JP2010188180A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of surely detecting a game medium taken to the inside. <P>SOLUTION: When a start lever 29 is operated (S44: Yes), a game flag 53d is turned on, and a replay flag 53e is off. A token passage switching solenoid 66 is turned off to prevent inflow of tokens put into a token detection part 72 through a token input port 30. Further, an initial value (about 50 ms) is set to a token input monitoring timer 53f (S45). Since token detection processing (not shown) is continuously executed for the set time, detection of input tokens is continued for a predetermined time after the turn-off of the solenoid 66. Thus, even when a token is taken into an auxiliary tank 45 from an intake path 72a through the detection part 72 after preventing the inflow of tokens to the detection part 72, this token can be surely detected so as not to cause a loss on a game player. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pachinko machine or a slot machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine in which a game medium is inserted to play a game.

  A slot machine, which is a kind of gaming machine, has three annular drums (annular reels) on which a plurality of symbols (a type of identification information) are arranged at predetermined intervals. Each of the three spinning cylinders is configured to be able to rotate independently. Based on the arrangement of stop symbols (game results) after the three spinning cylinders have been rotated, the player can benefit ( Medals used in games). Specifically, when the start lever of the slot machine is pressed (operated), the three spinning cylinders start to rotate downward and the game is started. When the predetermined condition is satisfied after the rotation starts, the rotation of the three rotating cylinders can be stopped. When the player presses the stop button in this state, the rotation of the spinning cylinder corresponding to the pressed stop button stops. When all the spinning cylinders have stopped rotating and a specific symbol row is aligned on the active line, the number of medals determined according to the symbol row are paid out to the player, and the player is profited. Is granted. Since the medal is used for starting the game, the player can perform the next game using the paid-out medal.

  Stop symbol sequences that can be aligned on the active line are determined by lottery. The lottery is performed at the operation timing of the start lever that starts the game in a state where the required number of medals are inserted. In other words, the game results are drawn in advance before the rotation of the rotating drum starts (before the symbol fluctuation stops). The effective line is set as follows. When a player plays one game (game), a player inserts a medal into the slot, or if there is a remaining medal inserted in the credit (if a medal is stored), the credit (stored ball) Select the number of bets (multiplier) from the inside. The effective lines and the number thereof are set according to the multiplier. That is, the effective line and the number thereof are set according to the number of medals inserted by the player or the multiplier selected by the player. In general, when the number of inserted medals (multiplier) is 1, the number of effective lines is one of the middle lines, two is the upper, middle, and lower three lines, and three is the upper, middle, and lower three lines. A total of 5 lines are added, including the right diagonally rising and right diagonally falling lines.

The inserted medal is detected by detecting the timing at which the medal passes the sensor. Since the medal inserted from the slot passes the detection position of the sensor in about 50 milliseconds (msec), the medal detection process is performed during a game that requires rotational drive control of the three cylinders, etc. First, the game is performed only before the game in which the rotation driving control of the rotating drum is not started, that is, until the start lever is operated. In addition, while the game is being executed, the medal detection process is stopped, but during that time, the medal path is set so that the medal inserted from the slot is not taken into the slot machine but discharged outside. Can be switched.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-108081

  However, if the start lever is operated while a medal is inserted, the medal may pass the sensor after the medal detection process is stopped. Switching of the passage for discharging the medals to the outside is performed at the timing when the start lever is operated as in the case of stopping the detection processing of the medals, but the switching of the passage is rarely in time and the detection processing of the medals is stopped. There is a medal that passes the sensor part after being played. Since such medals are not detected and are taken into the slot machine, there is a problem that the player loses one medal entirely.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reliably detecting gaming media taken into the inside.

In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 is provided with an input port for inputting game media, a discharge path for discharging game media input from the input port to the outside, and input from the input port. A take-in path for taking the game medium into the inside, a detecting means for detecting a game medium passing through the take-in path when the game is stopped, and an operating means operated by the player to start the game In a state where one or more game media are detected by the detection unit or a predetermined number of game media are detected, a start unit that starts a game when the operation unit is operated, and a game is stopped The game medium input from the insertion port is passed through the take-in path under a predetermined condition, and when the game is started by the starting means, the game medium input from the input port is supplied to the discharge path. Cut that passageway through Switching means, and after the game is started by the starting means and the passage of the game medium is switched from the intake path to the discharge path by the switching means, the detection of the game medium by the detection means is predetermined. Detection continuation means that continues for a period of time is provided.
According to the gaming machine according to claim 1, the game medium thrown from the slot while the game is stopped is passed to the take-in path under a predetermined condition by the switching means, and is detected by the detection means. Captured inside the gaming machine. When the operation means is operated in a state where one or more game media are detected by the detection means or a predetermined number of game media are detected, the game is started by the start means. Then, the switching means switches the path so that the game medium input from the input port passes through the discharge path. After the path of the game medium is switched from the intake path to the discharge path by the switching means, the detection of the game medium by the detection means is continued for a predetermined time by the detection continuation means.

  According to the gaming machine of claim 1, even after the game is started and the path of the game medium is switched from the intake path to the discharge path, the detection of the game medium by the detection means continues for a predetermined time. Is done. Therefore, even when the game is started while the game medium is inserted, there is an effect that the game medium taken into the game machine can be reliably detected. Thereby, the disadvantage that the player loses the game medium can be eliminated.

It is the perspective view which showed the state which the front door of the slot machine which is one Example of this invention closed. It is the perspective view which showed the state which the front door of the slot machine opened. FIG. 6 is a front view of a medal selector disposed in a payout passage. (A) is a front view of the medal selector showing a state in which the medal flowing into the medal selector is allowed to flow into the medal detection unit, and (b) is a medal detection of the medal flowing into the medal selector. It is a front view of the medal selector which showed the state where the inflow to the part was blocked. It is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine. When a medal passes through the medal detection unit, the signal waveform output from the first and second medal sensors, the value of the medal insertion state counter updated according to the signal waveform, and the timing when the medal insertion flag is turned on FIG. It is the flowchart which showed medal detection processing. It is the flowchart which showed medal acceptance processing. It is the flowchart which showed the bet / credit update process. It is the flowchart which showed the game start process. It is the flowchart which showed medal insertion monitoring timer subtraction processing. It is the flowchart which showed the game start process of 2nd Example. It is the flowchart which showed the game start process of 3rd Example. It is the flowchart which showed the bet and credit update process of 4th Example.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front door 3 of the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is closed, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front door 3 of the slot machine 1 is opened. FIG.

  The overall configuration of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 is composed of a main body 2 and a front door 3 in a box-like body having a substantially rectangular shape in front view. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 2 is a member that forms the skeleton of the slot machine 1, and is a hollow box-like body whose front side is open to accommodate the rotating cylinders L, M, R, the hopper 47, and the like. Is formed.

