JP2006068126A - Token game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the work of a payout rate adjustment by eliminating the time and labor required for a payout rate calculation that a lot of tokens are charged at the time of adjusting the payout rate in a token game machine. <P>SOLUTION: In a payout rate calculation mode, a payout rate P is calculated by turning a putout switching mechanism 140 to a front inclined state (state indicated by a dotted line) and alternately repeating (1) the discharge period of turning a path switching mechanism 150 to an erected state (state indicated by a dotted line), discharging the tokens M inside a bonus token housing part 112 into a game space PA and counting the number A of the discharged tokens on the basis of the detection of a sensor 116 for bonuses and (2) the recovery period of turning the path switching mechanism 150 to an inclined state (state indicated by a solid line), recovering the tokens M inside a putout token housing part 122 to the bonus token housing part 112 and counting the number B of the recovered tokens (the number of the tokens dropped from a game field 260 in the discharge period) on the basis of the detection of a sensor 126 for putout. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  According to the present invention, medals accommodated in a medal accommodating portion provided in a housing are ejected into a game space by a releasing means at a given timing, and a pusher plate is periodically moved in the game space to fall from the game field. The present invention relates to a medal game device for paying out a medal.

  2. Description of the Related Art A so-called pusher-type medal game device is known in which medals inserted from a medal insertion slot are released into a game space, and medals dropped by a reciprocating periodic motion of a pusher plate on a game field are paid out to the outside of the housing. In such a game device, for example, the technique of Patent Document 1 is known as a mechanism for adjusting the payout rate. Here, the “payout rate” is the ratio of the number of medals paid out to the number of medals inserted.

That is, the mechanism disclosed in this document has an edge plate provided at the front end of the game field, and by changing the height of the edge plate protruding from the upper surface of the game field, the edge plate is removed from the game field. This is to adjust the number of medals that fall over and fall, that is, the payout rate. In such a mechanism, the edge plate is further moved up and down along the front end surface of the game field, and has fixing means for fixing the edge plate to the game field at the moving position. Anyone can easily adjust the height of the edge plate. It is possible to make adjustments
JP 2003-175268 A

  For example, in the mechanism having the edge plate attached to the front end of the game field as described above, the payout rate can be relatively raised or lowered by raising or lowering the edge plate. However, in order to know a specific value of the payout rate such as what percentage or what percentage, it was not known unless the game device was actually operated and played.

  As a specific method for calculating the payout rate, for example, outside the business hours, the game device administrator puts a predetermined number of medals after the medals are placed in a saturated state in the game space. As a result, the number of medals paid out can be counted, and the payout rate can be calculated by calculation from the number of medals inserted and the number of medals paid out. Then, for example, the above-described height adjustment of the edge plate is performed so that the calculated payout rate approaches a desired value.

  In this case, it is necessary to insert a large number of medals in order to obtain a payout rate that is accurate to some extent. Specifically, for example, the operation of counting and paying out medals that have been paid out is repeated. Therefore, in order to achieve a desired payout rate, it is necessary to repeat a series of operations such as inserting a large number of medals, counting the number of medals to be paid out, calculating the payout rate, and adjusting the edge plate, which is very troublesome. It was a thing.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to facilitate the work in the medal game device by omitting the labor involved in calculating the payout rate such as inserting a large number of medals when adjusting the payout rate.

In order to solve the above problem, the first invention is:
A medal game device (for example, the game device 1 in FIGS. 1 to 3) that pays out a dropped medal pushed out of a game field,
Medal release means for releasing medals into the game field (for example, the bonus medal transport mechanism 114 in FIGS. 2 and 3);
An emission medal counting means for counting the medals released by the medal releasing means (for example, the counting unit 13 in FIG. 6);
Medal transport means for collecting the medals dropped from the game field and transporting them to the medal discharge means (for example, the drop passage 132, the recovery passage 134, the payout medal receiving portion 122, the payout medal transport mechanism in FIGS. 2 and 3) 124, the payout switching mechanism 140 and the passage switching mechanism 150),
Falling medal counting means (for example, the counting unit 13 in FIG. 6) for counting the dropped medals;
Payout rate calculating means (for example, the payout rate calculating unit 14 in FIG. 6) that calculates a payout rate based on the count result of the released medals and the count result of the dropped medals;
A medal game device comprising:

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the medal game device, medals are circulated such that medals dropped from the game field are collected and transported to the medal releasing means and again released to the game field by the medal releasing means. The payout rate is calculated. That is, the payout rate is calculated without the medals being paid out of the housing. Therefore, for example, the payout rate can be calculated without the administrator of the game device performing a work of inserting a large number of medals.

Further, as in the second invention, in the medal game device of the first invention,
A switching mechanism (for example, FIG. 2) for switching whether the medal transporting unit pays out a medal dropped from the game field to a medal storing unit (for example, the medal storing unit 302 in FIG. 1) or transports it to the medal releasing unit. The payout switching mechanism 140 and the passage switching mechanism 150 in FIG. 3 may be included.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to switch whether the medals that fall from the game field and are collected are paid out to the medal storage unit or transported to the medal releasing means. That is, by switching so that it is conveyed to the medal releasing means, the medal dropped from the game field is released again to the game field by the medal releasing means. In addition, a normal game play can be performed by switching so that it may pay out at the time of a game. Further, the medal releasing means is shared with the means for releasing a medal according to the player's medal insertion or bonus medal into the game field at the time of the game, thereby making a significant change from the structure of the conventional medal game device. The medal game device of the present invention can be realized.

