JP2008154663A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of evenly storing tokens in a tray. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes a hopper tank 40a for storing tokens 115; a discharging mechanism 40b for discharging the tokens 115 stored inside the hopper tank 40a to the outside; a discharging mechanism control circuit 41 for driving the discharging mechanism 40a; a token receiving part 16 with such a width that the tokens 115 can be stored in parallel; a token pathway 26 with a token outlet 15 of the same width as that of the token receiving part 16 for guiding the tokens discharged by the discharging mechanism 40b to the tray; and a plurality of projecting parts 27 disposed inside the token pathway 26 to be brought into contact with tokens 115 passing through the token pathway 26 to diversify the route of passage of tokens. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to, for example, a pachislot gaming device, a pachinko gaming device, and other gaming machines.

  A gaming machine, specifically a pachislot machine, pays out medals according to the game result. A lot of medals are paid out when a so-called bonus is determined, and in this case, the tray for storing the medals to be paid out becomes full immediately. For this reason, various inventions related to the tray have been proposed. For example, in Patent Document 1, the number of medals accumulated in the saucer is measured, and the player is notified that the number of medals accumulated in the saucer has increased to some extent, thereby prompting the player to take out medals from the saucer. A gaming machine that can be used is disclosed. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the accumulation of medals in the vicinity of the medal payout exit and reduce the clogging of medals inside the medal payout exit.

JP 2006-116209 A

  However, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, the size of the medal payout outlet for discharging medals to the tray is small with respect to the tray, and medals are concentrated and paid out at one place of the tray. And since a medal does not roll unlike a ball | bowl, once it is discharged to a saucer, it does not move so much. For this reason, it is necessary for the player to receive the medals that are concentrated in one place on the entire plate, so that the player is not particularly troublesome. In addition, the crowded medals are heavier than expected, and it is hoped that players such as women wearing ornaments can save the above-mentioned troubles because the ornaments are damaged.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to propose a gaming machine that can evenly store medals in a tray.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a hopper tank that stores medals, a discharge mechanism that discharges medals stored in the hopper tank to the outside, a drive unit that drives the discharge mechanism, and medals in a parallel state. A medal passage having a width that can be stored in the medal passage, an outlet having a width substantially equal to the width of the saucer, guiding the medal discharged by the discharge mechanism to the receiving tray, and protruding in the medal passage. And a plurality of protrusions that come into contact with a medal passing through and change the medal passage route.

  According to this configuration, the exit of the medal passage for guiding the discharged medal to the receiving tray has substantially the same width as the receiving tray, and the protrusion is provided in the middle of the medal passage. As a result, the medals are not discharged from the same location by the protrusion, and the medals are discharged in a concentrated manner on a part of the tray, so that the exit is blocked by the medals and the medals are not discharged. The problem may be reduced.

  Further, according to the present invention, the protrusion is provided at least near both ends of the outlet, and the protrusion position where the medal contacts and the reference position where the medal does not contact can be moved forward and backward, and the protrusion moves forward and backward. A projecting part control means, a medal amount measuring means for measuring the amount of medals stored in the vicinity of both ends of the tray, and a medal amount comparing means for comparing the measured medal quantities, respectively. The protrusion provided near the end of the tray with the smaller medal amount is moved forward and backward to the reference position, and the protrusion provided near the other end is moved forward and backward.

  According to this configuration, the amount of medals stored in the vicinity of both ends of the tray is measured, the protrusion is moved forward and backward, and the protrusion is moved forward and backward based on the amount of medals. That is, by measuring the amount of medals, it is possible to grasp whether or not the medals are discharged to any end of the tray and the medals can be discharged to the opposite end. Thereby, there are cases where medals can be discharged evenly over the entire tray.

  A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

(Composition of gaming machine)
The gaming machine according to the above-described embodiment is a so-called “pachi-slot machine”, and a game is performed so that a specific winning mode is established based on the symbols displayed by stopping the variable display of a plurality of symbols on the winning line. The change display can be stopped by detecting the user's operation. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is played using a game medium having a shape that is difficult to roll, such as coins and medals. In the following description, explanation will be made using medals as game media.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the gaming machine 1. A liquid crystal display device 5 is installed in front of the cabinet 2 forming the entire gaming machine 1. As will be described later, the liquid crystal display device 5 is configured so that a plurality of symbols on the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5 can be visually recognized. It is possible to display. In this embodiment, the case where the liquid crystal display device 5 is provided on the front surface of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R will be described. However, in the present invention, the position where the liquid crystal display device 5 is provided is particularly limited. It is not something. The liquid crystal display device 5 will be described in detail later.

  On the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5, three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided as variable display means. Each of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R has a symbol row formed of a plurality of symbols on its outer peripheral surface. The symbol row consists of a plurality of types of symbols with code numbers “00” to “20”. Specifically, it consists of the symbols “Red 7”, “Blue 7”, “Lower Chile”, “Bell”, “Watermelon”, “Replay”, and “Upper Chile”. Each reel rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rpm). “Red 7” and “Blue 7” in the symbol sequence are set as constituting a specific winning mode. Here, the specific winning mode means a winning mode in which a bonus of BB (big bonus) or RB (regular bonus) described later is established.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are nine in total in the vertical direction, three symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R through the liquid crystal display device 5 from the front of the cabinet 2. The design is visible. In addition, five pay lines are set corresponding to the stop positions of the nine symbols that can be visually recognized. That is, a top line 8b, a center line 8c, and a bottom line 8d that horizontally traverse three symbols arranged in the vertical direction are provided, and a cross down line 8a and a cross up line 8e that traverse diagonally.