  Note that the rotating cylinders L, M, and R need only be configured as endless belts, and are not limited to a cylindrical shape (annular shape). Further, the rotating drums L, M, R may be configured as a belt, a drum, a reel, or the like. Furthermore, the spinning cylinders L, M, and R are examples of a display device that variably displays the identification information, and the display device may have other configurations. For example, other mechanical reel configurations such as a type in which the belt is rotated instead of rotating may be used, and instead of or in addition to the mechanical reel configuration, a liquid crystal display or a dot matrix display It is also possible to provide a display that displays the identification information in a variable manner by electrical display such as, and in this case, it is possible to provide a variety of display forms.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 2 has three rotary cylinders L, M, and R configured to display various symbols and the like, and a control device 40 for controlling the game of the slot machine 1. A power supply box 44 having a power switch 41, a reset switch 42, and a setting key insertion hole 43, an auxiliary tank 45 for storing medals, and an opening 62 for communicating medals in the auxiliary tank 45 to a payout passage 61. A hopper 47 and the like provided with a dispensing device 46 for dispensing to the outlet 32 are accommodated.

  The front door 3 is a member that covers the front-side open portion of the main body 2 described above. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 2 is attached by a hinge member 10 that is attached to the back side of the front door 3. It is connected to openable and closable. Therefore, the front side open portion of the main body 2 can be closed by closing the front door 3, and as shown in FIG. 1, the rotating drums L, M, R, the hopper 47 and the like housed in the main body 2 are The body 2 can be encapsulated. On the other hand, the front side of the main body 2 can be opened by opening the front door 3, and medals stored in the hopper 47 can be collected. The front door 3 is provided with a locking device 9 as shown in FIG. 1, and the main body 2 and the front door 3 can be locked in the state shown in FIG.

  The front door 3 has an outer shape formed by a front frame 4, and the front frame 4 is divided into a frame member visualizing part 4 a, a frame member operation part 4 b, and a frame member storage part 4 c. As shown in FIG. 1, an upper lamp 11 that lights up or flashes as the game progresses, and various types of games as the game progresses are provided on the upper portion of the front door 3 (the frame member visual recognition portion 4a of the front frame 4). Speakers 12 and 12 that generate sound effects and the like, a liquid crystal display (hereinafter abbreviated as “LCD”) 13 that displays various contents, and an exposure that can be seen through the left cylinder L, the middle cylinder M, and the right cylinder R, respectively. Windows 14L, 14M, 14R, five bet lamps 15, 16, 16, 17, 17, which are turned on according to the number of bets (the number of bets), a credit number display unit 18, a game number display unit 19, and a payout number display unit 20 etc. are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a credit button 21 for switching whether or not to store medals, and each of the left, right and right cylinders L and M are provided in the middle part of the front door 3 (the frame member operation part 4b of the front frame 4). , R stop button 22-24 for instructing to stop R, medal clogging clear button 25 for clearing medal jamming, and one for betting one medal from the stored medal A bet button 26, a two-bet button 27 for betting two medals, a max bet button 28 for betting three medals, and a start lever 29 for starting rotation of each cylinder L, M, R; A medal slot 30 and a display plate 31 on which a model name, a character related to a game, and the like are displayed are provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a medal tray 33 for receiving and storing medals paid out from the medal payout opening 32, a cigarette tray, and a lower portion of the front door 3 (frame member storage portion 4 c of the front frame 4). An ashtray 34 or the like for storing butts is provided.

  FIG. 3 is a front view of the medal selector 70 disposed in the payout passage 61. The medal selector 70 mainly includes a medal sorting unit 71 that sorts whether or not the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 30 is an appropriate medal that can be played in the slot machine 1, and the medal sorting unit 71. And a medal detection unit 72 that detects insertion of appropriate medals selected by the above into the slot machine 1.

  In the upper left of the medal sorting unit 71 in FIG. 3, an inflow port 71 a for allowing medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 30 to flow into the medal selector 70 is provided. A substantially L-shaped medal passage 71b communicates with the inflow port 71a. One side wall of the laterally moving portion of the substantially L-shaped medal passage 71b is constituted by a medal rail 73 in which stripe-shaped ribs are formed along the medal passage, and the opposite side wall is formed on the lower surface 74a of the medal passage. The medal door 74 is open at the center. A guide plate 75 is provided above the medal rail 73 on the side opposite to the body side along the medal passage.

  A medal detection unit 72 is provided downstream of the medal passage. The medal detection unit 72 includes a first medal sensor 76 and a second medal sensor 77 that detect passage of medals, and a block member 78 that blocks or allows inflow of medals into the medal detection unit 72. The first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are configured by photocouplers each having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and detect the passage of an object when the light emitted from the light emitting unit cannot be received by the light receiving unit. It is. The operation of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The positions of the medal rail 73 and the block member 78 are moved back and forth in the paper surface direction of FIG. 3 by a medal path switching solenoid (see FIG. 5) 66. Specifically, when the medal passage switching solenoid 66 is turned on, both the medal rail 73 and the block member 78 are retracted in the depth direction in FIG. 3, and as shown in FIG. The inflow of medals flowing into the selector 70 into the medal detection unit 72 is allowed. The medals that flow into the medal detection unit 72 are taken into the auxiliary tank 45 from the take-in path 72a.

  On the other hand, when the medal passage switching solenoid 66 is turned off, both the medal rail 73 and the block member 78 protrude toward the front side in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, the medal that has flowed into the medal selector 70 is pushed out to the front side of the medal door 74 by the medal rail 73, or flows into the medal detection unit 72 by the block member 78. After being blocked, it is pushed out by the medal rail 73 to the front side of the medal door 74. The medal pushed to the front side of the medal door 74 is discharged from the discharge path 71c to the medal tray 33 through the medal payout port 32.

  Note that the medal sorting unit 71 excludes the use of improper medals as follows. First, a medal having a diameter larger than the standard dimension is configured such that the inflow of the medal stops at the inflow port 71a. Therefore, when a medal having a diameter larger than the standard dimension is inserted, the inflow port 71a is clogged, so that the clerk releases the locking device 9, opens the front door 3, and discharges the clogged medal. The medal cannot be inserted. On the other hand, a medal having a diameter less than the standard dimension flows into the inflow port 71a and passes over the lower surface 74a of the medal door 74. In this case, the upper end of the medal does not reach the guide plate 75. Therefore, even when the medal passage switching solenoid 66 is turned on, the medal is pushed out to the front side of the medal door 74 and discharged from the discharge path 71 c to the medal tray 33 through the medal payout opening 32.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine 1. The main control board C of the slot machine 1 is disposed in the control device 40. The main control board C is equipped with an MPU 51 as a one-chip microcomputer as an arithmetic unit, and an input / output port 54 connected to the MPU 51 and connected to various I / O devices. The MPU 51 is a ROM 52 for storing various control programs executed by the MPU 51 and fixed value data, and a memory for temporarily storing various data in executing the control program stored in the ROM 52. The RAM 53 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated.

