unit and the second operation unit may be configured as a single member or device, or may be configured as separate members or devices.
(3) The term "take game media into the game machine" refers to a mode in which game media is simply put into the game machine, and excludes game media already in the game machine. Therefore, a game medium already recognized as a multiplier (inserted) is not a target to be "taken in" even if it is present in the gaming machine.
[0008]
According to the means 1, if the game medium B is present in the receiving section 1, the taking means 3 takes the game medium B from the receiving section 1 through the passage 2 into the machine regardless of whether or not the game is being played (arrow D). direction). The game is performed by, for example, rotating an annular member R (reel, belt, or the like). As soon as the loading of the game medium B is completed and the second operation section 6b is operated, the state setting means 5 enables the internal state to be played, so that the game can be started early without waiting for the loading of the game medium B. State. The take-in means 3 does not require the passage 2 long enough to detect the presence of the game medium B, and can keep the body compact.
[0009]
[Means for solving the problem 2]
Means 2 for solving the problem is a gaming machine configured to start a game using a predetermined number of game media B as one unit when the first operation unit 6a is operated after the internal state becomes possible to play. And
A receiving unit 1 for receiving the game medium B;
A second operation unit 6b operated to request the loading of the game medium B,
Irrespective of whether or not the second operation section 6b is operated, a fetching means 3 for fetching the game medium B from the receiving section 1 through the passage 2 into the machine;
State setting means 5 for enabling the internal state to be played upon completion of the taking-in of the game medium B by the taking-in means 3 and operation of the second operation portion 6b.
[0010]
According to the means 2, the capturing means 3 is the same as the above-described means 1 except that the receiving means 3 takes in the game medium B from the receiving section 1 through the passage 2 regardless of whether or not the second operating section 6b is operated. It is. Accordingly, the game can be started early without waiting for the loading of the game medium B, and the body can be kept compact.
[0011]
[Means for solving the problem 3]
The means 3 for solving the problem is the gaming machine described in the means 1 or 2, and has a notifying means 9 for notifying whether or not the taking-in means 3 has completed taking in the game medium B.
[0012]
According to the means 3, the notifying means 9 notifies whether or not the loading of the game medium B is completed. Since the taking-in means 3 can take in the game medium B prior to the game or the operation of the second operation section 6b, the notification by the notifying means 9 determines whether or not one unit or more of the game medium B exists in the receiving section 1. Can be notified. Therefore, the player 8 can know in advance whether the amount of the game medium B is sufficient or not.
[0013]
[Means for solving the problem 4]
The means 4 for solving the problem is the gaming machine described in any one of the means 1 to 3, and has a quantity setting means 7 for setting the quantity of the game media B to be taken in by the taking-in means 3.
[0014]
According to the means 4, since the quantity setting means 7 sets the number of game media B to be taken in, the taking means 3 takes in the game media B with the quantity as an upper limit (that is, the upper limit number). The upper limit may be set for the take-in means 3 as shown by the solid line, or may be set for the lower substrate 4 as shown by the two-dot chain line. If the quantity to be automatically taken in is large, it takes time to pay out at the time of settlement. However, by setting the quantity that can be taken in, payment at the time of settlement can be completed quickly.
[0015]
[Means for solving the problem 5]
Means 5 for solving the problem is the gaming machine described in any one of means 1 to 4,
An upper board 6 that connects the first operation unit 6a and the second operation unit 6b and controls a game;
A lower board 4 for controlling the taking-in of the game medium B by the taking-in means 3 and receiving and controlling a signal from the upper board 6;
When the second operation unit 6b is operated, the upper board 6 sends a capture signal to the lower board 4 in order to capture the game medium B, and upon receiving the capture signal, capture of the game medium B has already been completed. In this case, the lower board 4 sends a completion signal to the upper board 6.
[0016]
The terms described in the above means 5 are interpreted as follows. The same applies to the terms described in the claims and the detailed description of the invention.
(1) The “upper board” is a board that controls the lower board and the accessory device as well as game control, and corresponds to, for example, a main control board (also called a game control board).
(2) The "lower board" can be installed in a gaming machine such as a take-in / payout control board, a sub-control board (also referred to as an effect control board), a symbol control board, a lamp control board, a sound control board, and the like. The substrate corresponds. Note that one or more intermediate boards (for example, a relay board or the like) configured to transmit a signal from the upper board to the lower board may be interposed between the upper board and the lower board.
