JP2005204846A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a token payout device with a function other than paying out tokens. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine is provided with a token payout device having a closing member closing a token discharge hole and a closing member driving part driving the closing member; a driving control information storage means storing driving control information prescribing a driving pattern for driving the closing member driving part; a driving control information determination means, by satisfying a predetermined condition, determining specific driving control information from the driving control information stored by the driving control information storage means; a closing member driving control means controlling the driving of the closing member driving means based on predetermined driving control information determined by the driving control information determination means; a performance execution means executing a predetermined performance related to the game; a performance information storage means storing performance information prescribing a performance pattern to be executed by the performance execution means; and a performance information determination means determining the predetermined performance information from the performance information stored in the performance information storage means based on the specific driving control information determined by the driving control information determination means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a coin payout device for paying out stored coins.

  For example, coins (hereinafter used in the meaning including medals, coins, tokens, etc.) are widely used as components such as slot machines, pachislot machines, game machines such as medal games, video games, money changers, coin lending devices, etc. It's being used.

  For example, a coin payout device applied to a pachislot machine is usually a bucket that can accommodate a large number of coins, and a plurality of coins that are rotatably attached to the bucket and accept coins stored in the bucket one by one. A rotating disk having a hole, a motor for rotating the rotating disk, a sensor for detecting coins discharged from the rotating disk rotated by the motor one by one, and the like are included.

  Further, in the pachislot machine, a game is played by rotating a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are drawn and sequentially stopping the rotated reels by a player's stop operation. Then, when the symbols of the reels appearing in the specific area become a specific combination indicating winning, a payout corresponding to the combination is determined.

In such a pachislot machine, when a coin is paid out due to winning or the like, the motor starts to rotate and the rotating disk is rotated. Coins are ejected one by one by the rotation of the rotating disk. The coins to be discharged are detected by a sensor, and when it is detected that the payout number has been discharged, the driving of the motor is stopped (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-114658

  However, in the coin payout device as described above, the motor is merely rotationally driven until it is determined that the payout number has been discharged. Therefore, the timing at which coins are discharged one by one is determined by the rotational drive of the motor (coin payout device). The payout specs of, for example, 10 sheets / second). For this reason, the coin payout timing is kept constant and monotonous.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having a function other than coin payout in a coin payout device and capable of executing a more interesting effect.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and specifically provides the following.

  (1) A coin housing portion that houses a plurality of coins, a rotating member that is rotatably attached to the coin housing portion, and that has a plurality of coin holes into which coins housed in the coin housing portion enter, A rotating member driving unit that rotates the rotating member and discharges the coin that has entered the coin hole to the outside, a coin discharging port through which the coin discharged by the rotation of the rotating member passes, and the coin discharging port are closed A closing member, a closing member driving part for driving the closing member, a coin payout device, a rotating member driving control means for controlling the driving of the rotating member driving part, and driving the closing member driving part. Drive control information storage means for storing drive control information defining a drive pattern, and the drive control information storage means when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Drive control information determining means for determining specific drive control information from the drive control information to be performed, and closing member drive for controlling the drive of the closing member drive section based on the specific drive control information determined by the drive control information determining means The control means, the effect execution means capable of executing a predetermined effect relating to the game, the effect information storage means for storing the effect information defining the effect pattern to be executed by the effect execution means, and the drive control information determination means are determined. An effect information determining means for determining predetermined effect information from effect information stored in the effect information storage means based on specific drive control information.

  According to the gaming machine described in (1), the coin payout device includes the closing member that closes the coin discharge port, and the closing member driving unit that drives the closing member based on a control signal from the outside. The coin discharge port can be closed by the closing member, and the coin can be prevented from being discharged from the rotating member to the coin discharge port. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the coins that should be discharged by the rotation of the rotating member from being discharged by driving the closing member. Thereby, it is possible not to pay out coins while the closing member is driven, and it is possible to delay the payout timing of coins to be paid out one by one.

  Further, since the drive of the closing member drive unit is controlled based on the drive control information that defines the drive pattern for driving the closing member drive unit, the closing member drive unit can be driven based on the drive pattern indicated by the drive control information. it can. Therefore, the closing member can be driven according to the driving pattern. Thereby, the payout timing of coins to be paid out one by one can be changed depending on the drive pattern, and functions other than the coin payout function can be added to the coin payout device, and there is a staging effect on the coin payout timing. It becomes possible to make it. In addition, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can execute an interesting production.

  Further, since the predetermined effect information is determined from the effect information that determines the effect pattern to be executed by the effect means based on the determined specific drive control information, the predetermined effect information determined based on the specific drive control information is determined. The effect pattern can be executed by the effect means. Further, the production information can be made different depending on the specific drive control information to be determined. Therefore, the coin payout pattern of the coin payout device can be synchronized with the effect pattern of the effect executing means. Thereby, a gaming machine capable of executing a more interesting effect can be provided.

  (2) a coin housing portion that houses a plurality of coins, a rotating member that is rotatably attached to the coin housing portion, and that has a plurality of coin holes into which the coins housed in the coin housing portion enter; A rotating member driving unit that rotates the rotating member and discharges the coin that has entered the coin hole to the outside, a coin discharging port through which the coin discharged by the rotation of the rotating member passes, and the coin discharging port are closed A coin payout device including a closing member, a closing member driving unit that drives the closing member based on a control signal from the outside, and a rotating member drive control unit that controls driving of the rotating member driving unit, Drive control information storage means for storing drive control information that defines a drive pattern for driving the closure member drive unit, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, Drive control information determining means for determining specific drive control information from the drive control information stored in the drive control information storage means, and the closing member drive unit based on the specific drive control information determined by the drive control information determining means A closing member drive control means for controlling the driving of the game, an effect execution means capable of executing a predetermined effect relating to the game, and the effect execution means executed based on the specific drive control information determined by the drive control information determination means. An amusement machine comprising: an effect control means for controlling the effect.

  According to the gaming machine described in (2), the coin payout device includes the closing member that closes the coin discharge port, and the closing member driving unit that drives the closing member based on a control signal from the outside. The coin discharge port can be closed by the closing member, and the coin can be prevented from being discharged from the rotating member to the coin discharge port. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the coins that should be discharged by the rotation of the rotating member from being discharged by driving the closing member. Thereby, it is possible not to pay out coins while the closing member is driven, and it is possible to delay the payout timing of coins to be paid out one by one.

  Further, since the drive of the closing member drive unit is controlled based on the drive control information that defines the drive pattern for driving the closing member drive unit, the closing member drive unit can be driven based on the drive pattern indicated by the drive control information. it can. Therefore, the closing member can be driven according to the driving pattern. Thereby, the payout timing of coins to be paid out one by one can be changed depending on the drive pattern, and functions other than the coin payout function can be added to the coin payout device, and there is a staging effect on the coin payout timing. It becomes possible to make it. In addition, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can execute an interesting production.

  Moreover, since the effect performed by the effect executing means is controlled based on the determined specific drive control information, it is possible to execute the effect based on the driving pattern of the closing member defined by the drive control information. Therefore, it is possible to execute an effect synchronized with the coin payout timing of the coin payout device. Thereby, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can execute a more interesting performance.

  (3) In the gaming machine described in (2), the coin payout device includes a coin detection unit that detects a coin passing through a coin discharge port, and the effect control unit is based on a detection state of the coin detection unit. A gaming machine characterized by controlling an effect executed by the effect executing means.

  According to the gaming machine described in (3), since the effect executed by the effect executing means is controlled based on the detection state of the payout detecting means, the effect is executed based on the detection state of the coins paid out by the coin payout device. Means can be executed. Therefore, since the effect means can execute an effect based on the detection state of the coins actually paid out by the coin payout device, the coin payout timing of the coin payout device and the effect executed by the effect execution means can be synchronized. Can be improved.

  According to the present invention, the coin payout device can be provided with functions other than coin payout, and a more interesting effect can be executed.

  In the following embodiments, a case where the present invention is applied to a gaming machine such as a pachislot machine will be described as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine 1 is a so-called pachislot machine. The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses a game medium such as a card that stores information on game value given to or given to a player in addition to coins, medals, game balls, tokens, and the like. However, in the following description, it is assumed that coins (hereinafter, used to mean including medals, coins, tokens, etc.) are used.

  A so-called main door 2 is provided in front of the cabinet forming the entire gaming machine 1. A panel display portion 2a as a substantially vertical surface is formed on the front surface of the main door 2, and vertically long display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are provided at the center thereof. The display windows 4L, 4C and 4R are provided with a top line 8b, a center line 8c and a bottom line 8d in the horizontal direction as winning lines, and a cross-up line 8a and a cross-down line 8e in the diagonal direction. These winning lines are respectively operated by operating a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, a maximum BET switch 13, which will be described later, or inserting coins into the coin insertion slot 22. The book is activated. Which winning line is activated is displayed by lighting of BET lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c described later.

  Here, the winning lines 8a to 8e relate to success / failure of the winning combination. Specifically, any of the symbols (for example, “bell (symbol 94)” described later with reference to FIG. 4) constituting a symbol combination corresponding to a predetermined combination (for example, bell small role) is activated. A predetermined winning combination is won by stopping and displaying in a predetermined position corresponding to the winning line.

  On the back side of the main door 2, three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R each having a symbol row composed of a plurality of types of symbols on each outer peripheral surface are rotatably provided in a horizontal row. The design of each reel can be observed through the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Each reel is provided so as to be capable of constant speed rotation (for example, 80 rotations / minute).

  On the left side of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, a 1-BET lamp 9a, a 2-BET lamp 9b, a maximum BET lamp 9c, and an information display unit 18 are provided. The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of coins betted to play one game (hereinafter referred to as “BET number”).

  The 1-BET lamp 9a is turned on when the BET number is “1” and one winning line is activated. The 2-BET lamp 9b is lit when the BET number is “2” and three pay lines are activated. The maximum BET lamp 9c is turned on when the number of BETs is “3” and all (5) winning lines are activated. The information display unit 18 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the number of coins stored (credited), the number of coins paid out at the time of winning a prize, the number of games played in the BB general game state described later, and the like.

  A horizontal pedestal 10 is formed below the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, and a liquid crystal display device 5 is provided between the pedestal 10 and the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. On the display screen 5a of the liquid crystal display device 5, information related to the game is displayed. A coin insertion slot 22 is provided on the right side of the liquid crystal display device 5, and a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, and a maximum BET switch 13 are provided on the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5.

  The 1-BET switch 11 bets one of the credited coins on the game by one pressing operation, and the 2-BET switch 12 presses the credited coin by one pressing operation. Two of them are bet on the game, and the maximum BET switch 13 bets the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game. By operating these BET switches, a predetermined pay line is activated as described above.

  Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal 10 and below the liquid crystal display device 5, respectively. Yes. On the left side of the three stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, there is a start lever 6 for rotating the reel by the player's operation and starting the display of symbols in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. It is attached so as to be freely rotatable within an angle range. Speakers 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R are provided on the left and right above the coin receiving portion 16. In the embodiment, one game basically starts when the start lever 6 is operated, and ends when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

  A C / P switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal 10 to switch the credit / payout of coins acquired by the player in the game by a push button operation. By operating the C / P switch 14, the credit mode is turned on or off. The credit mode is an internal state of the gaming machine 1 indicating whether or not the coins inserted into the gaming machine 1 and the coins paid out as a payout according to the winning are stored in the gaming machine 1. When the credit mode is on, the number of coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 22 and the number of coins paid out according to the winning combination are credited. The credited coin number is displayed on the information display unit 18. When the credit mode is OFF, the number of credited coins is paid out from the coin payout exit 15 at the lower front by a hopper 40 described later. The paid out coins are stored in the coin receiving portion 16. When the credit mode is off, the number of coins corresponding to the winning combination is paid out from the coin payout exit 15 by the hopper 40. In the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, it is possible to credit up to 50 coins, and coins exceeding 50 coins are paid out from the coin payout exit 15 by the hopper 40. For example, if 49 coins are credited and a winning combination with a payout of 15 coins is established, one of the 15 coins is credited, and 14 coins exceeding 50 are hopper 40 Is paid out from the coin payout exit 15.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of various devices provided in the gaming machine 1.