  The ROM 52 stores a program shown in a flowchart described later as a part of the control program. Moreover, the 1st lottery table 52a, the 2nd lottery table 52b, and the 3rd lottery table 52c are memorize | stored as a part of fixed value data.

  The 1st to 3rd lottery tables 52a to 52c are tables storing game winning combinations, and any one of the 1st to 3rd lottery tables 52a to 52c is selected according to the number of bets (multipliers) in one game. Have been used. In the slot machine 1, the number of bets for one game (the number of medals used to start the game) is 1 to 3. The first lottery table 52a is selected when the number of bets is one, the second lottery table 52b is selected when the number of bets is two, and the third lottery table 52c when the number of bets is three. Is selected. The higher the number of bets in one game, the higher the probability that a winning combination will be generated. Therefore, when the number of bets is 3 and the third lottery table 52c is selected, the winning combination is generated with the highest probability. When the number of bets is 2 and the second lottery table 52b is selected, the winning combination has the second highest probability. When the number of bets is 1 and the first lottery table 52a is selected, the winning combination is the lowest. A winning combination occurs with probability.

  The RAM 53 includes a random number counter 53a, a bet counter 53b, a credit counter 53c, a gaming flag 53d, a replay flag 53e, a medal insertion monitoring timer 53f, a medal insertion state counter 53g, and a medal insertion flag 53h. Is provided. The RAM 53 is configured so that a backup voltage is supplied from a power supply board 55 described later even after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned off, and data can be retained (backed up) after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned off. Yes.

  The random number counter 53a is a counter for updating a random value that determines a game result (winning combination). The value of the random number counter 53a is updated by incrementing one by one within the range of “0” to “65535” by a random number counter update process (not shown) that is periodically executed. The value of the random number counter 53a is read at the timing when the start lever 29 is operated by the player, and the game result is determined based on the read random number value. That is, the game result (winning combination) is performed by referring to the lottery tables 52a to 52c selected according to the number of bets based on the read random number value. Therefore, even if the random number is the same, there are cases where a winning combination is generated or not generated depending on the lottery tables 52a to 52c selected according to the number of bets.

  Note that the random number counter 53a updated by software control may be configured by a hard counter circuit. For example, a hard random number counter circuit that updates “0” to “65535” in about 9 ms is provided, and the value of the hard random number counter circuit is latched (read) at the timing when the start lever 29 is operated. The game result may be determined based on the random number value.

  The bet counter 53b is a counter that stores the number of bets (multiplication number) of one game. The value of the bet counter 53b is incremented by one when a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 30 is detected by the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 of the medal detection unit 72. Further, the value of the bet counter 53b becomes 1 when the 1-bet button 26 is pressed when there are medals stored in the slot machine 1 (when there are credits), and the 2-bet button 27 is pressed. 2 and then 3 when the three-bet button 28 is pressed. In this slot machine 1, the number of bets in one game is 1 to 3, and the value of the bet counter 53b takes any value from 0 to 3. In other words, the value of the bet counter 53b is 0 when the number of bets is 0, 2 when 1 is 1, 2 when 3 and 3 when 3. Note that the value of the bet counter 53b is cleared to 0 after the end of one game and when a re-game combination (replay combination) is not established.

  The credit counter 53c is a counter that stores the number of medals stored in the slot machine 1 (the number of credits). When the value of the bet counter 53b is 3, which is the maximum, a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 30, and the medal is detected by the first and second medal sensors 76, 77 of the medal detection unit 72. The value of the credit counter 53c is incremented by one. In the slot machine 1, the maximum number of medals stored is 50, so the value of the credit counter 53c is one of 0-50. In addition, when the medal saving state is switched by the credit button 21, if a medal is paid out, up to a total of 50 medals are stored, and the value of the credit counter 53c is added by the number of the stored medals. . On the other hand, when one of the 1 to 3 bet buttons 26 to 28 is pressed and a bet is made from among credits, the value of the credit counter 53c is subtracted by the number of bets.

The in-game flag 53d is a flag indicating that the game is being executed, and is turned on when the operation of the start lever 29 by the player is detected and turned off after the end of one game. Here, the completion of one game means a state in which all the spinning cylinders L, M, and R that have started to rotate are stopped and no medals are paid out, or even if medals are paid out. . That is, in the present embodiment, when the game is being executed, when the player operates the start lever 29, all the spinning cylinders L, M, and R that have started rotating stop and there is no payout of medals, This refers to the period until payout ends even if there is a payout. On the other hand, when the game is stopped, all the spinning cylinders L, M, R are stopped and no medals are paid out, or even if medals are paid out, the start lever 29 is moved after the payout is completed. The period until it is operated.

  The replay flag 53e is a flag indicating that the regame is in operation, and is turned on when a regame combination is established, and is turned off when the operation of the start lever 29 by the player is detected. That is, when the replay flag 53e is turned off, the gaming flag 53d is turned on instead.

  When the in-game flag 53d or the replay flag 53e is turned on, reception (take-in) of new medals is prohibited. Therefore, when the in-game flag 53d or the replay flag 53e is turned on, the medal passage switching solenoid 66 is turned off, and the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 30 is as shown in FIG. After flowing into the medal selector 70, the medal rail 73 pushes the medal door 74 forward, or the block member 78 prevents the medal detection unit 72 from flowing in, and the medal rail 73 causes the medal door 74 to enter the medal door 74. It is pushed out to the near side and discharged from the discharge path 71 c to the medal tray 33 through the medal payout port 32.

  The medal insertion monitoring timer 53f is a timer for monitoring the insertion of medals for a predetermined time (about 50 ms in this embodiment) even after the player operates the start lever 29.

  As described above, when the start lever 29 is operated, the in-game flag 53d is turned on and the medal passage switching solenoid 66 is turned off. As a result, medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 30 are sent to the medal detection unit 72. Is not accepted and is discharged from the discharge path 71c to the medal tray 33 through the medal payout port 32 (see FIG. 4B). However, when the player operates the start lever 29 while inserting medals, the medals flowing down the medal path may flow into the medal detection unit 72 after the medal path switching solenoid 66 is turned off.

  The insertion of medals is detected by a medal detection process (FIG. 7) described later. In the medal detection process, when it is detected that the signal of the predetermined pattern shown in FIG. 6 is output from the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77, it is detected that a medal has been inserted. However, since the medal detection process needs to detect the change in the output signals of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 with good timing, the control burden is heavy (the medal detection process is preferential in the main process). And interrupt processing is permitted between the medal detection processes).