[0017]
According to the means 5, the taking-in of the game medium B by the taking-in means 3 is controlled on the lower substrate 4 side, and is independent of the game controlled by the upper substrate 6 side. According to this configuration, the game and the loading of the game medium B can be performed simultaneously in parallel. In addition, the state of taking in the game medium B can also be grasped on the upper board 6 side by a handshake of a fetch signal transmitted from the upper board 6 to the lower board 4 and a completion signal transmitted from the lower board 4 to the upper board 6. Can be. Therefore, the present invention can be realized even with a conventional gaming machine.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Embodiment 1]
Embodiment 1 is an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine that can be played using a game medium B or a pachinko ball corresponding to a game ball. The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0019]
First, an example of the appearance of the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. In the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, display windows 62, 66, 70 {display section}, each of which can display one or more symbols in a state where the reels 64, 68, 72 are stationary, a plurality of (in this example, five) , An effective line lamp 56 for notifying whether or not a prize can be won for each effective line 58, a credit display 74 for displaying the number of credits, a game number display 76 for displaying the number of digested games in the bonus game, A unit number display 78 capable of displaying the number of units to be paid out, bet buttons 50, 52, 54 for setting the number of units to be hung in one game, a starting lever 48 for starting to rotate the reels 64, 68, 72, Stop buttons 44, 20, 18, etc. that can individually stop the reels 64, 68, 72, respectively. The reel 64 can be seen from the display window 62, and the reels 68 and 72 can be seen from the display windows 66 and 70, respectively. For example, a 7-segment element is used for the credit display 74, the game number display 76, and the unit number display 78, but a CRT or a liquid crystal display may be used. Of these, the starting lever 48 corresponds to the first operation unit 6a, and the bet buttons 50, 52, and 54 correspond to the second operation unit 6b. The configuration and the like for rotating / stopping the reels 64, 68 and 72 are well-known technologies, and thus illustration and description thereof are omitted. The bet buttons 50, 52, 54, the start lever 48, the stop buttons 44, 20, 18, and the like all have contact switches that can transmit signals to a main control board 110 (see FIG. 4) described later.
[0020]
The number of valid lines 58 that are valid differs depending on the number of units. For example, the bet button 52 (1 bet button) for placing one unit has only one line in the middle row, and the bet button 54 (2 bet button) for placing 2 units has 3 lines in the upper row, middle row, and lower row. Bet button 50 (MAX bet switch) has five horizontal and diagonal lines. The number of units required for the normal bet button 50 is three, but there is also a slot machine 10 configured to reduce the number of units to one during a specific game (for example, a JAC game).
[0021]
In addition, the slot machine 10 includes a liquid crystal display 12 capable of producing an effect using a decorative pattern, a speaker 14 for sound (sound, music, sound effect, etc.), an effect lamp 16 for performing a display effect according to a game state, and a pachinko machine. An upper plate 40 and a lower plate 36 capable of temporarily storing the balls, and the pachinko balls in the upper plate 40 are passed through an inflow passage 32 and a pachinko ball take-in device (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “take-in device”) 28 and a slot machine. 10, a take-in switch 22 for instructing to take in pachinko balls, a settlement switch for instructing to return pachinko balls remaining in the machine, a take-in lamp 24 for automatically notifying that pachinko balls have been taken into the machine, and an inflow passage 32. Button 26 for returning the pachinko balls remaining in the loading device 28 to the lower plate 36, a return for notifying the return of the pachinko balls less than one unit by verifying the evidence balls. Pump 30, and the like ashtray to put the cigarette butts and the like. Among these, the upper plate 40 corresponds to the receiving unit 1, the inflow passage 32 corresponds to the passage 2, and the liquid crystal display 12 and the intake lamp 24 correspond to the notification unit 9. Note that, depending on the model of the slot machine 10 and the like, the types of members operated by the player 8 (that is, switches, levers, buttons, and the like) may be appropriately changed and used.
[0022]
When the rotating reels 64, 68, 72 stop in a specific display mode (for example, a bonus symbol, a small symbol, or the like), the number of pachinko balls corresponding to each display mode is paid out from the payout port 42 to the upper plate 40. . The pachinko ball lent by the ball lending machine reaches the upper plate 40 via the funnel-shaped guideway 46. However, when the upper plate 40 is full or the like, the lower plate 36 is paid out through the payout port 38 or the like. When a person related to the game arcade inserts a predetermined key into the lock and turns it, the front door 60 consisting of two upper and lower stages can be individually opened and closed. The take-in switch 22, the settlement switch 34, the taxiway 46, and the like are provided in, for example, the upper front door 60.