  By operating a 1-BET button 11 and a maximum BET button 12, which will be described later, or by inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 22, one winning line is provided (only the center line 8c). When two bets are made (the 1-BET button 11 is operated (pressed) twice or two medals are inserted), three (in addition to the center line 8c, the center line 8b, the bottom line 8d), the maximum number (this embodiment) In the case of 3 bets), 5 (3 cross-line 8a and cross-up line 8e) are activated in addition to 3 (2 bets). The winning lines 8a to 8e are related to success or failure of the winning combination. Specifically, the winning combination of the predetermined combination is established by stopping and displaying the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined combination in a predetermined position corresponding to any activated winning line. Will be. In the following description, the activated winning line may be referred to as an activated line.

  On the rear side of the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5 are a game start display lamp 25, a hit display lamp (so-called “WIN lamp”) 17, a medal insertion lamp 24, a 1-BET lamp 9a, a 2-BET lamp 9b, and a maximum BET lamp. Various lamps 9c and various display units such as a payout number display unit 18, a credit display unit 19, and an accessory operation (bonus) number display unit 20 are provided (see FIG. 3). These lamps and the display unit can also be visually recognized from the front of the cabinet 2 through the liquid crystal display device 5 in the same manner as the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are lit according to the number of medals (hereinafter, also referred to as BET number) bet to play one game (unit game). Note that one game ends when all reels are stopped, or when medals are paid out, when medals are paid out.

  The WIN lamp 17 is turned on with a predetermined probability when BB or RB is internally won, and is also turned on when a BB or RB winning is established. The internal winning means that the CPU 31 draws a winning combination that can be established, and the winning combination that is won internally is called an internal winning combination, which will be described in detail later. The medal insertion lamp 24 blinks when the medal insertion is acceptable. The game start display lamp 25 is lit when at least one of the pay lines 8a to 8e is activated.

  The payout number display unit 18 displays the number of payout medals at the time the winning is established, the credit display unit 19 displays the number of stored medals, and the bonus number display unit 20 displays the RB. The number of possible games and the number of possible RB game winnings are displayed. These display units consist of a 7-segment display.

  A pedestal portion 10 having a horizontal plane is formed below the liquid crystal display device 5. A medal slot 22 is provided on the right side of the pedestal portion 10, and a 1-BET button 11 is provided on the left side of the pedestal portion 10. And a maximum BET button 12 is provided. The 1-BET button 11 makes one of the credited medals bet on the game by one pressing operation, and two of the credited medals by two pressing operations. The number of bets on the game. The maximum BET button 12 sets the maximum number of bets that can be bet on one game (three in this embodiment) to be bet on the game. By operating the BET buttons 11 and 12, the above-described pay lines 8a to 8e are activated.

  A stored medal settlement button 14 (hereinafter referred to as a C / P button 14) is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal unit 10 to switch credit / payout of medals acquired by the player by a push operation. When “payout” is selected by switching the C / P button 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 provided in the lower front portion, and the paid out medals 115 are stored in the medal receiving unit 16. It is done. On the other hand, when “credit” is selected, the number of medals is stored as credits in a memory (for example, a RAM 33 described later) provided in the gaming machine 1.

  The medal receiving portion 16 has a bottom surface 16a and a side surface 16b that form a space with an open top. In FIG. 1, a part of the side surface 16b is notched for convenience of explanation. The space is wide in the width direction of the gaming machine 1, and a plurality of medals 115 can be stored in a parallel state. The medal receiving unit 16 is provided so as to receive the medal 115 discharged from the medal payout opening 15 in the space. The bottom surface 16a that forms the bottom surface of the space of the medal receiving portion 16 is inclined downward from both ends toward the center so that the medal 115 discharged to the end portion of the medal receiving portion 16 slides down to the center. Yes.

  Further, weight sensors 16c for measuring the weight of the medal 115 (hereinafter, the left side of the gaming machine is a weight sensor (L) and the right side is a weight sensor (R)) are provided at both ends of the bottom surface 16a. By measuring the weights of the medals at both ends of the bottom surface 16a by the weight sensor 16c, it is possible to determine which side the medals 115 in the medal receiving unit 16 are stored in a biased direction. The protrusion 27 described later is controlled based on the measurement result by the weight sensor 16c. Note that a pressure sensor or the like may be used instead of the weight sensor 16c in order to grasp the amount of medals in the medal receiving unit 16.

  In addition, the medal payout opening 15 is connected to the hopper device 40 through the medal passage 26. As shown in FIG. 2, the hopper device 40 is provided below the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and includes a hopper tank 40a that stores medals 115 and a discharge mechanism 40b that discharges the stored medals 115. Yes. The discharge mechanism 40 has a drive motor inside, and when a drive signal is received from a discharge mechanism drive circuit 41 described later, the drive motor is driven to discharge a predetermined number of medals 115 one by one. It is configured to discharge from 40c.

  The medal passage 26 is a passage that guides the medal 115 discharged from the hopper device 40 to the medal payout outlet 15. The outlet 26b is larger than the inlet 26a that is in parallel with the outlet 26b, and the inlet 26a is changed to the outlet 26b. The side surface of the passage is widened toward the left and right. The inlet 26 a overlaps with the discharge nozzle 40 c, and the outlet 26 b forms the medal payout outlet 15. The outlet 26 b, that is, the medal payout outlet 15 is formed so as to have substantially the same width as the medal receiving portion 16.