  On the other hand, the game is started by operating the start lever 29. When the game is started, each of the spinning cylinders L, M, and R is rotationally driven. The rotation of each of the spinning cylinders L, M, and R is performed by controlling the driving of the stepping motors 64L, 64M, and 64R for the left, middle, and right spinning cylinders. Such driving control must be executed at a fixed timing. Since the rotating cylinders L, M, and R cannot rotate normally, the control burden is large.

  Therefore, in order to reduce the control burden during the game, the medal detection process is not executed until the game is finished after the start lever 29 is operated. This is because medals flow into the medal detector 72 during that period and are not taken into the auxiliary tank 45 from the take-in path 72a. However, as described above, when the player operates the start lever 29 while inserting medals, the medals flowing down the medal path flow into the medal detection unit 72 after the medal path switching solenoid 66 is turned off. In this case, if the medal detection process is stopped, the medal is not detected and is taken into the auxiliary tank 45 from the take-in path 72a as shown in FIG. Such a medal does not update the value of the bet counter 53b or the value of the credit counter 53c, and is a player's loss.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a medal insertion monitoring timer 53f is provided, and even after the player operates the start lever 29, the medal detection process is continuously executed for a predetermined time set in the timer to insert the medal. Keep watching. In the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f, an initial value (a value of about 50 ms in time) is set at the operation timing of the start lever 29, and the value is subtracted by 1 by the timer interruption process. Until the value of the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f becomes 0, execution of the medal detection process is continued to monitor the insertion of medals. When the value of the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f becomes zero, based on the value of the bet counter 53b at that time, based on the value of the random number counter 53a already read at the operation timing of the start lever 29, the game result (winning role) Is determined, and then the game is started (rotational driving of each of the cylinders L, M, and R is started).

  The medal insertion state counter 53g is a counter indicating the state of the output signal detected by the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77, and the medal insertion flag 53h is from the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77. This flag is turned on when the insertion of a medal is detected by the output signal pattern. Here, the medal insertion state counter 53g and the medal insertion flag 53h will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows the signal waveforms output from the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 when the medal passes through the medal detection unit 72, and the value of the medal insertion state counter 53g updated according to the signal waveform. It is a figure showing the timing when medal insertion flag 53h is turned on. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the medal passes through the medal detection unit 72, the first medal sensor 76 is first turned off from the state where both the outputs of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are off. The on signal is output from the second medal sensor 77, and then the on signal is output from the second medal sensor 77 during the output of the on signal. After that, while the ON signal is being output from the second medal sensor 77, the output of the first medal sensor 76 is turned OFF, and finally, the output of the second medal sensor 77 is turned OFF similarly to the output of the first medal sensor 76. Thus, the detection of one medal is completed.

  The medal insertion state counter 53g is a counter that indicates the state of the output signals of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77. When both the medal sensors 76 and 77 output an off signal, 0 and 1 1 when the medal sensor 76 outputs an on signal and the second medal sensor 77 outputs an off signal, 2 when both the medal sensors 76 and 77 output an on signal, and the first medal sensor 76 When the second medal sensor 77 outputs an off signal, each value of 3 is taken as an off signal. Accordingly, the insertion of one medal is detected by updating the value of the medal insertion state counter 53g as 0 → 1 → 2 → 3 → 0. At the timing when this medal insertion is detected, the medal insertion flag 53h is turned on. The insertion flag 53h is turned off when the value of the bet counter 53b or the credit counter 53c is updated.

  Returning to FIG. As described above, the input / output port 54 is connected to the MPU 51 including the ROM 52 and the RAM 53 and to various I / O devices. Specifically, the input / output port 54 includes a reset switch 42 for resetting the gaming state, and a setting key switch 48 provided in the setting key insertion hole 43 for switching the winning probability of the game to six stages by operating the setting key. In order to detect paid out medals, one, two, max bet buttons 26-28, a credit button 21, a start lever 29, left / middle / right turn cylinder stop buttons 22-24. Payout sensor 49, left / middle / right swirl origin sensors 63L, 63M, 63R for detecting the origins (rotation origins) of the revolving cylinders L, M, R, and left / middle / right rotations, respectively. Stepping motors 64L, 64M and 64R for left, middle and right turn cylinders for rotating the cylinders L, M and R, 1 to 3 bet lamps 15 to 17, and a credit number display section 1 The game number display unit 19, the payout number display unit 20, the first medal sensor 76, the second medal sensor 77, the hopper drive motor 65, the medal path switching solenoid 66, and the main control board C. The sub-control board S for controlling the display control board D and performing the effect display on the LCD 13, and the power supply board 55. Each is connected to a power failure monitoring circuit 57 provided.

  Connected to the sub control board S are an upper lamp 11, a speaker 12, and a display control board D that receives a command transmitted from the sub control board S and displays an effect on the LCD 13. Note that the sub-control board S and the display control board D are configured so that data can be transmitted and received bidirectionally.

  The power supply board 55 is provided in the above-described power supply box 44, and includes a power supply unit 56 that supplies drive power to the main control board C and each electronic device of the slot machine 1, and a power failure that monitors the occurrence of power interruption. And a monitoring circuit 57. After the power of the slot machine 1 is turned off, a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply unit 56 of the power supply board 55 to the RAM 53.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 57 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal 58 to the NMI terminal and the input / output port 54 of the main control board C when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like (including power failure due to the power switch 41 being turned off). It is. The power failure monitoring circuit 57 monitors the voltage of 24 VDC, which is the largest voltage output from the power supply board 55, and determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred when this voltage falls below 22 volts. Thus, the power failure signal 58 is output. When the main control board C recognizes the occurrence of a power outage by the output of the power outage signal 58, it performs a power outage process (not shown). Note that the power supply board 55 outputs the output of 5 volts, which is the drive voltage of the control system, to a normal value for a time sufficient for the execution of the power failure process even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Configured to maintain. Therefore, the main control board C can normally execute the power failure process. Further, the power failure monitoring circuit 57 may be provided not on the power supply board 55 but on the main control board C, for example.

  Next, each process performed on the main control board C will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the medal detection process. The medal detection process is a process for detecting the insertion of a medal by the player. When the game flag 53d is off or the value of the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f is not 0, the medal detection process is preferentially performed in the main process. Repeatedly executed. That is, from the time when one game is finished and the game flag 53d is turned off until the start lever 29 is operated and the game flag 53d is turned on while the number of bets is 1 or more, or during game Even if the flag 53d is turned on and the game is started, the medal detection process is the main process until the value of the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f set to the initial value at the timing when the game flag 53d is turned on becomes 0. It is repeatedly executed at short intervals.

  Even when the in-game flag 53d is on and the value of the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f is 0, the output signals of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are detected periodically (at intervals of several tens of milliseconds). Is done. However, this detection does not detect the waveform pattern of the output signals of the medal sensors 76 and 77 shown in FIG. 6, but simply detects whether the output signals of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are on or off. It is a detection process executed at intervals of 2 to 4 milliseconds. That is, since the detection process is for detecting whether or not the player or the like is cheating, the medal detection process for detecting the insertion of the medal is the process content after the detection. Is also fundamentally different.