[0023]
Next, an example of the configuration of the intake means 3 including the inflow passage 32 and the intake device 28 will be described with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 3 shows a cut-away cross section of the inflow passage 32 and the return passage 98.
[0024]
The capturing device 28 captures pachinko balls from the upper plate 40 through the inflow passage 32. In the inflow passage 32, a shutter 80 provided near the take-in device 28, and a proximity sensor 94b capable of detecting a pachinko ball P4 retained by the shutter 80 and a proximity sensor 94a capable of detecting a pachinko ball P2 of the first unit. And so on. Each of these proximity sensors 94a and 94b transmits a signal to a loading / unloading control board 120 (see FIG. 4) described later. Further, the opening / closing of the shutter 80 can be controlled by the take-in / pay-out control board 120, and the pachinko ball P of each unit is opened / closed each time it is stored in the taking-in device 28.
[0025]
In this example, as shown, the blades and the inflow passage 32 are inclined in the housing direction (in this example, rightward in the drawing), so that the pachinko balls housed in the blades are arranged in order from the back side (the flange portion 88 side). Buried. Further, the inflow passage 32 is provided with a step formed at a substantially right angle at the corner. Due to this step, the pachinko ball P collides with a wall surface (a vertical surface or an inclined surface) to reduce kinetic energy. The corner of the step is not limited to a form formed substantially at a right angle, and a drop may occur between the upstream and the downstream such as a linear “Z” shape or a curved “S” shape when viewed from the side. It may be a form.
[0026]
The take-in device 28 protects the rotating body 82 having a plurality of (six in this example) blades, the motor 92 for rotating the rotating body 82, and the pachinko balls P accommodated in each blade from spilling. A cover 85, a flange portion 88 formed in a disk shape, an optical sensor unit 86 for detecting a rotation state of the flange portion 88, a shutter 90 for opening and returning the pachinko ball P at the time of return are provided. The optical sensor unit 86 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, similar to the optical sensor unit 84 (not shown), which will be described later. The rotating shaft 92 a of the motor 92 is fixed or connected to the central axis of the rotating body 82. It is desirable to use a motor that can rotate forward and reverse, but a configuration may be used in which the rotating body 82 is rotated forward and reverse by a power transmission mechanism that transmits the power generated by the motor 92. As the power transmission mechanism, for example, a mechanism using a gear (gear), a link member, a belt, a chain, or the like, a torque converter, or the like is applicable.
[0027]
The plurality of blades provided on the rotating body 82 are formed in a shape capable of accommodating the pachinko ball P (for example, a "-" shape or an "L" shape), and each radially extends from the central axis. That is, a predetermined number of pachinko balls P (in this example, five corresponding to one unit, but may be a number corresponding to two or more units) are accommodated for each blade, and the pachinko balls P are accommodated from the accommodation port corresponding to the inflow passage 32. It is formed so that it can be transported to an intake port (not shown) to be taken into the machine. The cover 85 includes a plurality of sets of optical sensor units 84 each including a light emitting unit 84a and a light receiving unit 84b. In this example, each of the five optical sensor units 84 includes a light emitting unit 84a on the upper side in the drawing and a light receiving unit 84b on the lower side in the drawing. Each optical sensor unit 84 is arranged at a position corresponding to the pachinko sphere P accommodated from the inflow passage 32 (in the drawing, the interval is substantially the same as the diameter of the pachinko sphere P), so that the presence or absence of the pachinko sphere at each position can be detected. .
[0028]
The flange 88 is provided with a means to be detected (for example, affixing a detecting member such as a hole or a seal) at a position corresponding to each blade provided on the rotating body 82. By detecting the detected means by the optical sensor unit 86, it is possible to recognize the rotation angle of the rotating body 82 (that is, the attitude of the rotating body 82). The shutter 90 is manually or electromagnetically opened by operating the return button 26, and returns the pachinko balls P remaining on the inflow passage 32 and the blades of the rotating body 82 to the lower plate 36. The pachinko ball P6 is returned through the return passage 98 along the arrow D2 indicated by a two-dot chain line, and a proximity sensor 96 is provided in the return passage 98 to detect whether or not the pachinko ball P6 has been reliably returned.
