JP2008194234A - Game machine, and method and program for determining shortage of remaining tokens of game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a game property by enabling a player guess a set value through announcement of a hopper empty error while the player cannot normally know the content of the set value which determines the probability of a jackpot. <P>SOLUTION: A slot machine is provided with a plurality of stored token amount detecting sensors for individually detecting the amount of different stored tokens and a selecting section for selecting either one of the stored token amount detecting sensors based on the set value. The shortage of the amount of tokens stored inside the hopper tank is determined and the error is announced based on the output of the stored token amount detecting sensor selected by the selecting section. The timing of the hopper empty error changes in accordance with the set value. The player can guess the set value to a certain extent by observing the hopper empty error announcement. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, a medal remaining shortage determination method for a gaming machine, and a program.

  In game halls (halls) where gaming machines such as slot machines are installed, information management devices (hall computers) that can exchange information by connecting to these gaming machines are installed in the game halls, and games related to gaming machines In many cases, a game system is constructed in which signals are input to an information management device, and the input signals are collected and stored.

  For example, in the case of a slot machine, the signals relating to the game are, for example, a signal indicating that the mode has shifted to the BB (Big Bonus) mode or the RB (Regular Bonus) mode, a signal indicating that a medal has been inserted, and a signal indicating that a medal has been paid out. Etc. These signals are transmitted to the information management apparatus via a circuit board called an external concentration terminal board provided in the slot machine. As a result, the information management device can manage the status and information of each slot machine based on the signal output from the external concentrated terminal board.

  In such a slot machine, for example, a medal sensor for discriminating inserted medals and counting the number of medals is provided inside the medal selector, and when a medal is detected by the medal sensor, The detection time is monitored to determine whether or not the detection time is within a preset reference time. If a detection signal from the medal sensor is output for a reference time or more, it is determined that the token is jammed. And error display. In addition, a medal sensor is provided in the hopper device, the medal paid out by this medal sensor is detected, and when the detection time of the medal is longer than the monitoring time, it is determined that the medal is jammed and an error display is performed. . Patent Document 1 is a prior art that discloses selecting the monitoring time.

JP, 2005-58676, A The security of a gaming machine is improved by changing the monitoring level of a gaming machine suitably. The memory 32 of the slot machine 3 stores a monitoring program and table data including a set value n and a reference time Tn. When the setting value n of the security level is input by the information storage device 4, the setting value n is output to the slot machine 3 and stored in the RAM area of the memory 32. In the slot machine 3, a monitoring program is executed every predetermined time, and the corresponding reference time Tn is read by the stored set value n, and the reference time Tn is compared with the detection time T of the inserted medal sensor. Thus, it is determined whether or not the detection signal from the inserted medal sensor 34 is normal, and an error signal is output to the information management device 4 if abnormal.

  The slot machine includes a medal selector and a hopper device that pays out medals in accordance with winnings (the structure of the hopper device will be described in detail later). Conventional gaming machines are provided with a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of medals in the hopper tank, and an error is notified when the remaining amount of medals falls below a certain amount. In response to this error, a staff member opened the front door of the gaming machine and replenished the hopper tank with medals. Patent Document 2 discloses a prior art that discloses that a plurality of sensors for detecting the remaining amount of medals are provided so that the remaining amount of medals is not immediately short and a notification mode is switched according to an internal state of the gaming machine. .

JP, 2006-239038, A An appropriate amount of medals is notified when the remaining amount of medals is insufficient. In the slot machine, the shortage of stored medal amount in the hopper tank is reported in the first mode based on the output of the stored medal amount detection sensor, and the medal is replenished in the hopper tank based on the output of the stored medal amount detection sensor. Is detected based on the output of the stored medal amount detection sensor and the internal winning flag of the game, it is determined whether the stored medal amount is insufficient. Announces in a manner. In addition to clarifying the appropriate amount of medal replenishment by notifying the necessary medals, the player can be notified of the internal situation and have a sense of expectation.

  The slot machine basically pays out medals as prizes when the symbols are arranged, but whether or not the symbols are arranged depends on the result of a lottery by an internal computer. Various prizes, such as big bonuses, regular bonuses, and small roles, also follow the results of internal computer lottery. The content of the lottery process can be changed within a predetermined range (hereinafter, “setting change”), and the setting operation is performed by the store in a hall where a gaming machine is installed. For example, one of the setting values 1 to 6 is selected by changing the setting. These set values correspond to different lottery processes, and the jackpot probability also changes according to the set value.