  Further, in the vicinity of the outlet 26b of the medal passage 26, three columnar projections 27 are projected. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the three protrusions 27 are parallel to the outlet 26 b, near both ends, and substantially in the center (hereinafter, the left side is the protrusion (L), and the right side is the protrusion (R). , The center is provided in the protrusion (C). When the medal 115 heading from the entrance 26a to the exit 26b comes into contact with the protruding portion 27, the passage route of the medal passing through the medal passage 26 is changed as indicated by the arrow in the round frame in FIG. Thereby, it is reduced that the medal 115 is discharged from the same location of the outlet 26b.

  The protrusion 27 is provided so as to move forward and backward between the protruding position and the non-projecting position. The protruding position is a position protruding into the medal passage 26 so as to come into contact with the medal 115 passing through the medal passage 26 as shown by a dotted line in FIGS. Further, the non-projecting position is a position where the upper surface of the protrusion 27 and the passage surface of the medal passage 26 are the same so as not to contact the medal 115 passing through the medal passage 26 (the solid line in the frame of FIG. 1). ). That is, when the protruding portion 27 is in the non-projecting position, the medal 115 passing through the medal passage 26 does not come into contact with the protruding portion 27 and the passage route is not changed. On the other hand, when the protruding portion 27 is in the protruding position, the medal 115 collides with the protruding portion 27 as shown by the dotted arrow in the frame of FIG.

  The protrusion 27 is controlled based on the measurement result of the weight sensor 16c described above. As will be described in detail later, for example, when the left end portion of the medal receiving portion 16 has a medal weight larger than that of the right end portion, the medal 115 may be stored in a biased manner on the left end portion of the medal receiving portion 16. Is expensive. For this reason, by setting the projection (L) 27 to the projecting position and the projection (R) 27 to the non-projecting position, the medal 115 is not easily ejected from the left end of the outlet 26b, and is easily ejected from the right end. To do. Thereby, the medals 115 can be evenly stored in the entire medal receiving unit 16.

  A start lever 6 for rotating the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R by a player's operation is attached to the right side of the C / P button 14 so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angular range. Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3R, and 3C are provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal portion 10, respectively.

  Speakers 21L and 21R are provided on the left and right above the cabinet 2, and a payout table panel 23 is provided between the two speakers 21L and 21R to display a combination of winning symbols and the number of medals. ing. In addition, an LED lamp 29 is provided above the speakers 21L and 21R and the payout table panel 23, and blinks or the like in accordance with an effect corresponding to the gaming state.

  Here, the structure of the liquid crystal display device 5 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the liquid crystal display device 5 includes a front panel 51 composed of a protective glass 52 and a display plate 53, a transparent liquid crystal panel 54, a light guide plate 55, a reflective film 56, a so-called white light source fluorescent lamp. 57a / 57b, 58a / 58b, lamp holders 59a to 59h, and a table carrier package (TCP) on which an IC for driving a transparent liquid crystal panel is mounted. TCP is a flexible substrate connected to a terminal portion of the transparent liquid crystal panel 54 (Not shown). As described above, the liquid crystal display device 5 is provided in front of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Further, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 5 are provided with a predetermined interval.

  The protective glass 52 and the display board 53 are comprised with the transparent member. On the display board 53, a pattern or the like is formed at a position corresponding to the above-described BET lamps 9a to 9c. That is, the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 53 is formed is the pattern formation area 51b of the front panel 51, and the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 53 is not formed is the display window 51a of the front panel 51. (See FIG. 3). The entire surface of the front panel 51 may be used as the display window 51a without forming the pattern forming region 51b on the front panel 51. In this case, a pattern is not formed on the display board 53 or the display board 53 may be omitted. Note that various lamps arranged on the back side of the display plate 53, electric circuits for operating various display units, and the like are not shown.

  The transparent liquid crystal panel 54 is formed by sealing liquid crystal in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate. The display mode of the transparent liquid crystal panel 54 is set to normally white. The normally white is a configuration in which white display is performed (light transmitted to the display surface side is visible from the outside) in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven. By adopting a normally white transparent liquid crystal panel 54, even if there is a situation where the liquid crystal cannot be driven, the identification information such as symbols displayed on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R The variable display and the stop display can be visually recognized, and the game can be continued. That is, even when such a situation occurs, it is possible to play a game centering on the variable display mode and stop display mode of the identification information (for example, symbols) displayed on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The light guide plate 55 is used to guide the light from the fluorescent lamps 57a and 57b to the transparent liquid crystal panel 54 (illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 54), and is provided on the back side of the transparent liquid crystal panel 54. It is composed of a transparent member (having a light guiding function) such as an acrylic resin having a thickness.

  The reflective film 56 is, for example, a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film formed with a silver vapor deposition film, and reflects the light introduced into the light guide plate 35 toward the front side of the light guide plate 55. The reflective film 56 includes a reflective area 56A and a non-reflective area (transmissive area) 56B.

  The fluorescent lamps 57 a and 57 b are arranged along the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the light guide plate 55, and both ends are supported by the lamp holder 59. The light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 57 a and 57 b is reflected by the reflection area 56 </ b> A of the reflection film 56 to illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 54.

  The fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b are disposed toward the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at an upper position and a lower position on the back side of the reflection film 56, respectively. The light coming out of the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b, reflected by the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and incident on the non-reflective area 56B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 54.

