JP2006141822A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of starting a game by surely importing game media of a predetermined unit and, when something goes wrong in importing the game media, preventing the player from sustaining a disadvantage. <P>SOLUTION: When a predetermined importing condition is held, on condition that a unit number storage part stores the game media of one unit, this game machine restricts the game media newly flowing into the unit number storage part, and collectively imports the game media stored in the unit number storage part. When the number of the stored and detected game media is not accorded with the number of the game media for one unit, this game machine executes an error processing of stopping the advance of the game and, after the error processing is finished by a predetermined error releasing operation, returns the number of game media detected by a imported game media detecting means before the execution of the error processing to the player. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention comprises a take-in device for taking in game media such as game balls and medals that can be used for games, and is capable of playing a game by taking in at least one unit of game media with the take-in device, for example, The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, an arrangement ball gaming machine, or a sparrow ball gaming machine.

  Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, a slot machine (hereinafter referred to as a medal type slot machine) capable of playing a game using medals as game media is generally used. Since there is a demand to install it on a game island where pachinko machines are installed, some slot machines capable of playing games using game balls as game media have been proposed.

  These slot machines using game balls include, for example, a take-in device for taking in game balls stored in an upper plate or the like, and the take-in device takes in the game balls and takes them in. The number of bets is set using game balls, and a game is played based on the set number of bets.

  On the other hand, in the game hall, the normal medal lending rate is set higher than the gaming ball lending rate. For example, when a game ball lending rate is 4 yen and a medal lending rate is set to 20 yen, a slot machine using a game ball has the same game characteristics as a medal-type slot machine. It is necessary to use 5 game balls in order to set the number of bets of one unit. For this reason, in a slot machine using a game ball that has been proposed in the past, a preparation ball sensor for detecting whether one unit or more of game balls is prepared upstream of the take-in device is provided. In the case where a game ball is detected by the preparation ball sensor, that is, when one unit or more of game balls are prepared, a device that can drive the take-in device is proposed. (For example, see Patent Documents 1 to 4).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-271269 (first page, FIG. 3) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-2108010 (2nd page, FIG. 4) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-115597 (page 10, FIG. 19) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-31239 (page 13, FIG. 34)

  However, in the gaming machines described in Patent Documents 1 to 4, when the preparation ball sensor detects that one or more game balls (for example, five game balls) are prepared. The take-in device can be driven, but when the take-in device is driven and game balls are taken in, whether or not the number of game balls actually detected by the preparation ball sensor has been taken in Therefore, if some trouble occurs, for example, a ball clogging occurs in the take-in device, the number of balls detected by the prepared ball sensor will be the same as the game ball has been taken in. Only a small number of game balls are taken in, and there is a problem that the player may suffer a disadvantage.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such a problem, and when a predetermined unit of game media is reliably taken in, the game can be started and a failure occurs in taking in the game media. However, an object is to provide a gaming machine in which a player does not suffer a disadvantage.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a gaming machine according to claim 1 of the present invention provides:
In a gaming machine in which a predetermined number of game media are set as one unit and a game can be started by setting the number of game media used in one game, and a prize is generated when a predetermined prize condition is established in the game.
Taking-in means for taking in game media into the gaming machine in order to set the number of game media used in one game;
Capture control means for performing capture control for capturing the game medium by the capture means;
A payout means for paying out a game medium given to the player in response to the occurrence of the winning;
With
The capturing means includes
A unit number storage unit capable of storing the game media for one unit;
Unit game medium detecting means for detecting whether or not the one unit of game medium is stored in the unit number storage unit;
The unit number on condition that the unit game medium detecting means detects that one unit of game medium is stored in the unit number storage unit when a predetermined capture condition is satisfied. A collective take-in means for restricting a new inflow of game media into the storage unit and collectively taking in the game media stored in the unit number storage unit;
A captured game medium detecting means for detecting a game medium captured from the unit number storage unit;
Including
The uptake control means includes
Determination means for determining whether or not the number of game media detected by the captured game medium detection means matches the number of game media for one unit;
An error processing means for performing an error process that disables the progress of the game when it is determined that the determination means do not match;
When a predetermined error canceling operation is performed when the error processing is being performed, an error processing canceling means for ending the error processing and allowing the game to proceed,
Based on the completion of the error processing by the error processing release means, the number of game media detected by the taken-in game medium detection means until the error processing is executed is paid out from the payout means. Return control means to perform return control to return to the person,
It is characterized by including.
According to this feature, since the game medium is not taken in a state where one unit of game medium is not stored in the unit number storage unit, the game medium can be reliably taken in one unit at a time. Or, when the number of game media detected by the taken-in game media detection means is different from the number of game media for one unit, that is, when a capture error occurs, error processing is executed and the game cannot be progressed. As a result, the game is prevented from proceeding in a state where the capture is not normally executed, and the occurrence of the capture error is surely recognized by the game shop clerk and the capture error is dealt with early. be able to. Further, the number of game media detected by the taken-in game media detection means until the error processing is executed is returned to the player based on the release of the error processing, and the gaming machine is not used for the game. Since it is not taken inside, it is prevented that a player suffers a disadvantage.
Note that error processing that disables the progress of a game is, for example, a detection signal (take-in request signal) that is output when a predetermined take-in condition is satisfied, or a game start operation means for starting a game. For example, a detection signal (game start signal) output when an operation is detected is invalidated.

A gaming machine according to claim 2 of the present invention,
In a gaming machine in which a predetermined number of game media are set as one unit and a game can be started by setting the number of game media used in one game, and a prize is generated when a predetermined prize condition is established in the game.
Taking-in means for taking in game media into the gaming machine in order to set the number of game media used in one game;
Capture control means for performing capture control for capturing the game medium by the capture means;
A payout means for paying out a game medium given to the player in response to the occurrence of the winning;
With
The capturing means includes
A unit number storage unit capable of storing the game media for one unit;
Unit game medium detecting means for detecting whether or not the one unit of game medium is stored in the unit number storage unit;
The unit number on condition that the unit game medium detecting means detects that one unit of game medium is stored in the unit number storage unit when a predetermined capture condition is satisfied. A collective take-in means for restricting a new inflow of game media into the storage unit and collectively taking in the game media stored in the unit number storage unit;
A captured game medium detecting means for detecting a game medium captured from the unit number storage unit;
Including
The uptake control means includes
Determination means for determining whether or not the number of game media detected by the captured game medium detection means matches the number of game media for one unit;
Return control means for performing return control for paying out the number of game media detected by the taken-in game medium detection means from the payout means and returning them to the player when it is determined that the determination means do not match; ,
It is characterized by including.
According to this feature, since the game medium is not taken in a state where one unit of game medium is not stored in the unit number storage unit, the game medium can be reliably taken in one unit at a time. Or, when the number of game media detected by the captured game medium detection means is different from the number of game media for one unit, that is, when a capture error occurs, the number detected by the captured game medium detection means Since the game medium is not returned to the player and is not used in the game and is not taken into the game machine, the player is prevented from suffering a disadvantage.

A gaming machine according to claim 3 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to claim 2,
Return number determination means for determining whether or not the return control by the return control means has been performed a predetermined number of times;
An error processing means for performing an error process to disable the progress of the game when the return number determination means determines that the predetermined number of times has been performed;
It is characterized by comprising.
According to this feature, the error processing is not executed every time the game medium is returned by the return control means, which is not bothersome, and when the game medium is returned by the return control means a predetermined number of times, it is sure. Since the error processing is executed, the player is prevented from being disadvantaged due to the malfunction of the capturing means.
Note that error processing that disables the progress of a game is, for example, a detection signal (take-in request signal) that is output when a predetermined take-in condition is satisfied, or a game start operation means for starting a game. For example, a detection signal (game start signal) output when an operation is detected is invalidated.

A gaming machine according to claim 4 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A gaming machine provided corresponding to a lending device that transmits a lending request for the gaming medium using a valuable value stored in a storage medium,
A connection confirmation signal input means for inputting a connection confirmation signal output from the lending device;
Lending control means for lending the game medium on condition that the connection confirmation signal is input to the connection confirmation signal input means when the lending request is received;
When the connection confirmation signal is not input to the connection confirmation signal input means, the capture control disable means for disabling the capture control;
It is characterized by comprising.
According to this feature, when a lending request is received from a lending device, the gaming medium is rented on condition that the lending device and the gaming machine are connected, so the lending device and the gaming machine are normally connected. It is possible to prevent gaming media from being rented even though it has not been done. In addition, if the lending device and the gaming machine are not connected, the game media take-in control will not be performed in order to newly play a game, so that the connection between the lending device and the gaming machine is secured when playing the game. Can do.

A gaming machine according to claim 5 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to claim 4,
The capture control disabling unit is connected to the connection confirmation signal input unit after the predetermined capture condition is established and before the capture control based on the establishment of the predetermined capture condition is completed. When the confirmation signal is not input, the capture control is disabled after the capture control is completed.
According to this feature, while the capture control is being executed, the capture control by a new operation is not performed after the capture control is completed. It is possible to prevent the control from becoming complicated by disconnection and interruption of the capture control.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is the gaming machine according to claim 4,
Main control means for controlling the game, including the take-in control disabling means;
Sub-control means connected to the main control means and the lending device, including the connection confirmation signal input means and the lending control means,
With
The sub-control means further includes a connection specifying signal output means for outputting a connection specifying signal that can specify whether or not the connection checking signal is input to the connection checking signal input means to the main control means,
The capture control disable means disables the capture control when a connection identification signal indicating that the connection confirmation signal is not input is input to the connection confirmation signal input means.
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, when a lending request is received from a lending device, the gaming medium is rented on condition that the lending device and the gaming machine are connected, so the lending device and the gaming machine are normally connected. It is possible to prevent gaming media from being rented even though it has not been done. In addition, if the lending device and the gaming machine are not connected, the game media take-in control will not be performed in order to newly play a game, so that the connection between the lending device and the gaming machine is secured when playing the game. Can do. In addition, since the main control means for controlling the game is not directly connected to the lending device outside the gaming machine, it prevents an illegal signal from being input from the outside to the main control means and affecting the control of the game. it can.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is the gaming machine according to claim 4,
Main control means for controlling the game, including the take-in control disabling means;
Sub-control means connected to the main control means and the lending device;
With
The sub-control means includes
A first connection confirmation signal input means for inputting a connection confirmation signal output from the lending device;
The lending control means lends the game medium on the condition that the connection confirmation signal is input to the first connection confirmation signal input means when the lending request is received,
The main control means includes
A second connection confirmation signal input means for receiving a connection confirmation signal output from the lending device;
The capture control disable means disables the capture control when the connection confirmation signal is not input to the second connection confirmation signal input means.
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, when a lending request is received from a lending device, the gaming medium is rented on condition that the lending device and the gaming machine are connected, so the lending device and the gaming machine are normally connected. It is possible to prevent gaming media from being rented even though it has not been done. In addition, if the lending device and the gaming machine are not connected, the game media take-in control will not be performed in order to newly play a game, so that the connection between the lending device and the gaming machine is secured when playing the game. Can do. In addition, it is possible to reduce the control load of the main control means for controlling the game and to reliably determine whether or not the lending device is connected by both the main control means and the sub control means.

A gaming machine according to claim 6 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A gaming machine capable of setting two or more units of game media as the number of game media used in one game,
The take-in control means performs repetitive take-in control for taking in game media for a plurality of units by repeating a take-in operation by the batch take-in means a plurality of times when a predetermined plurality of take-in conditions are satisfied. Including repeated capture control means to perform,
The repeated capture control means includes:
After the game medium for one unit is taken in by the take-in operation, the take-in operation by the batch take-in means is repeated on condition that one unit of game medium is stored in the unit number storage unit. With
When the plurality of units of game media are captured by the repeated capture control, or after the unit of game media is captured by the capture operation, one unit of storage is stored in the unit number storage unit. The repeated take-in control is terminated when no game medium is stored.
According to this feature, when a predetermined plurality of capture conditions are satisfied, a plurality of units of game media are captured by repeatedly performing a capture operation of capturing one unit of game media. Can be imported.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  A gaming machine according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. In the slot machine 1, which is a gaming machine according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are juxtaposed in the horizontal direction, and three consecutive symbols out of the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R can be seen from the see-through window 3 provided on the front surface of the slot machine 1. Are arranged as follows.

