JP2007037624A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of accelerating a token feed speed without causing the swallowing of tokens, making a quick game possible and managing token feed, storage and put out altogether. <P>SOLUTION: A token feed and put out device (5) is provided with a token feed and put out controller (9). The token feed and put out controller (9) stores a number of tokens relating to a put out request, operates put out devices (51, 52) while counting the detection signals of a put out detector (54), and stops the operation of the put out devices (51, 52) when a counted value reaches the stored value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that plays a game by inserting gaming medals and that can store gaming medals inside the gaming machine.

Conventionally, in this type of gaming machine, for example, a slot machine, it is possible to store a medal slot for inserting a game medal and a game medal inserted from the medal slot, and a game stored when a prize is required A hopper unit for paying out medals is provided, and a medal selector having a medal sensor for discriminating inserted medals and detecting inserted medals is provided between the medal insertion slot and the hopper unit. Each of these devices is electrically connected to a main CPU, which is a control unit of the slot machine, via a harness, and the operation control of each device is performed by the main CPU.
For example, the main CPU outputs a payout request signal to the hopper at the time of winning a prize or operating the settlement switch, and receives and counts out the payout signal from the hopper that has started operating in response to this. When the count matches the number of payouts, an operation stop signal is output to the hopper (see Patent Document 1).

Further, the main CPU receives the medal detection signal of the medal sensor and the operation signal of the bet switch, and causes the display of the credit display unit to be added / subtracted. When some error occurs in the gaming machine or when the credit reaches the maximum value (50), the blocker device provided in the medal selector is operated to cancel the inserted medal. (See Patent Document 2).
On the other hand, a gaming machine in which a hopper unit and a medal selector are integrally formed is disclosed (see Patent Document 3). In this case, however, two devices related to medal insertion and storage / dispensing are simply located locally. However, the control of each device is performed by the main CPU of the gaming machine.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-160635 (FIG. 1, paragraph 0034) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-177449 (FIG. 1, paragraphs 0041 and 0045) JP 2004-81470 A (FIG. 2, paragraph 0032)

However, when paying out game medals from the hopper, the payout request signal from the main CPU passes through the harness and arrives at the hopper motor, the hopper is activated, and the payout sensor detects the paid out game medals. Since the signal returns to the main CPU through the harness again, it takes time to pay out. In addition, the hopper motor is stopped after the stop command from the main CPU passes through the harness and reaches the hopper unit. Therefore, the hopper motor is originally paid out until the hopper motor stops after the payout is completed or an error occurs. In some cases, game medals that should not have been paid out.
Furthermore, since the detection signal of the medal sensor passes through the harness and reaches the main CPU, and the counter of the main CPU counts and stores it, it takes time to detect the insertion. In addition, since the blocker device operates after the output signal from the main CPU passes through the harness and reaches the medal selector, it is normally a game until the blocker device is activated due to an excess of credit or an error. In some cases, a so-called “stagnation” occurs in which inserted medals to be discharged outside the machine are not canceled and are transferred to the hopper. For this reason, it is necessary to adjust the mechanical configuration of the medal selector so that the passing speed of game medals passing through the medal selector does not become too high.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the object thereof is as follows.
In other words, the invention according to claim 1 provides a gaming machine that can collectively manage medal insertion, storage, and payout and that can increase the medal payout speed without excessively paying out game medals from the hopper. Objective. In addition to the object of the invention described in claim 1, an object of the invention described in claim 2 is to provide a gaming machine capable of dealing with a so-called hopper goto. Furthermore, in addition to the object of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the invention described in claim 3 can increase the medal insertion speed without causing medal stagnation and can perform a quick game. The purpose is to provide a machine.

The invention described in the claims has been made to achieve the above-described object, and the features of the present invention will be described below using the embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings.
In addition, the code | symbol in parenthesis shows the code | symbol used in embodiment of invention, and does not limit the technical scope of this invention.
(Feature point)
(Claim 1)
The invention described in claim 1 is characterized by the following points.
That is, the invention described in claim 1 includes a medal insertion slot (13) for inserting a game medal into the gaming machine, and a medal payout portion (medal payout slot 18, lower plate 12) for paying out the game medal inside the gaming machine. ) And a game control device (main CPU 7) for controlling the game, the game medal is inserted through the medal insertion slot (13), and the game is performed by winning a prize. ) Related to gaming machines where game medals are paid out. The gaming machine includes a storage unit (medal tank (50)) for storing game medals inserted from the medal insertion port (13), and the storage unit (50) from the medal insertion port (13). A medal detection device (medal sensor 48) for detecting game medals provided in the medal transfer path up to and before the medal payout unit before the inserted game medals are detected by the medal detection device (48) A canceling device (blocker device 47) for discharging to (18,12), and a payout device for paying out game medals stored in the storage portion (50) to the medal payout portion (18,12) ( A medal insertion / payout device (selector hopper) having at least a feed disc 51, a hopper motor 52) and a payout detection device (payout sensor 54) for detecting a game medal paid out by the payout device (51, 52). -Unit 5) is provided.