  As described above, in the liquid crystal display device 5, the light irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 57a and 57b and reflected by the reflection area 56A of the reflective film 56 and the light irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b, the surface of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The light reflected and incident on the non-reflective region 56B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 54. Therefore, the region of the liquid crystal display device 5 corresponding to the non-reflective region 56B of the reflective film 56 is a region that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state depending on whether or not the liquid crystal is driven. The reflective region 56A of the reflective film 56 The region of the liquid crystal display device corresponding to is in a non-transparent state regardless of whether or not the liquid crystal is driven.

  In the gaming machine 1, only a part of the area of the liquid crystal display device 5 is an area that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state. However, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device is entirely transparent. / A region that switches to a non-transparent state may be used. In this case, in the gaming machine 1, when the entire area of the liquid crystal display device 5 is an area that switches to the transmissive state or the non-transmissive state, the reflective film 56 may be all the non-reflective area 56 </ b> B or the reflective film 56 may be omitted. .

(Electric configuration of gaming machine: main control circuit)
As shown in FIG. 6, the operation of the gaming machine 1 is controlled by a main control circuit 71 provided on the main board and a sub control circuit 72 provided on the sub board. The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 that are main board side storage means.

  Connected to the CPU 31 are a clock pulse generation circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 for generating a random number to be sampled. The random number generator 36 generates random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range. The sampling circuit 37 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. The CPU 31 determines an internal winning combination based on the random numbers sampled by the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 32.

  As a means for random number sampling, random number sampling may be executed in the microcomputer 30, that is, on the operation program of the CPU 31. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  The main actuators whose operation is controlled by the control signal from the microcomputer 30 include various lamps (BET lamps 9a, 9b, 9c, WIN lamp 17, medal insertion lamp 24, game start display lamp 25), Display unit (payout number display unit 18, credit display unit 19, bonus number display unit 20) and a discharge mechanism of the above-described hopper device 40 that stores medals and pays out a predetermined number of medals in response to a command from the discharge mechanism drive circuit 41. 40b and stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R that rotationally drive the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  Further, a motor drive circuit 39 for driving and controlling the stepping motors 49L, 49C and 49R, a discharge mechanism drive circuit 41 for driving and controlling the discharge mechanism 40b, a lamp drive circuit 45 for driving and controlling various lamps, and a display for driving and controlling various display units. A part drive circuit 48 and a projecting part drive circuit 42 that controls driving of the three projecting parts 27 are connected to the output part of the CPU 31 via the I / O port 38. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 31, and controls the operation of each actuator.

  The main control circuit 71 is connected to input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for generating a control command. Main input signal generating means include a start switch 6S, a 1-BET switch 11S, a maximum BET switch 12S, a C / P switch 14S, a reel stop signal circuit 46, a reel position detection circuit 47, a payout completion signal circuit 44, and a measurement circuit. There are 43. These are also connected to the CPU 31 via the I / O port 38.

  The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6. The reel stop signal circuit 46 generates a stop signal in accordance with the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. The reel position detection circuit 47 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and supplies a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 44 generates a signal for detecting the completion of the medal payout when the count value of the medal detection unit 40S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper device 40) reaches the designated number data. The measurement circuit 43 receives measurement data from the two weight sensors 16c, and outputs a result of comparing the two data to the CPU 31.

  Various information is temporarily stored in the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71. For example, the game state being executed, the number of inserted medals, and the like are stored. On the other hand, the ROM 32 of the main control circuit 71 determines the reel stop mode according to the operation of the probability lottery table and stop button used for determination of random number sampling performed every time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation). Various data tables such as a stop table group for the purpose, various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the like are stored. The sub control circuit 72 controls the speakers 21L and 21R, the liquid crystal display device 5, and the LED lamp 29 based on the transmitted control command.

(Game state)
The gaming machine 1 configured as described above causes three types of game states to appear: “general game state”, “RB game state”, and “BB general game state”. Each of these “three types” of game states basically includes the types of roles that may be won internally, the probability of winning internally in replays, the types of bonuses that can be established and the internal winnings. It is distinguished by the relationship with winning a prize.

  The “general gaming state” basically means a gaming state in which an expected value of a so-called “participation rate” (a valuable value given to a player with respect to a unit valuable value bet on a game) is smaller than “1”. This is a gaming state that is most disadvantageous for the player as compared to other gaming states.

  The “BB general gaming state” is generated when the BB is won internally and the BB is won in the “general gaming state”. The BB winning is established by arranging “red 7-red 7-red 7” or “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” along the active line in the “general gaming state”. The “BB general gaming state” ends when 30 small-games or 3 RBs (regular bonus) are consumed. The “BB general gaming state” may be ended when the payout of a predetermined number of medals is completed.

  The “RB gaming state” has a higher expected value of the payout rate than the “general gaming state”, and is the most advantageous gaming state for the player as compared to other gaming states. The “RB gaming state” is generated when an RB (regular bonus) is won in the “general gaming state” or the “BB general gaming state”. The RB winning is established by arranging “red 7-red 7-blue 7” along the active line in the general gaming state or the BB general gaming state. The establishment of RB winning in the “BB general gaming state” is generally referred to as “JACIN”, and the subsequent game is referred to as “JAC game”. The transition between the game states is performed when a combination of bonus symbols is displayed on the winning line.