[0029]
Next, a schematic configuration example of various boards configured to realize a slot game by the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The main control board 110 mainly composed of a CPU (processor) 112 includes a ROM 114 for storing a game control program, required data, and the like, and a RAM 116 for storing temporary data such as various random numbers and signals. Since the main control board 110 has the same configuration as a well-known configuration, illustration and description of a specific configuration will be omitted. The CPU 112 executes a game control program stored in the ROM 114 to implement a game using the slot machine 10. The game control program includes a program for implementing a procedure such as a game operation process described later. Although an EPROM is used for the ROM 114 and a DRAM is used for the RAM 116, other types of memories (for example, EEPROM, SRAM, flash memory, etc.) may be used arbitrarily.
[0030]
On the main control board 110, members operated by the player 8 (for example, the take-in switch 22, the bet buttons 50, 52, 54, the start lever 48, the settlement switch 34, the stop button 18, and the like), and a display for controlling an effect / Audio control board 130, motors 64a, 68a, 72a for individually rotating and driving reels 64, 68, 72, detectors 64b, 68b, 72b for individually detecting the rotation state of reels 64, 68, 72, and external devices ( For example, an external centralized terminal board 132 for transmitting signals to a hall computer 140 in an amusement arcade, an island computer in an island facility, and the like, a take-in / pay-out control board 120 that controls payout and take-in of a pachinko ball P and the like are connected. I do.
[0031]
The display / voice control board 130, the take-in / payout control board 120, and the like are configured with a CPU as in the main control board 110. The display / voice control board 130 includes a display on the liquid crystal display 12, a display on the effective line lamp 56, a display on the credit display 74, a display on the number-of-games display 76, a display on the number-of-units display 78, a beating of the speaker 14, and the like. Is performed as described above. The number-of-units display 78 is provided for every predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds), a game state (for example, whether or not a game is being performed), operation of a button (not shown) arranged in the vicinity of the number-of-units display 78, and the like. The number of intake units and the number of payout units are switched and displayed according to the conditions.
[0032]
The take-in / pay-out control board 120 mainly composed of the CPU 122 includes a ROM 124 for storing a device control program and required data, and a RAM 126 for storing temporary data such as various random numbers and signals. The device control program controls the capturing device 28 that captures the pachinko ball P as described above, the payout device 134 that pays out the pachinko ball P as a prize ball or a lending ball, and a capturing / discharging process described later. And a program for realizing procedures such as import processing. Further, the card unit 100 (so-called CR unit), the frequency display board 102, and the like are connected to the take-in / pay-out control board 120 via the interface board 104.
[0033]
The card unit 100 is disposed, for example, between the slot machines 10 and can input and output balance information and value information recorded on a recording medium (for example, a magnetic card or an IC card). The pachinko ball P can be rented for the number corresponding to the amount desired by the player 8. The specific configuration, operation, and the like of the card unit 100 are the same as those of a well-known configuration, and thus illustration and description are omitted. The frequency display substrate 102 performs control to display the above-described balance information and the like in frequency (for example, in units of one unit) on a display such as a seven-segment element.
[0034]
Next, a procedure for realizing the present invention in the slot machine 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are flowcharts showing a procedure of a take-in / payout process realized by the take-in / payout control board 120 and a procedure of a game operation process realized by the main control board 110. The processing is continued between FIGS. 5 and 6 through connectors J2, J4, and J6. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the import process realized by the import / export control board 120. FIG. 8 shows display examples of the unit number display 78 and the liquid crystal display 12. The main control board 110 corresponds to the upper board 6, and the import / export control board 120 corresponds to the lower board 4.
[0035]
First, in FIG. 5, an incorporation process is executed unconditionally to acquire the pachinko balls P stored in the upper plate 40 (step S10). That is, regardless of whether or not the slot game is played by rotating the reels 64, 68, and 72, the capturing process is executed regardless of whether or not the player 8 operates the capture switch 22. The specific procedure of the import process will be described with reference to FIG.
[0036]
The capture process shown in FIG. 7 is executed even when the player 8 operates the capture switch 22 and is based on a capture signal received from the main control board 110.
In the intake process, it is first determined whether or not at least one unit of the pachinko ball P exists in the inflow passage 32 (step S50). For example, if a detection signal is received from the proximity sensor 94b shown in FIG. 3, it is determined that the signal is present (YES), and if it is not received, it is determined that the signal is not present (NO). If there is at least one unit of the pachinko ball P (YES), the drive of the capturing device 28 is controlled to capture the pachinko ball P (step S52). A specific procedure for realizing the uptake of the pachinko sphere P for one unit is as follows. That is, the shutter 80 is opened, the pachinko ball P is housed in the blade from the housing opening, the shutter 80 is closed and the rotating body 82 is rotated after the housing, and the rotation is continued after detecting that the specified number exists as the evidence ball. Then, it is finally taken into the machine via the inlet (see FIG. 3).