The gaming machine according to the present invention is suitable for a slot machine for playing a game using a game medal. Here, the “medal payout portion” includes an outlet (medal payout port 18) from which game medals are discharged and a receiving portion (lower plate 12) capable of storing game medals discharged from the outlet. In addition to the above-described components, the gaming machine includes a gaming device such as a reel unit (2) having a rotating reel (20), and operating means for rotating or stopping the rotating reel (20) (for example, a start switch 15 Or a stop switch 16). The game control device (7) controls these game devices and operation means to play a game.
The medal insertion / payout device (5) is a device having both a hopper device for storing and paying out game medals and a medal selector function for selecting and detecting inserted medals. The medal insertion / payout device (5) directly receives signals from the game control device (7), the medal detection device (48) and the payout detection device (54), respectively, and the cancellation device (47) and the payout device. A medal insertion / dispensing control device (hopper CPU (9)) for directly controlling the operation of the devices (51, 52) is provided.

Here, the medal insertion / dispensing control device (9) "directly receives" the signal means that the output signal transmitted from the signal transmission source is received as it is without passing through another board or device. When the payout control device (9) “directly controls” the various devices (cancellation device (47), payout device (51, 52)), it is necessary to operate the devices output by the medal insertion / payout control device (9). The operation command signal is outputted as it is to various devices without passing through another substrate or device.
Here, the cancel device (47) is a flow path changing device for changing the destination of the game medals moving from the medal slot (13) toward the storage section (50). Specifically, for example, when the solenoid (45) is energized, the protruding claw (46) protrudes in the middle of the medal passage (43) and the game medals being transferred are formed to be ejected from the medal passage (43). can do.

The “payout device” is a device for discharging game medals stored in the storage unit (50) to the outside of the gaming machine, for example, a circle having a medal hole into which one game medal can be inserted one by one. By rotating the plate with a drive motor, it is possible to provide a rotating disk type medal feeding device that feeds out game medals inserted in the medal holes one by one. The “payout device” is not limited to the above configuration, and any device that can discharge game medals to the medal payout unit (18, 12) may be used.
When the medal insertion / payout control device (9) receives a payout request signal from the game control device (7), the medal insertion / payout control device (9) stores the number of payout requests and detects the payout detection device (54). The payout device (51, 52) is operated while counting signals, and when the count value reaches the stored value, the operation of the payout device (51, 52) is stopped.

Here, the “payout request signal” includes, for example, a payout / payout signal for outputting the number information as a signal when a medal is paid out by winning.
(Function)
In the present invention, the operation of the medal insertion / dispensing device (5) is performed by the medal insertion / dispensing control device (9) provided in the medal insertion / dispensing device (5). For this reason, it is not necessary to interpose a long harness between the medal insertion / payout device (5) and the payout detection device (54). Therefore, for example, even if the game control device (7) is installed at a location away from the medal insertion / dispensing device (5), the medal insertion / dispensing control device (9) is the game medal to be paid out by the payout device (51, 52). Since the payout device (51, 52) is operated while counting the number, the game medals are paid out excessively after the payout device counts up until the payout device (51, 52) stops operating. Can be prevented.

In addition, the medal insertion and payout control device (9) can immediately receive the detection signal of the payout detection device (54), so even if the operating speed of the payout device (51, 52) is increased, the game medal payout can be confirmed sufficiently It is possible to speed up the medal payout.
(Claim 2)
The invention described in claim 2 is characterized by the following points in addition to the features of the invention described in claim 1 described above.
That is, in the invention according to claim 2, the medal insertion / dispensing device (5) includes an operation detecting device for detecting an operation of the payout device (51, 52), and the medal insertion / dispensing control device (9). If the operation detecting device detects the operation of the payout device (51, 52) even though the payout request signal is not received from the game control device (7), the payout device (51, 52) The operation of 52) is stopped, and an error signal is output to the game control device (7).

The present invention makes it possible to prevent a so-called fraudulent act called hopper goto, in which a payout device (51, 52) malfunctions to take out a game medal illegally.
Here, the “operation detecting device” is only required to be able to detect that the payout device (51, 52) is operating, that is, that a game medal is being sent out. For example, each coaxial of the hopper motor (52) This includes a rotation detection sensor capable of detecting the rotation and a payout detection device (54) according to claim 1. That is, the “operation detection device” may be provided separately from the payout detection device (54), or the payout detection device (54) may be regarded as the “operation detection device”.

(Function)
According to the present invention, the operation of the payout device (51, 52) can be stopped instantaneously after the medal insertion / payout control device (9) detects an error. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gaming medals from being excessively paid out between the occurrence of the error and the time when the payout device (51, 52) is stopped. In addition, when the `` operation detection device '' detects the operation of the payout device (51, 52) but the payout detection device (54) does not detect the payout of the game medal, the storage unit ( 50) becomes empty, and it can be confirmed that some abnormality including goto has occurred in the payout detection device (54).

The medal insertion / payout control device (9) outputs an error signal to the game control device (7) after detecting an error (for example, after stopping the operation of the payout device (51, 52)). It may be formed. The game control device (7) that has input an error signal from the medal insertion / dispensing control device (9) causes the predetermined error display section (35) to display an error or invalidates the operation of the operation means for playing the game. The game can be interrupted.
(Claim 3)
The invention described in claim 3 is characterized by the following points in addition to the characteristics of the invention described in claim 1 or 2.