Further, as in the third invention, in the medal game device of the second invention,
A fall medal storage part (for example, a payout medal storage part 122 in FIGS. 2 and 3) for storing the dropped medal;
The medal transporting means transports a medal stored in the dropped medal storage part to above the payout opening (for example, the medal payout opening 306 in FIGS. 1 and 2) leading to the medal storage part ( For example, the payout medal transport mechanism 124) shown in FIGS.
The switching mechanism determines whether to drop the medal conveyed by the dropped medal conveying means to the payout port or to the collecting passage (for example, the collecting passage 134b in FIGS. 2 and 3) leading to the medal discharging means. It may be a mechanism for switching.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the medal dropped from the game field is accommodated in the fall medal accommodating part and conveyed to the upper part of the payout opening leading to the medal storage part, and then dropped to the payout outlet or medal releasing means. It can be switched to drop into the collection passage that leads to. That is, by switching so as to drop into the collecting passage, the dropped medal is transported to the medal releasing means and released again to the game field by the medal releasing means.

Further, as in the fourth invention, in the medal game device of the third invention,
A transport medal detection means (for example, a payout sensor 126 in FIGS. 2 and 3) for detecting the presence or absence of a medal transported by the dropped medal transport means;
The dropped medal counting means is a means for counting the number of dropped medals based on detection by the transport medal detecting means,
The entrance of the recovery passage is provided in the middle part of the fall passage (for example, the fall passage 132 in FIGS. 2 and 3) of medals dropped from the game field,
The switching mechanism is
A transport medal flow path switching means (for example, a payout switching mechanism 140 in FIGS. 2 and 3) for switching whether the medal transported by the medal transport means is dropped to the payout opening or the fall passage.
Falling medal flow path switching means (for example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) that is provided in the middle portion and switches between dropping the medal that has fallen through the dropping passage into the falling medal receiving section or dropping into the collecting passage. A passage switching mechanism 150);
Have
The transfer medal flow path switching means is switched to the fall passage side, and (1) the fall medal flow path switching means is switched to the fall medal storage section side, the medal transport by the fall medal transport means is stopped, and Release / accommodation period (for example, “release period” in the embodiment) in which medals are released by the release means, and (2) switching of the dropped medal flow path switching means to the collection passage side, and release of medals by the release means And a control means for performing a control of alternately repeating a stop medal recovery period and a fall medal recovery period (for example, the “recovery period” in the embodiment) in which the fall medal transport means performs the medal transport.
It's also good.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, (1) the release / accommodation period and (2) the dropped medal collection period are alternately repeated. (1) In the release / accommodation period, medals are released into the game space, and medals falling from the game field are accommodated in the dropped medal accommodating part. Also, (2) in the fall medal collection period, the medal accommodated in the fall medal accommodating part is conveyed to above the payout port, and then dropped into the collection passage and conveyed to the medal discharge means. Therefore, by repeating (1) the release / accommodation period and (2) the dropped medal collection period, the medals circulate within the casing without being paid out of the casing. During the game, the transfer medal flow path switching means is switched to drop to the payout opening, and the dropped medal flow path switching means is switched to drop to the drop medal accommodating portion, so that the medal dropped from the game field is paid out. The normal game play can be executed.

Further, as in the fifth invention, in the medal game device of any one of the first to fourth inventions,
Payout rate notification means for performing notification of the calculated payout rate or notification according to the payout rate may be further provided.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the calculated payout rate is notified, or notification according to the payout rate is performed. Therefore, for example, the administrator of the game device can easily know the payout rate without performing a work of inserting a large number of medals. Here, the notification of the payout rate includes displaying the value of the payout rate itself or outputting the sound. Further, as notification according to the payout rate, the payout rate is divided into a plurality of stages in advance, the type and color of the LED (lamp) are associated with each range, and the LED corresponding to the calculated payout rate is turned on. Alternatively, if the calculated payout rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a predetermined LED is turned on or a predetermined notification sound is output.

Further, as in the sixth invention, in the medal game device of any one of the first to fifth inventions,
An edge plate (for example, the edge plate 162 in FIGS. 4 and 5) capable of adjusting the amount of protrusion from the upper surface of the game field may be provided at the end of the game field.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the edge plate capable of adjusting the amount of protrusion from the upper surface of the game field is provided at the end of the game field. When the amount of protrusion from the upper surface of the edge plate is adjusted, the number of medals falling from the game field, that is, the payout rate changes. Therefore, for example, the administrator of the medal game device can easily adjust the payout rate to a desired value by adjusting the edge plate based on the calculated / notified payout rate.

  According to the present invention, in the medal game device, medals are circulated such that medals dropped from the game field are collected and transported to the medal transport means, and released to the game field again by the medal transport means, and the payout rate is increased. Is calculated. That is, the payout rate can be calculated without paying out medals out of the housing. Then, by notifying the calculated payout rate, for example, the administrator of the medal game device easily knows the payout rate without performing a work of inserting a large number of medals, and based on this payout rate, For example, it is possible to easily adjust the payout rate, such as adjusting the amount of protrusion of the edge plate provided at the end of the game field from the upper surface of the game field.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the case where the present invention is applied to a medal pusher game device will be described, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this.

[Appearance of game device]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front external view of a medal pusher game device (hereinafter simply referred to as “game device”) 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the casing of the game apparatus 1 is provided with a game portion 200 that forms a game space PA on the base 100 and extends below the game space PA and toward the front side of the game portion 200. The operation part 300 is provided and formed. The upper surface of the game unit 200 is covered with a glass window 202 that is inclined from the upper rear side to the lower front side of the housing, and the game space PA and the outer space are partitioned by the glass window 202. The left and right sides of the glass window 202 are provided with speakers 204 that output game sounds according to the progress of the game.

  Here, the direction described in the present embodiment indicates the direction from the viewpoint of the player who plays the game, and the vertical and horizontal directions in the figure are the vertical and horizontal directions, and the near side (front). Will be described as the operation unit 300 side of the game apparatus 1 and the back side (rear side) as the back side of the game apparatus 1.

  The operation unit 300 is provided with a medal storage unit 302 that stores medals M, and a medal slot 304 for inserting medals M into the game space PA. A medal payout outlet 306 for paying out medals in the housing is provided at the top of the medal storage unit 302.