  In the conventional gaming machine, the player cannot know the contents of the set value. This is because when the content of the set value is clarified, the player concentrates on an advantageous set value (for example, 6) slot machine.

  The player may experience the winning probability while repeating the game, and as a result, the player may be slightly aware of the contents of the set value. Even if this happens, there will be no particular unfairness among players and there will be no problem. However, in the conventional gaming machine, the player can only guess the set value from the amount of medals paid out.

  The present invention aims to improve gameability by providing a player with a new way of estimating the content of a set value. Specifically, the content of a set value can be estimated through a medal empty error. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can be used, a method for determining a lack of remaining medal for a gaming machine, and a program.

This invention performs an internal lottery based on a game operation by a player and a winning determination based on a result of the internal lottery, a game control unit that performs payout control of medals according to the winning, a hopper tank that stores medals, A hopper device that pays out medals stored in the hopper tank, a hopper empty error determination unit that determines whether the amount of stored medals in the hopper tank is insufficient, and a setting value related to the internal lottery according to a predetermined procedure, In a gaming machine comprising a setting change processing unit that outputs a setting value,
A plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors that detect different stored medal amounts, and a selection unit that selects one of the plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors based on the setting value output from the setting change processing unit. ,
The hopper empty error determination unit is configured to determine whether the amount of stored medal in the hopper tank is insufficient based on an output of the stored medal amount detection sensor selected by the selection unit.

  The selection unit selects a predetermined one of the plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors when the gaming machine is turned on, and the hopper empty error determination unit determines that the stored medal amount is insufficient. Alternatively, one of the plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors may be selected based on the setting value output from the setting change processing unit.

With a timer that outputs a signal in a predetermined time zone,
The selection unit selects one of the plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors based on the setting value output from the setting change processing unit only in the predetermined time period based on the output of the timer. You may do it.

This invention performs an internal lottery based on a game operation by a player and a winning determination based on a result of the internal lottery, a game control unit that performs payout control of medals according to the winning, a hopper tank that stores medals, A method for determining a shortage of remaining medals in a gaming machine comprising: a hopper device for paying out medals stored in the hopper tank; and a plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors for detecting different stored medal amounts, respectively.
Setting a set value for the internal lottery according to a predetermined procedure;
Selecting one of the plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors based on the set value;
Determining whether the amount of stored medals in the hopper tank is insufficient based on the output of the selected stored medal amount detection sensor.

The present invention relates to a program for causing a computer to execute the above method.
The program according to the present invention is recorded on a recording medium, for example.
Examples of the medium include EPROM devices, flash memory devices, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks, CDs (including CD-ROMs and Video-CDs), DVDs (DVD-Videos, DVD-ROMs, DVD-s). RAM), ROM cartridge, RAM memory cartridge with battery backup, flash memory cartridge, nonvolatile RAM cartridge, and the like.

  A medium is a medium in which information (mainly digital data, a program) is recorded by some physical means, and allows a processing device such as a computer or a dedicated processor to perform a predetermined function. is there.

  According to the present invention, by selecting a sensor that detects a hopper empty error based on a set value related to the internal lottery, the timing of the hopper empty error changes according to the set value, and the player can By observing the notification, it is possible to estimate the set value to some extent. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a setting inference element different from that of the existing model, and to increase the player's willingness to play.

Embodiment 1 of the Invention
A gaming machine (slot machine) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door closed, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door opened 180 degrees.

  1 and 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a slot machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 100 can be opened and closed by a hinge or the like on the slot machine main body 120 and one side of the front surface of the slot machine main body 120. And a front door 130 attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 1, a game display unit 131 is provided substantially in the center of the front door 130, and a medal insertion slot 132 for a player to insert medals is provided at the lower right corner of the game display unit 131. Provided below the medal slot 132 is a reject button 133 for forcibly ejecting a jammed medal inserted from the medal slot 132 to the outside of the slot machine 100.

  In addition, a start switch 134 for starting a game is provided at the lower left of the game display unit 131, and three stop switches 140 are provided corresponding to the three reels. A medal payout port 135 is provided at the center of the lower end of the front door.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine main body 120 is fixed to the inner bottom surface of the slot machine main body 120. A hopper device 2 for paying out the sheets one by one is installed. At the top of the hopper device 2, there is provided a hopper tank 1 that opens upward and stores a plurality of medals therein. An auxiliary tank 30 is provided adjacent to the hopper device 2. The auxiliary tank 30 is used to receive overflowing medals when a large amount of medals are stored in the hopper tank 1 and overflow.