[0037]
When the pachinko ball P for one unit can be normally taken in this way (YES in step S54), the number of taken-in pieces corresponding to one unit is increased [step S56], and the number of taken-in pieces and the taken-in quantity after the increase are increased. Is notified (step S58). The notification of the number of pieces taken or the completion of the piece of pickup is displayed on the unit number display 78 as shown in FIG. 8A, or on the liquid crystal display 12 as shown in FIG. 8B. In this example, “3” is displayed as the number of captures, and it is desirable to display when one or more units have been captured. Alternatively, the notification may be realized by displaying the intake lamp 24 (lighting, blinking, or the like), or making the speaker 14 emit sound (especially sound). If the notification is performed simultaneously using two or more devices, the recognition rate is improved. Steps S50 to S56 described above are repeated in a range where the number of acquisitions does not exceed the upper limit number (for example, 3) (that is, the number of acquisitions> the upper limit number) (step S60). The upper limit number is stored in a storage unit such as the ROM 124 and the RAM 126 in the import / export control board 120. When the number of captures reaches the upper limit (NO in step S60), the capture processing ends.
[0038]
In addition, when the proximity sensor 94b cannot detect the pachinko sphere P and the pachinko sphere P is not in the inflow passage 32, or the proximity sensor 94b can detect the pachinko sphere P but the proximity sensor 94a can detect the pachinko sphere P If the number of pachinko balls P is less than one unit (NO in step S50), none of the pachinko balls P can be captured, and the capturing process ends at that point. Also, when the pachinko ball P for one unit cannot be normally taken in for some reason (YES in step S54), the taking process is ended at that time. The cause of the inability to normally take in is, for example, when the object including the pachinko ball P is clogged and the rotating body 82 cannot be rotated.
[0039]
Returning to FIG. 5 after the capture process, when the player 8 operates the payment switch 34 (YES in step S30), the main control board 110 transmits a payment signal to the capture / payout control board 120 [ Step S32]. Upon receiving the settlement signal, the take-in / pay-out control board 120 returns the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the number of taken-in (ie, the number of returned) (step S14). The number of returns is determined by multiplying the number of intakes by the number per unit. When the take-in / payout control board 120 transmits a return signal including the number of returns to the payout device 134, the payout device 134 returns the designated number of pachinko balls to the lower plate 36. If the credit remains (YES in step S16), the pachinko ball is returned corresponding to the remaining credit number (step S17). In this case, as in the case of the above-described number of returns, the number obtained by multiplying the number of credits by the number per unit is returned.
[0040]
When the player 8 operates a predetermined operation unit (for example, bet buttons 50, 52, 54) (YES in step S34), if credit remains (YES in step S36), the credit is deducted [step S38]. . Referring to FIG. 6, when the credit has not been sufficiently debited (NO in step S40), the internal state is set to be playable [step S46], and a game process is executed to realize a slot game [ Step S48], and terminates the game operation processing.
[0041]
On the other hand, when there is no remaining credit (NO in step S36), or when the amount is insufficient even after withdrawal from the credit (NO in step S40), it is necessary to newly import a required number of pachinko balls (that is, the required number). Therefore, the main control board 110 transmits a take-in signal including the requested number to the take-in / pay-out control board 120 [Step S42]. The receiving / paying control board 120 that has received the receiving signal (YES in step S18), if the requested number is equal to or less than the already received receiving number (receiving number ≧ required number; YES in step S20). Immediately, the completion signal is transmitted to the main control board 110 [Step S26], the number of requests is reduced from the number of intakes in preparation for the next and subsequent processes [Step S28], and the import / payout processing ends.
[0042]
On the other hand, when the number of captures is less than the number of requests (the number of captures <the number of requests; NO in step S20), the above-described capture processing is repeatedly performed until the capture of the pachinko ball P is completed (NO in step S24). [Step S22]. When the pachinko ball P has been captured (YES in step S24), a completion signal is transmitted to the main control board 110 [step S26], and the number of requests is reduced from the number of captures in preparation for the next and subsequent processes [ Step S28], the import / payout process ends.
[0043]
The main control board 110, which has received the completion signal from the take-in / payout control board 120 (YES in step S44), sets the internal state to "playable" (step S46), and executes a game process to realize a slot game. Is executed [step S48], and the game operation process is terminated. When the player 8 does not operate the bet buttons 50, 52, 54 and the like in FIG. 5 (NO in step S34), there is no need to perform any operation, and the game operation process is terminated.