(Pattern combination and number of payouts)
Next, a description will be given of the relationship between the gaming state, the symbol combination indicating the winning and the number of medals paid out. In the general gaming state, “BB”, “RB”, “Replay”, “Watermelon Minor”, “Bell Minor”, “Upper Chile Minor” and “Lower Chile Minor” There is a possibility of winning a prize. “BB” is established by arranging “red 7-red 7-red 7” or “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” along the effective line. “RB” is established by arranging “red 7-red 7-blue 7” along the active line. The payout number of these medals is “0”. Further, “replay” is established by arranging “Replay-Replay-Replay”. When a re-game winning is established, the same number of medals as the number of inserted medals are automatically inserted, so that the player can play the next game without consuming the medals. In the case of watermelon, bell, upper chile and lower chile, six, ten, six and six medals are paid out, respectively.

  In the BB general gaming state, there is a possibility of winning “RB”, “Watermelon Minor”, “Bell Minor”, “Upper Chile Minor” and “Lower Chile Minor”. In the RB gaming state, there is a possibility of winning a small role of “re-game”, “watermelon”, “bell”, and “upper / lower chile”. In the case of watermelons, bells, and upper and lower chiles, six, ten, and six medals are paid out, respectively.

(Operation of the main control circuit 71)
With the above configuration, the control operation of the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to the flowchart of the main routine shown in FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 performs initialization at the start of the game (A1). Specifically, initialization of the storage contents of the RAM 33, initialization of communication data, and the like are performed. Subsequently, the predetermined stored contents of the RAM 33 at the end of the game are erased (A2). Specifically, the data in the writable area of the RAM 33 used for the previous game is erased, the parameters necessary for the next game are written in the write area of the RAM 33, the start address of the sequence program for the next game, etc. I do. Next, the CPU 31 stands by until there is an input from the inserted medal sensor 22S or the BET switches 11S and 12S (A3). Thereafter, a medal insertion signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and it is determined whether or not the start switch 6S is turned on by operating the start lever 6 (A4).

  When the start switch 6S is not turned on (A4: NO), the process waits for input by repeating A4. When the start switch 6S is turned on (A4: YES), the game start signal is sub-controlled. Along with transmitting to the circuit 72, a random number for lottery is extracted (A5). And the game state in this game is confirmed by performing a game state monitoring process (A6). That is, the game state of the current game is set to any one of the BB general game state, the RB game state, and the general game state.

  Then, a probability lottery process is performed (A7), and an internal winning combination is determined. Subsequently, stop table group selection processing is executed (A8). Specifically, a specific stop table group is selected using the type of internal winning combination. The stop table group is used when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped in A10 later. Here, a game information signal including information related to the internal winning combination, gaming state, stop table group, and symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. Subsequently, a reel rotation process is performed (A9). Specifically, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated, and when a predetermined speed (for example, constant speed rotation) is reached, a reel stop permission signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. The reel stop permission signal includes a detection signal that is detected when the symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination is positioned on the effective line (specifically, the center line 8c) after the predetermined speed is reached. included.

  Next, a reel rotation stop process is executed (A10). That is, the sliding frame number determination process for determining the number of sliding frames is performed at the timing when any one of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R is operated or when the value of the automatic stop timer becomes “0”. Specifically, the number of sliding symbols is determined based on the stop table, stop operation position, and stop control position determined (selected) in A9. “The number of sliding symbols” is the number of symbols that move until the reel stops after the stop button is operated (shows the amount of movement (movement distance) of the symbol until the reel stops) . In the present embodiment, the “slip frame number” is “0”. That is, the reels are stopped simultaneously with the operation of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. Subsequently, the reel corresponding to the stop button for which the stop operation has been performed is rotated by the number of sliding frames and then stopped. Note that a reel stop signal (left, middle, right) is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 every time the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is operated and the corresponding reel stops. Further, when all reels are stopped, an all reel stop signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72.

  Next, the CPU 31 makes a winning determination (A11). In the winning determination, a winning combination (a winning combination) is identified based on a stop pattern of nine symbols of the reel that can be visually recognized through the transmissive liquid crystal panel 54. Specifically, a winning combination is identified based on a code number of symbols arranged along the center line 8c and a winning determination table. Then, the winning signal is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72. Thereafter, the acquired medal is credited or paid out (A12). Specifically, when a medal is acquired by winning, the payout number display unit 18 displays the acquired number of medals. Then, by switching the C / P button 14 by the player, it is possible to select whether to credit the acquired medal into the gaming machine 1 or pay out the medal from the medal payout exit 15. The credited medal can bet by pressing the BET buttons 11 and 12 in the next game. When it is determined that the winning combination is BB or RB, the BB or RB gaming state is generated.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is “BB general gaming state” or “RB gaming state” (A13). If the gaming state is not “BB general gaming state” or “RB gaming state” (A13: NO), the process returns to A2. When the gaming state is “BB general gaming state” or “RB gaming state” (A13: YES), a “game number check process” of bonus (BB, RB) is performed (A14). In this “game number check process”, the number of times the RB gaming state has occurred, the number of games in the BB general gaming state, the number of winnings in the RB gaming state, and the number of games in the RB gaming state are checked, and the BB general gaming state and RB Transition (set) of gaming state between gaming states is performed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the bonus is over (A15). Specifically, after the BB winning is established, whether the number of wins is 8 or the number of games is 12 in the third RB gaming state, or is the number of games is 30 in the BB general gaming state Determine whether or not. In addition, after “RB7-Red 7-Blue 7” is arranged along the active line, after the RB winning is established, whether or not the number of winnings is 8 times or the number of games is 12 times in the RB gaming state. Is determined. As a result, when it is determined that the bonus is not finished (A15: NO), the process returns to A2. On the other hand, if it is determined that the bonus has ended (A15: YES), a bonus end signal is output to the sub-control circuit 72 (A16), and the process returns to A2.