  Inside the slot machine main body 120, a reel unit 203 including three rotating reels is installed at a position where the game display unit 131 comes when the front door 130 is closed. A power unit 205 is provided between the upper reel unit 203 of the hopper device 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a medal (coin) selector 123 is attached to the back side of the front door 130 on the back side of the medal slot 132 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. The medal selector 123 rolls the medal toward the hopper device 2 while detecting the passage of the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132, and has a different diameter medal or iron or iron with an outer diameter different from the predetermined dimension. This is an apparatus for selecting and removing illegal medals made of an alloy and selecting and eliminating a predetermined number or more of medals that can be inserted per game.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a lead-out path 136 that covers the lower side of the medal selector 123 and communicates with the payout port 135 of the front door 130 is provided. The medals distributed by the medal selector 123 are returned to the player from the payout port 135 through the derivation path 136.

  The payout port of the hopper device 2 communicates with the payout port 135, and medals paid out by the hopper device 2 are also sent out from the payout port 135 to the player.

  A player who wants to enjoy a game with a slot machine can first borrow a medal as a game medium from a medal lending machine (not shown) or the like, and insert a medal directly into the medal slot 132 of the medal slot device. A square window-like display window facing the player side is formed at the center and upper part of the casing of the slot machine. In the center of the central display window, a symbol display window through which the symbols of the three rotating reels can be seen is formed. The start switch 134 is a lever located obliquely below the rotating reel, and starts driving the reel unit on condition that a game medal is inserted. The reel unit 203 is stopped from driving by a stop switch 140. The reel unit 140 is composed of three rotating reels. Each rotating reel includes a rotating drum made of a synthetic resin and a tape-like reel tape attached around the rotating drum. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the invention.
In FIG. 3, reference numerals 200 and 201 denote a main board and a sub board, each incorporating a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The main board 200 performs management of the number of inserted medals, payout, reel rotation and stop control, winning process, and the like. The sub-board 201 performs processing such as effect display based on the winning process. An operation unit 202 includes switches such as a start switch 134, a stop switch 140, and a bet switch. A reel unit 203 includes three rotating reels. An effect display unit 204 includes a game display unit 131, internal illumination of a reel, a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, and the like. The effect display unit 204 notifies the winning combination and the pressing order obtained by the winning process. A power supply unit 205 supplies power to each unit.

  The hopper device 2 includes a medal payout sensor 43 for counting the number of payout medals, and a hopper motor 34 for rotating a rotating disk to pay out medals. The hopper motor 34 is controlled by a medal payout command (control signal) from the main board 200 (that is, outside the hopper device 2).

  The hopper tank 1 is provided with a stored medal amount detection sensor S10 (in the following description, including a plurality of sensors, but these may be collectively or one of them may be referred to as “sensor S10”). The sensor S10 includes a plurality of sensors that measure different stored medal amounts (details will be described later). A plurality of outputs from the sensor S10 are input to the medal payout sensor selection unit 200c of the main board 200. Here, one of the plurality of sensors is selected.

  The sensor S10 is for detecting the amount (number) of medals in the hopper tank 2. An electrical contact sensor can be used as the sensor S10.

  The electric contact sensor is a sensor in which a plurality (two) of metal bars are provided at a predetermined position (height) in the hopper tank 1, and when the medal is stored and reaches the position, the two metal bars Thus, it is possible to know that medals have been stored up to the predetermined position. One of the two metal bars can be provided at a predetermined position, and the other can be provided at the bottom of the hopper tank 1. If the amount (number) of medals when conducting is measured in advance, the amount (number) of medals in the hopper tank 1 can be detected by the electric contact sensor. In order to increase the measurement accuracy, it is preferable to provide a large number of electrical contact sensors.

  When a plurality of electrical contact sensors are provided, each stored medal amount detection sensor is provided at a different position (height) in the hopper tank 1. Accordingly, the plurality of electrical contact sensors measure (detect) different stored medal amounts.

  An output of the medal payout sensor 43 of the hopper device 2 is connected to the main board 200, and the number of medals paid out on the main board 200 is counted.

  The main board 200 is used to perform an internal lottery (internal operation) in response to the player's operation, and to perform processing such as reel rotation / stop and medal payout. The main board 200 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like. In the ROM of the main board 200, for example, a plurality of lottery tables (not shown) respectively corresponding to the setting values 1 to 6 are stored, and lottery processing is performed using the lottery tables corresponding to the setting values set by the setting change. Is done. The set value is for selecting one of a plurality of tables prepared in advance.