[0044]
According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(A1) If the pachinko ball P is present in the inflow passage 32, the intake device 28 places the pachinko ball P through the inflow passage 32 from the inflow passage 32 regardless of whether or not the game is being played. A configuration was adopted (see step S10 in FIGS. 3 and 5). In addition, the capturing device 28 is configured to capture the pachinko ball P into the machine from the inflow passage 32 through the inflow passage 32 irrespective of whether or not the bet buttons 50, 52, 54 are operated. {Step S10 in FIGS. See｝. In this manner, as soon as the pachinko ball P has been taken in (so-called "look-ahead") and the bet buttons 50, 52, 54 are operated, the internal state is set to be playable. {State setting means 5; Step S46 in FIG. reference}. Since the game can be started early without waiting for the pachinko ball P to be taken, the player 8 can comfortably concentrate on the game without generating extra waiting time in the game. Even if the credits are insufficient, if the number of pachinko balls P is less than the number of the previously acquired pachinko balls P, the game can be similarly started early. Therefore, even if the slot machine 10 does not have the credit function, the game can be started early. Conversely, since there is no need to actively provide the credit function to the slot machine 10, the cost can be reduced accordingly. In the ordinary slot machine 10, since the capacity of the program area is limited to several kilobytes (for example, 4 kilobytes) by the standard, the program area of the portion where the credit function has been realized can be used for improving the game characteristics. Furthermore, the intake device 28 does not need the inflow passage 32 long enough to detect the presence of the pachinko ball P, and can keep the body compact.
[0045]
(A2) The liquid crystal display 12, the take-in lamp 24 and the like notify whether or not the take-in of the pachinko ball P has been completed. Since the capturing device 28 can capture the pachinko ball P prior to the operation of the game or the bet buttons 50, 52, 54, the information from the liquid crystal display 12, the capturing lamp 24, and the like is transmitted to the inflow passage 32 by one or more units. Whether or not the pachinko ball P exists can be notified. Therefore, the player 8 can know in advance whether the pachinko ball P is excessive or not.
[0046]
(A3) The main control board 110 is configured to connect the starting lever 48 and the bet buttons 50, 52, 54 to control the game {see FIG. 4}. The take-in / pay-out control board 120 is configured to control the taking-in of the pachinko ball P by the take-in device 28 and to perform control in response to a signal from the main control board 110 (see FIGS. 4 to 7). . That is, the take-in / payout control board 120 controls the taking-in of the pachinko ball P by the take-in device 28, and is independent of the game controlled by the main control board 110. Therefore, the game and the pachinko ball P can be taken in parallel.
When the bet buttons 50, 52, 54 are operated, the main control board 110 sends a capture signal to the capture / payout control board 120 to capture the pachinko ball P (see step S42 in FIG. 6). If the capture of the pachinko ball P has already been completed when the capture signal is received, the capture / payout control board 120 sends a completion signal to the main control board 110 (see step S26 in FIG. 6). . The state of capturing the pachinko ball P is determined by a handshake between a capture signal transmitted from the main control board 110 to the capture / discharge control board 120 and a completion signal transmitted from the capture / discharge control board 120 to the main control board 110. It can also be grasped on the main control board 110 side. Therefore, the present invention can be realized even with a conventional gaming machine.
[0047]
[Embodiment 2]
The second embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to the slot machine 10 as in the first embodiment, and the credit function is realized by a board other than the main control board 110. The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration and the like of the slot machine 10 are the same as those of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, points different from the first embodiment will be described to simplify the illustration and the description. Therefore, the same components as those used in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0048]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a connection configuration of a control board and the like. For clarity, illustration of the elements shown in FIG. 4 is omitted except for the main control board 110, the take-in / pay-out control board 120, the take-in device 28, and the pay-out device 134. In other words, the function display device 150 is newly provided in the first embodiment.