  The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotated by reel motors 34L, 34C, and 34R (see FIG. 7) provided correspondingly, so that the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are continuous with the see-through window 3. In addition to the display being changed, the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped, and three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window 3 as display results.

  In addition, an upper plate 12 for storing pachinko balls used for the game is provided below the fluoroscopic window 3, and further below that are pachinko balls and upper plates paid out from a payout device 200 described later. A lower plate 11 is provided for storing pachinko balls that are taken in and taken out by the take-in device 100 from 12. An outlet 11a for taking out pachinko balls stored in the lower dish 11 is formed on the bottom surface of the lower dish 11, and the outlet is removed by a sliding operation of a lever 11b provided at the front of the lower dish 11. By opening the shutter 11c that closes 11a, the pachinko balls stored in the lower plate 11 flow out into a ball box or the like (not shown) disposed below the lower plate 11, and the pachinko balls stored in the lower plate 11 Can be taken out easily.

  Further, the slot machine 1 is allowed in one game from the 1BET switch 5 and the upper plate 12 which are operated when instructing to take in the number of pachinko balls necessary to set one bet from the upper plate 12. The maximum bet number (3 in the present embodiment) is set by the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 and the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 which are operated when instructing to take in the number of pachinko balls necessary for setting. The number of taken balls that have not yet been used for setting the number of bets because they are less than the unit number of balls required for setting the minimum unit bet number (5 balls in this embodiment) is displayed. Included ball indicator 16 (in this embodiment, the captured sphere indicator 16 also functions as an error indicator that displays an error code indicating the type of error when an error is detected), Juxtaposed When the card unit 15 receives the remaining value of the valuable value read from the prepaid card being accepted, and when the pachinko ball is lent within the range of the remaining value displayed on the remaining value display 18 The ball lending switch 19 to be operated, the return switch 20 to be operated when the prepaid card being accepted is returned to the card unit 15 arranged in parallel, and the number of balls that have been paid out to the lower plate 11 as prize balls are displayed. It is stored in the check switch 10 and the upper plate 12 that are operated when the pachinko ball that has been taken in from the ball indicator 17 and the upper plate 12 and has already been used for setting the betting amount is returned to the lower plate 11. A ball removal button 21 that is operated when returning the pachinko ball and the pachinko ball in the capture device 100 to be described later to the lower plate 11, a start switch that is operated when starting the game , Stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R, etc. is provided which is operated to stop each rotation of the reel 2L, 2C, 2R.

  These 1BET switch 5, MAXBET switch 6, checkout switch 10, balance display 18, ball lending switch 19, return switch 20, and upper plate 12, as shown in FIG. 3 is arranged on the upper surface of the operation table 4 formed so as to bulge forward from the lower position of 3, and the start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, and the ball removal button 21 are arranged on the operation table. 4 is disposed on the front surface. Further, the operation table 4 and the area from the operation table 4 to the lower plate 11 on the front surface of the slot machine 1 are configured by a cover panel made of a non-translucent synthetic resin material. Various devices such as a capture device 100 described later and various ball passages such as a capture preparation ball passage 110 are provided. That is, the take-in device 100 and the take-in preparation ball passage 110 are covered with the cover panel, so that a foreign substance such as a wire is inserted into the take-in device 100 and the take-in preparation ball passage 110 from the front of the cover panel. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent an illegal act such as inserting a foreign object to detect a ball illegally and setting the number of bets.

  The upper plate 12 is recessed on the upper surface of the operation console 4 and has a storage portion 12a for storing the pachinko balls to be charged and a belt-like shape for rectifying the pachinko balls flowing down from the storage portion 12a toward the capturing device 100. And a rectifying unit 12b. Further, in this embodiment, the storage portion 12a is formed on one end in the longitudinal direction of the upper plate 12, so that, for example, a ball lending machine (not shown) is arranged on the side of the slot machine 1 or the like. The lending balls lent through a supply nozzle (not shown) extended from the ball lending machine can be directly received by the upper plate 12.

  At the lower position of the upper plate 12 in the slot machine 1, a take-in device 100 for taking the pachinko balls supplied from the upper plate 12 into the inside is provided, and at the upper position of the upper plate 12, A payout device 200 for paying out a pachinko ball supplied from a game island (not shown) on which the slot machine 1 is installed to the lower plate 11 is provided.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12 are aligned in a single row in the downstream rectification unit 12 b, and the rectified pachinko balls are taken in the preparation preparation ball passage 110. And is supplied to the capture device 100. Further, the upper plate 12 is formed in a plate shape with an upper surface open, so that the stored pachinko balls can be taken out from above by hand and flow down the rectifying unit 12b on the downstream side. The pachinko balls that have flown into the take-in preparation ball passage 110 arranged inside the operation table 4 are guided to the take-in device 100 that is also arranged inside the operation table 4. The pachinko sphere that has flowed into the preparation ball passage 110 is structured such that it cannot be seen from the outside of the cover panel and cannot be taken out by hand, except for a residual sphere transparent window 130 described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the capture device 100 stores the number of units that can store the pachinko balls that have flowed down the capture preparation ball passage 110 by the number of unit balls (1 unit = 5 balls in this embodiment). A plurality of storage concave grooves 106a as a portion, and a pachinko ball of the number of unit balls (five balls in this embodiment) stored in the storage concave groove 106a is taken in and flows down in the preparation ball passage 110 A cylinder separated from the sphere, that is, a cylinder capable of restricting the flow of a new pachinko sphere into the storage groove 106a and simultaneously collecting the pachinko sphere stored in the storage groove 106a. A rotating body 106 having a shape is provided.

  More specifically, in the case 100a constituting the outer shape of the capturing device 100, the rotating body 106, the capturing motor 101 for rotating the rotating body 106 around the rotating shaft 106b, and the preparation for capturing Part of the ball passage 110, part of the take-in ball guide passage 108 that guides the pachinko balls taken in by the rotating body 106 to an out-ball tank provided inside a game island (not shown), and storage of the rotating body 106 A pachinko ball stored in the concave groove 106a and a part of the return ball guiding passage 109 for guiding the pachinko ball flowing down the intake ball preparing passage 110 to the lower plate 11 are disposed. Note that the case 100a, the rotating body 106, and the take-in ball preparation passage 110 are all made of a transparent synthetic resin material, so that the take-in ball preparation passage 110 and the pachinko balls in the storage concave groove 106a are visually recognized from the outside. It is configured to be able to.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) storage grooves 106 a parallel to the rotation shaft 106 b are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 106 at 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. They are arranged at intervals, and a maximum of five pachinko balls can be stored in a row in each storage groove 106a. The periphery of the rotating body 106 is covered with a cylindrical body 106c whose inner diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the rotating body 106, and the rotating body 106 is provided so as to be rotatable inside the cylindrical body 106c. .

  On one side (left side in FIG. 3) of the cylindrical body 106 c, a notch for allowing the pachinko ball flowing down the take-in preparation ball passage 110 to flow into the storage groove 106 a located at the upper end of the rotating body 106. Is formed, and the downstream end of the take-in preparation ball passage 110 is connected to the notch. Further, on the other side (right side in FIG. 3) of the cylindrical body 106c, the pachinko ball stored in the storage concave groove 106a located at the top of the rotating body 106 is caused to flow out to the return ball guiding passage 109. A notch is formed, and an upstream end of the return ball guiding passage 109 is connected to the notch, and a pachinko ball stored in a storage groove 106a located in the front center of the rotating body 106 is provided. A cutout is formed in the take-in ball guide passage 108 so as to flow out, and the upstream end of the take-in ball guide passage 108 is connected to the cutout.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the rotating body 106 including the cylindrical body 106c is disposed so as to be slightly inclined downward from the take-in preparation ball passage 110 side toward the take-in ball guide passage 108 and the return ball guide passage 109. Therefore, the pachinko balls that have flowed down the take-in preparation ball passage 110 naturally flow into the storage groove 106a located at the upper end of the rotating body 106, and the storage groove located at the upper end of the rotating body 106. The pachinko balls stored in 106a and the pachinko balls stored in the storage groove 106a located at the front center of the rotating body 106 naturally flow into the return ball guide passage 109 or the intake ball guide passage 108, respectively. It is supposed to be.

  An intake ball detection switch 104 for detecting a pachinko ball that has flowed out of the storage groove 106a located at the front center of the rotating body 106 is disposed on the upstream side of the intake ball guide passage 108. The ball detection switch 104 detects a pachinko ball that is actually taken in by the take-in operation by the rotating body 106 and flows out into the take-in ball guide passage 108.

  In addition, an opening / closing shutter 102 that can be opened and closed is disposed between the downstream end of the storage groove 106a located at the upper end of the rotating body 106 and the return ball guiding passage 109 so as to be able to open and close both. . Specifically, the open / close shutter 102 is urged by a biasing spring (not shown) toward a protruding position that protrudes between the downstream end of the storage groove 106a and the return ball guiding passage 109 at all times. The ball removal button 21 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is linked via a linkage member (not shown), and by pressing the ball removal button 21, the downstream end of the storage groove 106a and the return ball guide The storage concave groove 106a and the return ball guiding passage 109 are configured to communicate with each other by retracting from the passage 109 (see FIGS. 5D and 5C).

  That is, the take-in preparation ball passage 110 and the return ball guide passage 109 are arranged on a straight line across the storage groove 106a located at the upper end of the rotating body 106 (FIG. 5 (d), (e )), The pachinko stored in the storage groove 106a located at the upper end of the rotating body 106 by the ball release button 21 being pressed against a biasing spring (not shown) and the opening / closing shutter 102 retracting. The ball and the pachinko ball that has flowed down the take-in preparation ball passage 110 from the upper plate 12 pass through the storage concave groove 106 a located at the upper end of the rotating body 106 and flow out to the return ball guide passage 109. ing. That is, if the ball removal button 21 is pressed, the pachinko balls and the upper plate 12 stored in the storage concave groove 106a located at the upper end portion of the rotating body 106 without driving the rotating body 106, and taking in The pachinko balls in the preparation ball passage 110 can flow out to the lower plate 11 (without balls) and be returned to the player.

  The rotating body 106 is fixed so as not to rotate relative to the rotating shaft 106b rotatably supported by the rotating cylinder 106c, and one end of the rotating shaft 106b is taken in via the predetermined reduction mechanism. Linked to the motor 101, the take-up motor 101 is driven to rotate the rotating body 106 around the rotation shaft 106b.

  Further, the pachinko ball stored in the uppermost position of the storage groove 106a located at the upper end of the rotating body 106 (of the pachinko balls stored in the storage groove 106a) is located at a predetermined position at the upper end of the rotating cylinder 106c. A unit sphere detection switch 105 for detecting the last inflowing fifth pachinko ball) is provided.

  Here, the operation state of the capture device 100 configured as described above will be described based on a schematic plan view of the capture device 100 in FIG. 5. First, in the rotating body 106, any one of the four storage concave grooves 106a is positioned at the upper end of the rotary body 106, and the storage concave groove 106a, the preparation preparation ball passage 110, and the return ball guiding passage 109 are arranged. The opening / closing shutter 102 is always urged in a state where it is located at a protruding position protruding between the storage concave groove 106a and the return ball guiding passage 109 (FIG. 5 (a)). )reference).

  In this state, pachinko balls in the upper plate 12 can flow into the upper storage groove 106a via the take-in preparation ball passage 110, and five pachinko balls flow into the storage groove 106a to open and close. When the flow is regulated and stored by the shutter 102, the pachinko ball on the most upstream side is detected by the unit feed detection switch 105, thereby detecting that five pachinko balls have been stored in the storage groove 106a. Is done.

  When the 1BET switch 6 or the MAXBET switch 5 is operated in this state, the rotating body 106 rotates 90 degrees in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5B, thereby storing 5 pachinko balls. When the storage ditch 106a is separated from the take-in preparation ball passage 110 and is in communication with the take-in ball guide passage 108, the pachinko balls in the storage ditch 106a are taken in as shown in FIG. 5 (c). It flows out to the ball guide passage 108. The outflow pachinko ball is detected by the take-in ball detection switch 104, then flows down the take-in ball guide passage 108 and wraps around the rear side of the slot machine 1, and enters an out-ball tank inside the game island (not shown). To be recovered. When the MAXBET switch 5 is operated, it is detected that five pachinko balls have flowed from the take-in preparation ball passage 110 into the storage groove 106a newly located in the upper part in the state of FIG. Then, the capturing operation is repeated a predetermined number of times.