  The sub-board 201 is for receiving a command signal from the main board 200 and notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects. The sub-board 201 includes a CPU that performs a control operation in accordance with a preset program corresponding to the command signal, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results.

The slot machine basically pays out medals when symbols are arranged, but whether or not symbols are arranged depends on the result of a lottery by an internal computer. Also, various prizes such as a big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), and small role follow the result of the lottery by the internal computer. The lottery process can be set within a predetermined range (the probability of winning can be increased or decreased), and the setting operation is performed by the store in the hall where the slot machine is installed. A normal slot machine is preliminarily provided with a plurality of lottery tables (for example, six) having different lottery probabilities such as BB, RB, and small roles. In the slot machine lottery, one of the plurality of lottery tables is set, and the winning / losing determination by lottery is made based on the set lottery table. Changing the setting relating to which of a plurality of lottery tables is used is referred to as setting change.
As described above, the set values that can be set by changing the settings are, for example, 1 to 6. This value generally means that the jackpot probability increases as the value increases. That is, the probability of jackpot with setting value = 6 is larger than the probability of jackpot with setting value = 1. The “big hit” here is not one, but there are usually many types. In addition, there is a hit called a small role. “The probability of jackpot increases as the setting value increases” means not only the change in the probability of a specific jackpot, but also the change in the probability of the whole including a small role (hereinafter referred to as “jackpot etc.”) To include. The present invention can be applied to both.
In the following description (for example, FIG. 10 and the description thereof), the relationship of the medal payout amount per unit time according to the set values 1 to 6 will be described. For this purpose, the medal payout amount according to the set values 1 to 6 is described. It is easy to understand if the set value is associated with the medal payout amount per unit time by jackpot or the like instead of the jackpot probability by obtaining the expected value of. Specifically, the expected value can be obtained by calculating the product of each winning probability such as jackpot defined by each set value and the number of paid-out medals and adding them up. Since the setting value generally means that the probability of jackpot increases as the numerical value increases, the expected value generally increases as the numerical value increases. For example, (set value = expected value of 6)> (expected value of set value = 1). By obtaining an expected value for each set value, a single numerical value (medal payout amount per unit time) can be assigned to each set value, and handling becomes easy.
Note that the setting values 1 to 6 and their meanings (probability of jackpot, medal payout amount per unit time) exemplified in this specification are merely for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not limited to this. Needless to say.

  As described above, the main board 200 performs processing such as internal lottery, reel rotation / stop, and medal payout. In addition to this, the count of medals inserted into the medal selector 1 and the hopper device Processing such as determination of the amount of medals stored in 121 (a hopper medal empty error occurs when there are no medals) is performed. Of the processes performed by the main board 200, the game control unit 200a is shown in FIG. 3 for the sake of convenience, and the determination of the amount of the latter medals is performed for the purpose of performing the former internal lottery, reel rotation / stop, and medal payout. A hopper empty error determination unit 200b is shown as a unit that performs processing. Actually, the game control unit 200a and the hopper empty error determination unit 200b are realized by the CPU executing a program stored in the ROM of the main board 200 (this point will be described later in the medal payout sensor selection unit 200c and The same applies to the setting change processing unit 200d).

  The main board 200 further selects one of the plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors S10 according to the set values (1 to 6) of the internal setting, and selects a medal payout sensor that sends the output to the hopper empty error determination unit 200b. When the setting key switch 2054 and the setting key switch 2054 are turned on, a transition is made to a state for changing the setting related to the internal lottery, and the setting change / reset switch 2055 is pressed a predetermined number of times in that state. And a setting change processing unit 200d that changes the setting according to the procedure described above (refer to FIG. 8 and the description thereof to be described later for the setting key switch 2054 and the like). The setting value changed by the setting change processing unit 200d is stored there. The set value is sent to the game control unit 200a and the medal payout sensor selection unit 200c.

  4 is a front view (FIG. 4A), a right side view (FIG. 4B), and a top view (FIG. 4C) of the hopper device. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the hopper device on the hopper tank side, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the hopper device side of the hopper device.

  The illustrated hopper apparatus is roughly divided into a hopper tank 1 for storing medals M and a main body (hopper apparatus 2) for discharging medals M stored in the hopper tank 1 one by one.