  In the medal detection process, first, the value of the medal insertion state counter 53g is examined (S11). If the value of the medal insertion state counter 53g is 0 (S11: 0), the output signals of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are both off at the previous detection. Therefore, in such a case, it is confirmed whether or not the output of the first medal sensor 76 is on and the output of the second medal sensor 77 is off (S12). If the signal is output (S12: Yes) ) In order to set the value of the medal insertion state counter 53g to 1, the value of the counter 53g is incremented by 1 (S13), and the current medal detection process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the output of the first medal sensor 76 is not on and the output of the second medal sensor 77 is not off as a result of the detection in S12 (S12: No), the output signals of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are output. Confirms whether it was the same as the previous detection (S19). If it is the same as the previous detection (S19: Yes), the medal insertion state counter 53g is not updated and the current medal is not updated. The detection process ends. In the process of S19, if the output signals of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are different from those at the previous detection (S19: No), the error process is executed assuming that some error has occurred. (S20). By executing error processing, the value of the medal insertion state counter 53g is cleared to zero.

  If the value of the medal insertion state counter 53g is 1 as a result of the processing of S11 (S11: 1), the output of the first medal sensor 76 is on and the output of the second medal sensor 77 is off at the time of the previous detection. there were. Therefore, in such a case, it is confirmed whether or not the outputs of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are both turned on (S14), and if the signal is output (S14: Yes), the medal insertion state. In order to set the value of the counter 53g to 2, the value of the counter 53g is incremented by 1 (S13), and the current medal detection process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the output signals of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are not ON as a result of the detection in S14 (S14: No), the output signals of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are detected the previous time. It is confirmed whether it is the same as the time (S19). If it is the same as the previous detection (S19: Yes), the current medal detection process is terminated without updating the value of the medal insertion state counter 53g. . In the process of S19, if the output signals of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are different from those at the previous detection (S19: No), the error process is executed assuming that some error has occurred. (S20). By executing error processing, the value of the medal insertion state counter 53g is cleared to zero.

  As a result of the processing of S11, if the value of the medal insertion state counter 53g is 2 (S11: 2), the output signals of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are both turned on at the previous detection. Therefore, in such a case, it is confirmed whether or not the output of the first medal sensor 76 is off and the output of the second medal sensor 77 is on (S15). If the signal is output (S15: Yes) ) In order to set the value of the medal insertion state counter 53g to 3, the value of the counter 53g is incremented by 1 (S13), and the current medal detection process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the output of the first medal sensor 76 is OFF and the output of the second medal sensor 77 is not ON as a result of the detection in S15 (S15: No), the output signals of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are output. Confirms whether or not it was the same as the previous detection (S19). If it is the same as the previous detection (S19: Yes), the current medal detection is performed without updating the value of the medal insertion state counter 53g. The process ends. In the process of S19, if the output signals of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are different from those at the previous detection (S19: No), the error process is executed assuming that some error has occurred. (S20). By executing error processing, the value of the medal insertion state counter 53g is cleared to zero.

  If the value of the medal insertion state counter 53g is 3 as a result of the processing of S11 (S11: 3), the output of the first medal sensor 76 is off and the output of the second medal sensor 77 is on during the previous detection. there were. Therefore, in such a case, it is confirmed whether or not the outputs of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are both turned off (S16). If the signal is output (S16: Yes), the medal is inserted. The medal insertion state counter 53g is cleared to 0 (S17), the medal insertion flag 53h is turned on (S18), and the current medal detection process is terminated. Detection of medal insertion is confirmed by turning on the medal insertion flag 53h.

  On the other hand, if the output signals of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are not OFF as a result of the detection in S16 (S16: No), the output signals of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are detected the previous time. It is confirmed whether it is the same as the time (S19). If it is the same as the previous detection (S19: Yes), the current medal detection process is terminated without updating the value of the medal insertion state counter 53g. . In the process of S19, if the output signals of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 are different from those at the previous detection (S19: No), the error process is executed assuming that some error has occurred. (S20). By executing error processing, the value of the medal insertion state counter 53g is cleared to zero.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the medal acceptance process. The medal acceptance process is periodically executed by the MPU 51 mounted on the main control board C. In the medal acceptance process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the bet counter 53b is 3 or more and the value of the credit counter 53c is 50 or more (S21). If so (S21: Yes), since no more medals can be accepted, the medal passage switching solenoid 66 is turned off (S27) to prevent the medal from flowing into the medal detection unit 72 and accept this medal. End the process.

  If the value of the bet counter 53b is not 3 or more or the value of the credit counter 53c is not 50 or more (S21: No), the state of the in-game flag 53d and the replay flag 53e is confirmed (S22, S23). If any of the flags 53d and 53e is turned on (S22: Yes or S23: Yes), the medal insertion cannot be accepted. In this case, the medal passage switching solenoid 66 is turned off (S27). Then, the medal is prevented from flowing into the medal detection unit 72, and the medal acceptance process is terminated. Further, it is confirmed whether or not other medals can be accepted (S24). If medals cannot be accepted (S24: No), the medal passage switching solenoid 66 is turned off (S27), and a medal medal detection unit is established. Inflow to 72 is prevented, and the medal acceptance process is terminated. It should be noted that medals that cannot be accepted other than S21 to S23 include a medal payout, a stoppage error, and a game winning probability change by the setting key switch 48 in six stages.

  If it is determined by the processing of S21 to S24 that the medal can be accepted (S24: Yes), the medal passage switching solenoid 66 is turned on so that the inserted medal can flow into the medal detection unit 72. (S25) The bet / credit update process (S26) is executed, and then the medal acceptance process is terminated.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the bet / credit update process (S26, S47). The bet / credit update process is a process for updating the value of the bet counter 53b or the credit counter 53c when the medal insertion flag 53h indicating that a medal has been inserted is turned on.

  First, it is confirmed whether or not the medal insertion flag 53h is turned on (S31). If it is turned on (S31: Yes), the flag 53h is turned off (S32), and the value of the bet counter 53b is 3 or more. It is confirmed whether or not there is (S33). If the value of the bet counter 53b is less than 3 (S33: No), the value of the bet counter 53b is incremented by 1 (S34), and the display of the bet lamps 15 to 17 is updated according to the value of the bet counter 53b after the addition. In step S35, the bet / credit update process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in the process of S33, if the value of the bet counter 53b is 3 or more (S33: Yes), it is already the maximum bet number. In this case, whether or not the value of the credit counter 53c is 50 or more. Is confirmed (S36). If the value of the credit counter 53c is less than 50 (S36: No), the value of the credit counter 53c is incremented by 1 (S37), and the display of the credit number display unit 18 is updated according to the value of the credit counter 53c after the addition. Then, the bet / credit update process is terminated (S38).