(Protrusion control processing routine)
Further, the CPU 31 executes a processing routine shown in FIG. 8 in parallel with the main routine.

  First, it is determined whether or not a weight measurement result has been received from the measurement circuit 42 (B1). If not received (B1: NO), this routine is terminated. When received (B1: YES), it is determined whether the received result indicates that the medal weights of the left end and the right end of the medal receiving unit 16 are the same (B2). If they are the same (B2: YES), it is determined that the medals 115 are evenly ejected to the medal receiving portion 16, and all three projecting portions 27 are moved forward and backward to the projecting position (B3). Specifically, a signal is output to the protrusion control circuit 42, and the protrusion control circuit 42 controls the protrusion 27. Thereafter, this routine is terminated.

  When the medal weights of the left end and the right end are not the same (B2: NO), it is determined whether or not the right end is larger than the left end (B4). When the medal weight is larger at the right end than at the left end (B4: YES), the protrusion (L) 27 is moved forward and backward to the non-projecting position and the protrusion (R) 27 is moved to the protruding position (B5). At this time, the protrusion (C) 27 may be moved back and forth to the protruding position, or may be moved back and forth to the non-projecting position. Thereafter, this routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the medal weight is not larger at the right end than at the left end (B4: NO), the protrusion (R) 27 is moved forward and backward to the non-projecting position and the protrusion (L) 27 is moved to the protruding position (B6). . At this time, the protrusion (C) 27 may be moved back and forth to the protruding position, or may be moved back and forth to the non-projecting position. Thereafter, this routine is terminated.

  In this way, the storage position of the medal 115 in the medal receiving unit 16 can be determined based on the medal weight, and the discharge position from the medal payout opening 15 can be changed. Thereby, it is possible to eliminate the trouble that the player voluntarily concentrates the medal 115 concentrated in one place on the entire medal receiving unit 16.

(Outline of this embodiment)
As described above, the present embodiment includes a hopper tank (hopper tank 40a) that stores medals (medals 115), and a discharge mechanism (discharge mechanism 40b) that discharges medals stored in the hopper tank to the outside. A drive unit (discharge mechanism drive circuit 41) for driving the discharge mechanism, a tray (medal receiving unit 16) having a width capable of storing medals in a parallel state, and an outlet (exit 26b) having a width substantially equal to the width of the tray. And a medal passage (medal passage 26) that guides the medal discharged by the discharge mechanism to the receiving tray, and protrudes in the medal passage, and changes to a medal passage route in contact with the medal passing through the medal passage. And a plurality of projecting portions (projecting portions 27).

  According to this configuration, the exit of the medal passage for guiding the discharged medal to the receiving tray has substantially the same width as the receiving tray, and the protrusion is provided in the middle of the medal passage. As a result, the medals are not discharged from the same location by the protrusion, and the medals are discharged in a concentrated manner on a part of the tray, so that the exit is blocked by the medals and the medals are not discharged. The problem may be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the protrusion is provided at least near both ends of the outlet, and a protruding position where the medal contacts and a reference position (non-projecting position) where the medal does not contact are provided so as to be able to move forward and backward. Projection control means (CPU 31, projection drive circuit 42, etc.) for moving the projection forward and backward, and medal amount measurement means (weight sensor 16c, etc.) for measuring the amount of medals stored in the vicinity of both ends of the tray. And a medal amount comparison means (measuring circuit 43, etc.) for comparing the measured medal amounts, and the protrusion control means sets the protrusion provided near the end of the tray with the smaller medal amount as a reference position. The protrusion provided near one end is configured to advance and retract to the protruding position.

  According to this configuration, the amount of medals stored in the vicinity of both ends of the tray is measured, the protrusion is moved forward and backward, and the protrusion is moved forward and backward based on the amount of medals. That is, by measuring the amount of medals, it is possible to grasp whether or not the medals are discharged to any end of the tray and the medals can be discharged to the opposite end. Thereby, there are cases where medals can be discharged evenly over the entire tray.

(Modification)
The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but only specific examples have been illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited. Specific configurations and the like can be appropriately changed in design. Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention only list the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to what was done.

  For example, the protrusion 27 may advance and retract in order after a predetermined time has elapsed, or may advance and retract in order each time the medal 115 is ejected from the hopper 40. Further, the protrusions 27 may be randomly arranged, and the number of the protrusions 27 is not limited to three. Further, the protrusion 27 may be moved forward and backward by the player himself / herself judging the status of the medal 115 and operating the button by the player.

  Further, although weight sensors are provided at both ends of the medal receiving portion 16, a weight sensor is also provided near the center of the medal receiving portion 16, and the protrusion 27 is moved forward and backward based on the three sensors. Also good. Further, in the processing routine of FIG. 8, the protrusion (C) 27 may be moved forward and backward to the protruding position or may be advanced and retracted to the non-projecting position, but depending on the measurement result of the weight sensor. You may make it move forward and backward. For example, if the result of the weight sensor determined to be larger is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that more medals 115 are stored, and the protrusion (C) 27 is moved forward and backward to the protruding position. , It may be more difficult to eject to a place where it is determined that many medals 115 are stored.

  Furthermore, the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment may include the following configuration in addition to or in addition to the configuration in the above-described embodiment.