  Above the inside of the gaming machine 1, a control unit including a main control circuit 71 and a sub control circuit 72 for electrically controlling the gaming machine 1 is provided. Further, as described above, the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, each having a symbol row drawn on each outer peripheral surface, are rotatably provided in a horizontal row below the control unit. Further, below the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a hopper 40 for saving and paying out coins is provided. A first discharge port 60 is provided in front of the hopper 40. Coins stored in the hopper 40 are discharged from the first discharge port 60. Further, on the back side of the main door 2, a second discharge port 62 that accepts coins discharged from the first discharge port 60 is provided. The coins discharged from the first discharge port 60 are received by the second discharge port 62, pass through the chute 64, and are paid out from the coin payout opening 15 provided on the front side of the main door 2. 16 is stored.

  FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lower part of the main door 2. As shown in FIG. 3, a coin collision plate 66 is provided inside the chute 64 and behind the second discharge port 62. The coin collision plate 66 is fixed to the upper inner wall of the second discharge port 62 of the chute 64 via a mounting screw or the like. In addition, the coin collision plate 66 is formed, for example, by bending one end of a vertically long metal plate having a certain thickness into a step shape. The coins discharged into the chute 64 from the first discharge port 60 of the hopper 40 through the second discharge port 62 collide with the coin collision plate 66, and the collided coin falls downward by the coin collision plate 66. At this time, by causing the coin to collide with the coin collision plate 66, it is possible to generate a collision sound due to the collision between the metals.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of the symbol arrangement of the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 shows a symbol arrangement drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (more specifically, a reel sheet mounted along the outer peripheral surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R). Each symbol is assigned a code number “00” to “20”, and is stored in a ROM 32 (FIG. 12) described later as a data table. As shown in FIG. 4, on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, "red 7 (design 91)", "blue 7 (design 92)", "BAR (design 93)", "bell (design 94) A symbol array composed of symbols "", "watermelon (symbol 95)", "Replay (symbol 96)", and "cherry (symbol 97)" is depicted. The reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotationally driven so that the symbol arrangement moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the combination of symbols in which a winning is achieved and the payout in the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment will be described for each gaming state. FIG. 5 is stored as a data table in the ROM 32 (FIG. 12) of the main control circuit 71 described later.

  The gaming state in the embodiment includes a general gaming state, a general gaming state during BB, and an RB gaming state. Transition between games and gaming states in each gaming state is controlled by a main control circuit 71 (FIG. 12) described later.

  Here, in the role of the embodiment, BB (actual continuous action device related to the first type special feature), RB (first type special feature), replay, bell small role, watermelon small role, There is a cherry small part and a JAC small part.

  The general game state is basically a game state in which an expected value of a so-called “play rate (game value given to a player for a unit game value bet on a game)” is smaller than “1”. . Further, it is the most disadvantageous game state for the player as compared to other game states.

  The BB gaming state is a gaming state configured by a BB general gaming state and an RB gaming state. Further, the BB gaming state is basically a gaming state constituted by a game in which the “actual accessory continuous actuating device related to the first type special accessory” is operating. In the embodiment, in the general game state, when three “red 7 (symbol 91)” or “blue 7 (symbol 92)” are arranged along one active line, BB winning is established. When a BB winning is established, 15 coins are paid out, and a transition is made to the general gaming state during BB (so-called BB game start). In the general game state during BB of the embodiment, the probability that the small winning combination and the RB are internally won is higher than that in the general game state. Further, in the BB gaming state of the embodiment, the game state is terminated when the acquired number (for example, so-called “pure increase number” or “paid-out number”) becomes a predetermined number (for example, 461) or more, and the gaming state is changed to the general gaming state. Transition.

  The RB gaming state is basically a gaming state constituted by a game in which the “first type special character” is operating. In the embodiment, when three “BARs” are arranged along one active line in the general gaming state, an RB winning is established. When an RB winning is established, 15 coins are paid out and a transition is made to the RB gaming state (so-called RB game start). In addition, in the BB general gaming state, when three “Replays” are arranged along one active line, an RB winning is established, 15 coins are paid out, and the RB gaming state is entered (RB). Game start). Further, the RB gaming state of the embodiment is a gaming state in which three “Replay” are arranged along one active line by betting one coin, and a winning of a JAC small role is established with high probability. When the winning of the JAC small role is established, 15 coins are paid out. In addition, the RB gaming state of the embodiment is terminated when the number of games executed in the RB gaming state reaches 12 times or the winning of the JAC small role is established 8 times, and the gaming state is the general gaming state or BB Transition to the medium general game state.

  In the general game state, when three “Replay” s are arranged along one active line, a so-called replay winning is established. When a re-game winning is established, the same number of coins inserted are automatically inserted, so that the player can play the next game without consuming coins.

  In the general game state or the general game state during BB, when three “watermelons” are arranged along one active line, a winning combination of a watermelon small role is established, and seven coins are paid out. If “cherry-any (any symbol is acceptable) -any” is lined up along one active line, a winning of a small role of cherry is established and two coins are paid out. If three “bells” are arranged along one active line, a prize for the small role of the bell is established, and 15 coins are paid out.

  Next, the configuration of the hopper 40 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the hopper 40. As shown in FIG. 6, the hopper 40 includes a main body 113 including a base 110, a rotating disk 111, and a cover 112, and a bucket 115 that is attached to the cover 112 and accommodates a large amount of coins. The bucket 115 is detachably attached to the main body 113 via an attachment screw 116. Moreover, the code | symbol 114 in a figure shows a coin.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the main body 113 is disassembled with the cover 112 removed. The base 110 is composed of a frame body whose upper part is formed obliquely at an angle of 25 degrees, for example, and a support plate 120 made of a rectangular metal plate is attached to the upper part of the base 110 in an inclined manner. A motor 121 having a speed reduction mechanism is attached to the lower surface side of the support plate 120. A head 121a is fixed to the output shaft of the speed reduction mechanism. The head 121 a is positioned by a shaft hole 120 a formed in the support plate 120, and the rotating disk 111 is fixed to the tip via an attachment screw 122. In addition, on the coin receiving surface of the support plate 120, a dust discharging hole 120b, a protruding hole 120c of the fixed roller 123, a protruding hole 120d of the movable roller 124, a sensor window 120e for a coin sensor, A projection hole 120g of the shutter 44 that prevents the discharge of the shutter 44 is formed.

  In addition, the rotary disk 111 is formed with a circular opening 125 having a diameter slightly larger than that of the coin. Eight circular openings 125 are provided at the same pitch in the circumferential direction of the rotating disk 111. These numbers may be appropriately increased or decreased according to the size of the rotating disk 111. The upper peripheral edge of the circular opening 125 is formed so as to gradually expand as it goes upward, so that coins can easily enter the circular opening 125.

  A thrust bearing 135 is provided below the rotating disk 111. The thrust bearing 135 is fitted into a mounting groove formed on the back side of the rotating disk 111 and is disposed between the rotating disk 111 and the support plate 120. The thrust bearing 135 receives a load of coins in the bucket 115, and thus the rotating disk 111 can smoothly rotate at the bottom of the bucket 115.

  A coin delivery guide plate 130 is fixed to the lower side of the rotating disk 111 via an attachment screw 131. The coin delivery guide plate 130 is made of metal and formed in a claw wheel shape, and includes eight guide claws 132 corresponding to the circular openings 125 of the rotating disc 111. The guide claw 132 includes a coin holding guide surface 132a disposed on the inner side and a coin delivery guide surface 132b disposed on the outer side. The coin holding guide surface 132 a is formed in an arc shape along the circular opening 125 of the rotating disk 111. The coin delivery guide surface 132b is continuous with the inner end of the coin holding guide surface 132a, and is formed in an arc shape bulging outward so as to contact the outer end of the coin holding guide surface 132a of the adjacent guide claw 132 at an acute angle. ing. Therefore, the coin supported by the support plate 120 through the circular opening 125 is held by the coin holding guide surface 132a, and from the central axis of the rotating disc 111 by the coin sending guide surface 132b as the rotating disc 111 rotates. It is sent in the direction of leaving.

  The support plate 120 is attached with an outer guide plate 140 having a thickness slightly larger than the thickness of the coin, and a cover 112 covering the same. The outer guide plate 140 is made of a rectangular metal plate, and an arc-shaped coin guide surface 141 that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the rotating disk 111 is formed at the center thereof. A coin discharge opening 142 is formed at the coin discharge position. The coin discharge opening 142 is formed with notches 143 and 144 for the fixed roller 123 and the movable roller 124. Further, the first discharge port 60 is formed by forming a gap between the support plate 120 covering the upper portion of the coin discharge opening 142 and the cover 112. Here, the coin guide surface 141 is divided into a first guide surface 141a and a second guide surface 141b. The first guide surface 141 a is formed by an arc whose curvature radius is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the rotating disk 111 with the central axis of the rotating disk 111 as the center. The second guide surface 141b is formed with the same radius of curvature as the first guide surface 141a, and is formed by an arc centered at a position slightly decentered from the central axis of the rotating disk 111 toward the coin discharge opening 142. Has been. As described above, since the center of the radius of curvature of the second guide surface 141b is slightly shifted toward the coin discharge opening 142, the coin gradually approaches the coin discharge opening 142 when the coin is discharged, and the coin is discharged. It can be done smoothly.

  In addition, coin detection units 40Sa and 40Sb are attached to the recess 112a of the cover 112 in order to detect coins in the first discharge port 60. The cover 112 and the support plate 120 are formed with sensor windows 112b at positions corresponding to the coin detection units 40Sa and 40Sb. The coin detection units 40Sa and 40Sb are reflective photosensors. The coin detectors 40Sa and 40Sb detect coins that have passed through the coin detectors 40Sa and 40Sb. A light shielding lid 166 that covers the coin detection units 40Sa and 40Sb is attached to the recess 112a of the cover 112. The coin detection units 40Sa and 40Sb are not limited to the reflection type photosensors, and a light projecting / receiving photosensor or the like may be used.

  Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 12, the driving of the hopper 40 (more specifically, the motor 121) is controlled by the main control circuit 71. The main control circuit 71 includes a CPU 31, a hopper drive circuit 41, and a payout completion signal circuit 51, and a hopper drive circuit 41 and a payout completion signal circuit 51 are connected to the CPU 31. A motor 121 is connected to the hopper drive circuit 41. The motor 121 rotates the rotating disk 111 at a constant speed so as to pay out ten coins in one second. Further, the coin detection units 40Sa and 40Sb are connected to the payout completion signal circuit 51.

  A roller mounting bracket 150 is attached to the support plate 120. By the roller mounting bracket 150, the fixed roller 123 and the movable roller 124 are mounted so as to protrude from the support plate 120 by the thickness of one coin.

  FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing a detailed configuration of the roller mounting bracket 150. As shown in FIG. 8, the fixed roller 123 is rotatably attached to the roller mounting bracket 150, and the roller circumferential surface is positioned in the extending direction of the second guide surface 141b of the outer guide plate 140. It is positioned in the coin discharge opening 142. The movable roller 124 is provided with an elastic body 124 a made of rubber on its circumferential surface, and is rotatably attached to the tip of the arm 151. The elastic body 124a is not limited to rubber, and synthetic resin or the like may be used.

  The arm 151 is swingably attached to the roller mounting bracket 150 with the mounting shaft 150a as the center of rotation, and the movable roller 124 is placed in the notch 150b, 120d at the discharge port closing position (indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 9 described later). And a position where the discharge port is opened (a position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 9 described later). In addition, a tension coil spring 152 is attached to the arm 151, and this tension coil spring 152 biases the movable roller 124 in the direction of the closing position. At the position where the movable roller 124 is closed, the movable roller 124 is set so as to be positioned on the outer peripheral edge of the rotating disk 111.

  Here, the hopper 40 of the embodiment is provided with a shutter 44 that is located between the fixed roller 123 and the movable roller 124 and prevents the coins that have moved to the vicinity of the coin discharge opening 142 from being discharged. In the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, a state in which coins are not paid out for a certain period of time is created by driving the shutter 44 (specifically, the solenoid 153). Although details will be described with reference to FIG. 14, in the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, when a predetermined number of coins are paid out, by driving the shutter 44 (specifically, the solenoid 153), The time interval of coins is irregular, and the rhythm of coin payout is changed.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the roller mounting bracket 150 is formed with a projecting hole 150 d of the shutter 44. A shutter 44 is attached to the projecting hole 150d via an attachment cylinder portion 154. The shutter 44 has a column shape having an arc-shaped cross section that is substantially the same shape as the coin guide surface 141. The mounting cylinder portion 154 includes a storage hole 154 a for the shutter 44, in which the shutter 44 is stored and attached to the roller mounting bracket 150 via a mounting screw 159. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the support plate 120 is formed with a shutter protruding hole 120 g that is slightly larger than the cross section of the shutter 44.

  A solenoid 153 is provided below the shutter 44. The solenoid 153 is provided to apply a force to the shutter 44 from below by supplying a current. The shutter 44 normally enters the protruding hole 120g of the support plate 120. The shutter 44 protrudes from the support plate 120 upward by the thickness of at least one coin from the inside of the protruding hole 120g of the support plate 120 by the solenoid 153. The first discharge port 60 is closed by the protrusion of the shutter 44, and the coin is prevented from being discharged. Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 13, the driving of the shutter 44 (specifically, the solenoid 153) is controlled by the sub-control circuit 72. A shutter drive circuit 43 is connected to the image control microcomputer 81 of the sub control circuit 72, and a solenoid 153 is connected to the shutter drive circuit 43. The shutter drive circuit 43 supplies a drive signal to the solenoid 153 based on a drive command signal output from the CPU 31.

  Next, the operation of the hopper 40 will be described. FIG. 9 shows the coin movement state when the coin is paid out.

  A large amount of coins is stored in the bucket 115 (FIG. 6). When the main control circuit 71 decides to perform the payout, the main control circuit 71 outputs a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 41 to drive the motor 121 via the hopper drive circuit 41. The motor 121 rotates the rotating disk 111 at a constant speed in the clockwise direction in FIG. As a result, the coins stored in the bucket 115 are swung and fall into the support plate 120 from the circular opening 125 of the rotating disk 111. The coins that have fallen on the support plate 120 come into contact with the guide surface 141 of the outer guide plate 140 while being pushed by the coin delivery guide plate 130 that rotates together with the rotating disk 111, and the coin discharge opening 142 side on the surface of the support plate 120. Move to.

  Further, since the support plate 120 is inclined, the coins sent to the upper side of the central axis of the rotating disk 111 fall by their own weight and are held by the coin holding guide surface 132a of the coin delivery guide plate 130. become. The coin located below the central axis of the rotating disk 111 is in contact with the guide surface 141 of the outer guide plate 140 by its own weight. Then, the coin that is in contact with the second guide surface 141b in the guide surface 141 is sent so as to be brought closer to the coin discharge opening 142 side by the delivery guide surface 132b of the coin delivery guide plate 130.

  Further, when the coin is positioned at the coin discharge opening 142 due to the rotation of the rotating disk 111, the coin is in contact with the fixed roller 123. In this state, the coin moves to the discharge direction by displacing the movable roller 124 to a position where it is released by pressing the coin delivery guide surface 132b of the guide claw 132. When the tip of the guide claw 132 comes into contact with the coin, the coin is over the movable roller 124. As a result, the coin is not subjected to the pushing action from the guide claw 132 and is ejected vigorously in the coin ejection direction by the urging force of the tension coil spring 152 of the movable roller 124.

  Coins ejected vigorously due to the return of the movable roller 124 in the closing direction are detected by the coin detectors 40Sa and 40Sb. The payout completion signal circuit 51 outputs a coin detection signal to the CPU 31 every time a coin is detected by the coin detection units 40Sa and 40Sb. Similarly, coins are basically paid out from the first discharge port 60 one by one at regular time intervals until the predetermined payout number designated by the CPU 31 is reached. The hopper 40 of the embodiment can pay out 10 coins per second (one coin per 0.1 second). The payout completion signal circuit 51 counts the number of coins detected by the coin detectors 40Sa and 40Sb, and when the count value (that is, the number of coins paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the number data designated by the CPU 31, A payout completion signal for detecting completion of coin payout is output to the CPU 31. When the CPU 31 determines that the number of payouts has been reached, it outputs a payout stop command signal to the hopper drive circuit 41 and stops driving the motor 121 via the hopper drive circuit 41. At this time, the drive of the motor 121 stops instantaneously.

  FIG. 10 shows a coin movement state when coins are paid out, and shows a state where the coin discharge opening 142 is blocked by the shutter 44. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the coin discharge opening 142 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the coin is in contact with the guide surface 141 of the outer guide plate 140 while being pushed by the coin delivery guide plate 130 that rotates together with the rotating disk 111, and on the surface of the support plate 120, the coin discharge opening 142. {Fig. 11 (1)}. At this time, when a drive command signal is output to the shutter drive circuit 43 by the image control microcomputer 81 of the sub control circuit 72, a drive signal is output from the shutter drive circuit 43 to the solenoid 153. When a drive signal is output to the solenoid 153, the shutter 44 protrudes upward from the shutter protrusion hole 120g by the solenoid 153. Further, the coin that has moved toward the coin discharge opening 142 due to the rotation of the rotating disk 111 contacts the protruding shutter 44. At this time, the coin is pressed in the discharge direction by the coin delivery guide surface 132b of the guide claw 132, but the movement in the discharge direction is prevented by being received by the shutter 44 {FIG. 11 (2)}. The coins whose movement in the discharge direction is hindered are moved along the shutter 44 by being pressed by the coin delivery guide surface 132b of the guide claw 132 without being guided to the coin discharge opening 142. Further, the coin moving along the shutter 44 is displaced in contact with the movable roller 124, but the movement in the discharge direction is hindered by the projection of the shutter 44. It moves along the guide surface 141 of the plate 140. In this manner, coins can be prevented from being discharged while the shutter 44 is protruding. Further, when the image control microcomputer 81 of the sub control circuit 72 stops outputting the drive command signal to the shutter drive circuit 43, the output of the drive signal from the shutter drive circuit 43 to the solenoid 153 stops, and the shutter 44 protrudes from the shutter. Retreat into the hole 120g. As a result, the coin discharge opening 142 is not closed by the shutter 44, and the coin is discharged as described with reference to FIG.

  Next, the configuration of the control unit of the gaming machine 1 and peripheral devices connected to the control unit will be described with reference to FIGS. The control unit of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control circuit 71 and a sub control circuit 72.

  12 is based on a main control circuit 71 that controls game processing operations in the gaming machine 1, a peripheral device (actuator) that is electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, and a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. A circuit configuration including the liquid crystal display device 5, the speakers 21L and 21R, the LED 101, and the sub-control circuit 72 that controls the lamp 102 is shown.

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 that are storage means.

  Connected to the CPU 31 are a clock pulse generator 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 for generating a random number to be sampled. As a means for random number sampling, random number sampling may be executed in the microcomputer 30, that is, on the operation program of the CPU 31. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  The ROM 32 of the microcomputer 30 has a probability lottery table used for determination of random number sampling performed every time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation), and a reel stop mode according to the operation of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. A stop table group for determination, various control commands (commands) for transmission to the sub-control circuit 72, various commands for causing the sub-control circuit 72 to execute processing, and the like are stored. The sub control circuit 72 does not input commands, information, or the like to the main control circuit 71, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72. Various information is stored in the RAM 33. For example, credit mode ON / OFF information, for example, a credit number counter which is information for counting the number of credits, a payout execution number counter which is information on the number of coins actually paid out, game state information, etc. are stored. The

  In the circuit of FIG. 12, the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30 are a BET lamp (1-BET lamp 9a, 2-BET lamp 9b, maximum BET lamp 9c), and an information display section. 18 and a hopper 40 that stores the above-described coins and pays out a predetermined number of coins according to a command from the hopper driving circuit 41, and stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R that rotationally drive the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  Further, a motor driving circuit 39 for driving and controlling the stepping motors 49L, 49C and 49R, a hopper driving circuit 41 for driving and controlling the hopper 40 (more specifically, the motor 121), and a lamp for driving and controlling the BET lamps 9a, 9b and 9c. A drive circuit 45 and a display unit drive circuit 48 for driving and controlling the information display unit 18 are connected to the output unit of the CPU 31. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 31 and controls the operation of each actuator.

  The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control command includes a start switch 6S, a 1-BET switch 11, a 2-BET switch 12, a maximum BET switch 13, There are a C / P switch 14, a coin sensor 22S, a reel stop signal circuit 46, and a reel position detection circuit 50.

  The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6. The coin sensor 22S detects a coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 22. The reel stop signal circuit 46 outputs a stop signal in accordance with the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. The reel position detection circuit 50 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and outputs a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 31.

  In the circuit of FIG. 12, the random number generator 36 generates a random number belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 37 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. An internal winning combination is determined based on the random number sampled in this way and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 32. The probability lottery table stores information on internal winning combinations such as BB, RB, small combination, and lost (none) (see FIG. 5) and information on a random number range for determining the internal winning combination.

  After the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 33. From the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reset pulses are obtained every rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit 50. The count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 33 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the RAM 33 stores the count value corresponding to the rotational position within the range of one rotation for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  A symbol table (not shown) is stored in the ROM 32 in order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol table, a code number that is sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated, and a corresponding code number are provided. A symbol code indicating the displayed symbol is associated with the symbol.

  Further, in the ROM 32, a winning symbol combination table (for example, see FIG. 5) is stored. In the winning symbol combination table, a winning symbol combination, a winning coin payout number, and a winning determination code representing the winning are associated with each other. The above winning symbol combination table is referred to when the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C, and the right reel 3R are controlled to stop and when a winning confirmation is made after all reels are stopped.

  When the internal winning combination is determined by the lottery process (probability lottery process) based on the random sampling, the CPU 31 performs an operation sent from the reel stop signal circuit 46 at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. Based on the signal and the selected stop table, a signal for stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is sent to the motor drive circuit 39.

  Further, when the CPU 31 determines that the stop symbol of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R indicates the winning of the winning combination internally and decides to pay out coins, it outputs a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 41 to output the hopper 40. A predetermined number of coins are paid out.