  In the process of S31, if the medal insertion flag 53h is not turned on (S31: No), no medal is inserted, so this process is performed without updating any value of the bet counter 53b or the credit counter 53c. finish. If the value of the bet counter 53b is 3 or more and the value of the credit counter 53c is 50 or more (S33: Yes, S36: Yes), even if the insertion of a medal is detected, Since each value of the counter 53b or the credit counter 53c cannot be increased any more, this process is finished without updating both the counters 53b and 53c. That is, when branching to Yes in the process of S36, the player loses one inserted medal.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the game start process. The game start process is a process for starting one game, and is periodically executed by the MPU 51 mounted on the main control board C. In the game start process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the game flag 53d is turned on (S41). If the in-game flag 53d is turned on (S41: Yes), since one game is currently being executed, in this case, this process is terminated as it is.

  If the in-game flag 53d is turned off (S41: No), the game is not in progress. Therefore, in such a case, it is confirmed whether or not the replay flag 53e is turned on (S42). If the replay flag 53e is turned on (S42: Yes), since the replay is in operation, the process proceeds to S44 and waits for the operation of the start lever 29 (S44: No). On the other hand, if the replay flag 53e is off (S42: No), the value of the bet counter 53b is confirmed (S43). If the value is 1 or more (S43: Yes), the game start condition is satisfied. Therefore, in such a case, the operation of the start lever 29 is waited (S44: No). If the replay flag 53e is off (S42: No) and the value of the bet counter 53b is 0 (S43: No), the game start condition is not established, and in this case, the process is terminated as it is. .

  When the start lever 29 is operated (S44: Yes), the in-game flag 53d is turned on and the replay flag 53e is turned off. Further, the medal passage switching solenoid 66 is turned off to prevent the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 30 from flowing into the medal detection unit 72. Further, an initial value (a value of about 50 ms in time) is set in the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f (S45). By setting an initial value in the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f, the medal detection process (FIG. 7) is continuously executed for the set time. Accordingly, since the detection of the inserted medal is continued for a predetermined time after the medal passage switching solenoid 66 is turned off (in this embodiment, about 50 ms), the medal is prevented from flowing into the medal detection unit 72. Even if there is a medal that passes through the detection unit 72 and is taken into the auxiliary tank 45 from the take-in path 72a, the medal can be reliably detected and the player is not lost.

  Next, the value of the random number counter 53a for determining the winning combination of the game is read (S46), and the bet / credit update process (FIG. 9) is executed (S47). The bet / credit update process (FIG. 9) is repeatedly executed until the value of the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f becomes 0 (S48: No). Therefore, the medals detected after operating the start lever 29 can be reflected as the number of bets or credits. That is, the value of the bet counter 53b or the credit counter 53c increases by the number of medals detected after the start lever 29 is operated.

  If the value of the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f becomes 0 (S48: Yes), any one of the first to third lottery tables 52a to 52c is determined based on the value of the bet counter 53b, that is, based on the multiplier (the number of bets). Is selected (S49). Specifically, if the value of the bet counter 53b is 1, the first lottery table 52a is selected, if it is 2, the second lottery table 52b is selected, and if it is 3, the third lottery table 52c is selected. As described above, the probability that a winning combination is generated increases as the number of bets in one game increases, but the value of the bet counter 53b when selecting the lottery tables 52a to 52c is the medal insertion monitoring. Since the number of medals detected by continuing the medal detection process (FIG. 7) for the time set in the timer 53f is also included, the selection of the lottery tables 52a to 52c so that the probability of winning a winning combination is higher. It can be performed.

  Based on the lottery tables 52a to 52c selected in the process of S49 and the value of the random number counter 53a read out in the process of S46, that is, the random number value, the winning combination in the game is determined (S50). In addition, as a result of the lottery, a winning combination may not be established. After the winning combination is determined, each of the stepping motors 64L, 64M, 64R for the spinning cylinders is started (S51), and each of the spinning cylinders L, M, R is started to start the game. At the time of starting each of the spinning cylinders L, M, R, since the winning combination in the game has already been determined by the process of S50, in the process of S51, each rotating cylinder L, M and R can be started.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the medal insertion monitoring timer subtraction process. The medal insertion monitoring timer subtraction process is periodically executed by the interval interrupt process of the MPU 51 every 1.49 ms. In this process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f is 0 (S61). If it is 0 (S61: Yes), it is not 0 (S61: No). Then, 1 is subtracted from the value of the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f (S62), and this process is terminated. As a result, after setting an initial value to the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f, the value of the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f becomes 0 after elapse of time obtained by multiplying the initial value by 1.49 ms.

  As described above, according to the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, one game is started by operating the start lever 29, the medal path switching solenoid 66 is turned off, and the medal path is discharged from the take-in path 72a. Even after switching to the path 71c, the output signal of the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77 is the medal detection for a predetermined time (about 50 ms in this embodiment) indicated by the initial value set in the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f. It is continuously detected by the process (FIG. 7). Therefore, even when a game is started while inserting medals, the inserted medals are reliably detected and no loss is given to the player.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, the process of S45 of the game start process of the first embodiment described above is changed to the processes of S71 to S74. Specifically, the initial value set in the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f differs depending on the value of the bet counter 53b when the start lever 29 is operated. In the following, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different parts will be described.

  When the start lever 29 is operated (S44: Yes), the in-game flag 53d is turned on and the replay flag 53e is turned off. Further, the medal passage switching solenoid 66 is turned off to prevent the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 30 from flowing into the medal detection unit 72 (S71). It is confirmed whether or not the value of the bet counter 53b is the maximum value of 3 (S72). If the value of the bet counter 53b is 3 (S72: Yes), the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f receives the first initial value (about time). A value of 25 ms is set (S73), and if it is less than 3 (S72: No), a second initial value (a value of about 50 ms in terms of time) is set to the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f (S74).

  As described above, according to the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the number of detected medals does not reach 3, which is the maximum bet number (multiplier) of medals in a game of 1, compared to the case where the number is reached. Thus, the predetermined time for continuing to detect medals is lengthened (second predetermined time> first predetermined time). As in the first embodiment, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment is set such that the higher the number of bets in one game, the higher the probability of winning a winning combination. If the number has not been reached, the game can be started with the lottery probability being more advantageous to the player by increasing the medal detection duration. On the other hand, when the number of medals detected reaches the maximum number of bets, the medal detection continuation time is shortened, so that the game can be started earlier. Note that the first initial value set in the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f when the value of the bet counter 53b is 3, which is the maximum value, may be set to zero.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, the process of S45 of the game start process of the first embodiment described above is changed to the processes of S81 to S83. Specifically, when the start lever 29 is operated, an initial value is set in the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f only when either the number of bets or the number of credits (the number of accumulated balls) is less than the maximum value. The detection of medals is continued for a predetermined time. In the following, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different parts will be described.