[0049]
The function display device 150 is connected to one or both of the main control board 110 and the import / export control board 120. The function display device 150 receives a signal from the main control board 110 and displays a game situation, a status display section 152, a setting section 154 for setting an upper limit number to be stored in the RAM 126 of the import / export control board 120, It has an upper limit number display section 156 for displaying the current upper limit number set by the setting section 154, a capture number display section 158 for displaying the capture number (unit number) for which capture has been completed, and the like. A luminous body (for example, a lamp or an LED) is used for the status display unit 152 and the number-of-acquisitions display unit 158, and a luminous body (for example, a 7-segment element) is used for the upper limit number display unit 156. The setting unit 154 corresponds to the quantity setting means 7 and includes a button for increasing (illustrated by △) and a button for decreasing (illustrated by ▽). In this example, the status display section 152 lights up “START” indicating that the game has started, and the upper limit number display section 156 displays that the upper limit number “5” is set. On the display unit 158, two lamps and the like are turned on corresponding to the number of captures “2”.
The function display device 150 may be provided inside the slot machine 10, may be provided on the front side of the slot machine 10, or may be configured to display a pattern on the liquid crystal display 12. In any case, the player 8 can recognize each display content. In addition, the status display section 152 of this example can also display “Replay” indicating that a replay game is being played, “WAIT” indicating that the game is waiting before starting the game, and the like.
[0050]
According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(B1) The number of pachinko balls P to be taken in (that is, the upper limit number) is set by operating the setting unit 154 (see FIG. 9). With this setting, the capturing device 28 captures the pachinko ball P within a range not exceeding the set upper limit number (see FIG. 7). If the quantity to be automatically taken in is large, it takes time to pay out at the time of settlement, but by setting the upper limit number that can be taken in, payment at the time of settlement can be completed quickly.
(B2) Other requirements, configurations, operations, operation results, and the like are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. {Items (a1) to (a3) ) See｝.
[0051]
[Other embodiments]
In the above-described slot machine 10 (game machine), the structure, shape, size, material, arrangement, operating conditions, and the like of the other parts are not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the following embodiments can be implemented.
(C1) In the first and second embodiments, the present invention is applied to the slot machine 10. Instead of this mode, a game machine other than a pachinko machine (for example, a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball game machine, a video game machine, etc.) is used to capture a game medium B with a specified number as one unit to play a game. The present invention can be similarly applied to a configuration configured to perform the process. Even with the other gaming machines, the game can be started early without waiting for the loading of the gaming medium B. In addition, the take-in means 3 does not need a passage long enough to detect the presence of the game medium B, so that the body can be kept compact.
[0052]
(C2) In the first and second embodiments, when the player 8 operates any one of the bet buttons 50, 52, and 54 (YES in step S34 of FIG. 5), the player 8 reads / fetches from the main control board 110. The take-in signal is transmitted to the payout control board 120 (step S42 in FIG. 6). Instead of this mode, a configuration may be adopted in which a capture signal is transmitted when the player 8 operates another operation unit. The other operation unit corresponds to the capture switch 22 or the like. Even in this case, when the pachinko ball P has been captured in advance, the slot game can be started early.
[0053]
(C3) In the first and second embodiments, the bet buttons 50, 52, and 54 have the function of the capture switch 22, but the bet buttons 50, 52, and 54 may have only the function of making a bet. In this case, the player 8 needs to operate any of the bet buttons 50, 52, 54 after pressing the capture switch 22. However, since the pachinko ball P is taken in advance, the bet buttons 50, 52, 54 can be operated immediately, and the slot game can be started early.
[0054]
(C4) In the step of capturing the pachinko sphere P shown in FIG. 7 (step S54), it may be configured to inspect and determine whether or not the normal pachinko sphere P is to be captured. A configuration example for determining whether or not the ball is a normal pachinko ball P will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 10 to 12 are cross-sectional views of a single pachinko ball P for inspection, for easier understanding.
[First configuration example]
In the example shown in FIG. 10A, a light emitting unit 160 and a light receiving unit 162 (reflectance detecting means) are provided in the inflow passage 32, and light emitted from the light emitting unit 160 reflects the pachinko ball P on the inflow passage 32. The light receiving section 162 receives the reflected light. In the example shown in FIG. 10B, the light-emitting unit 160 and the light-receiving unit 162 are provided on the cover 85, and the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 160 reflects the pachinko ball P accommodated in the blade 164, and the reflected light is received. The unit 162 is configured to receive light. In any configuration, based on the light amount emitted by the light emitting unit 160 and the light amount received by the light receiving unit 162, it is determined that the light is normal if the reflectance of the light is within an allowable range, and abnormal if the reflectance is out of the allowable range. Determine. Since the reflectance of light is often different between the pachinko ball P and the foreign matter, entry of the foreign matter can be found if the reflectance is different even if the shapes are similar. If it is found in advance that foreign matter has been mixed in when the pachinko ball P is taken in (NO in step S54 of FIG. 7), the pachinko ball P is discharged and returned to the lower plate 36 as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The slot machine 10 is stopped via the board 110, or an abnormal signal is sent to the hall computer 140 or the like to urge the game room staff to take action. In this way, foreign substances can be removed smoothly, and the game can be performed normally.