  A game board surface 210 is arranged substantially vertically at the upper rear end of the game space PA, and a display 212 for displaying a game screen corresponding to the progress of the game is provided at the center of the game board surface 210. Further, two medal discharge ports 214 for discharging the medals M inserted into the medal insertion port 304 are provided at both upper ends of the game board surface 210 with the display 212 interposed therebetween. A pair of movable flippers 216 for changing the course of the medals M released by the vertical movement are provided on both sides of the lower center of the center. On the front side of the game board surface 210, an acrylic transparent plate 218 is provided in parallel with a predetermined gap so as to cover the display 212, the medal discharge port 214, and the movable flipper 216, and is discharged from the medal discharge port 214. The medals M that have been dropped fall in the gap space between the game board surface 210 and the transparent plate 218 while keeping the surface thereof substantially parallel to the game board surface 210.

  Below the game board surface 210, a game board surface 220 connected to the lower end of the game board surface 210 is arranged in a posture that inclines downward from the back side toward the near side. Below the game board surface 220, there are two on the left and right so that the board surface is substantially flush with the game board surface 220 (more precisely, a position that is the same or slightly lower than the height of the game board surface 220). A rotating disk 230 is provided, and a plurality of pins 232 for changing the course of the medal M are implanted in the rotating disk 230. The rotary disk 230 rotates at a predetermined speed in a predetermined direction with an axis perpendicular to the center of the disk surface as a rotation axis. When the medal M that has fallen on the inclined surface of the game board surface 220 reaches the rotating disk 230, the medal M drops and moves on the rotating disk 230 while changing the course by the rotating operation of the rotating disk 230 and the pins 232.

  Below the rotating disk 230, there is an inclined surface portion 242 provided with an upper surface substantially flush with the surface of the rotating disk 230 (more precisely, at a position equal to or slightly below the height of the surface of the rotating disk 230). A chucker portion 240 having a plurality of winning holes 244 formed in the inclined surface portion 242 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the rotating disk 230. The chucker 240 has a passage sensor (not shown) for detecting the passage of the medals M that have entered the respective winning openings 244, and the type of the winning opening 244 from which the passage of the medals M is detected and the medals M. A privilege (for example, occurrence of various events) is given to the player according to the number of passing sheets. The medal M that has moved and dropped on the rotating disk 230 enters the winning opening 244 along the inclined surface portion 242 of the chucker section 240 or falls off the winning opening 244 along the inclined surface portion 242. Alternatively, it does not reach the inclined surface portion 242 of the chucker portion 240 and falls from the side end of the rotating disk 230 or a gap between the rotating disk 230 and the chucker portion 240.

  An inclined plate 250 is provided on the lower front side of the chucker portion 240 with a plate surface having a predetermined angle with respect to the inclined surface portion 242 of the chucker portion 240. The inclined plate acts to repel the medals M that have fallen along the inclined surface portion 242 of the chucker portion 240, change the traveling direction, and drop the medal M onto the pusher plate 262.

  A game field 260 for placing medals having a pusher plate 262 that reciprocates back and forth at a constant speed is provided at the bottom of the game space PA. The pusher plate 262 is a plate-like member having a certain thickness arranged horizontally on the game field 260, and the medal M that has dropped the game space PA is placed on the upper surface. When moving backward, the abutting portion formed substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the pusher plate 262 pushes the medal M placed on the upper surface of the pusher plate 262 forward, and the pusher plate 262 is moved backward. The medal M is dropped on the game field 260 temporarily exposed by moving in the direction.

  The front surface portion 262 a of the pusher plate 262 is a medal push-out portion, and the medal M dropped from the pusher plate 262 onto the game field 260 is pushed forward (front side) and placed on the game field 260. The medals M are dropped from the game field 260 in a ball hitting state. The medal M dropped from the game field 260 passes through a predetermined passage in the housing and is paid out from the medal payout outlet 306 to the medal storage unit 302.

  A medal shooter 270 for paying out bonus medals M to a predetermined area of the game space PA is provided on the right side of the center of the game space PA. The medal shooter 270 is curved and inclined from the upper right rear of the game space, and is arranged so that the tip of the medal shooter 270 is located above the inclined plate 250. When the bonus medal M is paid out from the medal shooter 270 in accordance with the progress of the game, the medal M falls on the inclined plate 250 immediately below, is repelled by the inclined plate 250 and falls on the upper surface of the pusher plate 262. .

[Inside the game]
FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional side view of the game apparatus 1, and FIG. 3 is a schematic front sectional view of the base 100 portion. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, inside the base 100 of the game apparatus 1, a bonus medal accommodating portion 112 that accommodates a bonus medal M that opens upward on the back side, and this bonus medal. A bonus medal transport mechanism 114 that transports the medal M stored in the storage unit 112 to the medal shooter 270 is disposed. A bonus sensor 116 for detecting the passage of the medal M emitted from the tip portion 114a is provided in the vicinity of the tip portion 114a of the bonus medal transport mechanism 114.

  Further, on the front side of the bonus medal accommodating portion 112, a payout medal accommodating portion 122 that accommodates a payout medal M that opens upward, and a medal M that is accommodated in the payout medal accommodating portion 122. A payout medal transport mechanism 124 for transporting above the medal payout outlet 306 is disposed. A payout sensor 126 for detecting the medal M released from the front end portion 124a is provided in the vicinity of the front end portion 124a of the payout medal transport mechanism 124.

  In addition, a drop passage 132 opened to the top is disposed below the front end portion (falling end portion) 261 of the game field 260, and this dropping passage 132 is a funnel-shaped dropping passage that is an upper portion. 132a and a cylindrical drop passage 132b which is a lower portion. The fall passage 132 a is formed such that the length in the left-right direction of the opening is slightly longer than the length in the left-right direction of the front end 261 of the game field 260. Therefore, the medal M that has dropped from the front end portion 261 of the game field 260 falls into the fall passage 132 (more precisely, the fall passage 132a). Further, the lower end of the drop passage 132 b reaches the opening of the payout medal receiving portion 122.