  In addition, the coin detection units 40Sa and 40Sb detect coins that are discharged one by one. The payout completion signal circuit 51 outputs a coin detection signal to the CPU 31 when a coin is detected by the coin detection units 40Sa and 40Sb. The payout completion signal circuit 51 counts the number of coins detected by the coin detectors 40Sa and 40Sb, and the counted value (that is, the number of coins paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the number data specified by the CPU 31. In this case, a payout completion signal for detecting completion of coin payout is output to the CPU 31. When the CPU 31 determines that the coin payout has been completed, the CPU 31 outputs a payout stop command signal to the hopper drive circuit 41, stops the driving of the motor 121 of the hopper 40 via the payout stop command signal, and performs the coin payout process. finish.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub control circuit 72. The sub control circuit 72 includes an image control circuit (gSub) 72a, a sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b, and a shutter drive circuit 72c. The image control circuit (gSub) 72a, the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b, and the shutter drive circuit 72c are each configured on a circuit board different from the circuit board constituting the main control circuit 71.

  Communication between the main control circuit 71 and the image control circuit (gSub) 72a is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the image control circuit (gSub) 72a, and the image control circuit (gSub) 72a is connected to the main control circuit. No command, information, etc. are output to 71. Further, communication between the image control circuit (gSub) 72a, the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b, and the shutter drive circuit 72c is performed from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b and the shutter. This is performed in one direction to the drive circuit 72c, and the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b and the shutter drive circuit 72c do not output commands, information, or the like to the image control circuit (gSub) 72a.

  The image control circuit (gSub) 72a includes an image control microcomputer 81, a serial port 82, a program ROM 83, a work RAM 84, a calendar IC 85, an image control IC 86, a control RAM 87, an image ROM {CROM (character ROM)} 88, and a video RAM 89. The

  The image control microcomputer 81 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (a serial port is shown). The CPU provided in the image control microcomputer 81 is based on a command (for example, a payout execution number command or a payout completion command described later) transmitted from the main control circuit 71, for example, a control program (for example, Various processes are performed in accordance with a flowchart shown in FIG. The image control circuit (gSub) 72a does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, but is configured to execute random number sampling on the operation program of the image control microcomputer 81. ing.

  The serial port 82 receives a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The program ROM 83 stores a control program executed by the image control microcomputer 81, a determination table (a shutter drive table shown in FIG. 14 described later, an effect determination table shown in FIG. 15, etc.), and the like. The work RAM 84 is configured as a temporary storage unit for work when the image control microcomputer 81 executes the control program described above. The calendar IC 85 stores date data. An operation unit 17 is connected to the image control microcomputer 81. By operating the operation unit 17, date setting or the like is performed. The image control microcomputer 81 stores the date information set based on the input signal transmitted from the operation unit 17 in the calendar IC 85. The date information stored in the calendar IC 85 is backed up. The work RAM 84 and calendar IC 85 described above are backup targets. That is, even when the power supplied to the image control microcomputer 81 is shut off, the power is continuously supplied, and the stored information and the like are prevented from being erased.

  The image control IC 86 generates an image corresponding to the effect content (for example, effect patterns A to C described later) determined by the image control microcomputer 81 and outputs the image to the liquid crystal display device 5. As will be described in detail later, in the embodiment, for example, when coins are paid out by the hopper 40, an image synchronized with the payout rhythm is output to the liquid crystal display device 5. The control RAM 87 is included in the image control IC 86. The image control microcomputer 81 writes and reads information and the like with respect to the control RAM 87. In the control RAM 87, a register of the image control IC 86, a sprite attribute table, and a color palette table are developed. The image control microcomputer 81 updates the register of the image control IC 86 and the sprite attribute table at predetermined timings. The image control IC 86 is connected to the liquid crystal display device 5, the image ROM 88, and the video RAM 89. The image ROM 88 may be connected to the image control microcomputer 81. In this case, the configuration may be effective when processing a large amount of image data such as three-dimensional image data. The image ROM 88 stores image data, dot data, and the like for generating an image. The video RAM 89 is configured as a temporary storage unit when an image is generated by the image control IC 86. The image control IC 86 transmits a signal to the image control microcomputer 81 every time data in the video RAM 89 is transferred to the liquid crystal display device 5.

  In the sub-control circuit 72, the image control microcomputer 81 also controls the sound and lamp effects. The image control microcomputer 81 determines the type of sound / lamp and the output timing based on the determined effect. The image control microcomputer 81 transmits a command to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b via the serial port 82 at every predetermined timing. The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b mainly outputs only the sound / lamp according to the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a.

  The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b includes a sound / lamp control microcomputer 91, a serial port 92, a program ROM 93, a work RAM 94, a sound source IC 95, a power amplifier 96, and a sound source ROM 97.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (a serial port is shown). The CPU provided in the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs sound / lamp output processing according to the control program stored in the program ROM 93 based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 is connected to the LED 101 and the lamp 102. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 transmits an output signal to the LED 101 and the lamp 102 in response to a command transmitted at a predetermined timing from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. Thereby, LED101 and the lamp | ramp 102 will light-emit in the predetermined | prescribed aspect according to production. Although details will be described later, in the embodiment, for example, when coins are paid out by the hopper 40, the LED 101 and the lamp 102 are caused to emit light in synchronization with the payout.

  The serial port 92 receives a command or the like transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. The program ROM 93 stores a control program executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 and the like. The work RAM 94 is configured as a temporary storage means for work when the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 executes the control program described above. The sound source IC 95 generates a sound source based on the command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72 a and outputs the sound source to the power amplifier 96. The power amplifier 96 is an amplifier, and speakers 21L and 21R are connected to the power amplifier 96. The power amplifier 96 amplifies the sound source output from the sound source IC 95 and outputs the amplified sound source from the speakers 21L and 21R. Although details will be described later, in the embodiment, for example, when coins are paid out by the hopper 40, sound effects are output in synchronization with the payout. The sound source ROM 97 stores sound source data (phrase etc.) for generating a sound source. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 is connected to a volume control unit 103. The volume control unit 103 can be operated by employees of the game hall and the like, and the volume output from the speakers 21L and 21R is adjusted. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs control to adjust the sound output from the speakers 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R to the input volume based on the input signal transmitted from the volume control unit 103.

  In the sub control circuit 72, the image control microcomputer 81 controls the shutter drive circuit 72c. The image control microcomputer 81 outputs and stops a drive command signal to the shutter drive circuit 72c via the serial port 82 based on the shutter drive table. The shutter drive circuit 72c outputs a drive signal to the solenoid 153 to drive the shutter 44 (specifically, the solenoid 153).

  Next, a shutter drive table stored in the program ROM 83 of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 shows a shutter drive table used for controlling the drive of the shutter 44 (specifically, the solenoid 153). The image control microcomputer 81 of the sub control circuit 72 controls the driving of the shutter 44 (specifically, the solenoid 153) based on the shutter driving table. The shutter driving table is used when the gaming state is the BB gaming state.

  In the shutter drive table shown in FIG. 14, the number of payout executions and drive control information are stored in association with each other.

  The payout execution number indicates information on the number of coins actually paid out from the hopper 40. That is, the payout execution number is information indicating the number of coins actually paid out without including the number of credited coins. The payout execution number is determined based on the relationship between the type of winning combination, on / off of the credit mode switched by the operation of the C / P switch 14, and the stored credit number. For example, in the embodiment, when the credit mode is off and the winning of the internal winning combination excluding replay and losing (none) is established, the number of payouts corresponding to the winning combination (FIG. 5). Reference) is determined as the number of payout executions. Even when the credit mode is on, if the payout number corresponding to the winning combination exceeds 50, which is the number of credits that can be credited, the number exceeding 50 is determined as the payout execution number. . Further, when the credit mode is switched from on to off by operating the C / P switch 14 (that is, when the credited coin is settled), the number of coins credited is determined as the payout execution number. Then, based on the determined payout execution number, the shutter drive table shown in FIG. 14 is referred to.

  The drive control information indicates information about the time for which the image control microcomputer 81 drives and controls the shutter 44 (specifically, the solenoid 153). The drive control information includes “ON” information and “OFF” information. “ON” indicates information on the time for which the image control microcomputer 81 drives the shutter 44, and “OFF” indicates image control. The time information during which the microcomputer 81 does not drive the shutter 44 is shown. In the shutter drive table shown in FIG. 14, “ON” time information and “OFF” time information are alternately stored for one payout execution number. The image control microcomputer 81 outputs a drive command signal to the shutter drive circuit 43 based on the “ON” time information, and outputs a drive command signal to the shutter drive circuit 43 based on the “OFF” time information. To stop. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, the protrusion and retraction of the shutter 44 are performed based on the “ON” time information or the “OFF” time information associated with the number of coins to be paid out. Are controlled alternately. That is, when paying out coins one by one from the hopper 40, the time interval between the coins to be paid out is not fixed, and is paid out by projecting and retracting the shutter 44 at a predetermined timing. The coin payout rhythm can be made irregular. Further, the payout rhythm can be different for each number of coins to be paid out.

  Hereinafter, a specific example will be described. As described above, the hopper 40 of the embodiment can pay out 10 coins in 1.0 second. That is, it is possible to pay out one coin in 0.1 seconds. Referring to the shutter drive table of FIG. 14, for example, when the payout execution number is “2”, as the drive control information, “OFF” is first “0.1” seconds, then “ON” is “0.1”. Information that “seconds” and then “OFF” is “0.1” seconds is stored. Based on this drive control information, the image control microcomputer 81 first stops the output of the drive command signal for 0.1 second, then outputs the drive command signal for 0.1 second, and then continues for 0.1 second. Stop signal output. Thus, the shutter 44 is controlled to perform a retreat for 0.1 seconds (first sheet payout), a protrusion for 0.1 seconds, and a retreat for 0.1 seconds (second sheet payout). Accordingly, the protrusion of the shutter 44 allows a time of 0.1 second (that is, payout of one coin) between the payout of the first piece and the payout of the second piece. Compared with the case of continuous payout, the timing of payout of the second sheet can be delayed.

  Similarly, for example, when the payout execution number is “15”, as the drive control information, “OFF” is first “0.1” seconds, “ON” is “0.1” seconds, and then “OFF”. Is “1.3” seconds, “ON” is “0.1” seconds, and finally “OFF” is “0.1” seconds. Based on this drive control information, the image control microcomputer 81 first stops the output of the drive command signal for 0.1 seconds, then outputs the drive command signal for 0.1 seconds, and then continues for 1.3 seconds. The output of the signal is stopped, followed by the output of the drive command signal for 0.1 seconds, and finally the output of the drive command signal for 0.1 seconds is stopped. Thereby, the shutter 44 is retracted for 0.1 second (first sheet payout), protruded for 0.1 second, retracted for 1.3 seconds (second sheet to 14th sheet payout), and 0.1 second. Is controlled so as to perform the projection of 0.12 seconds and the withdrawal (fifteenth sheet payout) for 0.1 second. Accordingly, a time of 0.1 seconds (that is, payout of one coin) is left between the first payout and the second payout and between the 14th payout and the 15th payout. The coin payout rhythm can be made irregular as compared with the case of paying out 15 coins continuously. In addition to the above-mentioned “2” and “15” payout execution numbers, the drive control information is similarly associated with other payout execution numbers as shown in FIG. 14, and the shutter drive shown in FIG. By controlling the driving (protruding or retracting) of the shutter 44 based on the table, the coin payout rhythm can be made irregular in a plurality of modes, and the coin payout rhythm varies depending on the number of payout executions. Can be.