  The hopper device 2 can be broadly divided into a hopper chassis 2a and a plurality of medals M, which are supported by the hopper chassis 2a so that the medals M dropped from the hopper tank 1 are inserted one by one from above. A rotating disk 3 having 3a and a hopper motor 34 for rotating the rotating disk 3 are provided. When the rotary disk 3 is rotated by the driving force of the hopper motor 34, the medal M dropped into the medal drop hole 3a is discharged from the medal discharge port X to the outside.

  A base plate 5 is obliquely attached to the upper part of the hopper chassis 2a. A hopper motor 34 is fixed to the base plate 5. The output shaft 34a of the hopper motor 34 passes through the base plate 5 and protrudes substantially at the center of the upper surface thereof. Since the base plate 5 is inclined, the output shaft of the hopper motor intersects the vertical direction. For this reason, the rotating disk 3 is high on the medal discharge port side and low on the opposite side.

  A housing support 4 is located on the base plate 5. A protruding protrusion is formed around the housing support 4. The part of the medal discharge port X of the projecting edge is notched, and the medal is discharged through this part.

  When the medal M that has fallen into the medal drop hole 3a of the rotating disk 3 is positioned at the medal discharge port X along with the rotation of the rotating disk 3, the medal M is prevented from moving by the guide pin 36, and the medal discharge port X from the medal drop hole 3a. It is pushed out and discharged to the outside. In this way, the medals M are discharged in order as the rotating disk 3 rotates.

  Both the hopper tank 1 and the hopper chassis 2a are made of resin.

  In this hopper device, a counter roller 7 (provided on the counter arm 8) for counting the medals paid out rotates around the separator 6. The medal inserted into the hole provided in the rotating disk 3 moves as the rotating disk 3 rotates, and is pushed out by the guide pin 36 at the medal discharge port X and guided toward the medal path. At this time, the medal contacts the roller 7 provided on the counter arm 8 and rotates it. As a result, the protrusion provided on the counter arm 8 causes the game medal payout sensor 43 (for example, a photo interrupter: a light emitting element and a light receiving element to be opposed to each other in a case having a detection groove, and a passing object between the detection grooves is not contacted Between the detection grooves), the light from the light source is blocked, and the light receiving element detects this. In this way, when one medal is paid out, the medal touches the roller 7 and presses it once, so that the number of paid-out medals can be counted based on the number of detections of the sensor 43.

  The two guide pins 36 are provided in the vicinity of the medal discharge port X of the housing support 4. The two guide pins 36 are attached to the guide pin presser 10 via guide pin springs 37, respectively. The guide pin 36 is pressed upward by a guide pin spring 37 and protrudes from the surface of the housing support 4 by about 1 mm. Due to the elasticity of the guide pin spring 37, when the guide pin 36 is pushed from above, the guide pin 36 retracts into the housing support 4, and the head of the guide pin 36 coincides with the surface of the housing support 4.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the hopper tank 1 showing the attached state of the sensor S10. This figure shows an example in which four electric contact sensors are arranged in a substantially vertical direction. Sensors S10-D, C, B, and A are provided in this order from the bottom of the hopper tank 1. The amount of stored medals detected in this order increases, and when a sensor S10-A detects medals, it is full. When it is no longer detected by the sensor S10-D, it is empty. The plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors S10-A to S10-D are sensors that measure different stored medal amounts. Although FIG. 7 shows an example in which four sensors S10 are provided, the present invention is not limited to this. Any number of sensors of two or more may be provided.

FIG. 8 shows details of the panel of the power supply unit 205.
In FIG. 8, a power switch 2051 is a power on / off switch, a power supply pilot lamp 2052 is a lamp (LED) that is lit when the power is on, and a strike / stop switch 2053 is a strike that limits the number of medals to be paid out. Is a switch for setting “Yes” or “No”. The stop / presence switch 2053 is normally set to “none” and is not frequently used. A setting key switch 2054 is a switch for changing a setting, a setting change / reset switch 2055 is a switch for changing a setting value or resetting the apparatus, and an AC100V pilot lamp 2056 is a power source of the casing. The lamp indicates that AC 100 V is supplied, and the AC power output and power cable 2057 are for supplying power.

The operation of the apparatus and method according to the first embodiment of the invention will be described.
The hopper tank 1 is provided with a plurality of sensors S10-A to S10-D. By these sensors S10-A to S10-D, the medal storage amount of the hopper tank 1 can be known in stages. Based on the set value of the internal setting, any one of these sensors S10-A to S10-D is selected, and a hopper empty error is determined based on the selected sensor.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a circuit for selecting a plurality of sensors S10-A to S10-D. For example, this circuit selects the sensor S10-D when the set value = 1, selects the sensor S10-C when the set value = 2 or 3, and selects the sensor S10-B when the set value = 4 or 5. When the set value = 6, the sensor S10-A is selected.