  In addition, a recovery passage 134 that is open to the top is disposed below the game field 260. The recovery passage 134 has a funnel-shaped recovery passage 134a that is an upper portion and a cylindrical recovery passage that is a lower portion. It comprises a passage 134b. The drop passage 134 a is formed such that the length in the left-right direction of the opening portion is longer than the length in the left-right direction of the game field 260, and the length in the front-rear direction is slightly shorter than the length in the front-rear direction of the game field 260. Further, the lower end of the collection passage 134b reaches the opening of the bonus medal receiving portion 112. Therefore, the medal M that has dropped from the side end portion of the game field 260 falls into the collection passage 134a, passes through the collection passage 134b, and falls and is received in the bonus medal storage portion 112.

  Further, a recovery passage 134b is connected to a middle portion of the drop passage 132 and a connection portion of the drop passages 132a and 132b, and a medal M that has fallen in the drop passage 132a is connected to this connection portion (middle portion). A passage switching mechanism 150 that switches between dropping to the dropping passage 132b side or dropping to the collection passage 134b side is provided. The passage switching mechanism 150 is formed to have a size that is slightly larger than the cross-sectional areas of the fixed passage 152 that is arranged substantially horizontally in the left-right direction and the falling passage 132b and the collection passage 134b that have ends fixed to the fixed shaft 152. Plate 154.

  When the fixed shaft 152 rotates, the plate 154 rotates with the side fixed to the fixed shaft 152 as a fixed end. That is, as the fixed shaft 152 rotates in the forward direction, the plate 154 rotates in the forward direction, and as shown by the solid line in the figure, the free end comes into contact with the inner surface on the front side of the drop passage 132 and from the near side to the far side. It becomes an “inclined state” inclined downward toward. Further, as the fixed shaft 152 rotates in the back direction, the plate 154 rotates in the back direction, and as shown by a dotted line in the figure, the free end stands up against the inner surface on the back side of the drop passage 132. " .

  In the “inclined state”, the plate 154 blocks the connection portion between the drop passage 132 and the recovery passage 134b, thereby blocking the route from the drop passage 132a to the drop passage 132b and opening the route to the recovery passage 134b. Accordingly, the medals M that have fallen into the fall passage 132a move to the collection passage 134b along the inclination of the plate 154, pass through the collection passage 134b, and are dropped and accommodated in the bonus medal storage portion 112.

  Further, in the “standing state”, the plate 154 blocks the connection portion between the drop passage 132a and the recovery passage 134b, so that the path from the drop passage 132a to the recovery passage 135b is cut off and the path to the drop passage 132a is opened. The Accordingly, the medal M that has fallen into the drop passage 132a falls within the drop passage 132b and is dropped and stored in the payout medal storage portion 122.

  The fixed shaft 152 is rotationally driven by a driving means such as a solenoid, and this driving means is controlled by the control unit 190.

  Also, whether the medal M transported by the payout medal transport mechanism 124 is dropped to the medal payout outlet 306 side below the front end portion 124a of the payout medal transport mechanism 124 and behind the medal payout outlet 306. A payout switching mechanism 140 is provided for switching between dropping to the drop passage 132a side. The payout switching mechanism 140 includes a fixed shaft 142 disposed substantially horizontally in the left-right direction, and a plate 144 having a central portion fixed to the fixed shaft 142. When the fixed shaft 142 rotates, the plate 144 rotates with the fixed shaft 142 as a rotation axis.

  That is, as the fixed shaft 142 rotates in the forward direction, the plate 144 rotates in the forward direction, and the front end of the plate 144 extends toward the inside of the housing as indicated by the solid line in the figure. It comes into contact with the upper surface of the exit plate 146, resulting in a “front-side tilted state” that tilts downward from the back side toward the front side. Further, as the fixed shaft 142 rotates in the back direction, the plate 144 rotates in the back direction, and as shown by the dotted line in the figure, the back end of the plate 144 abuts on the upper surface of the extension plate 146, A “back-tilt state” in which the head is tilted downward from the front side toward the back side is obtained.

  In the “front tilted state”, the medal M released from the front end portion 124 a of the payout medal transport mechanism 124 falls and moves forward along the tilt of the plate 144, and is paid out from the medal payout outlet 306 to the medal storage unit 302. It is. Further, in the “back-inclined state”, the medal M released from the tip end portion 124a of the payout medal transport mechanism 124 falls to the back side along the inclination of the plate 144 and falls into the drop passage 132a.

  The fixed shaft 142 is rotationally driven by a driving means such as a solenoid, and this driving means is controlled by the control unit 190.

  In addition, a drop amount adjustment mechanism 160 that adjusts the drop amount of the medal M falling from the front end portion 261 of the game field 260 is provided at the front end portion 261 of the game field 260.

  4 is a perspective view of the drop amount adjusting mechanism 160, and FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the drop amount adjusting mechanism 160. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the drop amount adjustment mechanism 160 includes an edge plate 162 disposed on the front surface (front surface) of the front end 261 of the game field 260 and the rear surface (rear side) of the front end 261. And a fixed plate 166 disposed above the slide plate 164 on the rear surface side of the front end portion 261.

  The slide plate 164 is formed with a pair of horizontal movement grooves 164a and a pair of inclined movement grooves 164b. Each horizontal movement groove 164 a is a long hole formed in the horizontal direction, and a screw 168 a is inserted through this, and the screw 168 a is attached to a nut 261 a fixed to the back surface of the front end portion 261. Thereby, the slide plate 164 can move horizontally.

  Further, each inclined movement groove 164b is a long hole formed to be inclined upward to the right, and a screw 168b is inserted through this, and the screw 168b passes through a long hole 261b formed in the front end portion 261 in the vertical direction. Further, it is attached to a nut 163 fixed to the back surface of the edge plate 162. Thus, the edge plate 162 can be moved up and down as the slide plate 164 moves horizontally.

  The fixing plate 166 is provided with nuts 167 at three positions. Each nut 167 has a long hole 261c formed in the front end portion 261 in the vertical direction and an attachment formed in the edge plate 162. A screw 169 is attached from the front side of the edge plate 162 through the hole.