That is, in the invention according to claim 3, the medal insertion / dispensing control device (9) receives an output signal from the game control device (7) and a detection signal from the medal detection device (48), and When the medal acceptability of the machine is determined, and when the gaming machine is in the medal acceptable state, and the detection signal of the medal detection device (48) is received, the signal is counted and stored, and the game A medal insertion signal is output to the control device (7), and when the gaming machine is in an unacceptable state, the cancel device (47) is operated.
Here, the “medal accepting state” is a state in which the gaming machine does not correspond to a predetermined medal unacceptable condition, and a game in which a game can be performed by inserting an appropriate game medal It is the state of the machine. On the other hand, the “medal unacceptable state” refers to a case where the state of the gaming machine corresponds to a predetermined medal unacceptable condition. This is the case when it exceeds the limit, during rotation of the rotating reel (20), or during the payout of a winning medal. The case where the medal detection device (48) detects an inappropriate game medal (for example, a game medal having a different diameter) is also included in the “medal unacceptable state”.

(Function)
In the present invention, the medal insertion / dispensing control device (9) can instantly count the number of inserted coins after receiving the detection signal of the medal detection device (48) and instantaneously after detecting the medal unacceptable state. The cancel device (47) can be operated. Therefore, a game medal in which the inserted medal is transferred to the storage unit (50) without being canceled by the cancel device (47) after the medal unacceptability is detected and before the cancel device (47) is actually operated. Can be prevented. Furthermore, since no stagnation of game medals occurs, it is possible to increase the flow rate of game medals passing through the medal detection device (48). As a result, a quick medal insertion and a quick game can be performed.

  The medal insertion / payout control device (9) may be configured to output a medal unacceptable signal to the game control device (7) when the cancel device (47) is operated. The “medal unacceptable signal” can be an error signal output when the medal detection device (48) detects an inappropriate game medal, and the medal insertion / dispensing control device (9) The input game control device (7) can interrupt the game by causing the predetermined error display section (35) to display an error or invalidating the operation of the operation means for performing the game. .

  Since this invention is comprised as mentioned above, there exist the following effects. That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine that can collectively manage medal insertion, storage, and payout and that can increase the medal payout speed without excessively paying out game medals from the hopper. Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 2, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of dealing with a so-called hopper goto. According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the medal insertion speed can be increased without causing medal encroachment, and a quick game can be performed. A gaming machine capable of being provided can be provided.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a slot machine as an example.
(Explanation of drawings)
1 to 9 show an embodiment of the present invention.
1 is an external front view of the slot machine, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine with the front door open, FIG. 3 is a front view of the medal selector, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the medal selector, and FIG. FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 are diagrams showing the operation flow of the slot machine.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the input and output of the conventional slot machine, and FIGS. 11 to 14 show the flow of operation of the conventional slot machine.

(Slot machine 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 has a box-shaped housing 10, and a front door 3 that can close and lock the front opening of the housing 10 is attached to the front surface of the housing 10. Yes. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, a reel unit 2 having a rotating reel 20, a control device 6 for controlling the entire operation of the slot machine 1, and a main power source of the slot machine 1 are provided inside the housing 10. A power supply unit 4 for turning on / off the game machine and a selector hopper unit 5 for sorting out, storing and paying out game medals are incorporated.
As shown in FIG. 2, the reel unit 2 includes three rotary reels 20 having a plurality of symbols (not shown) displayed on the surface, and three reels for individually rotating the rotary reels 20. A motor 21 is provided. Each rotary reel 20 is rotatably supported by a drive shaft of each reel motor 21, and each reel motor 21 is fixed to a frame that can support them. The frame is detachably formed on the housing 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front door 3 is a plate-like door in which a symbol display window 11 through which the symbols of the three rotary reels 20 can be seen is formed. It is detachably attached. The front door 3 may be divided into an upper door that can close the upper opening of the housing 10 and a lower door that can close the lower opening of the housing 10. Below the symbol display window 11 and substantially at the center of the front door 3 is a counter-like operation portion provided with operation means for operating the slot machine 1. Further, a medal discharge port 18 for discharging a payout medal or a refund medal and a lower plate 12 for storing medals discharged from the medal discharge port 18 are formed at the lower part of the front door 3. In addition, an effect display unit 30 for providing an effect is provided around the symbol display window 11. The effect display unit 30 includes a lamp 31 that blinks at the time of winning a prize, and an image display unit 33 that displays various images as the game progresses using a liquid crystal display device or the like.

As the operation unit, on the front side, a start switch 15 for starting the rotation of the rotary reel 20, a stop switch 16 provided corresponding to each rotary reel 20 for stopping the rotation of the rotary reel 20, On the upper left side, a bet switch 14 for replacing medals stored as credits with medals and a settlement switch 17 for paying back credit medals are provided. A medal insertion slot 13 for inserting a game medal is formed in the substantially central part of the operation unit.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a speaker 32 as an effect display unit 30 for outputting various sounds is provided above the rear surface of the front door 3. Also, below the center of the rear surface of the front door 3, a medal guiding path 70 for guiding game medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 13 to the selector hopper unit 5, and a cancel medal or payout medal to the medal discharge opening 18. A discharge passage 60 for guiding is provided.