  That is, in the five pachinko balls stored in the storage concave groove 106a in this way, the rotating body 106 rotates 90 degrees, and is separated from the pachinko balls in the preparation preparation ball passage 110, and the intake ball guide passage 108 is separated. , It is taken into the inside of the slot machine 1.

  When the pachinko ball on the upper plate 12 is discharged (returned) to the lower plate 11, the ball removal button 21 is pressed. As a result, the opening / closing shutter 102 is retracted as shown in FIG. 5 (d), so that the pachinko balls in the storage groove 106a flow into the return ball guide passage 109, and the return ball guide passage 109 and the preparation preparation ball passage. 110 communicates via the storage groove 106a, so that the pachinko balls stored in the take-in preparation ball passage 110 and the upper plate 12 as well as the pachinko balls in the storage groove 106a without rotating the rotating body 106 are used. The ball can be drained to the lower plate 11 and returned to the player.

  Further, a return ball clogging detection switch 111 (see FIGS. 1 and 7) for detecting ball clogging in the passage is provided at a position near the lower plate 11 in the return ball guiding passage 109. For example, the lower plate 11 Since the tank is full, it can be detected that the return ball guiding passage 109 is clogged with a ball.

  The lower front of the above-described take-in device 100, take-in preparation ball passage 110, take-in ball guide passage 108, return ball guide passage 109, and payout ball guide passage 208 described later is below the operation table 4 and the operation table 4. It is covered with a cover panel that forms the front surface, and in particular has a structure in which pachinko balls that have flowed into the take-in preparation ball passage 110 and the take-in device 100 cannot be taken out. In the vicinity of the upper front position, the pachinko balls remaining in the take-in preparation ball passage 110 and the housing concave groove 106a, specifically, the ball removal button 21 is operated to return the pachinko balls of the upper plate 12 to the return ball guide passage 109. Even after the ball is removed through the ball, the pachinko ball that remains in the take-in preparation ball passage 110 and the housing concave groove 106a and enters the inside of the cover panel becomes invisible. Residual sphere transparent window 130 as a transparent portion made of a transparent panel (see FIG. 1) are formed.

  As described above, since the take-in preparation ball passage 110 and the case cover 100a of the take-in device 100 are formed of a transparent resin material, the player can see through the remaining ball see-through window 130 and the take-in preparation ball passage 110 or the like. It can be visually confirmed from the outside of the slot machine 1 whether or not pachinko balls remain in the storage concave groove 106a. Therefore, the player can surely recognize that the pachinko ball remains in the take-in preparation ball passage 110 and the storage ditch 106a. However, it is possible to prevent the player from suffering a disadvantage by ending the game despite the remaining pachinko balls.

  Next, pachinko balls supplied to each slot machine 1 from a game island (not shown) are stored in a supply tank 204 provided at the upper back of the slot machine 1 as shown by a dotted line in FIG. It flows down the extended ball supply passage 210 and is supplied to the dispensing device 200. The ball supply passage 210 includes three passages (not shown), and the pachinko balls flowing out from the replenishing tank 204 are supplied to the dispensing device 200 in a state of being divided into the three passages. . A supply ball detection switch 205 is provided at a predetermined height position above the payout device 200 in the ball supply passage 210 in correspondence with each line, and the pachinko supplied to the payout device 200 by the supply ball detection switch 205. Whether or not the ball is waiting is detected (see FIG. 6). In the present embodiment, the supply ball detection switch 205 is provided at a position where it can be detected that 75 balls, which is the maximum number of winning balls to be paid out by the payout device 200 due to the occurrence of winning with a prize ball, are supplied. Therefore, before requesting the payout of the maximum number of winning balls, it is detected whether or not a pachinko ball necessary for paying out the number of balls is waiting.

  Further, in this embodiment, the maximum number of balls taken in by the take-in device 100 is 15, and a maximum of 15 pachinko balls may be paid out by the pay-out device 200 based on the operation of the checkout switch 10. Even in this case, before requesting the payout of the number of balls to be paid out based on the checkout switch 10, it is detected by the supply ball detection switch 205 whether or not the pachinko balls necessary for the payout of the number of balls are waiting. It has become. Furthermore, in this embodiment, lending of 25 balls is requested by a single lending request from the card unit 15, but even in this case, the supply is made before requesting the dispensing of the number of balls to be paid out based on the lending request. The ball detection switch 205 detects whether or not a pachinko ball necessary for paying out the number of balls is waiting.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the payout device 200 is provided with a sprocket 206 that rotates by driving of the payout motor 201 corresponding to each line of the ball supply passage 210. Also, below the sprocket 206, a payout ball detection switch 202 for detecting the passage of the pachinko ball discharged by the sprocket 206 based on payout of a prize ball or the like is provided, and is discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 206. After the pachinko ball is detected by the payout ball detection switch 202, it is discharged into a payout ball guide passage 208 extending from the lower portion of the payout device 200.

  The payout ball guide passage 208 extends to the lower plate 11, and the pachinko balls paid out from the payout device 200 flow down the payout ball guide passage 208 and are discharged from the payout port 9 to the lower plate 11. Yes. Further, a payout ball clogging detection switch 112 (see FIGS. 1 and 7) for detecting a ball clogging in the passage is provided at a position in the vicinity of the lower platen 11 in the payout ball guiding passage 208. For example, the lower plate 11 Because of the full tank, it is possible to detect whether or not the payout ball guide passage 208 is clogged with a ball.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 of the embodiment is arranged in parallel with a card unit 15 that accepts a prepaid card in which a valuable value is recorded. Upon request, pachinko balls can be lent using the valuable value recorded on the prepaid card being accepted.

  When a game is played in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, first, the number of bets is set using the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12. In order to set the bet number, the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 may be operated. In the present embodiment, the number of pachinko balls necessary to set one bet number at that time is taken in from the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12 and when the MAXBET switch 6 is operated, the pachinko balls are stored in the upper plate 12. The number of pachinko balls necessary to set the maximum bet number allowed in one game at that time is taken in from the pachinko balls made.

  In addition, the pachinko balls taken in by the take-in device 100 to set the bet number according to the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 in this way flow down the take-in ball guide passage 108 as described above. The inside of the slot machine 1, that is, the back side as viewed from the side facing the player in the slot machine 1, is taken into the back ball tank provided inside the gaming island (not shown) as described above.

  Next, when a predetermined number of bets are set, the winning lines L1, L2, L2 ′, L3, and L3 ′ (see FIG. 1) are enabled according to the set bets, and the operation of the start switch 7 is enabled. State, that is, a state where the game can be started. In this embodiment, the game can be started at least when 1 is set as the bet number, that is, when 5 pachinko balls are taken in. When a bet number of 2 or more is set, for example, when the maximum bet number (3) is set as the bet number, that is, when 15 pachinko balls are captured, the game can be started. You may do it.

  When the start switch 7 is operated in a state where the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate, and the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R continuously vary. If any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed.

  Then, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, one game is finished, and is determined in advance on any of the pay lines L1, L2, L2 ′, L3, L3 ′ activated according to the number of bets. When the given symbol combination is stopped as a display result of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R, a winning occurs, and a predetermined number of pachinko balls (principal balls) are paid out from the payout device 200 according to the winning. Then, it is paid out directly to the lower plate 11 through the payout ball guide passage 208 and given to the player.

  In the present embodiment, different numbers of prize balls are given according to the combination of symbols. In particular, the number of unit balls (5 balls) is required to set one bet, whereas the number of prize balls awarded in response to the occurrence of a prize is the number of unit balls (5 balls). It is possible to give pachinko balls of any number according to the winnings up to 75 balls as the upper limit, and the number of winning balls given when these winnings occur Can be set more finely according to each prize.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the slot machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the slot machine 1 is provided with a game control board 40, a payout control board 60, and an effect control board 90. The game state is mainly controlled by the game control board 40, and the payout control board 60. The pachinko balls are paid out and the pachinko balls are lent out, and the production control board 90 controls the production according to the gaming state.

  The game control board 40 includes the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, the checkout switch 10, the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, the take-in ball detection switch 104, the unit ball detection switch 105, and the return ball clogging detection. A switch 111, a payout ball clogging detection switch 112, and a supply ball detection switch 205 are connected, and a reel sensor 35 that detects the reference positions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and a reset switch 36 that performs error cancellation are connected. The detection signals of these connected switches and sensors are input.

  In addition, the game control board 40 is connected to electrical components such as the reel motors 34L, 34C, 34R, the captured ball indicator 16, the capture motor 101, etc., which are connected to the game control board 40. It is driven based on the control of a later-described game control unit 41 mounted on the.

  The game control board 40 includes a CPU that performs calculations according to a predetermined procedure, a ROM that stores CPU control programs and various data tables, and a microcomputer that includes a RAM that writes and reads necessary data. 41, a switch connected to the game control board 40, a switch circuit 42 that detects a signal input from the sensor, a first motor circuit 43 that controls the drive of the reel motors 34L, 34C, and 34R, and a drive control of the take-in motor 101 The second motor circuit 44 for performing the display, various displays including the captured ball display 16, the display drive circuit 46 for performing drive control of various LEDs, and the like are mounted. The game control unit 41 is a game control board. In response to detection signals from switches and sensors connected to 40, various controls are performed according to the progress of the game.

  Connected to the payout control board 60 are the supply ball detection switch 205, the payout ball detection switch 202, the return ball clogging detection switch 111, and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 described above, and detection signals from these connected switches are input. It has come to be. As described above, the supply ball detection switch 205, the return ball clogging detection switch 111, and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 are connected to both the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60, as shown in FIG. The detection signals of the supply ball detection switch 205, the return ball blockage detection switch 111, and the payout ball blockage detection switch 112 are input to both the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60.

  Also, the payout control board 60 is connected to electrical components such as the payout motor 201 and the payout ball display 17 described above, and these electrical components are supplied by a payout control section 61 (described later) mounted on the payout control board 60. It is driven based on the control.

  Similarly to the game control unit 41, the payout control board 60 includes a payout control unit 61 including a microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and a switch circuit that detects a signal input from a switch connected to the payout control board 60. 62, a motor circuit 63 that performs drive control of the payout motor 201, various displays including the payout ball display 17, a display drive circuit 64 that performs drive control of various LEDs, and the like. In response to a signal output from the game control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 or a detection signal from a switch connected to the payout control board 60, payout control for paying out a pachinko ball is performed. Further, the payout control board 60 is connected to the card unit 15 arranged in parallel via the connection terminal board 70, and the payout control unit 61 receives a request from a control unit (not shown) mounted on the card unit 15. Lending control for lending pachinko balls according to the situation.

  The effect control board 90 is connected to a liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1), an effect LED 52, and speakers 53 and 54 arranged on the front surface of the slot machine 1, and these electrical components are connected to the effect control board 90. It is driven based on control by a mounted effect control unit (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the game control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 indicates a value of 0 to 100 as the number of balls instructing the payout control board 60 to pay out by a settlement request or a payout request. A number signal, a settlement request signal for requesting settlement of the number of pachinko balls already used for setting the bet number, and a payout request signal for requesting award ball payout. Then, when the payout control unit 61 detects the settlement request signal or the payout request signal, the payout control unit 61 performs payout control for paying out the number of pachinko balls indicated by the payout number signal at that time.

  On the other hand, the payout control unit 61 indicates that the pachinko ball is being paid out based on the card unit connection signal indicating that the game control board 40 is connected to the card unit 15, a payment request, or a payout request. The in-operation signal shown is output. Then, the game control unit 41 confirms the connection between the payout control board 60 and the card unit 15 based on the detection of the card unit connection signal, and the payout operation of the pachinko ball by the payout control unit 61 based on the detection of the operating signal. Confirm the start and end of.

  The card unit 15 includes a control unit equipped with a microcomputer. As shown in FIG. 8, the remaining amount indicator 18 provided in the slot machine 1 is connected to the card unit 15 via a connection terminal board 70, and the remaining amount is controlled by the microcomputer mounted on the control unit. The display 18 is driven. As shown in FIG. 8, the card unit 15 is connected to the above-mentioned ball rental switch 19 and return switch 20 provided in the slot machine 1 via a connection terminal plate 70, and detection signals of these switches are detected. Is input to the control unit.