  Next, an effect determination table stored in the program ROM 32 of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 shows an effect determination table for determining an effect when drive control of the shutter 44 (more specifically, the solenoid 153) is performed based on the shutter drive table described above.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, when the drive control of the shutter 44 (more specifically, the solenoid 153) is performed based on the shutter drive table described above, the game machine 1 is synchronized with the payout rhythm of coins to be paid one by one from the hopper 40. Perform the production. Specifically, the sub-control circuit 72 controls the image, sound effect, and lamp output in synchronization with the drive control of the shutter 44 based on the drive control information described above.

  In the effect determination table shown in FIG. 15, effect contents and effect information are stored in association with each other. In the embodiment, three types of effect pattern A, effect pattern B, and effect pattern C are set as effect contents. Different contents are set for the production contents. The effect pattern A is, for example, “hand gun effect”, and the effect content that the character displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 fires a hand gun is set in synchronization with the timing of coin payout for each sheet. Further, the effect pattern B is, for example, a “shot gun effect”, and an effect content in which a character displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 fires a shot gun is set in synchronization with the timing of coin payout for each sheet. Yes. The effect pattern C is, for example, a “machine gun effect”, and the effect content that the character displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 fires a machine gun is set in synchronization with the timing of coin payout for each sheet. Of course, the contents of the effects illustrated here are merely examples, and can be arbitrarily set.

  The effect information is information associated with each of the above-described effect contents, and is information used when executing the above-described effect contents. The effect information includes image information for displaying the effect image on the liquid crystal display device 5, sound effect information for producing the effect sound from the speakers 21L and 21R, and lamp emission information for causing the LED 101 and the lamp 102 to emit light. Is stored. In the embodiment, image information is roughly divided into two types of image information 1 and image information 2 when coins are paid out and when payout is stopped. The image 1 information is information relating to an image displayed when coins are paid out, that is, when the motor 121 is driven. By using the image 1 information, for example, in the effect pattern C, the image shown in FIG. 16A is displayed. The image 2 information is information related to an image displayed when coin payout is stopped, that is, when the motor 121 is stopped. By using the image 2 information, for example, in the effect pattern C, the image shown in FIG. 16 (2) is displayed. The image control microcomputer 81 and the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 of the sub-control circuit 72 execute an effect synchronized with the coin payout rhythm based on the effect information described above.

  Further, the above-described effect content is determined according to the drive control information selected in the shutter drive table. Specifically, when the drive control information selected in the shutter drive table is drive control information corresponding to the payout execution number of 1 to 4, the production pattern A is determined. When the drive control information selected in the shutter drive table is drive control information corresponding to the payout execution number of 5 to 9, the production pattern B is determined. When the drive control information selected in the shutter drive table is drive control information corresponding to the payout execution number of 10 to 15, the effect pattern C is determined. Thereby, the drive control information for driving and controlling the hopper 40 and the content of the effect can be synchronized.

  Next, a display example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, in the embodiment, an effect is performed in synchronization with the payout rhythm of coins to be paid one by one from the hopper 40. FIG. 16 (1) shows an effect image showing a character firing a machine gun. The image shown in FIG. 16A is displayed when the hopper 40 pays out coins, that is, when the shutter 44 is retracted. FIG. 16 (2) shows an effect image representing a state in which a character waits for a machine gun to fire. The image shown in FIG. 16 (2) is displayed when the hopper 40 stops paying out coins, that is, when the shutter 44 protrudes. Thus, by preparing images corresponding to at least coin payout and coin payout stop, it is possible to display an effect image synchronized with the coin payout rhythm of the hopper 40 based on the drive control information.

  Next, the control operation of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to the main flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, the CPU 31 performs initialization at the start of the game (step S1). Specifically, initialization of the storage contents of the RAM 33, initialization of communication data, and the like are performed. Subsequently, a predetermined storage content (information of a predetermined storage area (for example, an area for storing an internal winning combination)) in the RAM 33 at the end of the game is erased (step S2). Specifically, the data in the writable area of the RAM 33 used for the previous game is erased, the parameters necessary for the next game are written in the write area of the RAM 33, the start address of the sequence program of the next game is specified, etc. I do. Next, it is determined whether or not “30 seconds” have elapsed since the end of the previous game, that is, after all reels 3L, 3C, 3R have stopped (step S3). If this determination is “YES”, a “demo display command” requesting display of “demo image” is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 (step S4), and the process proceeds to step S5. When the determination in step S3 is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a request for automatic coin insertion, that is, whether or not a re-game win has been established in the previous game. When this determination is “YES”, coins for the insertion request are automatically inserted (step S6), and the process proceeds to step S8. When the determination in step S5 is “NO”, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the coin sensor 22S or the BET switches 11 to 13 (step S7). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S8, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S <b> 8, a “BET command” indicating that the operation of the BET switches 11 to 13 or the operation of inserting coins has been performed is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the start switch 6S based on the operation of the start lever 6 (step S9). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S10, and when “NO”, step S9 is repeated. In step S10, random numbers for lottery are extracted. The random numbers extracted in this process are used in the probability lottery process described later. Subsequently, a game state monitoring process is performed (step S11).

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a probability lottery process (step S12). In this probability lottery process, a probability lottery table stored in the ROM 32 is used, and an internal winning combination is determined according to the random number extracted in the process of step S10 and the gaming state. Subsequently, a process of selecting a stop table to be used when stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is performed (step S13), and the process proceeds to step S14 in FIG.

  In step S14 of FIG. 18, a “start command” is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S15. The “start command” includes information such as an internal winning combination and gaming status. In step S15, it is determined whether or not “4.1 seconds” have elapsed since the previous game started. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S17, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, a game start waiting time digestion process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S17. Specifically, a process of invalidating an input based on an operation of starting a player's game until a predetermined time {eg, a predetermined second (eg, “4.1 seconds”)} has elapsed since the start of the previous game. I do.

  In step S17, the CPU 31 sets a timer for monitoring one game. The one-game monitoring timer of the process of step S17 includes an automatic stop timer for automatically stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R regardless of the stop operation of the player's stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. . Subsequently, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated (step S18), and the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S19, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the stop button is “ON”. Specifically, it is determined whether any one of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R has been operated. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S21, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, it is determined whether or not the value of the automatic stop timer is “0”. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S21, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S21, the CPU 31 performs a sliding frame number determination process. Subsequently, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the stopped stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R corresponding to the number of sliding frames determined in step S21 are rotated and then stopped (step S22). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped (step S23). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S24, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S19. In step S24, an “all reel stop command” indicating that all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S25 in FIG.

  In step S25 of FIG. 19, the CPU 31 performs a winning search. The winning search is to set a winning flag for identifying a winning combination (winning winning combination) based on the pattern stop mode of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Specifically, a winning combination is identified based on a code number of symbols arranged along the center line 8c and a winning determination table. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal (step S26). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S28, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S27. In step S27, an illegal error is displayed. In this case, the game is canceled. In step S28, a payout-related process described later with reference to FIG. 20 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S29. In step S29, the acquired number is updated. In the BB gaming state of the embodiment, the acquired number is counted, and the CPU 31 adds the payout number corresponding to the winning combination determined in step S28 to the acquired number counter.

  Next, the CPU 31 updates the gaming state based on the gaming state, internal winning combination, winning combination, etc. (step S30). Specifically, the BB gaming state is updated when BB wins, and the RB gaming state is updated when RB wins.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the current gaming state is an RB gaming state generated during the general gaming state (step S31). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S32, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S32, an RB gaming state control process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. In the RB gaming state control process in step S32, updating the number information (game number, winning number), determining whether to maintain the RB gaming state or shift to the general gaming state based on the number information, etc. Do.

  When the determination in step S31 is “NO”, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the BB gaming state (step S33). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S34, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  In step S34, a BB gaming state control process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S35. In the BB gaming state control process of step S34, whether or not to shift to the general gaming state based on the value of the acquired number counter updated in the processing of step S29, the transition of the gaming state from the BB gaming state to the RB gaming state Make decisions.

  In step S35, it is determined whether or not the RB gaming state is in the BB gaming state. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S36, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  In step S36, an RB gaming state control process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. In the RB gaming state control process in step S36, determination of whether to maintain the RB gaming state or shift to the BB general gaming state based on the update of the number information (game number, winning number) and the number information. And so on.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 20, the payout-related processing performed in step S28 of FIG. 19 will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 determines the number of payouts based on the winning combination (step S51). In this process, the payout number corresponding to the winning combination is determined based on the winning combination identified in the process of step S25 and the winning symbol combination table (not shown) stored in the ROM 32. For example, if the winning combination is a JAC small combination, the payout number is determined to be “15”. Subsequently, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of payouts is “1” or more (step S52). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S53, and when “NO” (for example, when the winning combination is a replay), the process proceeds to step S29 in FIG.

  In step S53, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the credit mode is on. The credit mode is switched by operating the C / P switch 14. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S54, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S58.

  In step S54 where it is determined that the credit mode is on, the CPU 31 performs a process of adding the payout number determined in the process of step S51 to the credit number counter. For example, if the determined payout number is “15” and the credit number counter stored in the RAM 33 is “30”, the CPU 31 updates the credit number counter to “45”. Subsequently, the CPU 31 performs a credit number display process (step S55). In this process, the CPU 31 outputs a credit display command signal to the display unit drive circuit 48 based on the value of the credit number counter, and displays the credit number on the information display unit 18. The number of credits is displayed with “50” as the upper limit.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the updated credit counter exceeds “50” (step S56). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S57, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S29 in FIG. In step S57 in which it is determined that the updated credit number counter exceeds “50”, the CPU 31 sets a value exceeding “50” in the payout execution number counter, and proceeds to step S59. For example, when the value of the credit number counter is “49” and the determined payout number is “15” (that is, the updated credit number counter is “64”), the CPU 31 sets “50”. The excess value “14” is set in the payout execution number counter.

  On the other hand, in step S58 in which it is determined in step 53 that the credit mode is off, the CPU 31 sets the payout number determined in step S51 in the payout execution number counter, and proceeds to step S59. For example, if the determined payout number is “15”, “15” is set in the payout execution number counter.

  Next, the CPU 31 transmits a payout execution number command to the sub control circuit 72 (step S59). The payout execution number command includes information on the payout execution number set in step S57 or step S58.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a hopper drive control process (step S60), and proceeds to step S29 in FIG. In this hopper drive control process, drive control of the hopper 40 is performed based on the payout execution number counter set in step S57 or step S58. Specifically, the CPU 31 outputs a drive command signal to the hopper drive circuit 41 until coins corresponding to the number of payout executions are discharged. That is, the CPU 31 outputs a payout stop command signal to the hopper drive circuit 41 by outputting a payout completion signal from the payout completion signal circuit 51 based on the coin detection of the coin detection units 40Sa and 40Sb. In response to the output of the payout completion signal, the CPU 31 transmits a payout completion command indicating that the payout for the number of payout executions has been completed to the sub-control circuit 72.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 21, the settlement process for interrupting the main flow charts of FIGS. 17 to 19 every predetermined time will be described.

  First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the C / P switch 14 is operated and the C / P switch 14 is turned on (step S71). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S72, and when it is “NO”, the settlement process is ended.