  Here, the discharge passage 60 has a payout opening 61 that opens to the back side (inner side of the casing when the door is closed) and a cancel opening 62 that opens upward. When it is closed, it matches a medal discharge port 53 of the selector hopper unit 5 described later. Then, the game medals discharged from the medal discharge port 53 are discharged from the medal payout port 18 of the slot machine 1 through the payout opening 61. On the other hand, the cancellation opening 62 can accept game medals that are canceled from the bottom of the medal selector 40 described later. Then, the canceled medal falls inside the discharge passage 60 and is discharged from the medal payout port 18.

In the illustrated example, the medal insertion slot 13 is positioned at the center of the operation unit. This is because the game medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 13 are transferred to the selector hopper unit 5 at the shortest distance. Because it is convenient. When the medal slot 13 is installed at the right end of the operation unit as in the conventional slot machine, the medal guide path 70 may be formed obliquely from the right end of the front door 3 to the center.
As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 6 is arranged at the bottom of the selector hopper unit 5 and the main CPU 7 disposed above the reel unit 2, the sub CPU 8 disposed on the side of the reel unit 2. A hopper CPU 9 is provided. The main CPU 7 may be formed so as to be detachable from the housing 10 integrally with the reel unit 2. For example, it may be attached to the frame of the reel unit 2. In addition to the main CPU 7, the sub CPU 8 may be attached to the frame of the reel unit 2.

Also, as shown in FIG. 1, below the symbol display window 11, a credit display unit 34 for displaying the number of credit medals and a notification when a predetermined error occurs in the slot machine 1 are displayed. The error display unit 35 is provided. Note that the error display unit 35 may be configured to display other displays other than the time of an error, for example, a display related to a game such as the number of games.
Here, the credit is to store game medals inserted from the medal slot 13 or game medals to be paid out by winning, and the slot machine 1 can be credited up to a maximum of 50. Has been. Specifically, when a game medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 13 or a winning combination with medal payout is won, the display of the credit display unit 34 is added, and when the bet switch 14 is operated, the display is subtracted. It has become. When the display on the credit display unit 34 becomes “50”, the inserted medals thereafter are canceled by the medal selector 40 which will be described later and paid back to the medal tray 12, and the payout medals by winning a prize are sent from the selector hopper unit 5 to the medal tray 12. To be paid out.

In the slot machine 1, the operation of the start switch 15 becomes valid on the condition that the betting switch 14 is operated when a gaming medal is inserted or the gaming medal is credited. 20 starts rotating all at once. Then, each rotary reel 20 is stopped by operating the stop switch 16, and when the symbols visible from the symbol display window 11 when all the rotary reels 20 are stopped are in a predetermined winning mode, a prize is awarded. It is formed so that medals can be paid out or advantageous games can be started.
In addition, the slot machine 1 removes at least the reel unit 2, the main CPU 7 and the front door 3 from the housing 10 and replaces them with new ones in the game hall, whereby the housing 10, the power supply unit 4, and the selector hopper unit 5 are replaced. The game content can be changed while leaving the game room unattended.

(Selector hopper unit 5)
As shown in FIG. 2, the selector hopper unit 5 is a medal insertion / dispensing device installed at the lower part of the opening of the housing 10, and includes a medal tank 50 that opens upward and can store game medals, A delivery disk 51 provided at the bottom and a hopper motor 52 for rotating the delivery disk 51 are provided. Further, in the present embodiment, a medal selector 40 for detecting and selecting game medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 13 is integrally formed on the front side of the medal tank 50.
The delivery disc 51 has a plurality of medal holes into which game medals stored in the medal tank 50 can be inserted one by one, and is formed to rotate in a substantially horizontal direction by driving a hopper motor 52. ing. Then, by rotating the feed disc 51, the game medals inserted into the medal holes are discharged one by one from the medal discharge port 53 provided on the front side of the selector hopper unit 5. In addition, the medal discharge port 53 is provided with a payout sensor 54 for detecting a game medal to be discharged.

  The payout sensor 54 is a payout detection device that can detect a payout medal, and also functions as an operation detection device that confirms the operation of the feed disc 51 and the hopper motor 52. Accordingly, when the payout sensor 54 detects the payout of medals even though the settlement switch 17 is not operated and no winning is made (no winning payout signal is output from the main CPU), the hopper motor 52 is detected. Can be determined to be malfunctioning. However, with this alone, for example, by inserting a wire or the like through the medal payout port 18 into the medal discharge port 53 of the selector hopper unit 5 and leaving the payout sensor 54 incapable of sensing, the excessive medals are paid out from the hopper. Unable to deal with fraudulent acts.

Therefore, although not particularly illustrated, it is preferable that a rotation detection sensor is provided in the vicinity of the drive shaft of the hopper motor 52 and the feeding disc 51 so as to detect the drive of the hopper motor 52. If the hopper motor 52 is driven even though the payout sensor 54 has not detected a game medal, the hopper is idle (including the case where the stored medal in the medal tank 50 is lost), or the payout sensor described above. It is possible to determine that there is a malfunction of 54 and stop the driving of the hopper motor 52 and display a predetermined error.
The drive control of the hopper motor 52 as described above is performed by a hopper CPU provided in the selector hopper unit 5, which will be described later.