  That is, the gaming machine has a game value providing means for providing a player with a game value when a predetermined game result is displayed, and an internal winning combination for determining a predetermined combination as an internal winning combination based on a game start command signal. Specific to the determination means, the stop control means for displaying the winning mode on the variation display means based on the internal winning combination, the effect display control means for displaying the effect mode related to the game on the effect display means, and the game result display means Before the game result is displayed, the notice display control means for displaying the notice mode on the notice display means that the specific game result may be displayed, and the specific game result is displayed on the game result display means. Prior to display, a notice display control means for displaying a notice mode on the notice display means that a specific game result is displayed, a display control means for controlling display of the game result display means, and a game result display means Is a display stop command means provided at a position where the player can operate to output a stop command signal for stopping the variable display of part or all of the variable display means, and an internal winning combination determining means for a predetermined unit game. Internal winning combination carry-over means to carry over a specific combination determined as an internal winning combination as an internal winning combination in the next unit game, and a specific to store and store a specific combination determined by the internal winning combination determination means as an internal winning combination There may be provided at least one combination accumulating unit and at least one accumulated specific combination winning unit that uses a specific combination stored and stored by the specific combination storing unit as an internal winning combination.

  Here, the above-mentioned “game result display means” includes a change display means, an effect display means, a notice display means, and the like. They may be separate display devices, or may be predetermined display units (sprites, 3D objects having different depths) provided in a single display device. Further, they may be displayed in an overlapping manner. Furthermore, one or more sounds, 1 or more lights, 1 or more colors, 1 or more images, 1 or more odors, etc., one or more feels (vibration, pressure) The player may be notified by a plurality or all of them.

  The “game value giving means” includes advantageous state generating means such as a program for giving (paying out) game values (coins), and also includes payout of award media, recording on a magnetic card, and game score addition.

  The “display control means” includes a stop control means, an effect display control means, a notification display control means, and the like. It may be provided on a single substrate, may be provided on a plurality of separate substrates, or the stop control means may be provided on the same substrate as the internal winning combination determining means. Furthermore, the effect display control means and the notification display control means may be provided on a separate board from the internal winning combination determining means. (It may be a separate body.)

  The “variable display means” displays a still image, a moving image, and the like, and is composed of one or a plurality of symbol display units that display a moving display using a reel or a disk, and variably display or stop a plurality of types of symbols. . For example, a pachislot machine or video slot symbol, a pachinko special symbol, a sound diagram, a judgment symbol, or the like is displayed. Moreover, what is necessary is just to display a specific winning mode as a game result.

  The “display stop command means” may output a signal for stopping one, a plurality, or all of the variable display, such as an effect display means, a fluctuation display means, a notice display means, etc. One may be provided corresponding to the part (the display part is a symbol display part or the like). Alternatively, a plurality of display units may be provided corresponding to one display unit (the display unit is a symbol display unit or the like).

  The “advantageous state generating means” may be anything as long as it continues to be advantageous to the player during a plurality of game units. For example, a program for performing generation determination, continuation determination, midway end determination, generation, continuation, end, and the like. The “internal winning combination determining means” includes an internal winning combination lottery means, an internal winning combination carry over means, a specific combination accumulating means, an accumulated specific combination winning means, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the “game machine” includes a pachinko machine, a pachislot machine, a video slot, and the like. The “game result” includes a winning mode, a losing mode, a production mode, a notification mode, and the like. The “specific winning mode” includes a specific symbol display (“3”, “7”, etc.), a specific symbol combination display (“777”, “776”, etc.), and a specific symbol among a plurality of symbols. It is included (upper dust, big dust, etc.).

  The “disappearance mode” includes modes other than the winning mode displayed on the variation display means, the production mode, the notification mode, and the like. The “predetermined game result” includes a winning mode and the like. “Direction mode” is a mode in which waiting for customers, during game, between games, winning (front, middle, rear), advantageous state (front, middle, rear), etc., or their game information (game guidance) Including the notification mode and other modes, characters such as “big hit”, “bonus”, “out”, and the number of continuations of the advantageous state are also included.

  The “notice mode” includes a mode for notifying a player that a predetermined internal winning combination or a specific internal winning combination may be determined, a mode for notifying a player, and a production mode thereof. . “Do n’t you? ","bell? ], "A big hit win? ], “Bonus winning? ], "Game procedure navigation function win? ”Etc. are also included. The “notification mode” is a mode in which the player is notified that a predetermined internal winning combination or a specific internal winning combination has been determined, or a predetermined internal winning combination or a specific internal winning combination is not determined. This includes a mode for notifying the player of this, and a production mode. “Big hit confirmed”, “Bonus confirmed”, “Outgoed confirmed”, “Bell confirmed”, “Game procedure navigation function win? ”Etc. are also included.

  “Aspect” includes one or more symbol (moving / still) images, one or more character (moving / still) images, one or more background (moving / still) images, one or more balloons (moving / still) ) Image, one or more characters, one figure, predetermined operation of one or more movable objects, etc. One or more lamps are lit, blinking, etc. One or more speaker sounds are included. “Game information” includes game concept (background), game rules, operation explanation, reach eyes, chance eyes, explanation of roles / replays, explanation of advantageous states (BB, RB, etc.), advantageous states (BB, RB, etc.) , Probability, number of games elapsed since a predetermined time (bonus, BB, RB, predetermined operation, etc.).

  The “game start command means” includes a start lever, a switch such as a spin button, a game medium input, a symbol start port (gate), and the like. The “display stop command means” includes a button, a lever, a program (time measuring means), and the like. “Design display means” includes CRT, LCD, plasma display, 7-segment display, dot matrix, lamp, LED, fluorescent lamp, EL, electronic paper, flexible LED, flexible liquid crystal, liquid crystal projector, reel, disk, movable object, etc. including. The thing with which they were provided in plural, the thing with which they were combined, etc. are included.