  In step S72, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the credit mode is currently on. If this determination is “YES”, that is, if the credit mode is already on, the credit mode is switched off (step S73), and the process proceeds to step S75. On the other hand, when this determination is “NO”, that is, when the credit mode is off, the credit mode is switched on (step S74), and the settlement process is terminated.

  In step S75, the CPU 31 performs a credit amount confirmation process. In this process, the CPU 31 reads the value of the credit number counter stored in the RAM 33. Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the read credit counter is “0” (step S76). When this determination is “YES”, that is, when the number of credited coins is 0, the settlement process is terminated, and when “NO”, that is, when the number of credited coins is 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S77.

  In step S77, the CPU 31 sets the read credit number counter value in the payout execution number counter. For example, if the value of the read credit counter is “50”, the CPU 31 sets “50” in the payout execution counter.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a hopper drive control process (step S78). In this hopper drive control process, the CPU 31 performs drive control of the hopper 40 based on the set payout execution number counter. Specifically, the CPU 31 outputs a drive command signal to the hopper drive circuit 41 until coins corresponding to the number of payout executions are discharged. That is, the CPU 31 outputs a payout stop command signal to the hopper drive circuit 41 by outputting a payout completion signal from the payout completion signal circuit 51 based on the coin detection of the coin detection units 40Sa and 40Sb.

  Next, the CPU 31 performs a credit number display process (step S79) and ends the settlement process. In this process, the CPU 31 outputs a credit display command signal to the display unit drive circuit 48 based on the coin detection signal for each piece output from the payout completion signal circuit 51. The display unit drive circuit 48 updates the display of the number of credits on the information display unit 18 every time a display command signal is output. As a result, the credit number is decremented by 1 and displayed on the information display unit 18.

  Next, payout-related effect processing performed by the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to FIG. The payout-related effect process shown in FIG. 22 is read by the sub control circuit 72 at a predetermined timing.

  First, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not a start command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 has been received (step S101). As described above, the start command includes game state information and the like. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S202, and when it is “NO”, the payout-related effect process is ended.

  In step S <b> 102, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether a payout execution number command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 has been received. As described above, the payout execution number command includes information on the payout execution number set in step S57 or step S58 in FIG. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S103, and when it is “NO”, the payout-related effect process is ended.

  In step S103, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the current gaming state is the BB gaming state based on the gaming state information included in the start command (step S59). When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S104, and when it is “NO”, the payout-related effect process is ended.

  In step S104, the image control microcomputer 81 selects drive control information based on the payout execution number. In this process, the image control microcomputer 81 selects drive control information based on the payout execution number information included in the payout execution number command and the shutter drive table (FIG. 14).

  Next, the image control microcomputer 81 determines the contents of the effect based on the payout execution number command and the effect determination table (FIG. 15) (step S105). In this process, the image control microcomputer 81 determines the effect contents based on the payout execution number command received in step S102 and the effect determination table stored in the program ROM 83. For example, if the information included in the payout execution number command is information indicating the payout execution number “14”, the image control microcomputer 81 determines the effect pattern C. In addition, effect information is associated with the determined effect content. The effect information includes image information for displaying the effect image on the liquid crystal display device 5, sound effect information for producing the effect sound from the speakers 21L and 21R, and lamp emission information for causing the LED 101 and the lamp 102 to emit light. Is stored. Image information includes image 1 information and image 2 information. The image 1 information is information relating to an image displayed when coins are paid out, that is, when the shutter 44 is retracted. The image 2 information is information relating to an image displayed when coin payout is stopped, that is, when the shutter 44 protrudes.

  Next, the image control microcomputer 81 reads drive control information (step S106). In this process, the image control microcomputer 81 sequentially reads the drive control information selected in step S104, that is, the “ON” information indicating the drive time information and the “OFF” information. For example, when the drive control information corresponding to the payout execution number “14” is selected, as the drive time information, “OFF” is first “0.4” seconds, and “ON” is “0.2” seconds. Then, “OFF” is “0.2” seconds, then “ON” is “0.2” seconds, then “OFF” is “0.2” seconds, then “ON” is “0.1” seconds, and finally The information that “OFF” is “0.6” seconds is sequentially read out.

  Next, the image control microcomputer 81 performs shutter drive control based on the drive control information read in step S106 (step S107). In this process, for example, if the drive control information read in step S106 is “OFF” (“0.4” seconds) information, the image control microcomputer 81 uses the shutter control circuit 43 based on this drive control information. In response to this, the output of the drive command signal for 0.4 seconds is stopped. Therefore, the shutter 44 is in a retracted state. As a result, the hopper 40 according to the embodiment can pay out one coin in 0.1 second, so that four coins are paid out from the hopper 40. Further, for example, if the drive control information read out in step S106 is the next “ON” (“0.2” seconds) information, the image control microcomputer 81, based on this drive control information, the shutter drive circuit 43. In response to this, a drive command signal is output for 0.2 seconds. The shutter drive circuit 43 outputs a drive signal to the solenoid 153 based on the drive command signal. Accordingly, the shutter 44 is in a protruding state. Thereby, coins are not paid out from the hopper 40 of the embodiment for 0.2 seconds. Thus, in this process, the image control microcomputer 81 performs shutter 44 (specifically, solenoid 153) based on the drive control information sequentially read out in the process of step S106 until the payout for the payout execution number is completed. Control the drive.

  Next, the image control microcomputer 81 performs an effect execution process based on the drive control information read in step S106 (step S108). In this process, for example, if the drive control information read in step S106 is “OFF” (“0.4” seconds), the image control microcomputer 81 executes the effect at the time of payout for “0.4” seconds. To read information. The image control microcomputer 81 controls the image control IC 86 and the like based on the image 1 information, and displays an effect image at the time of payout on the liquid crystal display device 5. For example, when the effect content is the effect pattern C, the image shown in FIG. Further, the image control microcomputer 81 outputs an output command to the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 based on the sound effect information and the lamp emission information. Based on the output command, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 causes the LED 101 and the lamp 102 to emit light, and controls the sound source IC and the like to output sound effects from the speakers 21L and 21R. For example, when the production content is production pattern C, sound effects such as machine gun firing sound are output from the speakers 21L and 21R. Further, the LED 101 and the lamp 102 are caused to emit light in accordance with the firing of the machine gun. On the other hand, for example, if the drive control information read in step S106 is “ON” (“0.2” seconds) information, for example, the image control microcomputer 81 sets the effect at the time of payout stop for “0.2” seconds. Read with information to be executed. Then, the image control microcomputer 81 controls the image control IC 86 and the like based on the image 2 information, and displays an effect image when the payout is stopped on the liquid crystal display device 5. For example, when the production content is the production pattern C, the image shown in FIG. In the embodiment, the sound effect and the lamp emission are not output when the payout is stopped. For example, in the production pattern C, the machine gun firing sound is not output. In this way, in this process, the image control microcomputer 81 executes effects based on the drive control information sequentially read out in the process of step S106 until the payout for the payout execution number is completed.

  Next, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not a payout completion command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 has been received (step S109). As described above, the payout completion command is information transmitted when payout for the number of payout executions from the hopper 40 is completed. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to Step S110. If “NO”, the process proceeds to step S106, the drive control information is read, and the shutter drive control process based on the drive control information and the effect execution process based on the drive control information are performed (steps S106 to S108 are repeated).

  In step S <b> 110, the image control microcomputer 81 performs an effect end process and ends the payout related process in the sub control circuit 72. In this process, the image control microcomputer 81 clears information related to execution of effects temporarily stored in the work RAM 84 or the like.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 23, the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment will be described.

  The shutter drive table (FIG. 23) of the first embodiment stores drive control information indicating the time for the shutter 44 (specifically, the solenoid 153) to project or retract, and the shutter 44 drive control is used as the time information. Based on that. In the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, drive control of the shutter 44 is performed based on the number of coins to be paid out.

  Specifically, information on the number of coins to be ejected is stored in the “OFF” information in the shutter drive table of FIG. For example, information that pays out one coin is stored instead of the information that is 0.1 seconds. As a result, the image control microcomputer 81 retracts the shutter 44 until one coin is paid out. The protrusion of the shutter 44 is performed based on time information as in the first embodiment. That is, information such as 0.1 seconds is stored in the “ON” information. For example, in the case where the number of payouts is 2 in the shutter drive table shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 31 first detects one coin by the coin detection units 40Sa and 40Sb, and from the payout completion signal circuit 51. The output of the drive command signal to the shutter drive circuit 43 is stopped until the detection signal for one sheet is output. When a detection signal for one sheet is output, a drive command signal is output to the shutter drive circuit 43. Subsequently, after the elapse of 0.1 second, similarly, the output of the drive command signal to the shutter drive circuit 43 is stopped.

  The configuration of the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, the configuration of the main control circuit 71, the configuration of the sub control circuit 72, the main flowchart, the table, and the like are basically the same as those of the first embodiment. However, the flowchart of the payout-related processing in the main control circuit (FIG. 23), the payout-related effect processing (FIG. 24) in the sub-control circuit are different from those in the first embodiment.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 23, the payout-related processing performed in step S28 of FIG. 19 will be described.

  The processing in steps S51 to S60 in FIG. 23 is the same as the processing described in FIG.

  In step S161 after step S60, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a coin has been detected. In this process, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a coin paid out from the hopper 40 is detected. That is, it is determined whether or not a coin detection signal is output from the payout completion signal circuit 51 based on the coin detection of the coin detection units 40Sa and 40Sb. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S162, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S165.

  In step S <b> 162 in which it is determined that a coin has been detected, the CPU 31 transmits a coin detection command to the sub control circuit 72. The coin detection command is information indicating that a coin has been detected, and is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 in accordance with the payout of each coin.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the payout has been completed (step S163). In this process, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a payout completion signal is output from the payout completion signal circuit 51 based on the coin detection of the coin detection units 40Sa and 40Sb. If this determination is “YES”, the flow proceeds to step S164. If “NO”, the process moves to step S60. In step S164, the CPU 31 performs a hopper drive control end process, and proceeds to step S29 in FIG. In the process of step S164, the CPU 31 outputs a payout stop command signal to the hopper drive circuit 41 to stop the motor 121 of the hopper 40. Also, the payout execution number counter is cleared. Further, the CPU 31 transmits a payout completion command indicating that payout for the number of payout executions has been completed to the sub control circuit 72.

  On the other hand, in step S165 where it is determined that no coin has been detected, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. In this process, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed based on the coin detection check timer. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S166, and when “NO”, the process proceeds to step S60. The coin detection check timer is whether or not the coins stored in the bucket 115 of the hopper 40 are empty, or whether or not the coin detection state is called a hopper jam in which coins are jammed and the coins are stopped before the coin detection units 40Sa and 40Sb. It is information for monitoring.

  In step S166 where it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 31 performs error processing. In this process, the CPU 31 displays an error. The error display is performed by displaying a corresponding error code on the information display unit 18. After that, disable interrupts, save registers, etc., and wait for the cause of error to be cleared.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 24, the payout-related effect process performed by the sub control circuit 72 will be described. The payout-related effect process shown in FIG. 24 is read by the sub control circuit 72 at a predetermined timing.

  The processing in steps S101 to S108 in FIG. 24 is the same as the processing described in FIG.

  In step S209, the image control command 81 determines whether or not a shutter drive command signal has been output in the process of step S107. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S106, the drive control information is read, and the shutter drive control process based on the drive control information and the effect execution process based on the drive control information are performed (steps S106 to S108 are repeated). If “NO”, the flow proceeds to step S210.