(Medal selector 40)
As shown in FIG. 1, the medal selector 40 is a box-like member provided below the medal insertion slot 13. When the front door 3 is closed, the medal selector 40 is located between the medal guiding path 70 and the discharge path 60. It arrange | positions so that it may be located in.
Inside the medal selector 40, as shown in FIG. 3, a medal passage 43 for guiding game medals is formed. A medal receiving port 43A is formed on the upper surface of the medal selector 40 to receive game medals inserted from the medal insertion port 13 and transferred through the medal guiding path 70. A medal outlet 43B for discharging the passed game medals to the medal tank 50 is provided. A blocker device 47 and a medal sensor 48 are provided between the medal receiving port 43A and the medal outlet 43B.

As shown in FIG. 4, the medal passage 43 is formed in the gap between the base portion 41 and the cover portion 42 constituting the medal selector 40. The medal passage 43 is bent so as to guide the game medal received at the medal receiving port 43A to the side, and forms a downward slope toward the medal outlet 43B. The game medals transferred from the medal outlet 43B are transferred to the medal tank 50 through the communication passage.
The blocker device 47 is a game medal cancellation device for preventing the game medals inside the medal selector 40 from being transferred to the medal tank 50. As shown in FIG. 4, the blocker device 47 has a solenoid 45 and a protruding claw 46 called a blocker. When the solenoid 45 is de-energized, the game medals can pass through the medal passage 43 without the protruding claws 46 protruding from the surface of the medal passage 43 as shown in FIG. However, when the slot machine 1 is not in a state where the medal can be accepted, such as when a credit or an improper medal is detected, the solenoid 45 is energized and the projecting claw 46 projects from the surface of the medal passage 43 as shown in FIG. Let Since the blocker device 47 is located upstream of the medal sensor 48 to be described later, the game medal is repelled from the medal passage 43 before being detected by the medal sensor 48, and the base portion 41 and the cover portion 42 are It falls from the opening 44 formed on the lower side. The game medal that has dropped from the opening 44 is discharged from the medal payout port 18 through the cancellation opening 62 of the discharge passage 60 and returned to the lower plate 12.

The medal sensor 48 is a light shielding sensor having a plurality of detection units, and is provided at a position where the upper end of the game medal transferred through the medal passage 43 crosses. Then, by monitoring whether a plurality of detection units are detected in a predetermined order or whether the detection interval is within a preset allowable range of detection data, an appropriate game medal is normally transferred Can be monitored.
The inserted medals are monitored and the blocker device 47 is operated by a hopper CPU 9 provided in the selector hopper unit 5 as described below.
(Control device 6)
The control device 6 includes three CPUs: a main CPU 7, a sub CPU 8, and a hopper CPU 9. The main CPU 7 is mainly for controlling a game, and the sub CPU 8 is mainly for controlling an effect associated with the game in response to an output signal from the main CPU 7. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the main CPU 7 and the sub CPU 8 are provided separately, but may be formed integrally. The hopper CPU 9 is for controlling the insertion, storage, and payout of game medals. The main CPU 7 and the sub CPU 8 are one-way from the main CPU 7 to the sub CPU 8, but the main CPU 7 and the hopper CPU 9 can communicate with each other.

(Main CPU 7)
As shown in FIG. 5, a bet switch 14, a start switch 15, and a stop switch 16 are connected to the input stage of the main CPU 7, and a reel motor 21, an error display section 35, and a credit display section are connected to the output stage. 34 is connected. Further, although not shown in particular, the main CPU 7 is a winning lottery means for performing a lottery for determining whether or not to win, a reel control means for controlling the driving of the reel motor 21, an error display section 35, and a credit display section. It has at least display control means for causing 34 to perform a predetermined display.
The main CPU 7 receives the operation signal of the start switch 15 to drive the reel motor 21 and receives the operation signal of the stop switch 16 to stop the driving of the reel motor 21. At this time, predetermined pull-in and kick-off control is performed according to the lottery result of the winning lottery means and the operation timing of the stop switch 15. When all reel motors 21 are stopped and a predetermined payout combination (winning combination with medal payout) wins, first, the display of the credit display unit 34 is added, and when the credit is full, the hopper CPU 9 A payout / payout signal (payout request signal indicating the number of payouts) is output. In addition, the insertion signal from the hopper CPU 9 (the signal that the medal sensor 48 has detected a game medal) is received, the display of the credit display unit 34 is added and displayed, and the operation signal of the bet switch 14 or the adjustment switch 17 is operated. A payout signal from the hopper CPU 9 (a signal when the payout sensor 54 detects a game medal) is received, and the display on the credit display unit 34 is subtracted. Further, an error signal from the hopper CPU 9 is received, and a predetermined error display is performed on the error display unit 35.

(Hopper CPU9)
A medal sensor 48, a settlement switch 17, and a payout sensor 54 are connected to the input stage of the hopper CPU 9, and a blocker device 47 (specifically, a solenoid 45) and a hopper motor 52 are connected to the output stage. Yes. Although not specifically shown, the hopper CPU 9 includes a memory for storing input information, a counter for counting and storing input signals and payout signals, a blocker control means for operating the blocker device 47 of the medal selector 40, and a hopper motor. It has at least hopper control means for controlling the driving and stopping of 52.