  Accordingly, the screw 169 of the fixed plate 166 is loosened so that the slide plate 164 can move horizontally, and when the slide plate 164 is moved in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) in this state, the slide plate 164 is moved horizontally by the horizontal movement groove 164a. With this movement, the edge plate 162 moves in the vertical direction along the surface of the front end portion 261 of the game field 260. Then, by changing the protrusion height of the edge plate 162 from the upper surface of the game field 260, the number of medals M falling from the front end 261 of the game field 260, that is, the payout rate can be adjusted.

  In addition, although not shown in the case of the game apparatus 1, an insertion medal accommodating portion for accommodating the medal M inserted from the medal insertion slot 304 and each time the medal M is inserted from the medal insertion slot 304. In addition, an insertion medal transport mechanism that transports the medal M accommodated in the insertion medal accommodating portion to above the medal ejection port 214 and ejects it from the medal ejection port 214 is disposed.

  Furthermore, a control unit 190 that controls the operation of the entire game apparatus 1 is built in the base 100. The control unit 190 includes an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU and LSI, and a storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, and an IC memory, and comprehensively controls the operation of the game apparatus 1 according to a program stored in the storage device. Specifically, the operation control of the pusher plate, the operation control of the payout medal transport mechanism 124 and the bonus medal transport mechanism 114, the switch control of the payout switching mechanism 140 and the passage switching mechanism 150, the payout sensor 126 and the bonus sensor 116. The number of medals M released and the number of drops based on the detection result of the game, the game calculation processing based on the detection result of the passage sensor of the chucker unit 240, and the like.

  In the game apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, by switching a dip switch connected to the control unit 190, (1) a “game mode” in which the player can play a game, and (2) a game play. Without changing to “payout rate calculation mode” in which the payout rate P is calculated.

  In the “game mode”, the medal M is inserted into the medal insertion slot 304 and the player is actually playing the game “when the game is executed”, and the medal M is not inserted, and the player plays the game. There is no "standby". In the “payout rate calculation mode”, (a) a “release period” in which the medal M is released into the game space PA, and (b) the medal M bonus medal container 112 that has dropped from the front end 261 of the game field 260. The payout rate P is calculated by alternately repeating the “collection period” to be collected.

[Control system]
Next, the control system of the game apparatus 1 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the game apparatus 1. As shown in the figure, the control system of the game apparatus 1 includes a processing unit 10 and a storage unit 20.

  The processing unit 10 controls each unit of the game apparatus 1 in an integrated manner by performing arithmetic processing according to the program stored in the storage unit 20. The processing unit 10 is realized by an arithmetic device such as a CPU or ASIC, and corresponds to an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU or LSI mounted on the control unit 190 in FIGS. In the present embodiment, the processing unit 10 includes a transport control unit 11, a switching control unit 12, a counting unit 13, a payout rate calculation unit 14, a game calculation unit 15, an image generation unit 16, and sound generation. Part 17.

  The transport control unit 11 controls driving of the bonus medal transport mechanism 114 and the payout medal transport mechanism 124 according to the transport control table 23. FIG. 7 shows an example of the data configuration of the transport control table 23.

  According to the transport control table 23 shown in the figure, in the “game mode”, the transport control unit 11 always drives the payout medal transport mechanism 124 (ON) during “game execution” to transport the bonus medal. The mechanism 114 is driven according to the game result. In “standby”, both the payout medal transport mechanism 124 and the bonus medal transport mechanism 114 are stopped (OFF).

  In the “payout rate calculation mode”, the bonus medal transport mechanism 114 and the payout medal transport mechanism 124 are alternately driven. That is, in the “release period”, the bonus medal transport mechanism 114 is driven (ON), and the payout medal transport mechanism 124 is not driven (OFF). In (b) “collection period”, the payout medal transport mechanism 124 is driven (ON), and the bonus medal transport mechanism 114 is not driven (OFF).

  The switching control unit 12 controls switching of the payout switching mechanism 140 and the path switching mechanism 150 according to the switching control table 24. FIG. 8 shows an example of the data configuration of the switching control table 24. According to the switching control table 24 shown in the figure, in the “game mode”, the switching control unit 12 causes the payout switching mechanism 140 to be in the “front tilt state” in both the “game execution” and “standby” states. To "". Then, the passage switching mechanism 150 is switched to the “standing state” during “game execution” and to the “tilting state” during “standby”.

  Further, in the “payout rate calculation mode”, the payout switching mechanism 140 is switched to the “back slope state” in both the “release period” and the “collection period”. Then, the passage switching mechanism 150 is switched to the “standing state” during the “release period” and is switched to the “tilt state” during the “measurement period”.

  Therefore, the medal M inside the housing moves as follows under the control of the transport control unit 11 and the passage switching control unit 12. That is, in the “game mode” in the “game mode”, the medal M that has dropped from the front end portion 261 of the game field 260 falls through the drop passage 132a and the drop passage 132b into the payout medal storage portion 122 and is stored. Is done. The medals M stored in the payout medal storage unit 122 are paid out from the medal payout port 306 to the medal storage unit 302 by the payout medal transport mechanism 124. Further, at the “standby” time, the medal M basically does not drop, but when the medal M falls from the front end portion 261 of the game field 260 due to vibration or the like, for example, the dropped medal M is dropped into the falling passage 132a and the collecting passage 134b. And is dropped and accommodated in the bonus medal accommodating portion 112.

  On the other hand, in the “release period” in the “payout rate calculation mode”, the medals M in the bonus medal container 112 are released to the game space PA by the bonus medal transport mechanism 114, and thereby, from the front end 261 of the game field 260. The dropped medal M passes through the drop passage 132a and the drop passage 132b and is dropped and stored in the payout medal storage portion 122.

  Further, in the “collection period”, the medals M stored in the payout medal storage unit 122 are released by the payout medal transport mechanism 124, and the released medals M are not paid out from the medal payout outlet 306 and fall passage 132 a. Then, it passes through the collection passage 134b and is dropped and received in the bonus medal storage unit 112.