  In step S210, the image control command 81 determines whether a coin detection command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 has been received. The coin detection command is information indicating that a coin has been detected, and is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 in accordance with the payout of each coin. If this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S211, and if “NO”, step S210 is repeated.

  In step S211, the image control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not a payout completion command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 has been received (step S109). The payout completion command is information transmitted when payout for the number of payout executions from the hopper 40 is completed. If this determination is “YES”, the flow proceeds to step S212. If “NO”, the process proceeds to step S106, the drive control information is read, and the shutter drive control process based on the drive control information and the effect execution process based on the drive control information are performed (steps S106 to S108 are repeated).

  In step S <b> 212, the image control microcomputer 81 performs an end process, and ends the payout related process in the sub control circuit 72. In this process, the image control microcomputer 81 clears information related to shutter drive control or effect execution temporarily stored in the work RAM 84 or the like.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, when the coin is detected (“YES” in step S210), the next drive control information is read (step S106). Therefore, the shutter is based on the detection of the coin. 44 (specifically, the solenoid 153) can be driven and effected.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, the shutter 44 (more specifically, the solenoid 153) of the hopper 40 is controlled based on the shutter driving table as shown in FIG. Specifically, the solenoid 153 is controlled based on drive control information that determines time information for driving or stopping the solenoid 153, and the shutter 44 is protruded or retracted at a predetermined timing. Thereby, the coin payout timing can be delayed by the time during which the solenoid 153 is driven and controlled. Therefore, the payout interval of coins to be paid one by one from the hopper 40 can be made irregular, and coins can be paid out with a payout rhythm different from the conventional one.

  Further, for example, in a conventional hopper that is not provided with the shutter 44 and is not controlled based on the shutter drive table, when paying out 15 coins, the payout rhythm shown in FIG. In the payout rhythm shown in FIG. 25 (1), the time interval of coins to be paid out one by one is constant. Conventionally, since the shutter 44 is not driven between the start and end of coin payout, circular openings 125 that accept coins from the bucket 115 are formed at the same pitch in the circumferential direction. Due to the rotation of the rotating disk 111 (see FIG. 8), the time interval for each coin to be paid out becomes the same. On the other hand, when the shutter 44 is driven based on the drive control information described above, a payout rhythm as shown in FIG. In the payout rhythm shown in FIG. 25 (2), by driving the shutter 44, the stop time is 0.1 second between the first and second sheets, and 0.1 second is between the 14th and 15th sheets. Since a stop time can be provided, the time interval of coins to be paid out one by one can be made irregular. Thus, when the shutter 44 is driven with the drive control information based on the shutter drive table, coins can be paid out with a specific payout rhythm different from the normal payout rhythm shown in FIG.

  Also, since the shutter drive table of the embodiment stores a plurality of drive control information for each payout execution number that is the number of payouts actually from the hopper 40, the shutter 44 (specifically, the solenoid 153) is driven. The timing can be varied for each drive control information. Accordingly, since the timing and time for driving the shutter 44 are different, coins can be paid out with different payout rhythms for each drive control information.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, since coins can be paid out with different payout rhythms for each drive control information, functions other than the coin payout function are added to the hopper 40 which is a coin payout device. In addition, it is possible to provide a stunning effect on the coin payout timing. As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can execute interesting effects.

  Moreover, in the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, a plurality of effect patterns (effect patterns A to C) corresponding to the drive control information are set, and the effect pattern is determined based on the determined drive control information. For example, when drive control information corresponding to the payout execution number “1” to “4” is determined, the effect pattern A is determined based on the effect determination table (FIG. 12), and the payout execution number “5”. When the drive control information corresponding to “9” is determined, the effect pattern B is determined, and when the drive control information corresponding to the payout execution number “10” to “15” is determined, the effect is determined. Pattern C is determined. Therefore, the effect pattern can be varied according to the determined drive control information, and an effect corresponding to the coin payout pattern of the hopper 40 based on the drive control information can be performed.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, since the determined effect pattern is executed based on the drive control information, an effect synchronized with the coin payout rhythm of the hopper 40 can be executed.

  For example, when the drive control information corresponding to the payout execution number “14” is selected based on the shutter drive table (FIG. 14), “OFF” is first set to “0.4” seconds as the drive control information. Next, “ON” is “0.2” seconds, then “OFF” is “0.2” seconds, then “ON” is “0.2” seconds, then “OFF” is “0.2” seconds, then “ Information defining a payout pattern in which “ON” is “0.1” seconds and finally “OFF” is “0.6” seconds is determined. In this case, the production pattern C is determined as the production pattern. If the drive control information is “OFF” “0.4” seconds, the payout effect based on the effect pattern C is executed for “0.4” seconds. If the drive control information is information of “ON” “0.2” seconds, the effect when the payout is stopped based on the effect pattern C is executed for “0.2” seconds. Therefore, at the time of paying out coins, in accordance with the payout of each piece, effects such as display of an image in which the character fires a machine gun, output of sound effects representing firing sounds, and light emission of lamps are executed, and the shutter 44 When the payout of coins is stopped due to the protrusion of the character, it is possible to execute effects when the payout is stopped, such as displaying an image where the character stops firing the machine gun, muting the sound effect indicating the firing sound, and turning off the lamp. As a result, an effect synchronized with the payout timing of each coin determined in the drive control information can be executed, so that the effect can be enhanced and a more interesting effect can be executed. Can be provided.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, the determined effect pattern is executed according to the timing at which the coin payout is detected based on the drive control information, so that the actually paid out coin payout timing and the effect execution timing are executed. The synchrony with can be improved. For example, even if the shutter 44 is driven (retracted here) based on the drive control information, if the payout is not performed due to a so-called hopper empty, the coin is not actually paid out. Regardless, there is a risk that an effect at the time of payout will be performed. Therefore, by performing the effect triggered by the detection of the coin, it is possible to execute the effect precisely synchronized with the coin payout timing. Thereby, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of executing a more interesting effect while not reducing the interest of the player.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, when the gaming state is the BB gaming state (by a predetermined condition), the shutter 44 (specifically, the solenoid 153) is controlled based on the above drive control information, Since the synchronized production is executed, it is possible to prevent the drive control of the shutter 44 based on the drive control information from being performed every game. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the production effect while avoiding delay in payout throughout the game. In addition, when the specific condition relates to the internal state of the gaming machine 1 and cannot be recognized from the appearance of the gaming machine 1, it can be notified that the specific condition has been satisfied. Thereby, a gaming machine capable of executing a more interesting effect can be provided.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, since the coin collision plate 66 is provided in the chute 64 for guiding the coins discharged from the hopper 40 to the coin payout opening 15 on the front (see FIG. 3), the coins discharged from the hopper 40 Can be guided to the coin payout exit 15 after colliding with the collision plate. Therefore, a collision sound can be generated by causing the discharged coins to collide with the coin collision plate 66. Thereby, it is possible to recognize that the coin is actually paid out without visually recognizing the coin paid out from the coin payout exit 15 by the occurrence of the collision sound. Further, in addition to the above-described image display, sound effect sound output and lamp light emission, the coin payout sound can be synchronized with the coin payout rhythm based on the drive control information. Thereby, a more interesting effect can be executed.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, the shutter drive table (FIG. 14) is stored in the program ROM 83 of the sub-control circuit 72, and the sub-control circuit 72 is configured to release the shutter 44 (specifically, the solenoid 153) based on the shutter drive table. Control the drive. Further, the main control circuit 71 performs control of the motor 121 of the hopper 40 as usual until coins corresponding to the number of payouts are paid out. Therefore, since the coin control payout rhythm of the hopper 40 is created by the sub-control circuit 72, it is based on the effect pattern controlled by the same sub-control circuit 72 than when the main control circuit 71 controls the drive of the shutter 44. It becomes easy to synchronize with the production.

  Here, each element in the embodiment described above corresponds to the present invention as follows.

  (1) A coin accommodating portion (for example, bucket 115) that accommodates a plurality of coins and a plurality of coin holes that are rotatably attached to the coin accommodating portion and into which the coins accommodated in the coin accommodating portion enter. Rotating member (for example, circular opening 125) (for example, rotating disk 111) and a rotating member driving unit that rotates the rotating member and discharges coins that have entered the coin hole to the outside (for example, , Motor 121, etc.), a coin discharge port (for example, coin discharge opening 142) through which coins discharged by rotation of the rotating member pass, and a closing member (for example, shutter 44) for closing the coin discharge port. And a closing member driving unit (for example, a solenoid 153) for driving the closing member. , Hopper 40, etc.), rotating member driving control means (for example, main control circuit 71, CPU 31, hopper driving circuit 41, payout completion signal circuit 51, etc.) for controlling driving of the rotating member driving unit, and driving of the closing member Drive control information storage means (for example, sub-control) that stores drive control information (for example, shutter drive table, drive control information, etc. in FIG. 14) that defines a drive pattern (for example, drive time or stop time) for driving the unit Specific drive control information (for example, determined from the drive control information stored in the drive control information storage means) by satisfying a predetermined condition (for example, BB gaming state) by satisfying a program ROM 83 of the circuit 72 and the like. Drive control information determining means (for example, the sub control circuit 72, the image control microcomputer 8) for determining the drive control information corresponding to the payout execution number, etc. 1) and closing member drive control means (for example, sub-control circuit 72, image control microcomputer 81, etc.) for controlling the driving of the closing member drive unit based on the specific drive control information determined by the drive control information determining means. ), An effect execution means (for example, the liquid crystal display device 5, speakers 21L and 21R, LED 101, lamp 102, etc.) capable of executing a predetermined effect relating to the game, and an effect pattern (for example, an effect pattern) to be executed by the effect execution means Effect information storage means (for example, sub information such as image information, sound effect information, lamp emission information, etc. included in the effect determination table and the effect determination table in FIG. Control circuit 72, program ROM 83, and the like) and the specific drive control information determined by the drive control information determination means. Effect information determining means (for example, sub-control circuit) for determining predetermined effect information (for example, an effect pattern corresponding to the determined payout execution number, an effect information corresponding to the effect pattern, etc.) from the effect information stored in the storage means 72, an image control microcomputer 81, etc.).

  (2) A coin accommodating portion (for example, bucket 115) that accommodates a plurality of coins and a plurality of coin holes that are rotatably attached to the coin accommodating portion and into which the coins accommodated in the coin accommodating portion enter. Rotating member (for example, circular opening 125) (for example, rotating disk 111) and a rotating member driving unit that rotates the rotating member and discharges coins that have entered the coin hole to the outside (for example, , Motor 121, etc.), a coin discharge port (for example, coin discharge opening 142) through which coins discharged by rotation of the rotating member pass, and a closing member (for example, shutter 44) for closing the coin discharge port. And a closing member driving unit (for example, a solenoid 153) for driving the closing member. , Hopper 40, etc.), rotating member driving control means (for example, main control circuit 71, CPU 31, hopper driving circuit 41, payout completion signal circuit 51, etc.) for controlling driving of the rotating member driving unit, and driving of the closing member Drive control information storage means (for example, sub-control) that stores drive control information (for example, shutter drive table, drive control information, etc. in FIG. 14) that defines a drive pattern (for example, drive time or stop time) for driving the unit Specific drive control information (for example, determined from the drive control information stored in the drive control information storage means) by satisfying a predetermined condition (for example, BB gaming state) by satisfying a program ROM 83 of the circuit 72 and the like. Drive control information determining means (for example, the sub control circuit 72, the image control microcomputer 8) for determining the drive control information corresponding to the payout execution number, etc. 1) and closing member drive control means (for example, sub-control circuit 72, image control microcomputer 81, etc.) for controlling the driving of the closing member drive unit based on the specific drive control information determined by the drive control information determining means. ), Performance execution means (for example, the liquid crystal display device 5, speakers 21L and 21R, LED 101, lamp 102, etc.) capable of executing a predetermined performance related to the game, and the specific drive control information determined by the drive control information determination means Effect control means (for example, sub-control circuit 72, image control microcomputer 81, sound / lamp control) for controlling the effect (for example, an effect pattern corresponding to the determined number of payouts to be executed) based on A microcomputer 82, and the like.