  The hopper CPU 9 counts and stores the detection signal of the medal sensor 48 and outputs an insertion signal to the main CPU 7. When the count reaches the maximum credit value (50), the hopper CPU 9 turns off the solenoid 45 of the blocker device 47. Energize. As a result, the projecting claw 46 projects into the medal passage 43, and the game medal and the inserted medal in the medal selector 40 are canceled. Further, when a winning / dispensing signal is received from the main CPU or when an operation signal of the settlement switch 17 is received, game medals corresponding to the designated payout number or credits are stored in the selector hopper unit 5. The hopper motor 52 is driven while the detection signal of the payout sensor 54 is counted so as to be paid out from the hopper. Further, when the detection signal of the medal sensor 48 is abnormal, the blocker device 47 is activated and an error signal is output to the main CPU. Further, when the payout sensor 54 detects the medal payout even though the operation signal of the settlement switch 17 or the winning payout signal from the main CPU is not received, or the payout sensor 54 does not detect the medal payout. Regardless, when the rotation detection sensor detects the driving of the hopper motor 52, the hopper motor 52 is stopped and an error signal is output to the main CPU.

(Sub CPU8)
An effect display unit 30 is connected to the output stage of the sub CPU 8. The sub CPU 8 stores various effect data, and on the basis of various signals from the main CPU 7, the lamp 31 blinks, a sound is output from the speaker 32, and an image is displayed on the image display unit 33. .
(Operation of selector hopper unit 5)
Subsequently, control regarding medal insertion / storage / dispensing and error in the slot machine 1 having the above configuration will be described based on the flow of FIGS. 6 to 14 while comparing with control in the conventional slot machine.

  Here, the mechanical configuration of the conventional slot machine is the same as that of the slot machine 1 in the present embodiment. The medal selector 40 may be integrated with the selector hopper unit 5 or may be provided separately. As shown in FIG. 9, the control device 6 of the conventional slot machine has a bet switch 14, a start switch 15, a stop switch 16, a medal sensor 48, a settlement switch 17, and a payout sensor 54 at the input stage of the main CPU 7. The reel motor 21, the error display unit 35, the credit display unit 34, the blocker device 47, and the hopper motor 52 are connected to the output stage. In other words, in the conventional slot machine, the main CPU also performs all the control related to medal insertion / storage / dispensing.

(1) When a medal is inserted (conventional example)
FIG. 11 shows the control when a medal is inserted in the conventional slot machine.
First, the medal sensor 48 detects a medal (S100) and outputs a medal sensor signal. This output signal arrives at the main CPU 7 via the harness (S101) (S102), and in response to this, the number of input sheets is counted and stored (S103). The count value is displayed on the credit display unit 34 (S104). In this way, there is a slight time loss from when the medal sensor 48 detects a inserted medal until the main CPU 7 counts the number of inserted medals, so the inside of the medal selector 40, that is, the medal passage 43 It was necessary to adjust the inclination and shape of the medal passage 43 so that the flow rate of game medals passing through the medals did not become too high.

(This embodiment)
On the other hand, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a medal is inserted, as shown in FIG. 6, the hopper CPU 9 directly receives the medal sensor signal of the medal sensor 48 without passing through the main CPU 7 (S10). The hopper CPU 9 counts and stores the number of inserted sheets (S11), and outputs a loading signal to the main CPU 7 (S12). This output signal reaches the main CPU 7 via the harness (S13), and the main CPU 7 that has received the insertion signal adds and displays the display of the credit display unit 34 (S14).
In this embodiment, since the hopper CPU 9 directly receives the medal sensor signal of the medal sensor 48 and there is no need to interpose a long harness between the medal selector 40 and the hopper CPU 9, the medal sensor 48 receives the game medal. After the detection, the counting can be performed instantaneously. For example, the inclination of the medal passage 43 is abruptly increased, and the flow speed of the game medal passing through the medal selector 40 can be increased. As a result, a quick medal insertion and a quick game can be performed.

(2) Credit excess (conventional example)
In the conventional slot machine, when the credit exceeds, as shown in FIG. 12, the main CPU 7 first detects the excess of credit (S200). Then, the main CPU 7 outputs a blocker signal to the medal selector 40 (S201). This output signal arrives at the blocker device 47 via the harness (S202), and the blocker device 47 is activated in response to this (S203). Thus, since the main CPU 7 detects a credit excess and before the blocker device 47 actually operates, a slight time loss occurs. There was a possibility that the medal tank 50 would be swallowed without being canceled at 47. Further, in order to avoid such stagnation of medals, it is necessary to adjust the inclination and shape of the medal passage 43 so that the flow speed of the game medals passing through the medal passage 43 does not become too high.