  That is, in the “payout rate calculation mode”, by repeating the “release period” and the “collection period”, the medal M is bonus medal storage part 112 → game space PA → fall passage 132a → fall passage 132b → payout. It circulates in the housing in the order of medal accommodating part 122 → falling passage 132a → recovery passage 134b → bonus medal accommodating part 112 →.

  The counting unit 13 counts (counts) the number of medals M (release number A) released from the bonus medal transport mechanism 114 to the game space PA based on the detection signal input from the bonus sensor 116. Based on the detection signal input from the payout sensor 126, the number of medals M released from the payout medal transport mechanism 124, that is, the number of medals M dropped from the front end 261 of the game field 260 (the number of drops) B is calculated. Count.

  In the “payout rate calculation mode”, the payout rate calculation unit 14 calculates the payout rate P based on the number of releases A and the number of drops B counted by the counting unit 13. Here, the payout rate P is calculated by dividing the fall number B by the discharge number A.

  In the “payout rate calculation mode”, the number of releases A and the number of drops B counted by the counting unit 13 and the payout rate P calculated by the payout rate calculating unit 14 are stored in the calculation information 25. FIG. 9 shows an example of the data structure of the calculation information 25. As shown in the figure, the calculation information 25 includes the “release period” and the “measurement period” in the “payout rate calculation mode” as one “calculation period”, the previous calculation period, and the current calculation period. The values of the number A (25a), the number B (25b), and the payout rate P (25c) are stored in each calculation period. The figure shows an example of data storage in the “collection period” in the “payout rate calculation mode”. Since the number of drops B is currently being counted, the number of drops B (25b) in the current calculation period and the payout rate The value of P (25c) is not stored.

  The game calculation unit 15 performs processing related to the progress of the game in the “game mode”. Specifically, based on the detection signal input from the passage sensor of the chucker unit 240, the type and number of the winning holes 244 through which the medals M have passed are determined, and a predetermined game calculation process is performed in accordance with this. Further, according to the game calculation result, for example, bonus processing such as operating the bonus medal transport mechanism 114 to pay out the bonus medal M to the game space PA is performed.

  In the “game mode”, the image generation unit 16 generates an image for displaying a game screen based on the game calculation result by the game calculation unit 15, and outputs an image signal of the generated image to the display 212. In the “payout rate calculation mode”, an image for displaying the payout rate P calculated by the payout rate calculation unit 14 is generated, and an image signal of the generated image is output to the display 212.

  In the “game mode”, the sound generation unit 17 generates a sound effect used during the game and a game sound with BGM, and outputs a sound signal of the generated game sound to the speaker 204.

  The storage unit 20 stores a system program for causing the processing unit 10 to control the game apparatus 1 in an integrated manner, a program and data necessary for executing the game, and the like, as a work area of the processing unit 10 Used to temporarily store calculation results and the like executed by the processing unit 10 according to various programs. The storage unit 20 corresponds to a storage device such as an IC memory, ROM, RAM, or hard disk mounted on the control unit 190. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 20 stores a game program 21 and a payout rate calculation program 22 as programs, and stores a transfer control table 23, a switching control table 24, and calculation information 25 as data. ing.

[Process flow]
Next, the process flow will be described.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the overall processing flow of the game apparatus 1. This process starts when the power is turned on (ON) and is continuously executed until the power is turned off (OFF). According to the figure, the processing unit 10 first performs an initial setting process such as starting the operation of the pusher plate 262 (step S1). Next, the current mode is determined, and if it is the “game mode” (step S2: game), the game process is subsequently executed (step S3).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the game process. This processing is realized by the processing unit 10 reading and executing the game program 21 in the storage unit 20. According to the figure, in the game process, first, the switching control unit 12 switches the payout switching mechanism 140 to the “front tilted state” (step S11), and switches the passage switching mechanism 150 to the “standing state” (step S12). ). Next, the processing unit 10 determines whether or not the medal M is inserted into the medal insertion slot 304.

  If the medal M is inserted (step S12: YES), the processing unit 10 determines that the game play by the player has started, that is, “at the time of game play”. The operation of the medal transport mechanism 124 is started (step S14). On the other hand, if the medal M is not inserted (step S13: NO), the payout medal transport mechanism 124 is kept stopped.

  Next, the processing unit 10 determines an elapsed time after the medal insertion from the medal insertion port 304 is not performed. If the predetermined time has not been reached (step S15: YES), the game calculation unit 15 Then, a predetermined game calculation process is performed according to the number of medals M that have passed through each winning slot 244 of the chucker unit 240 (step S16), and a bonus medal transfer mechanism is sent to the transfer control unit 11 according to the game calculation result. 114 is operated to pay out a predetermined number of medals M to the game space PA as bonus medals (step S17). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S15, and the processes in steps S16 to S17 are repeated until the elapsed time after the medal M is not inserted reaches a predetermined time.

  If the elapsed time after the medal M is no longer inserted from the medal slot 304 reaches a predetermined time (step S15: YES), the processing unit 10 is not playing a game by the player. When it is determined that the state has changed to “standby”, the switching control unit 12 switches the passage switching mechanism 150 to the “inclined state” (step S18), and the transport control unit 11 operates the payout medal transport mechanism 124. Is stopped (step S19). When the above process is performed, the game process ends and the process returns to step S5 in FIG.

  When the game process ends, the processing unit 10 determines whether or not there is an instruction to turn off the power (OFF). If there is (step S5: YES), the processing unit 10 performs a predetermined power interruption process. This process ends. On the other hand, if there is no power-off (OFF) instruction (step S5: NO), the process proceeds to step S2.

  If the current mode is “payout rate calculation mode” (step S2: payout rate calculation), a payout rate calculation process is executed (step S4).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the payout rate calculation process. This process is realized by the processing unit 10 reading and executing the payout rate calculation program 22 in the storage unit 20. According to the figure, in the payout rate calculation process, first, the switching control unit 12 switches the payout switching mechanism 140 to the “back slope state” (step S31).