  The card unit 15 also includes a card reader / writer (not shown) that reads and writes the recording information of the prepaid card inserted from the card insertion slot, and the card reader / writer is a recording read from the prepaid card. The information is output to the control unit, and the record information of the prepaid card inserted is updated based on a command from the control unit.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the card unit 15 has a card unit connection signal (VL) indicating that the card unit 15 is normally connected to the payout control board 60 (the payout control unit 61) of the slot machine 1. The card unit READY signal (BRDY) indicating the start and end of the lending process by the card unit 15 and the lending request signal (BRQ) requesting the lending of the pachinko ball are output. The card unit connection signal is also a power source for communication between the control unit and the payout control board 60.

  On the other hand, the payout control board 60 (the payout control unit 61) has a slot machine READY signal (SRDY) indicating a state in which a pachinko ball can be lent to the card unit 15, and a pachinko ball based on BRQ. A lending completion signal (EXS) indicating the start and completion of lending operation is output.

  Further, as described above, the remaining amount indicator 18, the return switch 20 and the ball lending switch 19 mounted in the slot machine 1 are connected to the card unit 15, and the remaining amount indicator 18 is output based on the control of the control unit. And the detection signal (return operation detection signal) of the return switch 20 and the detection signal (lending operation detection signal) of the ball lending switch 19 are input to the card unit 15. Then, the control unit mounted on the card unit 15 outputs the BRDY described above on the condition that the valuable value read from the prepaid card being accepted remains by detecting the ball lending switch 19. The above-mentioned BRQ is output, and the processing for requesting the lending unit for lending unit (25 balls in this embodiment) to the slot machine 1 is performed within the range of the remaining valuable value (in this embodiment, 10 times), and when the return switch 20 is detected, processing for returning the prepaid card being accepted is performed.

  Next, various control contents executed by the game control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 of the slot machine 1 as the game progresses will be described below based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, an initial process for preparing for a game start is executed as the power is turned on (Sa1). Specifically, the connection of various devices, the operation status, and the like are confirmed, and if it is possible to return to the gaming state before the power is turned off, a recovery process is performed.

  Next, a BET process (Sa2), an internal lottery process (Sa3), a reel rotation process (Sa4), a reel stop process (Sa5), a winning determination process (Sa6), a prize ball grant process (Sa7), and a game state update process (Sa8) ) Is repeated to execute loop processing.

  In the BET process in the step of Sa2, the process waits in a state where the bet number can be set, and when the bet number is set and the start switch 7 is operated, a process of determining the bet number is executed. Further, when a replay winning is generated in the previous game, the same bet number as in the previous game is set.

  In the internal lottery process in the step Sa3, a winning is generated based on a comparison result between a random value acquired simultaneously with the start of the game by the detection of the start switch 7 in the step Sa2 and an internal winning probability table in which the winning probability of each winning is determined. Whether or not to allow is determined, and processing for setting an internal winning flag is executed according to the result.

  In the reel rotation process in step Sa4, a process of rotating each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is executed. In this reel rotation process, the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is validated when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R rotate at a constant speed.

  In the reel stop process in the step of Sa5, the stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R by the player is detected from the time when the operation of the stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R by the player is detected or the reels 2L, 2C, 2R rotate at a constant speed. The processing for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is executed in response to the fact that the automatic stop time has elapsed without detecting the operation, that is, the stop condition of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is satisfied. To do.

  In the winning determination process in step Sa6, when it is determined in step Sa5 that the rotation of all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R has been stopped, a winning is determined according to the display result derived for each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R. A process of determining whether or not it has occurred is executed.

  In the prize ball grant process in step Sa7, it is confirmed whether or not a prize ball can be paid out when the occurrence of winning is determined in step Sa6. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the supply ball detection switch 205 has been detected, that is, whether or not the pachinko ball for the winning ball has been secured, and whether or not the return ball clogging detection switch 111 has been detected, that is, the return Check whether the return ball is clogged in the ball guide passage 109 and check whether the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 is detected, that is, whether the payout ball is clogged in the payout ball guide passage 208. To do. If the prize ball can be paid out, that is, if the supply ball detection switch 205 is detected and the return ball clogging detection switch 111 and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 are not detected, the winning ball is accepted. The process of requesting the payout of the pachinko balls for the number of prize balls given in this way is performed.

  In the game state update process in step Sa8, a process for setting the game state in preparation for the next game is executed.

  10 to 15 are flowcharts showing the control contents of the BET process executed by the game control unit 41 in the step Sa2.

  In the BET process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the current game is a replay game (Sb1). If the game is a replay game, the start switch 7 is awaiting detection (Sb2). In this state, the start switch 7 is detected. Then, the game is started and the process proceeds to the internal lottery process shown in FIG. At this time, since the bet number of the previous game is set as it is in the BET counter in which the value of the bet number is stored, the game is started with the same bet number as the previous game, as shown in FIG. Shift to internal lottery processing.

  If it is not a replay game in step Sb1, the value of the BET counter is cleared (Sb3), and whether or not the card unit connection signal on is detected, that is, the card unit 15 is connected to the payout control board 60. It is confirmed whether it is connected (Sb4).

  If the card unit connection signal on is detected in step Sb4, it is checked whether the value of the BET counter is 0 (Sb5). If the value of the BET counter is not 0, that is, When the bet number of 1 or more has already been set, it is confirmed whether or not the pachinko ball used for setting the bet number can be settled (Sb6 to Sb8). Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the supply ball detection switch 205 has been detected in the step of Sb6, that is, whether or not the pachinko ball can be returned based on the settlement of the pachinko ball already used for setting the bet amount. It is confirmed whether or not the return ball clogging detection switch 111 has been detected in the step, that is, whether or not the return ball is clogged in the return ball guiding passage 109. In the step Sb8, the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 is It is confirmed whether or not it is detected, that is, whether or not the payout ball is clogged in the payout ball guide passage 208.

  If the pachinko ball already used for setting the number of bets can be settled in the steps Sb6 to Sb8, that is, the supply ball detection switch 205 is detected, and the return ball blockage detection switch 111 also detects the payout ball blockage. If the switch 112 is not detected, it is confirmed whether or not the settlement switch 10 is detected (Sb9). If the settlement switch 10 is detected in step Sb9, the routine proceeds to a settlement routine described later.

  If it is not possible to settle the pachinko ball already used for setting the number of bets in the steps Sb5 to Sb7, or if the settlement switch 10 is not detected in the step Sb8, the value of the BET counter is 3 or not. That is, it is confirmed whether or not the maximum bet number is set (Sb10), and if the value of the BET counter is less than 3, it is confirmed whether or not the 1BET switch 5 is detected (Sb11) and 1BET switch 5 If is not detected, it is confirmed whether or not the MAXBET switch 6 is detected (Sb12).

  If the 1BET switch 5 is detected in the step of Sb11, the process proceeds to a 1BET taking-in routine for setting a bet number for 1BET described later. On the other hand, if the MAXBET switch 6 is detected in the step of Sb12, the routine proceeds to a MAXBET taking-in routine for setting a bet amount for 3BET described later.

  If neither the 1BET switch 5 nor the MAXBET switch 6 is detected in the steps of Sb11 and Sb12, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the BET counter is 0 (Sb13). If the value of the BET counter is 0, Sb4 Return to step.

  When the value of the BET counter is 3 in the step Sb10 or when the value of the BET counter is 1 or more in the step Sb13, it is confirmed whether or not the start switch 7 is detected (Sb14). If 7 is not detected, the process returns to step Sb4. If the start switch 7 is detected in step Sb14, the value of the BET counter is determined as the number of bets (Sb15), and the process ends.

  If the card unit connection signal on is not detected in step Sb4, an error code indicating that the card unit 15 is not connected to the slot machine 1 is set (Sb16). That is, the error code is displayed on the captured ball display 16 to notify a connection error.

  Next, similarly to the steps Sb6 to Sb8, it is confirmed whether or not the pachinko ball already used for setting the bet number can be settled (Sb17 to Sb19). If the pachinko ball already used for setting the number of bets can be settled in the steps Sb17 to Sb19, that is, the supply ball detection switch 205 is detected, and the return ball blockage detection switch 111 also detects the payout ball blockage. If the switch 112 is not detected, it is confirmed whether or not the settlement switch 10 is detected (Sb20). If the settlement switch 10 is detected in step Sb20, the process proceeds to a settlement routine described later.

  If it is not possible to settle the pachinko ball already used for setting the number of bets in the steps Sb17 to Sb19, or if the settlement switch 10 is not detected in the step Sb20, the value of the BET counter is 0. If the value of the BET counter is not 0, that is, if the value of the BET counter is 1 or more, it is confirmed whether or not the start switch 7 has been detected (Sb22). If the start switch 7 is detected in step Sb22, the process proceeds to step Sb15.

  Further, when the value of the BET counter is 0 in the step Sb21 or when the start switch 7 is not detected in the step Sb22, it is determined whether or not the card unit connection signal on is detected, that is, the card unit 15 (Sb23), if the card unit connecting signal on is not detected, the process returns to the step Sb16 and the card unit connecting signal on is detected. If so, the error code set in step Sb16 is cleared (Sb24). That is, the connection error notification is canceled. And it returns to the step of Sb4.

  If the settlement switch 10 is detected in step Sb9 or Sb20, the process proceeds to a settlement routine (settlement control) shown in FIG. In the settlement routine, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the BET counter is 0 (Sb25). If the value of the BET counter is not 0, the value of the ball signal is updated to the value of (BET counter value × 5) ( Sb26), the settlement request signal is turned on (Sb27).

  Next, the output status of the in-operation signal is monitored (Sb28). If the on-state of the in-operation signal is detected, that is, if the start of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the settlement request is confirmed, the value of the BET counter Is cleared (Sb29), the output status of the in-operation signal is monitored (Sb30), and when the off of the in-operation signal is detected, that is, when the completion of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the settlement request is confirmed, The settlement request signal is turned off (Sb31), the settlement routine is terminated, and the process returns to step Sb4.

  Next, when the 1BET switch 5 is detected in the step of Sb11, the routine proceeds to a 1BET taking-in routine for setting the bet amount for 1BET shown in FIG. In the 1BET take-in routine, whether or not pachinko balls are continuously detected by the unit ball detection switch 105 for a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms), that is, whether or not five pachinko balls are stored in the storage groove 106a. (Sb32), when it is confirmed that pachinko balls are continuously detected for a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms), that is, when five pachinko balls are stored in the storage groove 106a, The take-in motor 101 is driven to rotate the rotating body 106 by 90 degrees in a predetermined direction (Sb33).

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not a pachinko ball is detected by the take-in ball detection switch 104 (Sb34), and if no pachinko ball is detected, the detection waiting time is set after the drive of the take-in motor 101 is started. It is confirmed whether or not the detection waiting time, which is the time required for the pachinko ball captured by the rotation of the capture motor 101 to be detected by the capture ball detection switch 104, has elapsed. (Sb38) Until the detection waiting time elapses, the output status of the detection signal from the take-in ball detection switch 104 is monitored.

  If a pachinko ball is detected by the capture ball detection switch 104 at the step Sb34 until the detection waiting time elapses at the step Sb38, the value of the capture ball counter is incremented by 1 (Sb35), It is confirmed whether or not the value of the take-in ball counter has become 5 by the addition, that is, whether or not a 1-BET pachinko ball has been taken in (Sb36), and the take-in ball counter value is 5, that is, a 1-BET pachinko ball. When the ball is taken in, the BET counter is incremented by 1 and the taken-in ball counter is cleared (Sb37), and the process returns to the step Sb4. On the other hand, if the value of the take-in ball counter is not 5 in step Sb36, the process returns to step Sb34.

  If it is confirmed in step Sb38 that the detection waiting time has elapsed, that is, if five pachinko balls are not detected within the detection waiting time, the process proceeds to an error routine described later.

  Next, when the MAXBET switch 6 is detected in the step of Sb12, the routine proceeds to a MAXBET taking-in routine for setting a bet amount for 3BETs shown in FIG. In the 1BET taking-in routine, whether or not pachinko balls have been continuously detected for a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms) by the unit ball detection switch 105, that is, whether or not five pachinko balls are stored in the storage groove 106a. (Sb39), when it is confirmed that pachinko spheres are continuously detected for a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms), that is, when five pachinko spheres are stored in the storage groove 106a, The take-in motor 101 is driven to rotate the rotating body 106 by 90 degrees in a predetermined direction (Sb40).