  By selecting the sensor as described above, the timing of the hopper empty error changes according to the set value (for example, when the set value = 1, the number of medals in the hopper tank 1 is 50 or less. An error is notified, and when the set value = 6, the error is also notified when the number is 500 or less). The player can estimate the set value to some extent by observing the notification of the hopper empty error.

  This will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows how the medal storage amount decreases. The vertical axis indicates the medal reserve amount, and the horizontal axis indicates the passage of time (increase in the number of games) (the vertical axis is a discrete value that originally has one medal as the minimum unit, but is displayed as a continuous value for convenience. ). FIG. 10 is a schematic graph in which the player continues to play the game at a constant repetition cycle and ignores the insertion of medals for playing the game. In other words, in FIG. 10, the medal storage amount increases only when a medal is added to the hopper tank 1, but the increase in the medal storage amount due to the medal inserted from the medal insertion port 132 is ignored. Actually, the medal storage amount repeats up and down in small increments, while the medal storage amount does not change when there is no player. However, since the graph including such actual conditions is complicated and difficult to understand, the player continues to play the game continuously at a constant repetition cycle, and medals are inserted to play the game. Reference is made to FIG. FIG. 10 is believed to be suitable for understanding the embodiment of the present invention. Again, FIG. 10 does not correspond to a change in the actual medal storage amount in an actual gaming machine.

FIG. 10A shows how the medal storage amount decreases when the set value = 1 and when the set value = 6. As described above, an expected value can be calculated for each set value. Assuming that the player continues to play a game at a constant repetition rate, the medal payout amount per unit time is calculated by calculating the product of the number of games per unit time and the expected value. Can do. In FIG. 10, ignoring the insertion of medals for playing a game is ignored. In FIG. 10, the medal storage amount decreases based on the medal payout amount per unit time. Actually, the medal payout amount changes step by step, but in FIG. 10, this is ignored and expressed by a continuous straight line. The slope of the straight line (the value of the coefficient of the linear function representing the straight line (negative)) will be referred to as a “medal storage amount reduction rate”. In addition, it is believed that there is no problem in understanding the embodiment of the present invention even with a straight line expression. Again, FIG. 10 does not show a change in the actual medal storage amount in an actual gaming machine.
If there is no replenishment of medals, the amount of medal storage will decrease with the passage of time, but the degree is larger when the set value = 6, which has a higher probability of jackpot. This is because, as described above, the expected value of the setting value = 6 is larger than the expected value of the setting value = 1, and accordingly, the medal payout amount per unit time is larger when the setting value = 6. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 10, it is assumed that the reduction rate of the medal storage amount at the setting value = 6 is three times the reduction rate of the medal storage amount at the setting value = 1. In FIG. 10A, the medal storage amount becomes zero when the set value = 1 when the time three times as long as the set value = 6 has elapsed.

  FIGS. 10B and 10C show the case where S10-A is selected as the sensor. When the set value = 6, a hopper empty error occurs approximately every time T. The hall clerk who knows this replenishes the medals, so that the amount of stored medals returns to a full state (the same applies hereinafter). On the other hand, when the set value = 1, the reduction rate of the medal storage amount is one third of that when the set value = 6, and therefore a hopper empty error occurs approximately every 3T.

  FIGS. 10D and 10E show a case where S10-D is selected as the sensor. The sensor S10-D is not detected unless the medal storage amount is one third of the detection level of the sensor S10-A, and a hopper empty error does not occur. When the set value = 6, a hopper empty error occurs approximately every time 3T. On the other hand, when the set value = 1, a hopper empty error occurs approximately every time 9T.

  Here, as described above, if the sensor S10-D is selected when the setting value = 1, and the sensor S10-A is selected when the setting value = 6, the setting value = 6 and the setting value = 1. There is a nine-fold difference in the frequency of occurrence of hopper empty errors. Based on this difference, the player can estimate the set value.

  As described above, according to the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, the setting inference element different from the existing model is added, so that the player's willingness to play can be enhanced.