  Next, the passage switching control unit 12 switches the passage switching mechanism 150 to the “standing state” (step S32). Thereafter, the transport control unit 11 starts the operation of the bonus medal transport mechanism 114 (step S33), and the counting unit 13 causes the game space PA to be played by the bonus medal transport mechanism 114 based on the detection signal from the bonus sensor 116. The number of medals M released (number A released) is counted (counted) (step S34). When a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation of the bonus medal transport mechanism 114 was started (step S35: YES), the transport control unit 11 stops the operation of the bonus medal transport mechanism 114 (step S36).

  Here, the steps S32 to S36 correspond to the “release period”, and during this time, the medal M that has dropped from the front end 261 of the game field 260 due to the release of the medal M into the game space PA is dropped into the drop passage 132a. Passing through the passage 132b and falling into the payout medal receiving portion 122 and received,

  Thereafter, the processing unit 10 waits for a predetermined time (step S37). Here, the predetermined time to wait (standby time) is the time required for transition from the “release period” to the “collection period”, and specifically, the movement of all medals M in the game space PA is completed. Regardless of the reciprocating motion of the pusher plate 262, the time required for the medal M not to fall from the game field 260 (a steady state) is set.

  After waiting for a certain time, the switching control unit 12 switches the passage switching mechanism 150 to the “inclined state” (step S38). Thereafter, the transport control unit 11 starts the operation of the payout medal transport mechanism 124 (step S39), and the counting unit 13 is released from the payout medal transport mechanism 124 based on the detection signal from the payout sensor 126. The number of medals M, that is, the number of medals M dropped from the front end portion 261 of the game field 260 (the number B of drops) is counted (counted) (step S40). If all of the medals M stored in the payout medal storage unit 122 have been paid out (step S41: YES), the transport control unit 11 stops the operation of the payout medal transport mechanism 124 (step S42). ).

  Here, the determination as to whether or not all the medals M in the payout medal container 122 have been paid out may be performed as follows. For example, (1) when the state in which the medal M released from the payout medal transport mechanism 124 is not detected continues for a predetermined time or (2) the remaining amount of the medal M in the payout medal storage unit 122 is detected. A remaining amount detection sensor is provided, and the determination is made based on a detection signal of the remaining amount detection sensor.

  Here, the steps S38 to S42 correspond to the “collection period”, and during this time, the medals M released from the payout medal transport mechanism 124 pass through the fall passage 132a and the collection passage 134b, and the bonus medal storage section. Dropped into 112 and accommodated.

  Subsequently, the payout rate calculation unit 14 calculates the payout rate P in the current calculation period based on the number of releases A counted in step S34 and the number of drops B counted in step S40 (step S43). Then, the calculated payout rate P is displayed on the display 212 (step S44). In this way, processing is performed in one calculation period.

  Thereafter, the processing unit 10 determines whether or not to end the calculation of the payout rate. If the processing unit 10 does not end the calculation, that is, if the calculation of the payout rate is continued (step S45: NO), the processing unit 10 proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, for example, if the calculation of the payout rate is ended because the calculation end switch is pressed (step S45: YES), the payout rate calculation process is ended, and the process returns to step S5 in FIG.

  When the payout rate calculation process ends, the processing unit 10 subsequently determines whether or not there is an instruction to turn off the power (OFF). If there is no input (step S5: NO), the process proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, if there is an instruction to turn off the power (OFF) (step S5: YES), the processing unit 10 performs a predetermined power-off process, and this process ends.

[Action / Effect]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the “payout rate calculation mode”, the “release period” in which the payout rate P is calculated by alternately repeating the “release period” and the “collection period”. Then, the medal M accommodated in the bonus medal accommodating portion 112 is released to the game space PA through the medal shooter 270, and the medal M dropped from the game field 260 passes through the fall passages 132a and 132b and is paid out. The number of medals M that are dropped and stored in the medal storage unit 122 and released during the period (the number A of discharges) is counted. In the “collection period”, the medal M accommodated in the payout medal accommodating portion 122 passes through the drop passage 132a and the collection passage 134b and is dropped and accommodated (collected) in the bonus medal accommodating portion 112. The number of medals M dropped from the game field 260 during the “release period” (number of drops B) is counted. That is, the payout rate P is calculated while the medals are circulated inside the casing without being paid out of the casing.

  Therefore, for example, the administrator of the medal game device 1 can easily know the payout rate P without switching the mode to the “payout rate calculation mode” without performing a work of inserting a large number of medals M. At this time, as the number of medals circulation increases, a more accurate payout rate P can be obtained. Therefore, the “payout rate calculation mode” may be continued according to the accuracy of the payout rate P to be obtained. Then, based on the calculated payout rate P, the game plate 260 of the edge plate 162 is moved by moving the slide plate 164 of the drop amount adjustment mechanism 160 in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) so that the desired payout rate P is obtained. What is necessary is just to adjust the protrusion height from the upper surface.

[Modification]
The application of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

(A) Release of medals from inserted medal storage unit For example, in the above-described embodiment, in the “payout rate adjustment mode”, the medals M stored in the bonus medal storage unit 112 are released to the game space and dropped. However, instead of the bonus medal accommodating portion 112, an insertion medal accommodating portion that accommodates the medal M inserted from the medal insertion slot 304 by the player may be used. good. In this case, the lower end of the collection passage 134b is provided so as to reach the opening of the insertion medal receiving portion. In the “payout rate adjustment mode”, the payout medal transport mechanism 124 may be driven instead of the bonus medal transport mechanism 114. In this case, since the medal M is released from the medal payout exit 214 as in the game execution, it is possible to simulate a state close to the game execution.

(B) Dedicated collection passage In the above-described embodiment, the collection passage 134b is connected to the middle portion of the drop passage 132 (the connection portion of the drop passages 132a and 132b), and the medal is passed through the drop passage 132a and the collection passage 134b. Although M is collected in the bonus medal container 112, a dedicated collection passage may be provided.