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not a pachinko ball is detected by the take-in ball detection switch 104 (Sb41). If no pachinko ball is detected, the detection waiting time is set after the drive of the take-in motor 101 is started. It is confirmed whether or not the detection waiting time, which is the time required for the pachinko ball captured by the rotation of the capture motor 101 to be detected by the capture ball detection switch 104, has elapsed. (Sb46), until the detection waiting time elapses, the output status of the detection signal from the take-in ball detection switch 104 is monitored.

  If a pachinko ball is detected by the capture ball detection switch 104 in the step Sb41 before the detection waiting time elapses in the step Sb46, the value of the capture ball counter is incremented by 1 (Sb42), It is confirmed whether or not the value of the take-in ball counter has become 5 by the addition, that is, whether or not a 1-BET pachinko ball has been taken in (Sb43). When a ball is captured, the BET counter is incremented by 1 and the captured ball counter is cleared (Sb44). Then, whether or not the value of the BET counter has reached 3 by adding the value of the BET counter, That is, it is confirmed whether or not the bet number is 3 which is the maximum bet number (Sb45), and if the value of the BET counter has not reached 3, the value of Sb39 Returning to step repeats the processing of Sb39～44,46, if the value of the BET counter reaches 3 at step Sb45 returns to step Sb4. Further, when the value of the take-in ball counter is not 5 in the step of Sb43, the process returns to the step of Sb41.

  If it is confirmed in step Sb46 that the detection waiting time has elapsed, that is, if five pachinko balls are not detected within the detection waiting time, the process proceeds to an error routine described later.

  Next, when it is confirmed that the detection waiting time has elapsed in step Sb38 or Sb46, that is, when five pachinko balls are not detected within the detection waiting time, the routine proceeds to the error routine shown in FIG. To do. In the error routine, first, a capture error flag indicating that a capture error has occurred is set (Sb47). When an error flag indicating a capture error is set, an error code indicating a capture error is displayed on the captured ball display 16 so that the capture error is notified outside the gaming machine. Next, an error process is executed to disable the various switches that detect the player's operation and disable the progress of the game (Sb48). The error processing is detected by the operation of the reset switch 36 provided inside the casing of the slot machine 1 by opening the front door that cannot be opened unless it is unlocked by a predetermined key owned by a store clerk or the like of the game hall. Since it is continued until the game is completed, the store clerk or the like of the game hall can surely recognize that the error processing has been performed.

  When the error process is canceled and the game is allowed to proceed, the number that is not used to set the bet number even though it is taken into the pachinko ball of the take-in ball counter, that is, the out-ball tank. A settlement (return) process is performed to settle (return to the player) the minute pachinko ball. Specifically, after updating the value of the ball number signal to the value of the take-in ball counter at that time (Sb49), the settlement request signal is turned on (Sb50), and the output status of the operating signal is monitored (Sb51), When the on signal of the operating signal is detected, that is, when the start of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payment request is confirmed, the value of the BET counter is cleared (Sb52) and the output status of the operating signal is monitored. (Sb53) When the off-operation signal is detected, that is, when the completion of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the settlement request is confirmed, the settlement request signal is turned off (Sb54) and the error routine is terminated. And it returns to the step of Sb4.

  As described above, in the BET process, when the settlement switch 10 is effectively accepted, the process proceeds to the settlement routine. If a bet number of 1 or more has already been set, that is, it has been captured and used to set the bet number. If there are still pachinko balls that have not been used in the game, a payment request is made for the number of bets used to set the number of bets, and based on this, the pachinko balls used to set the bets are paid out and the player After the control to be returned to, the settlement routine is terminated.

  Further, when the operation of the 1BET switch 5 is effectively accepted, the routine proceeds to a 1BET take-in routine to determine whether or not 5 pachinko balls necessary for setting the bet number are stored in the storage groove 106a. Detecting by the unit sphere detection switch 105, on the condition that five pachinko spheres are stored, the capturing operation for capturing the five pachinko balls stored is performed, and the capturing sphere detection switch 104 When the value of the take-in ball counter added by detection of the take-in ball by 5 becomes 5, the 1BET take-in routine is terminated.

  Further, when the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is effectively accepted, the routine proceeds to a MAXBET taking-in routine to determine whether or not five pachinko balls necessary for setting the bet number are stored in the storage groove 106a. Detecting by the unit sphere detection switch 105, on the condition that five pachinko spheres are stored, the capturing operation for capturing the five pachinko balls stored is performed, and the capturing sphere detection switch 104 If the value of the taken-in ball counter added by detection of the taken-in ball by 5 is 5, the value of the BET counter is 3, that is, it is necessary to set the maximum bet number in the taking-in routine. It is confirmed whether or not the number of balls (15 balls) has been taken in. If not, whether or not five pachinko balls necessary for setting the number of bets are stored in the storage groove 106a. The unit sphere The take-in operation for detecting the five pachinko balls stored on the condition that the five pachinko balls are stored and detected by the output switch 105 until the value of the BET counter becomes 3 Repeat.

  In addition, when the waiting time for detection elapses while the value of the acquisition ball counter added by the detection of the acquisition ball by the acquisition ball detection switch 104 does not become 5, although the above-mentioned acquisition operation has been performed. Performs error notification indicating that a capture error has occurred, and executes error processing that disables the progress of the game. Since this error process continues until the reset switch 36 is operated, the BET process is not ended unless the reset switch 36 is operated. In other words, during the execution of error processing, a signal output by detecting the operation of the 1BET button 5 or MAXBET6 for setting the bet number, or the operation of the start switch 7 for starting the game is detected. Since the signal output by the detection is invalidated, the game cannot be progressed.

  When the error processing is canceled by operating the reset switch 36, the number of balls that are taken in and used for setting the number of bets and not used in the game (in this embodiment, less than the number of unit balls (5 balls)). After returning to the player, the game is allowed to proceed (restart). In other words, in this embodiment, when the betting number of 1 or 2 has already been set when the error processing is executed, the pachinko balls used for setting the betting number are not returned. In other words, only pachinko balls less than the number of unit balls that have not been detected in the take-in control of the pachinko balls for five balls that triggered the execution of error processing are returned.

  Further, the operation of the settlement switch 10 is effectively accepted on condition that the supply ball detection switch 205 is detected and the return ball clogging detection switch 111 and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 are not detected, and the process proceeds to the settlement routine. It will be. That is, in the state where the supply ball detection switch 205 is not detected, or the return ball clogging detection switch 111 and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 are detected, the operation of the settlement switch 10 is invalidated. If the supply ball detection switch 205 is detected and the return ball clogging detection switch 111 and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 are not detected, the card unit connected signal on is not detected, that is, the card unit 15. Even when is not normally connected, the operation of the settlement switch 10 is valid.

  Further, the operations of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 are effectively accepted on the condition that the value of the BET counter is less than 3, that is, the maximum bet number has not been set yet, and the process proceeds to the take-in routine. That is, in the state where the maximum bet number is set, the operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is invalidated. Further, even when the value of the BET counter is less than 3, if the card unit connecting signal on is not detected, that is, if the card unit 15 is not normally connected, the operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is performed. Is invalidated.

  The operation of the start switch 7 is effectively accepted on condition that the value of the BET counter is 1 or more, that is, a bet number of 1 or more is set, and the game starts. That is, if the number of bets is 0, the game start condition is not satisfied, and the operation of the start switch 7 is invalidated. If the value of the BET counter is 1 or more, the operation of the start switch 7 is enabled even when the card unit connection signal on is not detected, that is, even when the card unit 15 is not normally connected.

  Further, when the operation of the settlement switch 10 is effectively accepted and the process proceeds to the settlement routine, the 1BET switch 5, until the settlement routine ends, that is, until the settlement control based on the operation of the settlement switch 10 ends. The acceptance of each operation of the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the settlement switch 10 is invalidated. Similarly, when the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is effectively accepted and the process shifts to the capture routine, the capture is performed until the capture routine ends, that is, based on the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6. Until the control is completed, the acceptance of each operation of the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the settlement switch 10 is invalidated. Further, when the operation of the start switch 7 is effectively accepted, the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the checkout switch 10 are finished until the game started based on the operation is completed and the BET processing of the next game is started. The reception of each operation is invalid. Also, if the card unit connection in-progress signal is no longer detected during the checkout routine or capture routine, that is, if the connection with the card unit 15 is broken, the current settlement routine or capture routine ends. Even then, the acceptance of each operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is invalidated. Also, even when the card unit connection signal on is not detected during the game execution, the operation of each of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is continued when the BET processing of the next game is started after the game ends. The reception is invalid.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the main control contents executed by the payout control unit 61 mounted on the payout control board 60 when the power is turned on.

  The payout control unit 61 executes initial processing for preparing for payout when the power is turned on (Sc1). Specifically, the connection and operation status of various devices are checked, and if it can be restored to the state before the power is turned off, a restoration process is performed. Then, after executing the initial process, the interrupt is permitted (Sc2), and the process proceeds to the loop process.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the control content of the interrupt process that is periodically executed after the payout control unit 61 permits the interrupt.

  In the interrupt process, a switch detection process (Sd1), a connection confirmation process (Sd2), a main board communication process (Sd3), a lending control process (Sd4), a payout control process (Sd5), and a motor control process (Sd6) are sequentially executed. To do.

  In the switch detection process in the step of Sd1, a process of acquiring detection states of various switches and detection states of signals from the game control board 40 is executed. In the connection confirmation process in the step of Sd2, it is confirmed whether or not the card unit 15 is connected based on the detection status of the VL, and a process of updating the on / off of the card unit connection signal is executed. In the main board communication process in the step of Sd3, when a process of exchanging signals with the game control board 40 according to the detection state of the signal acquired in the step of Sd1, especially when a settlement request signal or a payout request signal is received, Processing for storing the value of the ball number signal in a payout ball counter in which the number of balls to be paid out by the payout device 200 is stored is executed. In the lending control process in step Sd4, a process of exchanging signals with the card unit 15, particularly a process of storing the number of lending units in the above-described payout counter when a BRQ is turned on, that is, when a lending request is received. . In the payout control process in step Sd5, a process for setting the driving state of the payout motor 201 is performed based on the number of balls stored in the payout counter in steps Sd2 and Sd3. In the motor control process of Sd5, a process of performing output control of the drive signal of the payout motor 201 based on the drive state of the payout motor 201 set in the step of Sd4 is executed.

  Next, the operation state of the slot machine 1 based on the control of the game control unit 41 and the payout control unit 61 described above will be described based on the timing charts of FIGS.

  FIG. 18 shows a state in which a captured ball remains when a winning with a winning ball occurs, or when the operation of the settlement switch 10 is accepted in a state where a bet number has already been set or a captured ball remains. 6 is a timing chart showing an operation state when an operation of the start switch 7 is accepted.

  When a winning with a prize ball occurs or when the operation of the settlement switch 10 is accepted with the bet number already set, the game control unit 41 requests a payout by a payout request for the value of the ball number signal. Is updated to a value indicating the number of balls to be paid out (the number of prize balls) or the number of balls to be paid out by a settlement request (ta1), and the payout request signal or the settlement request signal is turned on (ta2). When the payout control unit 61 detects that the payout request signal or the checkout request signal is on, the game control unit 41 is notified of the start of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payout request or the checkout request with the operation signal on (ta3). ). Then, the payout operation for paying out the number of pachinko balls indicated by the ball number signal is started (ta4), and when the payout operation is completed (ta5), the payout operation of the pachinko ball based on the payout request or the settlement request is made with the in-operation signal turned off. Is notified to the game control unit 41 (ta6). Next, when the game control unit 41 detects the off-operation signal, it confirms the end of the payout operation and sets the payout request signal or the settlement request signal to off.

  FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing an operation state when a lending process is performed by the card unit 15 when the ball lending switch 19 is detected.

  When the operation of the ball lending switch 19 is detected, the control unit of the card unit 15 turns on BRDY and notifies the payout control unit 61 of the start of lending processing (tb1). Further, BRQ is turned on to request the lending of pachinko balls of the number of lending units (tb2). When the payout control unit 61 detects that BRQ is on, it checks whether VL is on, that is, whether it is normally connected to the card unit 15, and on condition that VL is on. With EX set to on, the card unit 15 is notified of the start of a pachinko ball lending operation based on BRQ (tb3). Then, a lending operation for lending a pachinko ball of the number of lending units is started (tb4), and when the lending operation ends (tb6), the end of the lending operation of the pachinko ball based on BRQ is notified to the card unit 15 with EXS off. (Tb7). Even if BRQ is detected to be on, if VL is not on, EXS is not turned on and pachinko ball lending operation based on BRQ is not performed. Further, the payout control unit 61 can perform a lending operation by detecting BRQ on regardless of whether the game control unit 41 is in the BET process. On the other hand, after the control unit of the card unit 15 turns BRQ on, if it detects that EXS is on, it confirms that the lending operation has started, turns BRQ off (tb5), detects EXS on, When off is detected, it is confirmed that the lending operation has been completed, and if the specified number of lending requests are not completed within the remaining valuable value range, BRQ is turned on again and lending of pachinko balls of the number of lending units is requested. (Tb8). Also, when it is confirmed that the lending operation has been completed by detecting the EXS off, if the required value for the lending request does not remain or if the specified number of lending requests have been completed, lending BRDY as off The end of the process is notified to the payout control unit 61 (tb9).