  The sensor S10-A is selected when the set value = 1 so that the frequency of the replenishment of medals to the hopper tank is equalized in terms of reducing the labor clerk's labor, not in terms of increasing the player's gaming motivation. If the sensor S10-D is selected when the set value = 6, as shown in FIGS. 10 (c) and 10 (d), both occurrence intervals of the hopper empty error are 3T, and the set value = 6 When the set value = 1, the occurrence frequency of the hopper empty error can be made substantially the same.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the stored medal amount shortage notification process.

S1: The output of the selected stored medal amount detection sensor is monitored. It is checked whether or not a medal is detected by the selected sensor S10, that is, whether or not there is continuity.
S2: Based on the output of the selected stored medal amount detection sensor, it is determined whether the stored medal amount is insufficient. This corresponds to the conventional determination of a hopper empty error. When the amount of stored medals is not insufficient (NO), the processes of S1 and S2 are repeated. This corresponds to the state in which the selected sensor S10 is conductive.

S3: When the amount of stored medals is insufficient (YES), a hopper empty error is notified. The state where the selected sensor S10 is not conductive corresponds to this. At this time, for example, the notification is made with a continuous tone “Peep” or an intermittent tone “Peep, Peep”.
S4: Monitor the output of the stored medal amount detection sensor.
S5: It is determined whether or not medals have been replenished. It is determined whether or not a medal is detected again by the selected stored medal amount detection sensor.
S6: When the medals are replenished (YES in S5), the error is canceled.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of sensor selection processing.

S20: The process is executed when the power is turned on or when the setting is changed.
S21: The setting value set by the setting change processing unit 200d is checked.
S22: A sensor corresponding to the set value is selected. For example, when the setting value = 1, the sensor S10-D is selected, when the setting value = 2 or 3, the sensor S10-C is selected, and when the setting value = 4 or 5, the sensor S10-B is selected. When S = 6, the sensor S10-A is selected.

  According to the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the invention, by selecting a sensor based on a set value, the timing of a hopper empty error changes according to the set value. The player can estimate the set value to some extent by observing the notification of the hopper empty error. According to the slot machine according to the embodiment of the invention, it is possible to provide a setting inference element different from that of the existing model, and to increase the player's willingness to play.

Embodiment 2 of the Invention
In addition to selecting the sensor based on the set value, the sensor may be switched according to the replenishment of medals. For example, immediately after opening the store, the top sensor S10-A is selected, and when a hopper empty error is notified, the sensor is selected based on the set value. Since the sensor S10-A immediately detects a shortage of medal storage amount, an opportunity to replenish medals immediately after opening the store is provided. For this reason, all the slot machines according to Embodiment 2 of the invention can make the medal storage amount uniform (full). It is possible to reduce the variation in medal storage amount of the slot machine, and management becomes easier.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of sensor selection processing according to the second embodiment of the invention.

S30: The sensor according to the second embodiment of the present invention is selected when the power is turned on. That is, the uppermost sensor S10-A is selected so as to promptly generate a hopper empty error (S31).
S32: The occurrence of a hopper empty error is monitored. If the error occurs (YES in S31), the setting value set by the setting change processing unit 200d is checked (S33), and a sensor corresponding to the setting value is selected (S33). S34).

Embodiment 3 of the Invention
During business hours, the setting value of the slot machine is not changed. If the set value is changed during business hours, it is likely fraudulent. By paying attention to this, it is possible to generate a warning of fraud through a hopper empty error. That is, the sensor is selected only once when the hall is opened, and the change of the sensor is prohibited during business hours. Suddenly, if hopper empty errors occur frequently, you can suspect fraud.

  In the third embodiment of the invention, for example, the sensor S10-A is selected when the set value = 1, and the sensor S10-D is selected when the set value = 6 so as to equalize the frequency of the replenishment of medals to the hopper tank. When this is done (FIG. 10 (c) and FIG. 10 (d)), it is effective.

  If the setting value = 1 is changed to the setting value = 6 due to a fraud, a hopper empty error frequently occurs at the border of the fraud (from 3T in FIG. 10C) (Changes to T in 10 (b)). Suddenly, if hopper empty errors occur frequently, you can suspect fraud.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a circuit for selecting a sensor according to the third embodiment of the invention. The output of the timer 200e that outputs a signal indicating a predetermined time zone (for example, business hours) is input to the medal payout sensor selection unit 200c. In other words, the timer 200e outputs a selection prohibition signal.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of sensor selection processing according to the third embodiment of the invention.