  When the start lever 29 is operated (S44: Yes), the in-game flag 53d is turned on and the replay flag 53e is turned off. Further, the medal passage switching solenoid 66 is turned off to prevent the medal inserted from the medal slot 30 from flowing into the medal detector 72 (S81). It is confirmed whether or not the value of the bet counter 53b is 3 which is the maximum value and the value of the credit counter 53c is 50 which is the maximum value (S82). If so (S82: Yes), the process of S83 is skipped. Then, the process proceeds to S46 without setting an initial value in the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f. Accordingly, the execution of the medal detection process (FIG. 7) is stopped until the current game ends and the game flag 53d is turned off. On the other hand, if the value of the bet counter 53b is less than 3 or the value of the credit counter 53c is less than 50 (S82: No), the inserted medal can be bet or credited, so that the medal detection process (see FIG. In order to continue the execution of 7) for a predetermined time, an initial value (a value of about 50 ms in time) is set in the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f (S83).

  As described above, according to the slot machine 1 of the third embodiment, if both the bet number and the credit number (the number of accumulated balls) reach the maximum values, the value of the bet counter 53b or the credit counter 53c is further increased. In such a case, after the start lever 29 is operated, the game can be started without continuing the detection of medals, and the game can be started earlier by that amount.

  Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The fourth embodiment is a modification of the bet / credit update process (S26, S47) of the first embodiment described above, and this fourth embodiment may be combined with the first to third embodiments described above. . In the following, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different parts will be described.

  If the medal insertion flag 53h is turned on (S31: Yes), the value of the bet counter 53b is 3 or more and the value of the credit counter 53c is 50 or more (S33: Yes, S36: Yes), in this case Since each value of the bet counter 53b or the credit counter 53c cannot be increased any more, one medal is paid out to the medal tray 33 (S91), and this process ends. As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, when both the number of bets and the number of credits (the number of stored balls) have reached the maximum values and the respective values of the bet counter 53b or the credit counter 53c cannot be increased any more, If the insertion of a correct medal is detected, the loss of the player can be eliminated by paying out one medal to the medal tray 33.

  As the bet / credit update process of S47 (not the process of S26), a process obtained by deleting the processes of S33 to S35 of FIGS. 9 and 14 may be used. In such a case, if a medal is detected before the value of the medal insertion monitoring timer 53f becomes 0 (S31: Yes), the value of the bet counter 53b remains as it is and the value of the credit counter 53c is the upper limit value 50. 1 is added within the range. That is, the number of credits increases without changing the number of bets.

  In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the detection means according to claim 1 corresponds to the medal detection process (FIG. 7) together with the first and second medal sensors 76 and 77, and the game start is the start means. The processing (FIGS. 10, 12, and 13) corresponds, and the detection continuation means corresponds to the processing of S47 and S48 (FIGS. 10, 12, and 13), respectively.

  The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It can be guessed.

  You may implement this invention in the pachinko machine etc. of a different type from the said Example. For example, once a big hit, a pachinko machine (commonly known as a two-time right, a three-time right, etc.) that increases the expected value of the big hit until a big hit state occurs (for example, twice or three times). May also be implemented. Moreover, after the jackpot symbol is displayed, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine that enters a special game state on the condition that a ball is awarded in a predetermined area. Further, in addition to the pachinko machine, the game machine may be implemented as various game machines such as an alepatchi, a sparrow ball, a slot machine, a game machine in which a so-called pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated.

  In the slot machine, for example, a symbol is changed by operating a control lever in a state where a symbol effective line is determined by inserting coins, and a symbol is stopped and confirmed by operating a stop button. Is. Therefore, the basic concept of the slot machine is that it is provided with variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after variably displaying the identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and resulting from the operation of the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever). Then, the change of the identification information is started, and the change of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button) or after the lapse of a predetermined time, and the fixed identification information at the time of the stop Is a slot machine provided with special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the specific identification information is a necessary condition. In this case, coins, medals, etc. are representative examples of game media As mentioned.

  In addition, as a specific example of a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated, a variable display means for displaying a symbol after a symbol string composed of a plurality of symbols is displayed, and a handle for launching a ball is provided. What is not provided. In this case, after throwing a predetermined amount of spheres based on a predetermined operation (button operation), for example, the change of the symbol is started due to the operation of the operation lever, for example, due to the operation of the stop button, or With the passage of time, the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped, and a jackpot state advantageous to the player is generated on the condition that the confirmed symbol at the time of stoppage is a so-called jackpot symbol. A lot of balls are paid out.

  The gaming machine of the present invention and its modifications are shown below. A slot for inserting game media, a discharge path for discharging game media input from the slot, an intake path for taking in game media input from the slot, and a stop of the game A detecting means for detecting a game medium passing through the take-in path, an operating means operated by a player to start a game, and a state in which one or more game media are detected by the detecting means Alternatively, in a state where a predetermined number of game media are detected, a start unit that starts a game when the operation unit is operated, and a game medium that has been inserted from the insertion port under a predetermined condition while the game is stopped. A gaming machine comprising switching means for switching the passage so that the game medium inserted from the insertion port is passed to the discharge path when a game is started by the starting means through the intake path In the start And a detection continuation means for continuing detection of the game medium by the detection means for a predetermined time after the game is started by the stage and the path of the game media is switched from the intake path to the discharge path by the switching means. A gaming machine 1 characterized by the following.

  In the gaming machine 1, a random number generation unit that generates a random number value within a predetermined range, an acquisition unit that acquires a random value generated by the random number generation unit according to an operation of the operation unit, and an acquisition unit A lottery means for lottering a game result based on the random number value, and a lottery probability setting for setting a lottery probability that the lottery means to draw based on the number of game media detected by the detecting means used for one game And an execution delay means for causing the lottery probability setting means and the lottery means to be executed after the detection means has continued to detect the game medium for a predetermined time. 2.

  According to the gaming machine 2, the lottery probability is set in accordance with the number of game media used for one game. Under such circumstances, the random number value for determining the lottery result is acquired in accordance with the operation of the operation means by the player, but the setting of the lottery probability and the lottery based on the random number value are performed by the detection continuation means by the detection medium. Is detected after a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, acquisition of random values for determining the lottery result is performed only in accordance with the player's operation, and the game medium input by the player is reliably detected by delaying the lottery probability setting and the lottery timing. Therefore, an appropriate lottery according to the number of game media inserted can be performed.

  In the gaming machine 2, the lottery probability setting means increases the lottery probability that is advantageous to the player who is drawn by the lottery means as the number of game media detected by the detecting means used in one game increases. A gaming machine 3 characterized by being set. According to the gaming machine 3, the more the number of game media used for one game is, the higher the lottery probability that is advantageous to the player is set. Therefore, the lottery probability setting and the lottery timing are detected. By delaying by a predetermined time by the continuation means, it is possible to reliably detect the game media inserted by the player and perform a lottery appropriate to the number of game media inserted and advantageous to the player.