(This embodiment)
On the other hand, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the credit is exceeded, the hopper CPU 9 first detects this as shown in FIG. 7 (S20). Since the hopper CPU 9 has a credit counter, it can recognize the credit excess without receiving the credit excess signal from the main CPU 7. Then, the solenoid 45 of the blocker device 47 is operated under the control of the hopper CPU 9 (S21), and the inserted medal is canceled from the medal selector 40.
In this way, since the hopper CPU 9 directly operates the blocker device 47 and there is no need to interpose a long harness between the hopper CPU 9 and the medal selector 40, the blocker device 47 is operated instantaneously after detecting an excess of credit. It is possible to prevent the game medals from being swallowed as described above. Further, since the stagnation of game medals does not occur, for example, it is possible to increase the flow rate of game medals passing through the medal selector 40 by making the inclination of the medal passage 43 steep. As a result, a quick medal insertion and a quick game can be performed.

(3) When paying out medals (conventional example)
In the conventional slot machine, when paying out medals, the main CPU 7 first determines the number of payouts (S300), as shown in FIG. Then, the main CPU 7 outputs a hopper motor drive signal (a signal for starting to drive the hopper motor 52) to the selector hopper unit 5 (S301). This output signal arrives at the hopper motor 52 via the harness (S302). Upon receiving this, the hopper motor 52 starts to drive, and the payout sensor 54 detects a game medal paid out by driving the hopper motor 52. (S303). The payout detection signal is output to the main CPU 7 via the harness (S304). Then, upon receiving this payout detection signal, the main CPU 7 confirms that one game medal has been paid out from the selector hopper unit 5 (S305), and decrements the payout number counter by “1”. The process returns to step (S300). This routine is repeated until the payout number counter reaches “0”.

As described above, it takes a little time for the main CPU 7 to check the payout number, and it takes a little time until the hopper motor 52 actually stops driving after checking the payout number counter “0”. Since a large loss occurs, there is a possibility that several game medals will be excessively paid out until the hopper motor 52 stops.
(This embodiment)
On the other hand, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when paying out medals, the main CPU 7 first outputs a payout number signal to the hopper CPU 9 as shown in FIG. 8 (S30). This signal arrives at the hopper CPU 9 via the harness (S31). The control of the hopper CPU 9 that has received the payout number signal counts the detection signal of the payout sensor 54 while driving the hopper motor 52 (S32). When the count value reaches the payout number, the hopper motor 52 is stopped. Thus, since the hopper CPU 9 directly drives the hopper motor 52 and there is no need to interpose a long harness between the hopper CPU 9 and the selector hopper unit 5, the medal detection signal of the payout sensor 54 can be received instantaneously, Further, when the count value of the medal detection signal reaches the number of payouts, the hopper motor 52 can be instantaneously stopped.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive payout of game medals as described above and to immediately recognize the detection of the payout sensor 54. Therefore, even if the payout speed of game medals from the selector hopper unit 5 is increased (hopper motor (Even if the driving speed of 52 is increased), there is no problem in detection, and the medal payout can be speeded up.
(4) When an error occurs (Conventional example)
In the conventional slot machine, when an error occurs regarding medal insertion or withdrawal, as shown in FIG. 14, first, the main CPU 7 detects an error and causes the error display unit 35 to display a predetermined error (S400). ). Error detection detects that the medal detection signal of the medal sensor 48 is different from a preset appropriate detection pattern or that the hopper motor 52 is operating even though no payout signal is output. Is done. Then, the main CPU 7 outputs a blocker signal (a signal for operating the blocker device 47) or a hopper motor stop signal (a signal for stopping driving of the hopper motor 52) to the medal selector 40 or the selector hopper unit 5. (S401). This output signal arrives at the blocker device 47 or the hopper motor 52 via the harness (S402), and the blocker device 47 is actuated in response to this and the hopper motor 52 stops driving (S403).

In this way, there is a slight time loss between when the main CPU 7 detects an error and when the blocker device 47 actually operates or when the hopper motor 52 stops driving. If the game medals are swallowed into the medal tank 50 without being canceled by the blocker device 47, or if the hopper motor 52 malfunctions and the medals are paid out, the number of times until the hopper motor 52 stops There is a possibility that a situation occurs in which the game medals are paid out illegally.
(This embodiment)
On the other hand, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the above error occurs, the hopper CPU 9 first detects this without passing through the main CPU 7 as shown in FIG. 9 (S40). ). A specific example of detection is as described above. Then, under the control of the hopper CPU 9, the solenoid 45 of the blocker device 47 is operated to cancel the medal from the medal selector 40, or the driving of the hopper motor 52 is stopped to cancel the medal payout (S41). Thereafter, the hopper CPU 9 outputs an error signal to the main CPU 7 (S42), and this signal arrives at the main CPU 7 via the harness (S43). The main CPU 7 that has received the error signal confirms the occurrence of the error and causes the error display unit 35 to display a predetermined error (S44). The game is interrupted when the main CPU 7 confirms the error. For example, the operation of the bet switch 14 and the start switch 15 becomes invalid.