  (3) In the gaming machine described in (2), the coin payout device includes payout detection means (for example, coin detection units 40Sa, 40Sb, etc.) for detecting coins to be paid out to the outside. A game machine that controls an effect to be executed by the effect execution means based on a detection state of the payout detection means (for example, detection or non-detection of coins passing through the coin detection units 40Sa and 40Sb one by one). .

  As mentioned above, although the Example was described, this invention is not limited to this. That is, the coin storage portion, coin hole, rotating member, rotating member driving portion, coin discharge port, closing member, closing member driving portion, rotating member drive control means, drive control information, drive control information storage means constituting the present invention Specific configurations of the drive control information determination means, the closing member drive control means, the effect execution means, the effect information storage means, the effect information determination means, the effect control means, etc. are not limited to those described in the embodiment, and are arbitrarily set. It can be changed.

  In the shutter drive table (FIG. 14) of the embodiment, information on the number of payout executions as shown is stored, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information on the number of payout executions may store any number of information as long as it is in the range from the minimum number “1” to the maximum number “50”.

  In the shutter drive table (FIG. 14) of the embodiment, drive control information (“ON”, “OFF”) that defines a payout pattern as illustrated is stored. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . The payout pattern determined by the drive control information can be arbitrarily set. Further, although information on one drive time is associated with each payout execution number, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of patterns of driving time information may be set for each payout execution number, and one pattern may be determined from the plurality of patterns by lottery or the like. As a result, coins can be paid out with a wider variety of payout rhythms.

  Further, in the shutter drive table (FIG. 14) of the embodiment, as the number of payouts to be executed, drive time information is set corresponding to all the number of coins that may be paid out from the hopper 40 as shown. However, it is not limited to this. For example, driving time information may be set only for a specific payout execution number. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the drive control of the shutter 44 based on the shutter drive table (FIG. 14) being performed every game. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the staging effect while avoiding delay in payout throughout the game.

  Further, unlike the shutter driving table (FIG. 14) of the embodiment, a different pattern is not provided for each payout execution number, but a plurality of patterns are prepared in advance, and this is used for all the payout execution numbers. May be used in common. In this case, a drive pattern is selected by lottery or the like when the number of payout executions is determined, and drive control of the shutter 44 (specifically, the solenoid 153) is performed based on the selected drive pattern until payout is completed. For example, as drive control information, information indicating a drive pattern of “ON” for 0.1 seconds, “OFF” for 0.2 seconds, “ON” for 0.1 seconds, and “OFF” for 0.3 seconds is selected. Suppose that In this case, “ON (0.1 second)” → “OFF (0.2 second)” → “ON (0.1 second)” → “OFF (0.3) until the payout for the payout execution number is completed. (Second) ”(return), and the like, the drive control of the shutter 44 is performed based on the drive control control.

  Moreover, in the effect determination table (FIG. 13) of the embodiment, the effect pattern as shown and the effect information corresponding to this are stored, but the present invention is not limited to this. The production pattern and production information corresponding to this can be arbitrarily set. Further, although the effect pattern is determined based on the number of payouts, it may be determined by lottery or the like.

  Also, in the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, when the payout execution number is determined, the drive control information is first determined based on the shutter drive table, and then the drive control information is determined, so that the effect is determined based on the effect determination table. The pattern was decided. That is, in the embodiment, the effect is synchronized with the drive control of the shutter 44 (specifically, the solenoid 153) based on the drive control information that defines the drive pattern, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the effect pattern may be determined first by lottery or the like, and the drive control of the shutter 44 (specifically, the solenoid 153) may be synchronized with the effect executed based on the effect pattern. In this case, the effect determination table stores information that determines the effect timing corresponding to each effect pattern (for example, information that determines the timing for displaying the machine gun firing image of FIG. 16A). Then, the driving of the shutter 44 may be controlled based on the information defining the effect timing. Thereby, the coin payout rhythm of the hopper 40 can be synchronized with the effect to be executed. In this case, for example, the payout rhythm can be synchronized with the rhythm of the music output from the gaming machine 1. Even in this case, the coin payout rhythm of the hopper 40 can be synchronized with the effect to be executed, and a gaming machine capable of executing a more interesting effect can be provided.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, in the payout at the time of payment (FIG. 19), the control of the shutter 44 (specifically, the solenoid 153) based on the shutter drive table (FIG. 14) and the effect synchronized with this are not performed. However, it is also possible to control the shutter 44 based on the shutter drive table (FIG. 14) even when paying out at the time of payment. This provides a gaming machine that can avoid monotonous coin payout and can perform more interesting effects when just waiting for the coin payout to be completed, such as during checkout. it can.

  In the embodiment, the shutter 44 as shown in FIG. 8 is used as the closing member and is driven (protruded or retracted) in the vertical direction to prevent coins from being discharged. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a closing member having a structure that drives in the lateral direction may be adopted, and the structure in which the coin stored in the rotating disk 111 can be prevented from moving in the direction of the coin discharge opening 142. If it is good.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, the present invention has been described by taking as an example the case where the present invention is applied to a coin payout device (means) configured to pay out coins one by one with a rotating disk like the hopper 40 described above. It is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to coin dispensers having other configurations. For example, coins are stored in a coin tube, and a payout plate provided at the lower end of the coin tube is slid back and forth using a motor and a cam to pay out the bottom coins in the coin tube one by one. It can also be applied to types.

  Moreover, in the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, the hopper 40 (that is, the coin payout device) configured to pay out coins one by one is adopted, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a coin payout device configured to simultaneously pay out a predetermined number of coins, such as two coins, may be employed.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, the collision plate 66 is provided for causing the discharged coins to collide to generate a collision sound. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The movable roller of the hopper 40 is not provided with a configuration in which the collision plate 66 is provided in particular, so that the coin collides behind the chute 64 and the collision noise is increased, that is, in order to increase the momentum of coin discharge. The urging force 124 can be increased.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, when a payout amount is credited, a display command signal is output to the display unit drive circuit 48 based on the shutter drive table, and the credit display timing of the information display unit 18 is also displayed. It may be applied.

  Further, in the embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a gaming machine has been described, but it is only an example, and any device that includes a coin payout device such as a money changer, ATM, or vending machine as one of the components, It can be applied to anything.

  The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not something.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the gaming machine 1 (Example 1). It is a figure which shows the structure of the various apparatuses etc. with which the inside of the gaming machine 1 is provided (Example 1). It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main door 2 lower part of the gaming machine 1 (Example 1). (Example 1) which is a figure which shows the symbol row | line | column of reel 3L, 3C, 3R of the gaming machine 1. (Example 1) which is a figure which shows the relationship between the combination of the game machine 1, a symbol combination, and the payout number. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the hopper 40 of the gaming machine 1 (Example 1). It is a perspective view which shows the state which decomposed | disassembled the principal part of the hopper 40 of the gaming machine 1 (Example 1). FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a shutter 44 of the gaming machine 1 (Example 1). It is a figure which shows the movement state of the coin at the time of coin payment of the gaming machine 1 (Example 1). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state of coin movement when the gaming machine 1 pays out coins, and illustrates a state in which a coin discharge opening 142 is blocked by the shutter 44 (Example 1); It is a perspective view which shows the drive state of the shutter 44 of the game machine 1 (Example 1). FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electric circuit of the gaming machine 1 (Example 1). FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a sub control circuit 72 of the gaming machine 1 (Example 1). It is a figure which shows the shutter drive table of the gaming machine 1 (Example 1). It is a figure which shows the effect determination table of the gaming machine 1 (Example 1). It is a figure which shows the example of an image display of the liquid crystal display device 5 of the gaming machine 1 (Example 1). 3 is a main flowchart of a main control circuit 71 of the gaming machine 1 (Example 1). FIG. 15 is a diagram subsequent to FIG. 14 (Example 1). FIG. 16 is a diagram subsequent to FIG. 15 (Example 1). It is a flowchart which shows the payout related process of the gaming machine 1 (Example 1). It is a flowchart which shows the adjustment process of the gaming machine 1 (Example 1). 10 is a flowchart showing payout-related effect processing in the sub-control circuit 72 of the gaming machine 1 (Example 1). It is a flowchart which shows the payout related process of the gaming machine 1 (Example 2). It is a flowchart which shows the payout related effect process in the sub-control circuit 72 of the gaming machine 1 (Example 2). It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the coin payout rhythm of the hopper 40 of the gaming machine 1.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Cabinet 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 5 Liquid crystal display device 6 Start lever 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 30 Microcomputer 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
40 Hopper 41L, 41R Speaker 44 Shutter 71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit 101 LED
102 Lamp 111 Rotating disc 121 Motor 153 Solenoid

Claims (3)

A coin housing portion that houses a plurality of coins, a rotating member that is rotatably attached to the coin housing portion, and that has a plurality of coin holes into which the coins housed in the coin housing portion enter; and the rotating member. A rotating member driving unit that rotates and discharges the coin that has entered the coin hole to the outside, a coin discharging port through which coins discharged by rotation of the rotating member pass, and a closing member that closes the coin discharging port A closing member driving unit that drives the closing member, and a coin payout device comprising:
A rotating member drive control means for controlling the driving of the rotating member drive unit;
Drive control information storage means for storing drive control information defining a drive pattern for driving the closure member drive unit;
Drive control information determining means for determining specific drive control information from the drive control information stored in the drive control information storage means when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
A closing member drive control means for controlling the driving of the closing member drive section based on the specific drive control information determined by the drive control information determination means;
Production execution means capable of executing a predetermined production related to the game;
Production information storage means for storing production information defining production patterns to be executed by the production execution means;
Effect information determining means for determining predetermined effect information from the effect information stored in the effect information storage means based on the specific drive control information determined by the drive control information determining means. Gaming machine. A coin housing portion that houses a plurality of coins, a rotating member that is rotatably attached to the coin housing portion, and that has a plurality of coin holes into which the coins housed in the coin housing portion enter; and the rotating member. A rotating member driving unit that rotates and discharges the coin that has entered the coin hole to the outside, a coin discharging port through which coins discharged by rotation of the rotating member pass, and a closing member that closes the coin discharging port And a closing member driving unit that drives the closing member based on a control signal from the outside, and a coin payout device comprising:
A rotating member drive control means for controlling the driving of the rotating member drive unit;
Drive control information storage means for storing drive control information defining a drive pattern for driving the closure member drive unit;
Drive control information determining means for determining specific drive control information from the drive control information stored in the drive control information storage means when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
A closing member drive control means for controlling the driving of the closing member drive section based on the specific drive control information determined by the drive control information determination means;
Production execution means capable of executing a predetermined production related to the game;
An amusement machine comprising: an effect control means for controlling an effect executed by the effect executing means based on specific drive control information determined by the drive control information determining means. The gaming machine according to claim 2,
The coin payout device includes a coin detection unit that detects a coin passing through a coin discharge port,
The gaming machine characterized in that the production control unit controls the production executed by the production execution unit based on a detection state of the coin detection unit.

Images