  In the gaming machine 3, the detection continuation means sets a predetermined time during which the detection means continues to detect the game medium to a maximum number of game media used for a game in which the number of detection of the game medium by the detection means is 1. The gaming machine 4 is characterized in that when it has not reached, the number of detections is longer than that when the maximum number of game media used for one game is reached. According to the gaming machine 4, when the number of detected game media does not reach the maximum number of game media used for one game, the predetermined number of game media continues to be detected as compared with the case where it has reached. Time is lengthened. As the number of inserted game media used for one game (the number of detections) is larger, the lottery probability that is advantageous to the player is set higher, so that the game is played when the detected number does not reach the maximum number of input. By increasing the medium detection continuation time, it is possible to start the game while making the lottery probability more advantageous to the player. On the other hand, when the number of detected game media has reached the maximum number of games inserted, the game media detection duration is shortened, so that the game can be started earlier.

  In the gaming machine 3, the detection continuation means sets a predetermined time during which the detection means continues to detect the game medium to a maximum number of game media used for a game in which the number of detection of the game medium by the detection means is 1. A gaming machine 5 characterized in that if it has reached, it is set to 0 hours. When the number of detected game media has reached the maximum number of games inserted, the game media detection continuation time is set to 0 hour, so that the game can be started earlier.

  In the gaming machine 3, the detection continuation means is a case where the number of stored balls (number of credits) in the gaming machine reaches the maximum number for a predetermined time during which the detection means continues to detect the gaming medium. In addition, when the number of game media detected by the detection means has reached the maximum number of game media used for one game, the game machine 6 is set to 0 hours. When the number of game media stored in the gaming machine is the maximum and the number of game media detected reaches the maximum number of games, even if more game media are detected, this cannot be stored. Therefore, in such a case, the game media detection continuation time is set to 0 hour, so that the game can be started earlier.

  In the gaming machine 3, the number of game media stored in the gaming machine (the number of credits) reaches the maximum number, and the number of gaming media detected by the detecting means is 1 A gaming machine comprising: a return means for returning a game medium to a player when a game medium is detected by the detection means when the maximum number has been reached. In such a case, since the game medium is returned to the player, the loss of the player can be eliminated.

  In any one of the gaming machines 2 to 7, an annular rotator configured to be rotatable with a plurality of identification information displayed thereon, a driving means for rotationally driving the annular rotator, and rotation of the annular rotator by the driving means A game machine 8 comprising driving start means for starting driving after the lottery means. According to the gaming machine 8, since the rotation of the annular rotator by the driving means is started after the lottery by the lottery means, the movement of the annular rotator is changed based on the lottery result (according to the lottery result). Can be made. Therefore, the game result can be suggested to the player by the change at the start of the movement of the annular rotating body.

  In either the gaming machine 1 or 8, the detection means includes at least two sensors disposed in the take-in path, and when the output signals of the two sensors become a predetermined pattern, An annular rotator configured to detect the input and configured to be rotatable with a plurality of identification information displayed thereon, a driving means for rotationally driving the annular rotator, and rotational driving of the annular rotator by the driving means. Drive detection means starting after detection of the game medium by the detection means is continued for a predetermined time by the detection continuation means and after detection of the game medium by the detection means is completed. A gaming machine 9 to play. According to the gaming machine 9, the rotational driving of the annular rotating body by the driving means is started after the detection of the game medium is completed. The detection process by the detection means detects whether or not the output signals of the two sensors have a predetermined pattern, and the drive means performs a drive process of the annular rotator, so both have a control burden. It ’s a big deal. However, since the driving process of the annular rotator is performed after the game medium detection process is completed, these processes are not executed simultaneously. Therefore, the gaming machine can be operated normally even if it has two processes with a large control burden.

  The gaming machine 10 according to any one of the gaming machines 1 to 9, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko machine. Above all, the basic configuration of a pachinko machine is equipped with an operation handle, and in response to the operation of the operation handle, a ball is launched into a predetermined game area, and the ball is awarded to an operating port arranged at a predetermined position in the game area. As a necessary condition (or passing through the working port), the identification information variably displayed on the display device is confirmed and stopped after a predetermined time. In addition, when a special gaming state occurs, a variable winning device (specific winning opening) disposed at a predetermined position in the gaming area is opened in a predetermined manner so that a ball can be won, and a value corresponding to the number of winnings is obtained. Examples include those to which values (including data written on magnetic cards as well as premium balls) are given.

  The gaming machine 11 according to any one of the gaming machines 1 to 9, wherein the gaming machine is a slot machine. Above all, the basic configuration of the slot machine is “variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after variably displaying the identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and resulting from the operation of the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever). Alternatively, when a predetermined time elapses, the variation of the identification information is stopped, and a special gaming state advantageous to the player is generated on the condition that the fixed identification information at the time of the stop is the specific identification information. A gaming machine provided with a special gaming state generating means. In this case, examples of the game media include coins and medals.

  Any one of the gaming machines 1 to 9, wherein the gaming machine is a fusion of a pachinko machine and a slot machine. Among them, the basic configuration of the fused gaming machine is “equipped with variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after variably displaying the identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and for starting operation means (for example, an operation lever). The fluctuation of the identification information is started due to the operation, and the fluctuation of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time elapses. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the confirmed identification information is the specific identification information, and using a ball as a game medium and starting to change the identification information In this case, the game machine is configured to require a predetermined number of balls and to be paid out when a special gaming state occurs.

1 slot machine (game machine)
29 Start lever (operating means)
30 medal slot
53f Medal insertion monitoring timer 66 Medal passage switching solenoid (part of switching means)
70 medal selector (part of switching means)
71 Medal sorting part 71c Discharge path 72 Medal detection part 72a Intake path 76 First medal sensor (part of detection means)
77 Second medal sensor (part of detection means)

Claims (1)

A slot for throwing game media;
A discharge path for discharging game media input from the input port to the outside;
A take-in path for taking in game media thrown from the slot, and
Detecting means for detecting a game medium passing through the take-in path while the game is stopped;
Operating means operated by the player to start the game;
Starting means for starting a game when the operating means is operated in a state where one or more gaming media are detected by the detecting means or a predetermined number of gaming media are detected;
While the game is stopped, the game medium thrown from the slot is passed through the take-in path under a predetermined condition, and when the game is started by the starting means, the game medium thrown from the slot is In a gaming machine comprising switching means for switching the passage so as to pass through the discharge passage,
A detection continuation means for continuing detection of the game medium by the detection means for a predetermined time after the game is started by the start means and the passage of the game medium is switched from the intake path to the discharge path by the switching means; A gaming machine characterized by

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