  In FIG. 20, when the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is accepted and the capture control (acquisition routine) is performed, the operation of the settlement switch 10 is accepted, and the settlement control (accounting routine) is performed. 6 is a timing chart showing an operation state in the case of failure.

  When the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is effectively accepted (tc1), the game control unit 41 invalidates the acceptance of the operations of the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, and the settlement switch 10. Further, if the bet number of 1 or more is set and the acceptance of the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, the acceptance of the operation of the start switch 7 is also invalidated. When the take-in control based on the acceptance of the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is completed (tc2), the acceptance of the operation of the settlement switch 10 is enabled and the maximum bet number is not yet set. In other words, if the number of captured pachinko balls is less than the 15 balls necessary to set the maximum bet number, the acceptance of the operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is validated. In addition, when the take-in control based on the acceptance of the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 ends (tc2), if the number of bets of 1 or more is set, the acceptance of the operation of the start switch 7 is also accepted. To enable.

  Further, when the operation of the settlement switch 10 is effectively accepted (tc1), the game control unit 41 invalidates the acceptance of the operation of the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, and the settlement switch 10. Further, if the bet number of 1 or more is set and the acceptance of the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, the acceptance of the operation of the start switch 7 is also invalidated. When the settlement control based on the acceptance of the operation of the settlement switch 10 is finished (tc2), the acceptance of the operation of the settlement switch 10 is validated and the maximum bet number has not yet been set, that is, taken in If the number of pachinko balls is less than the 15 balls required to set the maximum bet number, the acceptance of the operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is validated. Further, when the settlement control based on the acceptance of the operation of the settlement switch 10 is completed (tc2), if the number of bets of one or more is set, the acceptance of the operation of the start switch 7 is also validated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the capture control is performed based on the reception of the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6, or the settlement control is performed based on the reception of the operation of the settlement switch 10, these captures are performed. Until the control and settlement control are completed, the acceptance of each operation of the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the settlement switch 10, and the start switch 7 is invalidated.

  FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are timing charts showing an operation state when the connection between the card unit 15 and the payout control board 60 is disconnected during the BET process.

  As shown in FIG. 21, when the connection between the card unit 15 and the payout control board 60 is cut off and VL cannot be detected (td1), the payout control unit 61 prohibits the loan control and connects the card unit. The game control unit 41 is notified that the middle signal is off and the card unit 15 is not connected. When the game control unit 41 detects that the card unit connection signal is off and confirms that it is not connected to the card unit 15, the operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is invalidated, and the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET Taking-in control based on acceptance of the operation of the switch 6 is prohibited. Then, an error code indicating that the card unit 15 is not connected to the slot machine 1 is displayed on the captured ball display 16 to notify the connection error.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 22, when the game control unit 41 detects the off of the card unit connection signal during the capture control or the settlement control (te1), the capture being executed is performed. At the time when the control and the settlement control are completed (te2), the reception of the operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 which are invalidated along with the execution of the capture control and the settlement control is continuously invalidated. While taking-in control based on acceptance of the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is prohibited, an error code indicating that the card unit 15 is not connected to the slot machine 1 is displayed on the taken-in ball display 16 to indicate a connection error. Inform.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 21, when the connection between the card unit 15 and the payout control board 60 is restored and VL is detected ON (td2), the payout control unit 61 permits the prohibited loan control. Then, the game unit 41 is notified that the card unit connection signal is turned on and connected to the card unit 15. When the game control unit 41 detects that the card unit connection signal is on and confirms that the card unit 15 is connected, the game control unit 41 validates the detection of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 and permits the capture control. Then, the notification of the connection error is canceled.

  In the state where one or more bets are already set, the connection between the card unit 15 and the payout control board 60 is disconnected, and the game control unit 41 detects the card unit connection signal off and Even if it is confirmed that the connection is not established, the operation of the start switch 7 is still accepted, and even when the operation of the start switch 7 is accepted in this state, the game is effectively started. That is, if the bet number of 1 or more is already set and the game start condition is satisfied, the operation of the start switch 7 is always accepted regardless of the connection state between the card unit 15 and the payout control board 60. It is possible to effectively start the game based on the above. In addition, even if the connection between the card unit 15 and the payout control board 60 is broken and the game control unit 41 detects that the card unit connection signal is off and confirms that the card unit 15 is not connected to the checkout switch, The acceptance of the operation 10 is effective, and the settlement control is effectively performed even when the operation of the settlement switch 10 is accepted in such a state. That is, regardless of the connection state between the card unit 15 and the payout control board 60, it is possible to always perform the payment control based on the reception of the operation of the payment switch 10.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the pachinko balls are stored in a state where five pachinko balls, which are unit balls necessary for setting the betting number of 1 in the storage concave groove 106a, are not stored. Is not taken in, so not only can pachinko balls be taken in by 5 balls at a time, it is also necessary to set the number of pachinko balls detected by the take-in ball detection switch 104 to be 1. If the number of unit balls is different from 5 (which is less than 5 or more than 5), that is, when a capture error occurs, the error process is executed and the game cannot be progressed. The game is prevented from proceeding in a state where it is not executed normally, and an occurrence of an ingestion error is surely recognized by an amusement store clerk and the ingestion error is dealt with early. It is possible. Further, the number of pachinko balls that have been taken in and used for setting the number of bets but not yet used in the game are not taken into the slot machine 1 without being used in the game, and the reset switch 36. Since it is returned to the player based on the fact that the error processing is canceled by the operation of, the player is prevented from suffering a disadvantage.

  In the present embodiment, the number of pachinko balls that the rotating body 106 of the capturing device 100 captures by one capturing operation (rotation of 90 degrees), that is, the maximum number of storing that can be stored in one storing groove 106a. However, in the present invention, the take-in device is the same as the five balls which are the unit balls necessary for setting the bet number of 1 which is the minimum bet number necessary for playing the game The number of pachinko balls to be captured in a single capture operation and the number of unit balls necessary to set one bet, which is the minimum bet number necessary for playing the game, are not necessarily the same. For example, when the number of unit balls required to set one bet number, which is the minimum bet number necessary for playing a game, is 10 units, the rotational body 106 of the capturing device 100 is 1 Pachinko balls to be captured by a single capture operation (90-degree rotation) There may be a 5 balls. In this case, the game can be started by capturing ten pachinko balls by two capturing operations.

  Further, when the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected, that is, when the capture condition for setting a plurality of bets (for example, 3 BET) is satisfied, 5 pachinko balls (for 1 unit) are captured. By performing the capture operation continuously (repeated) a plurality of times (three times), capture control (repetitive capture control) for capturing pachinko balls for a plurality of units is performed, and for a plurality of units (3 BETs) When one pachinko ball (15 balls) is taken in, or after one unit (1 BET) worth of pachinko balls (5 balls) is taken in by the taking-in operation, one unit (1 BET) worth is stored in the storage groove 106a. Since the uptake control (repetitive uptake control) is terminated when no pachinko balls (5 balls) are stored, the uptake control of pachinko balls for a plurality of units can be performed smoothly.

  When an operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is accepted, the process proceeds to an acquisition routine (acquisition control), and the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the checkout switch 10 until the acquisition routine ends. Since the control of the game control unit 41 is prevented from being complicated, the control of the game control unit 41 is prevented from being accepted until the acceptance of each operation is disabled and the capture routine is completed.

  When the operation of the settlement switch 10 is accepted, the process proceeds to the settlement routine (settlement control), and the acceptance of each operation of the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the settlement switch 10 is invalid until the settlement routine is completed. Since these operations are not accepted until the settlement routine is completed, the control of the game control unit 41 can be prevented from becoming complicated.

  In this embodiment, the return ball clogging detection switch 111 for detecting the clogging of the return ball guidance passage 109 and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 for detecting the ball clogging of the dispensing ball guidance passage 208 are not detected. In addition, the operation of the settlement switch 10 is effectively accepted, and the routine proceeds to a settlement routine (settlement control). That is, in the state where the return ball clogging detection switch 111 and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 are detected, the operation of the checkout switch 10 is invalidated, regardless of whether the lower plate 11 is full. Pachinko balls are not returned to the lower plate 11, and it is possible to prevent the pachinko balls from being clogged in the return ball guide passage 109 or the capture device 100.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the card based on the output status of the card unit connection confirmation signal (VL) output from the card unit 15 when the lending request is detected from the card unit 15, that is, when BRQ is turned on. It is determined whether or not the unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are connected, and the pachinko balls are rented on condition that the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are normally connected. It is possible to prevent the pachinko balls from being rented although the slot machine 1 is not normally connected.

  When the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are not connected, the acceptance of the operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is invalidated, and the take-in control is prohibited. That is, since it becomes impossible to set the bet amount for newly playing a game, the connection between the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 can be secured when the game is played.

  Further, when the connection with the card unit 15 is disconnected during execution of the capture control and the VL cannot be detected, after the capture control during the execution is completed, the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 Since the acceptance of the operation of (2) is invalidated and the take-in control for newly setting the bet number is prohibited, the connection with the card unit 15 is disconnected during the take-in control and the take-in is performed. It is possible to prevent the control from becoming complicated due to the control being interrupted in the middle.

  In the present embodiment, the card unit connection signal is displayed after the completion of the capture control without checking whether the card unit connection signal is on during the execution of the capture control (capture routine). (Sb4), if the connection with the card unit 15 is disconnected during execution of the capture control and the VL cannot be detected, these captures being performed are performed. After completion of the capture control, the acceptance of the operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is (continuously) invalidated, and the capture control for newly setting the bet number has been prohibited. It may be confirmed whether or not the card unit connecting signal is on during execution of the loading control (loading routine).

  Further, in this embodiment, when a bet number of 1 or more is already set and the game start condition is satisfied, whether or not the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are normally connected is determined. Therefore, since it is possible to play the game for that amount, the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are connected even though the number of pachinko balls necessary for starting the game has already been captured. Can be prevented from being interrupted and the game cannot be started.

  Further, in this embodiment, the settlement control can be performed by always accepting the operation of the settlement switch 10 regardless of whether the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are normally connected or not. It is possible to prevent the player from suffering a disadvantage because the ball or the pachinko ball remaining in the capture device 100 cannot be returned.

  Further, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are not connected, an error code indicating that fact is displayed on the captured ball indicator 16 and a connection error is notified. Thus, it can be easily recognized from the outside that the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are not connected.

  In the present embodiment, the capture error and the connection error are reported by displaying an error code on the captured sphere display 16, but other notification means such as a liquid crystal display 51, an effect effect LED 52, a speaker, etc. You may alert | report using the audio | voice output from 53,54.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the game control unit 41 determines winning, the return ball clogging detection switch 111 that detects the clogging of the return ball guidance passage 109 and the ball clogging of the payout ball guidance passage 208 are detected. On the condition that the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 is not detected, the payout control unit 61 is requested to pay out a winning ball according to the winning. In other words, in a state where the return ball clogging detection switch 111 and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 are detected, the payout of the prize ball is not requested even if the winning is determined, and the lower plate 11 is in a full state. Nevertheless, the pachinko balls are not paid out to the lower plate 11, and the pachinko balls can be prevented from being clogged in the payout ball guide passage 208 and the payout device 200.

  In this embodiment, when the winning is determined, the game control unit 41 confirms whether or not the prize ball can be paid out. If the prize ball can be paid out, the game control unit 41 gives a prize to the payout control unit 61. The ball payout request is made, but when the payout control unit 61 receives the prize ball payout request, it confirms whether or not the prize ball can be paid out and the prize ball can be paid out. If there is, a prize ball payout control may be performed.