Thus, since the hopper CPU 9 directly receives the error signal and the hopper CPU 9 directly operates the cancel device 47 or directly stops the hopper motor 52, the hopper CPU 9, the medal selector 40, and the selector hopper unit 5 Since there is no need to interpose a long harness between the two, the blocker device 47 is operated or the hopper motor 52 is driven instantaneously after the error is detected, that is, before the main CPU 7 detects the error and stops the game. Can be stopped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned game medals from being swallowed or illegally paid out.
Thus, according to the present embodiment, a device for storing and paying out game medals (medal tank 50, delivery disk 51, hopper motor 52) and medal selector 40 are integrally formed to form a selector hopper unit. 5 and a hopper CPU 9 provided in the selector hopper unit 5 performs control related to medal insertion / storage / dispensing. Accordingly, the capacity that can be used for game control can be increased by using the CPU of the same capacity, and the hopper CPU that is not involved in the game content is left in the case 10 even when the table is replaced due to so-called replacement. Can be left. In addition, in the conventional slot machine, the medal selector is provided on the front door, so when replacing the stand, when replacing the front door with the housing 10 installed, the medal selector attached to the back of the front door is also I was supposed to replace it. However, according to the present embodiment, the medal selector 40 can be left in the casing 10 together with the selector hopper unit 5. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the cost of table replacement and to provide a slot machine with excellent recyclability.

In addition, it is possible to prevent the medal selector 40 from swallowing the game medals and the selector hopper unit 5 to pay out excessively. Further, by eliminating these problems, the medal selector 40 can speed up the transfer of medals. Or the medal payout speed in the selector hopper unit 5 can be increased. This makes it possible for a player to play a game quickly and efficiently, so that stress does not accumulate, and for a game hall, the turnover rate of customers increases, leading to an increase in profits.
In the present embodiment, the display control of the credit display unit 34 and the error display unit 35 is performed by the main CPU 7, but the display control may be performed by the hopper CPU 9. Further, although the operation signal of the settlement switch 17 is configured to be output to the hopper CPU 9, the main CPU 7 receives the operation signal of the settlement switch 17, and the operation signal is output from the main CPU 7 to the hopper CPU 9. You may make it do.

  It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to gaming machines other than slot machines.

FIG. 4 is an external front view of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention with the front door opened. 1 is a schematic front view of a medal selector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a medal selector according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an input, output and control device of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing medal insertion control according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a flowchart which shows medal storage control. 5 is a flowchart showing medal payout control according to the embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing error control according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the input, output, and control apparatus of the conventional slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the conventional medal insertion control. It is a flowchart which shows the conventional medal storage control. It is a flowchart which shows the conventional medal payout control. It is a flowchart which shows the conventional error control.

Explanation of symbols

1 Slot machine 2 Reel unit 3 Front door 4 Power supply unit 5 Selector hopper unit (medal insertion / dispensing device)
6 Control Device 7 Main CPU (Game Control Device) 8 Sub CPU
9 Hopper CPU (medal insertion and withdrawal control device)
10 Housing 11 Symbol display window
12 Lower plate (medal payout section) 13 Medal slot
14 Bet switch 15 Start switch
16 Stop switch 17 Checkout switch
18 Medal payout slot (medal payout part)
20 reel 21 reel motor
30 Production display section 31 Lamp
32 Speaker 33 Image display
34 Credit display 35 Error display
40 Medal selector 41 Base
42 Cover part 43 Medal passage
43A Medal outlet 43B Medal exit
44 Opening 45 Solenoid
46 Protruding claw 47 Blocker device (cancellation device)
48 Medal sensor (medal detection device)
50 Medal tank (reservoir) 51 Delivery disk (dispensing device)
52 Hopper motor (dispensing device) 53 Medal outlet
54 Dispensing sensor (dispensing detector / operation detector)
60 Discharge passage 61 Discharge opening
62 Cancellation opening 70 Medal taxiway

Claims (3)

A medal slot for inserting game medals inside the gaming machine, a medal payout section for paying out game medals inside the gaming machine, and a game control device for controlling the game, and from the medal slot In a gaming machine in which a game medal is inserted and a game is played, and the game medal is paid out from the medal payout opening by winning,
A storage unit for storing game medals inserted from the medal insertion port, a medal detection device for detecting a game medal provided in a medal transfer path from the medal insertion port to the storage unit, and insertion A cancel device for discharging the played game medals to the medal payout unit before being detected by the medal detection device, and a payout device for paying out the game medals stored in the storage unit to the medal payout unit And a medal insertion / payout device having at least a payout detection device for detecting a game medal paid out by the payout device,
The medal insertion / payout device includes a medal insertion / payout control device for directly receiving signals from the game control device, the medal detection device, and the payout detection device and directly controlling the operation of the cancellation device and the payout device. Provided,
This medal insertion and withdrawal control device
When a payout request signal is received from the game control device, the number of payout requests is stored, the payout device is operated while counting the detection signal of the payout detection device, and the count value is stored in the stored value. A gaming machine characterized in that when it reaches, the operation of the payout device is stopped. The medal insertion / payout device includes an operation detection device for detecting the operation of the payout device,
The medal insertion / payout control device includes:
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the payout device is stopped when the operation of the payout device is detected even though the payout request signal is not received from the game control device. The medal insertion / payout control device includes:
Receiving an output signal from the gaming control device and a detection signal from the medal detection device, determining whether or not the gaming machine can accept a medal;
When the game machine is in a state where a medal can be received, when the detection signal of the medal detection device is received, the signal is counted and stored, and a medal insertion signal is output to the game control device,
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the gaming machine is in a state where the medal cannot be accepted, the canceling device is operated.

Images