  Specifically, for example, a position below the payout switching mechanism 140 on the back side, where the medal M transported by the payout medal transport mechanism 124 falls when the payout switching mechanism 140 is in the “back tilt state”. A special passage is provided so that the outlet reaches the opening of the bonus medal receiving portion 112. Then, in the “payout rate calculation mode”, the medal M transported by the payout medal transport mechanism 124 is dropped to the dedicated passage side and is collected in the bonus medal container 112. In this case, there is no need to separate the “release period” and the “collection period”, and the bonus medal transport mechanism 114 and the payout medal transport mechanism 124 are operated together, and the number of releases A in the past predetermined period at an appropriate timing. The payout rate P may be calculated based on the number B of drops.

(C) Other Adjustment Method of Payout Rate In the embodiment described above, the administrator adjusts the payout rate P by adjusting the height of the edge plate 162 provided at the front end 262 of the game field 260. However, other methods may be used.

  For example, (a) the push-out amount of the pusher plate 262, that is, the amount of movement in the front-rear direction may be changed. In addition, (b) a member that affects the movement of the medal M in the game space PA, for example, a rotation speed or a rotation angle of the movable flipper 216 is changed, and an arrangement position of the pin 232 of the rotating disk 230 is changed, or rotated. The rotational speed and direction of the disk 230 may be changed. Further, (c) elements related to payout of the bonus medal M in the “game mode”, for example, the arrangement of the winning holes 244 of the chucker unit 240 and the parameters of the privilege processing based on the entry of the medal M into the winning holes 244 It is good also as changing. Further, (d) the game field may be tilted.

(D) Method for Notifying Payout Rate P Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the payout rate P is displayed on the display 212 for notification, but may be notified by other methods. For example, (a) the payout rate P may be notified by a maintenance LED or the like. Specifically, the payout rate P is divided into a plurality of stages in advance, the type and color of the LED (lamp) are associated with each stage, and the LED corresponding to the calculated current payout rate P is turned on. Inform. Further, (b) the calculated payout rate P itself or a sound corresponding to the payout rate P may be output for notification.

1 is an external view of a game device to which the present invention is applied. The schematic sectional side view of a game device. The schematic sectional drawing of the base part of a game device. The perspective view of a fall amount adjustment mechanism. An exploded view of the fall amount adjustment mechanism. The control block diagram of a game device. The data structural example of a conveyance control table. The data structural example of a switching control table. The flowchart of the main process. Flow chart of game processing. The flowchart of a payout rate calculation process. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a payout rate calculation process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game device PA Game space 100 Base 112 Bonus medal accommodating part 114 Bonus medal conveyance mechanism 116 Bonus sensor 122 Payout medal accommodating part 124 Payout medal conveyance mechanism 126 Payout sensor 132 (132a, 132b) Falling passage 134 (134a, 134b) Collection path 140 Discharge switching mechanism 150 Path switching mechanism 160 Drop amount adjustment mechanism 162 Edge plate 190 Control unit 200 Game part 212 Display 240 Chucker part 260 Game field 262 Pusher plate 270 Medal shooter 300 Operation part 302 Medal storage part 304 medal insertion slot 306 medal payout exit 10 processing unit 11 transport control unit 12 switching control unit 13 counting unit 14 payout rate calculation unit 15 game calculation unit 16 image raw Generating unit 17 Sound generating unit 20 Storage unit 21 Game program 22 Payout rate calculation program 23 Transport control table 24 Switching control table 25 Calculation information M Medal

Claims (6)

In a medal game device that pays out a dropped medal pushed out of the game field,
Medal releasing means for releasing medals into the game field;
An emission medal counting means for counting medals released by the medal releasing means;
Medal transporting means for collecting medals falling from the game field and transporting them to the medal releasing means;
A falling medal counting means for counting the dropped medals;
Payout rate calculation means for calculating a payout rate based on the count result of the released medals and the count result of the dropped medals;
A medal game device comprising: The medal game device according to claim 1,
2. The medal game device according to claim 1, wherein the medal transporting unit has a switching mechanism for switching whether the medal dropped from the game field is paid out to the medal storage unit or transported to the medal releasing unit. The medal game device according to claim 2,
A fall medal storage section for storing the dropped medal;
The medal conveying means has a falling medal conveying means for conveying a medal accommodated in the falling medal accommodating part to above a payout opening communicating with the medal storing part,
The medal game device, wherein the switching mechanism is a mechanism for switching whether the medal conveyed by the dropped medal conveying means is dropped to the payout port or to the collecting passage leading to the medal releasing means. The medal game device according to claim 3,
A transport medal detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a medal transported by the dropped medal transport means;
The dropped medal counting means is a means for counting the number of dropped medals based on detection by the transport medal detecting means,
The entrance of the recovery passage is provided in the middle part of the fall passage of medals dropped from the game field,
The switching mechanism is
A transport medal flow path switching means for switching whether the medal transported by the medal transport means is dropped to the payout opening or the fall passage;
A dropped medal flow path switching means that is provided in the middle portion and switches between dropping the medal that has fallen through the falling passage into the dropped medal accommodating section or dropping into the collecting passage;
Have
The transfer medal flow path switching means is switched to the fall passage side, and (1) the fall medal flow path switching means is switched to the fall medal storage section side, the medal transport by the fall medal transport means is stopped, and A release / accommodation period during which medals are released by the release means; and (2) switching of the fall medal flow path switching means to the collection passage side, stopping the release of medals by the release means, and medals by the fall medal transport means. It further comprises control means for alternately repeating the fall medal collection period for carrying.
A medal game device characterized by that. The medal game device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A medal game device, further comprising payout rate notifying means for notifying the calculated payout rate or notifying the payout rate. A medal game device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A medal game device, wherein an edge plate capable of adjusting an amount of protrusion from an upper surface of the game field is provided at an end of the game field.

Images