  In this embodiment, the game control board 40 for controlling the game and the payout control board 60 for controlling the payout and lending are provided separately, and the card unit 15 and the payout control board 60 provide the connection terminal board 70. The VL output from the card unit 15 is input only to the payout control board 60, and whether or not the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are connected is mounted on the payout control board 60. The payout control unit 61 determines, a card unit connecting signal indicating the determination result is output to the game control board 40, and the game control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 receives the card unit from the payout control board 60. 1BET switch 5 and MAXBET switch 6 by detecting the off of the card unit connection signal indicating that 15 is not connected. To disable the acceptance of the operation, so as to prohibit the capture control. For this reason, the game control board 40 that controls the game does not need to be directly connected to the card unit 15 outside the slot machine 1, so that an illegal signal is input from the outside to the game control board 40 and affects the game control. It can prevent giving.

  In this embodiment, the payout control unit 61 mounted on the payout control board 60 determines whether or not the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are connected, and a card unit connecting signal indicating the determination result is a game. The card unit connection signal (VL) indicating that the card unit 15 is normally connected is output to the control board 40 as shown in FIG. The payout control board 60 branches and inputs to both the payout control board 60 and the game control board 40, and the payout control part 61 mounted on the payout control board 60 and the game control part 41 mounted on the game control board 40 are provided. It is determined whether or not the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are connected to each other, and the payout control unit 61 connects the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 to each other. If the game control unit 41 determines that the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are not connected, the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 are lent out. It is possible to invalidate the acceptance of the operation and prohibit the take-in control. By doing so, the control load of the game control means can be distributed and reduced, and the game control unit 41 and the payout control unit In both cases, it is possible to reliably determine whether the card unit 15 is connected.

  Further, in this embodiment, in the 1BET and MAXBET acquisition routine in the BET process, five balls are taken until the detection waiting time elapses even though the acquisition operation for acquiring five pachinko balls is performed. When the pachinko ball of the minute is not detected by the take-in ball detection switch 104, an error notification indicating a take-in abnormality is performed and an operation of the reset switch 36 is detected for error processing that disables the progress of the game. After the error processing is canceled, a return process is performed to settle (return to the player) a number of pachinko balls that have been taken in and are not used for setting the number of bets (in this embodiment, less than 5 balls). However, for example, five pachinko pachinko balls until the detection waiting time elapses even though an operation of taking in five pachinko balls is performed. Is not detected by the take-in ball detection switch 104, a process of paying back (returning to the player) the number of pachinko balls that have been taken and are not used for setting the number of bets is performed. Is executed for a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times), an error routine is performed to notify an error indicating an abnormal take-in and to perform an error process that disables the progress of the game until the operation of the reset switch 36 is detected. You may be made to do.

  Here, the detailed control contents of the error routine as a modified example in the BET processing will be specifically described based on the flowchart of FIG. 24. First, in the 1BET and MAXBET fetching routine in the BET processing in the embodiment, When the pachinko ball for 5 balls is taken in, but the pachinko ball for 5 balls is not detected by the take-in ball detection switch 104 until the detection waiting time elapses. In other words, when the detection waiting time has elapsed in step Sb38 or Sb46, first, the value of the ball count signal is updated to the value of the take-in ball counter at that time (Sb147), then the settlement request signal is turned on (Sb148), The output status of the in-operation signal is monitored (Sb 149). When the on-state of the in-operation signal is detected, that is, based on the settlement request. When the start of the pachinko ball payout operation is confirmed, the value of the BET counter is cleared (Sb150), the output status of the operating signal is monitored (Sb151), and when the operating signal off is detected, That is, when the completion of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the settlement request is confirmed, the settlement request signal is turned off (Sb152), and then the value of the error count counter is incremented by 1 (Sb153). Whether or not the value of the error has reached 3, that is, whether or not the number of occurrences of the capture error has reached 3 times (Sb154), and if it has not reached 3 times, the process directly returns to the step of Sb4, When the number reaches three times, a fetch error flag indicating that a fetch error has occurred a preset number of times (here, three times) is set (Sb155).

  When an error flag indicating a capture error is set, an error code indicating a capture error is displayed on the captured ball display 16 so that the capture error is notified outside the gaming machine. Next, after clearing the value of the error number counter (Sb156), an error process for disabling the progress of the game is executed by disabling various switches that detect the player's operation (Sb157). The error handling is detected by opening the front door of the slot machine 1 that cannot be opened unless it is unlocked by a predetermined key owned by a game shop clerk or the like, and an operation of the reset switch 36 provided inside the housing is detected. Since the process continues until the game is completed, the store clerk or the like of the game hall can surely recognize that the error processing has been performed. When the error process is canceled and the game can proceed, the error routine is terminated and the process returns to the step Sb4.

  As described above, even though the take-in operation for taking in five pachinko balls is performed, the five-ball pachinko balls are not detected by the take-in ball detection switch 104 until the detection waiting time elapses. Since an error process is executed assuming that a capture error has occurred when the situation has occurred a predetermined number of times, the player is prevented from suffering a disadvantage due to a malfunction of the capture device 100.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention has been described based on drawing, this invention is not limited to this Example, Even if there is a change or addition in the range which does not deviate from the main point of this invention, it is in this invention. Needless to say, it is included.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a pachinko ball is applied as a game medium has been described. However, other game media such as medals may be applied as the game medium.

  Further, in the take-in device 100 of the above embodiment, four storage grooves 106a are formed on the peripheral surface, but only one may be formed, or two, three, or five or more are formed. May be.

  In addition, the take-in device 100 of the above-described embodiment takes in the pachinko balls stored in the storage concave groove 106a by rotating the rotating body 106 having four storage concave grooves 106a formed on the peripheral surface. It is separated from the following sphere of the preparation ball passage 110, that is, the pachinko sphere is restricted from newly flowing into the storage concave groove 106a, and the pachinko balls stored in the storage concave groove 106a are collectively taken in. Although the collective taking means is provided, the form of the take-in device is not limited to that of the take-in device 100. For example, the take-in device has a unit number storage unit that stores a predetermined number of pachinko balls of two or more balls. For example, the intake member is not swung, but is swung or slidably moved to restrict the new pachinko ball from flowing into the unit number reservoir, and is stored in the unit number reservoir. It may have a structure that takes in collectively pachinko balls.

  Alternatively, a restriction piece that restricts (limits) the inflow of pachinko balls into the unit number storage section is provided on the downstream side of the take-in preparation ball passage 110, and a predetermined number of pachinko balls of two or more balls are united by the restriction piece A separation piece for separating the most upstream pachinko sphere stored in the unit number storage part from the subsequent sphere is provided, and separated from the subsequent sphere by the separation piece. It is good also as a structure where the predetermined number of pachinko balls stored by canceling | releasing the regulation by a regulation piece in a state are taken in collectively.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the error routine is shifted to the error routine only when five pachinko balls are not detected by the fetch ball detection switch 104 in the fetch routine for fetching five pachinko balls. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in an acquisition routine for acquiring five pachinko balls, five or more pachinko balls are detected by the acquisition ball detection switch 104. If the error is detected in step (b), the error routine may be performed by moving to an error routine.

  In the above embodiment, the game control board 40 for controlling the game and the payout control board 60 for controlling the payout and the lending are separately provided. However, the game control board 40 side performs all the controls. May be. Alternatively, the take-out control board 60 side may control take-in, or a board for take-in control may be provided separately so that the board controls the take-in.

  In the embodiment, the payout control board 60 and the card unit 15 are connected via the connection terminal board 70, but the game control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 pays out in addition to the game control. The game control board 40 and the card unit 15 may be connected directly or via the connection terminal board 70 or the like.

  In the embodiment, the card unit 15 that accepts a prepaid card storing a valuable value as a storage medium and causes the gaming machine to lend a pachinko ball using the valuable value read from the accepted prepaid card is provided. Although it is applied as a lending device, for example, it accepts money, and a storage medium provided in the device with a valuable value based on the received money amount (for example, a recording medium enclosed so that a player cannot take it out) It is also possible to apply a lending device that allows a gaming machine to lend a pachinko ball using a valuable value stored in a memory (a built-in lending device such as a RAM) and stored in a storage medium in the device.

  In the above embodiment, as an example of the gaming machine, a slot machine that can start a game by setting the number of bets for one game using a pachinko ball is applied. Any game machine that can start a game by setting the number of game media to be captured by means (capture device 100) and used for one game can be applied regardless of the type, for example, a predetermined number of game media It can also be applied to a sparrow ball game machine or an arrange ball game machine that plays a game by driving the game into the game area. In this case, in order to receive a game medium for driving into the game area prior to the game, any game medium may be captured by the capture device. Note that the game medium to be driven into the game area may be a game medium taken in by the take-in device, or may be a drive-in game medium prepared separately from the game medium taken in by the take-in device. Furthermore, the game media to be driven into the game area and the game media to be captured by the capture device may be different types of game media (for example, medals and game balls).

  Further, in the embodiment, the predetermined capture condition in the present invention is established by detecting the operation of the 1BET switch 6 or the MAXBET switch 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a slot machine or the like having an automatic setting function for automatically taking pachinko balls from the upper plate 12 or the like in order to set the number of pachinko balls used for one game (setting the number of bets), the predetermined take-in condition is Also included are those that are established when the automatic setting function is enabled (on).

  Each element in the embodiment corresponds to the present invention as follows.

A gaming machine according to claim 1 of the present invention,
By setting a predetermined number of game media (pachinko balls) as one unit (5 balls) and setting the number of game media used in one game (setting the number of bets), the game (game) can be started, and a predetermined winning in the game In a gaming machine (slot machine 1) in which a winning occurs when a condition is met (one of the internal winning flags is won and the winning combination corresponding to the selected internal winning flag is aligned on the winning line)
Taking-in means (100) for taking in game media into the gaming machine in order to set the number of game media used for one game;
Take-in control means {game control unit 41 (take-in routine in BET processing)} for performing take-in control (take-in routine) for taking in game media by the take-in means;
A payout means (200) for paying out a game medium given to the player in response to the occurrence of the winning;
With
The capturing means includes
A unit number storage part (storage groove 106a) capable of storing the game medium for one unit;
Unit game medium detection means (unit ball detection switch 105) for detecting whether or not the one unit of game medium is stored in the unit number storage unit;
When a predetermined take-in condition is satisfied (operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is detected), the unit game medium detecting means stores the one unit of game media in the unit number storage unit. On the condition that it has been detected, the game medium is restricted from newly flowing into the unit number storage section (the storage concave groove 106a is moved by the rotation of the rotating body 106 and A batch take-in means (rotating body 106) for taking in the game media stored in the unit number storage unit at the same time;
Incorporated game medium detection means (intake ball detection switch 104) for detecting the game medium taken in from the unit number storage unit,
Including
The uptake control means includes
Judgment means for determining whether the number of game media detected by the fetched game medium detection means matches the number of game media for one unit {game control unit 41 (in the fetch routine in the BET process, A process for detecting a captured ball until either the detection waiting time elapses or the value of the captured ball counter reaches 5), or
When it is determined that the determination means do not match (when the detection waiting time elapses without the value of the detected ball counter being 5), an error processing means for performing error processing that disables the progress of the game {Game control unit 41 (error routine in BET processing, Sb47, 48)},
When a predetermined error canceling operation (operation of the reset switch 36) is performed while the error processing is being performed, an error processing canceling means for ending the error processing and allowing the game to proceed {game control Unit 41 (error routine in BET processing, Sb48)},
Based on the completion of the error processing by the error processing release means, the number of game media detected by the taken-in game medium detection means until the error processing is executed is paid out from the payout means. Return control means {game control unit 41 (error routine in BET processing, Sb49 to 54), payout control unit 61} for performing return control to be returned to the person;
including.