S40: The process is executed when the power is turned on or when the setting is changed.
S41: The output from the timer 200e is checked. As described above, the selection prohibition signal is output during business hours.
S42: It is determined whether it is a time zone in which the sensor can be changed based on the output from the timer 200e. Since normal power-on is performed before business hours, the setting can be changed (YES in S42). However, when business hours are entered, the setting cannot be changed (NO in S42).
S43: Only when the result in S42 is YES, the setting value set by the setting change processing unit 200d is checked.
S44: A sensor corresponding to the set value is selected only when S42 is YES.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

  Further, in the present specification, “unit” such as a game control unit does not necessarily mean a physical means, but includes a case where the function of each unit is realized by software. Furthermore, the function of one part may be realized by two or more physical means, or the function of two or more parts may be realized by one physical means.

It is a front view of the slot machine which shows the state which closed the front door. It is a front view of the slot machine which shows the state which opened the front door 180 degree | times. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine according to Embodiment 1 of the invention. They are a front view (Drawing 1 (a)), a right view (Drawing 1 (b)), and a top view (Drawing 1 (c)) of a hopper device. It is a disassembled perspective view by the side of the hopper tank of a hopper apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view by the side of the hopper chassis of a hopper apparatus. It is explanatory drawing (sectional drawing of a hopper) of the attachment state of the storage medal detection sensor which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a front view of the power supply part of a slot machine. It is a block diagram of selection of the medal payout sensor concerning Embodiment 1 of the invention. It is explanatory drawing of the storage medal amount shortage alerting | reporting process which concerns on Embodiment 1 of invention. It is a flowchart of the storage medal amount shortage alerting | reporting process which concerns on Embodiment 1 of invention. It is a flowchart of the sensor selection process which concerns on Embodiment 1 of invention. It is a flowchart of the sensor selection process which concerns on Embodiment 2 of invention. It is a block diagram of selection of the medal payout sensor concerning Embodiment 3 of invention. It is a flowchart of the sensor selection process which concerns on Embodiment 3 of invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hopper tank 2 Hopper apparatus 100 Game machine 200a Game control part 200b Hopper empty error determination part 200c Medal payout sensor selection part (selection part)
200d Setting change processing unit 200e Timers S10-A to S10-D Reservation medal amount detection sensor

Claims (5)

A game control unit that performs an internal lottery based on a player's game operation and a winning determination based on the result of the internal lottery, and controls payout of medals in accordance with the winning, a hopper tank that stores medals, and a hopper tank that stores A hopper device for paying out the received medals, a hopper empty error determination unit for determining the shortage of the amount of stored medals in the hopper tank, and setting values for the internal lottery according to a predetermined procedure and outputting the setting values In a gaming machine comprising a setting change processing unit to
A plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors that detect different stored medal amounts, and a selection unit that selects one of the plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors based on the setting value output from the setting change processing unit. ,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the hopper empty error determination unit determines whether the stored medal amount in the hopper tank is insufficient based on an output of the stored medal amount detection sensor selected by the selection unit.   The selection unit selects a predetermined one of the plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors when the gaming machine is turned on, and the hopper empty error determination unit determines that the stored medal amount is insufficient. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors is selected based on the set value output from the setting change processing unit. With a timer that outputs a signal in a predetermined time zone,
The selection unit selects one of the plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors based on the setting value output from the setting change processing unit only in the predetermined time period based on the output of the timer. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that A game control unit that performs an internal lottery based on a game operation by a player and a winning determination based on a result of the internal lottery, and performs payout control of medals according to the winning, a hopper tank that stores medals, and a hopper tank that stores A hopper device for paying out a medal, and a plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors for detecting different stored medal amounts, respectively, and determining a lack of remaining medal in a gaming machine comprising:
Setting a set value for the internal lottery according to a predetermined procedure;
Selecting one of the plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors based on the set value;
Determining whether the amount of stored medals in the hopper tank is insufficient based on the selected output of the stored medal amount detection sensor. A game control unit that performs an internal lottery based on a player's game operation and a winning determination based on the result of the internal lottery, and controls payout of medals in accordance with the winning, a hopper tank that stores medals, and a hopper tank that stores A program for causing a computer to execute a method for determining a shortage of remaining medals in a gaming machine comprising: a hopper device for paying out the received medals; and a plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors for detecting different stored medal amounts. Because
Setting a set value for the internal lottery according to a predetermined procedure;
Selecting one of the plurality of stored medal amount detection sensors based on the set value;
And a step of determining whether or not the amount of stored medal in the hopper tank is insufficient based on the output of the selected stored medal amount detection sensor.

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