[0055]
[Second configuration example]
In the example shown in FIG. 11A, a weight sensor 166 (weight detecting means) capable of measuring the weight of the pachinko ball P on the inflow passage 32 is provided in the inflow passage 32. In the example shown in FIG. 11B, the blade 164 includes a weight sensor 166 capable of measuring the weight of the pachinko ball P stored in the blade 164. The weight sensor 166 may be measured for each pachinko ball P or may be measured for each unit. If the weight of the pachinko ball P measured by the weight sensor 166 is within the allowable range, it is determined to be normal, and if it is outside the allowable range, it is determined to be abnormal. Since the weight of the pachinko ball P may be different from that of the foreign matter, the foreign matter can be found if the weight is different even if the shape, the reflectance, etc. are similar. If foreign matter is found before taking the pachinko ball P in advance (NO in step S54 in FIG. 7), the same measures as in the first configuration example described above may be taken.
[0056]
[Third configuration example]
In the example shown in FIG. 12A, a hardness sensor 168 (hardness detecting means) capable of measuring the hardness of the pachinko ball P (object) on the inflow passage 32 is provided in the inflow passage 32. In the example shown in FIG. 12B, the cover 85 is provided with a hardness sensor 168 capable of measuring the hardness of the pachinko ball P or the like housed in the blade 164. The hardness sensor 168 includes a pressure sensor, and obtains pressure by applying an indenter 168a to the pachinko ball P or the like with a constant load. The take-in / pay-out control board 120 calculates the hardness of the pachinko ball P from the obtained pressure. The hardness may differ between the pachinko ball P and the foreign matter. If the hardness measured by the hardness sensor 168 is within an allowable range, it is determined to be normal, and if it is outside the allowable range, it is determined to be abnormal. Even if the shapes and weights are similar, if the hardness is different, it is possible to detect the intrusion of foreign matter. If foreign matter is found before taking the pachinko ball P in advance (NO in step S54 in FIG. 7), the same measures as in the first configuration example described above may be taken.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, when the loading of the game medium is completed, the state setting means makes the internal state playable as soon as the second operation unit is operated, so that the game can be played early without waiting for the loading of the game medium. You are ready to start. Further, since the taking-in means does not need a passage long enough to detect the presence of the game medium, the body can be kept compact.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an outline of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the appearance of the slot machine.
FIG. 3 is a side view showing a configuration example of an inflow passage and a take-in device.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a connection example of a control board and the like.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing procedures of a take-in / pay-out process and a game operation process.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure following FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a capturing process.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing display examples of a unit number display and a liquid crystal display.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing a connection example (part) of a control board and the like.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example for measuring a reflectance.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example for measuring weight.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example for measuring hardness.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Receiving department
2 passage
3 Importing means
4 Lower board
5 Status setting means
6 Upper board
6a First operation unit
6b 2nd operation part
7 Quantity setting means
8 Player
9 Notification means
B game media
R annular member
10 slot machines (game machines)
12 Liquid crystal display (notification means)
14. Speaker (notification means)
22 Capture switch (second operation unit)
24 Intake lamp (reporting means)
28 Capture device (capture means)
32 Inflow passage (passage)
34 Settlement switch
40 Upper plate (receiving section)
48 Start lever (1st operation part)
50, 52, 54 Bet buttons (second operation section)
64, 68, 72 reel (annular member)
110 Main control board (upper board, status setting means)
120 Intake / Discharge control board (lower board)
150 Function display device
154 setting unit (quantity setting means)
156 Upper limit number display part (notification means)
158 Number of imports display (notification means)
160 light emitting unit (reflectance detecting means)
162 light receiving unit (reflectance detecting means)
166 Weight sensor (weight detection means)
168 Hardness sensor (hardness detecting means)
P (P2, P4, P6) Pachinko ball (game media, game ball)

Claims (1)

A gaming machine having a configuration in which, when the operation unit is operated after the internal state becomes playable, a game is started with a predetermined number of game media as one unit,
A receiving unit for receiving game media,
Capturing means for capturing game media into the machine through the passage from the receiving unit,
A gaming machine comprising: state setting means for enabling the internal state to be played upon completion of taking in the game medium by the taking means.

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