  The “internal winning combination” includes one or more combinations determined as an internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determining means from a plurality of combinations. The “winning combination” includes a combination in which a winning mode corresponding to the internal winning combination is displayed. “Game value” includes payout of award media (coins, medals, game balls), game result storage media (predetermined writing to a magnetic card, etc., replay, score addition, occurrence of advantageous state, etc.) (Prize medium) ”includes coins, medals, game balls, money, banknotes, magnetic cards, and the like.

  In addition, one or more of the following may be applied as a combination in a pachislot or the like. A single bonus or internal winning combination in which the probability that the small winning combination is determined to be an internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determining means is high for only one unit game (1 game). Regular bonus that determines the chance that the small role will be determined as an internal winning combination only during multiple unit games, and the probability that the internal winning combination determination means determines the regular bonus as an internal winning combination only during multiple unit games An internal winning combination navigating function for notifying information regarding the big bonus having a high probability and the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means before the operation of the display stop command means by the player. A push order navigating function for notifying information related to the stop pattern selected by the stop pattern selecting means before the player operates the display stop command means. A game procedure navigation function for notifying a game procedure that is advantageous to a player.

  For example, the internal winning combination navigating function described above is a reel stop pattern (for example, the first left reel is first notified before the left, middle, and right reel stop buttons corresponding to the left reel, middle reel, and right reel are stopped. , Then stop the middle reel, and finally stop the right reel, similarly left reel stop → right reel stop → middle reel stop pattern, middle reel stop → right reel stop → left reel stop pattern, 6 types of left reel stop → left reel stop → right reel stop pattern, right reel stop → left reel stop → middle reel stop pattern, right reel stop → middle reel stop → left reel stop pattern, etc.) In addition, a reel stop navigating function or the like in which a predetermined winning mode is obtained in the fluctuation display means by stopping the right reel stop button is included. The reel stop navigation function is a predetermined time (for example, first, second, third, etc.) without navigating the stop order of all reels (including image display means for variably displaying symbols other than reels). It also includes a navigation function for notifying the player of the reel to be stopped. In addition, the variable display means may include a predetermined winning mode when the reel is stopped in a state where a predetermined symbol is displayed on the reel to be stopped a predetermined time. Also included is a function for stopping a symbol with a minimum movement (or a substantially minimum fluctuation) from an output of a stop command signal from a display stop command means by a player, and a replay that can start a game of one unit game without inserting a game medium.

  In addition, one unit game may be applied to one of the following, for example. From the output of the game start command signal from the game start command means to the display of the game result. From the operation of the start lever until the game result is displayed on the fluctuation display means (predetermined display means). From the operation of the start lever until a specific display (for example, specific character information, a specific character, a specific image) is displayed on a predetermined display means. It is configured to output a game start command signal when the bet button is operated by the player, or when the game medal is inserted by the player, etc., and the change display means from the operation of the bet button or the insertion of the game medal Until the game result is displayed. It is configured to output a game start command signal when the bet button is operated by the player, or when a game medal is inserted by the player, etc., and a predetermined display is made from the operation of the bet button or insertion of the game medal. Until a specific display is displayed on the means. From the time when the symbol starting means for outputting the game start command signal detects winning or passing of a game medium (for example, a game ball) until the game result is displayed on the fluctuation display means (predetermined display means). A specific display (for example, specific character information, specific character, specific image) is displayed on the predetermined display means after the symbol starting means for outputting the game start command signal detects winning or passing of the game medium. Until. In addition, a plurality of unit games of continuous or intermittent multiple times may be applied to the plurality of unit games.

The perspective view of the game machine of embodiment. The internal block diagram which open | released the front surface of the gaming machine. The front view of the liquid crystal display device of a game machine. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of a liquid crystal display device. It is an expanded view of a part structure of a liquid crystal display device. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electric circuit of an Example. The figure which shows the flowchart of a main routine. The figure which shows the flowchart of a protrusion part control processing routine.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Cabinet 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 5 Liquid crystal display device 6 Start lever 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 10 Base part 15 Medal payout opening 16 Medal receiving part 21L, 21R Speaker 22 Medal insertion slot 40 Hopper device 40a Hopper tank 40b Discharge mechanism 40c Discharge nozzle

Claims (2)

A hopper tank for storing medals,
A discharge mechanism for discharging the medals stored in the hopper tank to the outside;
A drive unit for driving the discharge mechanism;
A tray having a width capable of storing the medals in a parallel state;
A medal passage having an outlet having a width substantially equal to the width of the tray, and guiding the medals discharged by the discharge mechanism to the tray;
A gaming machine, comprising: a plurality of protrusions that project from the medal passage and that change the medal passage route by contacting the medal passing through the medal passage. The protrusion is provided at least near both ends of the outlet, and is provided so as to be capable of moving forward and backward between a protruding position where the medal contacts and a reference position where the medal does not contact,
A protrusion control means for moving the protrusion forward and backward;
Medal amount measuring means for respectively measuring the amount of medals stored in the vicinity of both ends of the tray;
A medal amount comparing means for comparing the measured medal amounts;
The protrusion control means is
A gaming machine, wherein a protrusion provided near the end of the tray with a smaller medal amount is moved forward and backward to a reference position and a protrusion provided near the other end is moved to a protruding position.

Images