A gaming machine according to claim 2 of the present invention,
By setting a predetermined number of game media (pachinko balls) as one unit (5 balls) and setting the number of game media used in one game (setting the number of bets), the game (game) can be started, and a predetermined winning in the game In a gaming machine (slot machine 1) in which a winning occurs when a condition is met (one of the internal winning flags is won and the winning combination corresponding to the selected internal winning flag is aligned on the winning line)
Taking-in means (100) for taking in game media into the gaming machine in order to set the number of game media used for one game;
Take-in control means {game control unit 41 (take-in routine in BET processing)} for performing take-in control (take-in routine) for taking in game media by the take-in means;
A payout means (200) for paying out a game medium given to the player in response to the occurrence of the winning;
With
The capturing means includes
A unit number storage part (storage groove 106a) capable of storing the game medium for one unit;
Unit game medium detection means (unit ball detection switch 105) for detecting whether or not the one unit of game medium is stored in the unit number storage unit;
When a predetermined take-in condition is satisfied (operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is detected), the unit game medium detecting means stores the one unit of game media in the unit number storage unit. On the condition that it has been detected, the game medium is restricted from newly flowing into the unit number storage section (the storage concave groove 106a is moved by the rotation of the rotating body 106 and A batch take-in means (rotating body 106) for taking in the game media stored in the unit number storage unit at the same time;
Incorporated game medium detection means (intake ball detection switch 104) for detecting the game medium taken in from the unit number storage unit,
Including
The uptake control means includes
Judgment means for determining whether the number of game media detected by the fetched game medium detection means matches the number of game media for one unit {game control unit 41 (in the fetch routine in the BET process, A process for detecting a captured ball until either the detection waiting time elapses or the value of the captured ball counter reaches 5), or
Return control means for performing return control for paying out the number of game media detected by the taken-in game medium detection means from the payout means and returning them to the player when it is determined that the determination means do not match { A game control unit 41 (an error routine as a modification in the BET process, Sb147 to 152), a payout control unit 61};
including.

A gaming machine according to claim 3 of the present invention,
Return number determination means {game control unit 41 (error routine as a modification in BET processing, Sb153, 154)} for determining whether or not the return control by the return control means has been performed a predetermined number of times;
When the return number determination means determines that the predetermined number of times has been performed, an error processing means for performing an error process that disables the progress of the game {game control unit 41 (error routine as a modified example in the BET process, Sb155 to 157 ), Payout control unit 61},
Is provided.

A gaming machine according to claim 4 of the present invention,
A gaming machine (slot machine 1) provided corresponding to a lending device (card unit 15) that transmits a lending request (BRQ) of the gaming medium (pachinko ball) using a valuable value stored in a storage medium (prepaid card) ) And
A connection confirmation signal input means {payout control unit 61 (switch detection process)} to which a connection confirmation signal (VL) output from the lending device is input;
Lending control means {lending control unit 61 (lending control processing) for lending the game medium on condition that the connection confirmation signal is input to the connection confirmation signal input means when the lending request is received }When,
When the connection confirmation signal is not input to the connection confirmation signal input means (when the card unit connection signal on cannot be detected), the take-in control (take-in routine) is disabled (1BET switch 5 and Invalidating the MAXBET switch 6 and prohibiting the take-in control) take-in control disable means {game control unit 41 (BET process)};
Is provided.

A gaming machine according to claim 5 of the present invention,
The take-in control disable means {game control unit 41 (BET process)} establishes the predetermined take-in condition after the predetermined take-in condition is established (operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is detected). If the connection confirmation signal (VL) is not input to the connection confirmation signal input means until the capture control based on the above is completed, the capture control is disabled after the capture control is completed. To do.

A gaming machine according to claim 6 of the present invention,
A gaming machine (slot machine 1) capable of setting (setting the number of bets) of 2 units (10 balls) or more of game media (pachinko balls) as the number of game media used in one game,
The take-in control means {game control unit 41 (take-in routine in BET processing)} takes in by the collective take-in means when a predetermined plurality of take-in conditions are satisfied (operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected). Repeated take-in control means (game control unit 41 (MAXBET take-in routine in BET process)) for carrying out repeat take-in control (MAXBET take-in routine) for taking in game media for a plurality of units by repeating the operation a plurality of times },
The repeated capture control means includes:
After the one unit of game media has been taken in by the take-in operation, one unit (5 balls) of game media has been stored in the unit number storage unit, and the batch take-in means takes in Repeated
When the plurality of units (3 BETs) of game media are taken in by the repeated take-up control, or after the one unit of game media is taken in by the take-in operation, 1 is stored in the unit number storage unit. When the game media for the unit is not stored, the repeat take-in control is terminated.

In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention,
A main control means (game control board 60) for controlling the game, including the above-mentioned intake control disable means {game control unit 41 (BET process)};
Connected to the main control means and the lending device (card unit 15), the connection confirmation signal input means {payout control unit 61 (switch detection processing)} and the lending control means {payout control unit 61 (lending control processing)} Sub-control means (dispensing control board 60) including:
With
The sub-control means outputs a connection specifying signal (card unit connecting signal) that can specify whether or not the connection confirmation signal is input (VL) to the connection confirmation signal input means to the main control means. A connection specific signal output means {payout control unit 61 (connection confirmation processing)}
The take-in control disable means disables the take-in control (take-in routine) when a connection specifying signal indicating that the connection check signal is not input is input to the connection check signal input means. (1BET switch 5 and MAXBET switch 6 are invalidated to prohibit the take-in control).

In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention,
A main control means (game control board 60) for controlling the game, including the above-mentioned intake control disable means {game control unit 41 (BET process)};
Sub-control means (payout control board 60) connected to the main control means and the lending device (card unit 15);
With
The sub-control means includes
A first connection confirmation signal input means {payout control unit 61 (switch detection process)} to which a connection confirmation signal (VL) output from the lending device is input;
The lending control means {payout control unit 61 (lending control process)}, on the condition that the connection confirmation signal is input to the first connection confirmation signal input means when the lending request is received. Lending the game media,
The main control means includes
A second connection confirmation signal input means {processing for detecting VL on the game control unit 41} to which a connection confirmation signal output from the lending device is input;
The take-in control disabling means disables the take-in control (take-in routine) when the connection confirmation signal is not input to the second connection confirmation signal input means (1BET switch 5 and MAXBET Disable the switch 6 and prohibit the capture control).

It is a front view of a slot machine as an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a plan view of an upper plate provided in the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a take-in device provided in the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the main part of the take-in device provided in the slot machine of FIG. 1. (A)-(c) is a schematic plan view which shows the uptake | capture condition of the pachinko ball by an uptake apparatus, (d), (e) is a schematic plan view which shows the deballing situation of the pachinko ball by an uptake apparatus. is there. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a dispensing device provided in the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing signals exchanged between a game control board and a payout control board and a payout control board and a card unit of the slot machine of FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart showing control contents of a game control unit mounted on a game control board of the slot machine of FIG. 1. 10 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the BET process shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the BET process shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the BET process shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the BET process shown in FIG. 9. 10 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the BET process shown in FIG. 9 as well. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the BET process shown in FIG. 9. 2 is a flowchart showing control contents executed by a payout control unit mounted on a payout control board of the slot machine of FIG. 1 when power is turned on. 2 is a flowchart showing the control contents of an interrupt process that is periodically executed after power is turned on by a payout control unit mounted on the payout control board of the slot machine of FIG. 1. In the slot machine of FIG. 1, when a winning with a winning ball occurs, or when the operation of the checkout switch is accepted in a state where the number of bets has already been set or the captured ball remains, the captured ball remains. It is a timing chart which shows the operation | movement condition when operation of a start switch is received in a state. 2 is a timing chart showing an operation state when a lending process is performed by a card unit in association with detection of a ball lending switch in the slot machine of FIG. 1. In the slot machine of FIG. 1, when the operation of the 1BET switch or the MAXBET switch is accepted and the capture control (acquisition routine) is performed, or the operation of the settlement switch is accepted, and the settlement control (accounting routine) is performed. It is a timing chart which shows the operation condition in case. 3 is a timing chart showing an operation state when the connection between the card unit and the payout control board is cut off during the BET processing in the slot machine of FIG. 1. 3 is a timing chart showing an operation state when the connection between the card unit and the payout control board is cut off during the BET processing in the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a view showing signals exchanged between the game control board and the payout control board, and between the payout control board and the card unit in the modification of the slot machine of FIG. 1. 10 is a flowchart showing a modification of the error routine in the BET process shown in FIG. 9.

Explanation of symbols

1 slot machine 2L, 2C, 2R reel 5 1BET switch 6 MAXBET switch 7 start switch 10 checkout switch 11 lower plate 12 upper plate 15 card unit 40 game control board 41 game control unit 100 take-in device 104 take-in ball detection switch 105 unit Sphere detection switch 106 Rotating body 106a Storage ditch 200 Dispensing device

Claims (6)

In a gaming machine in which a predetermined number of game media are set as one unit and a game can be started by setting the number of game media used in one game, and a prize is generated when a predetermined prize condition is established in the game.
Taking-in means for taking in game media into the gaming machine in order to set the number of game media used in one game;
Capture control means for performing capture control for capturing the game medium by the capture means;
A payout means for paying out a game medium given to the player in response to the occurrence of the winning;
With
The capturing means includes
A unit number storage unit capable of storing the game media for one unit;
Unit game medium detecting means for detecting whether or not the one unit of game medium is stored in the unit number storage unit;
The unit number on condition that the unit game medium detecting means detects that one unit of game medium is stored in the unit number storage unit when a predetermined capture condition is satisfied. A collective take-in means for restricting a new inflow of game media into the storage unit and collectively taking in the game media stored in the unit number storage unit;
A captured game medium detecting means for detecting a game medium captured from the unit number storage unit;
Including
The uptake control means includes
Determination means for determining whether or not the number of game media detected by the captured game medium detection means matches the number of game media for one unit;
An error processing means for performing an error process that disables the progress of the game when it is determined that the determination means do not match;
When a predetermined error canceling operation is performed when the error processing is being performed, an error processing canceling means for ending the error processing and allowing the game to proceed,
Based on the completion of the error processing by the error processing release means, the number of game media detected by the taken-in game medium detection means until the error processing is executed is paid out from the payout means. Return control means to perform return control to return to the person,
A game machine characterized by including. In a gaming machine in which a predetermined number of game media are set as one unit and a game can be started by setting the number of game media used in one game, and a prize is generated when a predetermined prize condition is established in the game.
Taking-in means for taking in game media into the gaming machine in order to set the number of game media used in one game;
Capture control means for performing capture control for capturing the game medium by the capture means;
A payout means for paying out a game medium given to the player in response to the occurrence of the winning;
With
The capturing means includes
A unit number storage unit capable of storing the game media for one unit;
Unit game medium detecting means for detecting whether or not the one unit of game medium is stored in the unit number storage unit;
The unit number on condition that the unit game medium detecting means detects that one unit of game medium is stored in the unit number storage unit when a predetermined capture condition is satisfied. A collective take-in means for restricting a new inflow of game media into the storage unit and collectively taking in the game media stored in the unit number storage unit;
A captured game medium detecting means for detecting a game medium captured from the unit number storage unit;
Including
The uptake control means includes
Determination means for determining whether or not the number of game media detected by the captured game medium detection means matches the number of game media for one unit;
Return control means for performing return control for paying out the number of game media detected by the taken-in game medium detection means from the payout means and returning them to the player when it is determined that the determination means do not match; ,
A game machine characterized by including. Return number determination means for determining whether or not the return control by the return control means has been performed a predetermined number of times;
An error processing means for performing an error process to disable the progress of the game when the return number determination means determines that the predetermined number of times has been performed;
The gaming machine according to claim 2, further comprising: A gaming machine provided corresponding to a lending device that transmits a lending request for the gaming medium using a valuable value stored in a storage medium,
A connection confirmation signal input means for inputting a connection confirmation signal output from the lending device;
Lending control means for lending the game medium on condition that the connection confirmation signal is input to the connection confirmation signal input means when the lending request is received;
When the connection confirmation signal is not input to the connection confirmation signal input means, the capture control disable means for disabling the capture control;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: The capture control disabling unit is connected to the connection confirmation signal input unit after the predetermined capture condition is established and before the capture control based on the establishment of the predetermined capture condition is completed. Disabling the capture control after completion of the capture control when no confirmation signal is input;
The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein: A gaming machine capable of setting two or more units of game media as the number of game media used in one game,
The take-in control means performs repetitive take-in control for taking in game media for a plurality of units by repeating a take-in operation by the batch take-in means a plurality of times when a predetermined plurality of take-in conditions are satisfied. Including repeated capture control means to perform,
The repeated capture control means includes:
After the game medium for one unit is taken in by the take-in operation, the take-in operation by the batch take-in means is repeated on condition that one unit of game medium is stored in the unit number storage unit. With
When the plurality of units of game media are captured by the repeated capture control, or after the unit of game media is captured by the capture operation, one unit of storage is stored in the unit number storage unit. Ending the repeat take-in control when the game medium is not stored,
A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein

Images