JP2011239909A - Game board - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect that the number of tokens in a token auxiliary storage case has reached a predetermined value without allowing the tokens to overflow from the token auxiliary storage case.SOLUTION: The token auxiliary storage case 240 is movable vertically, and includes a lift baseplate 2420 that lowers according to the weight of stored tokens. When the lift baseplate 2420 lowers to a position of an overflow sensor 2440, and a conductive member 2425 attached onto a lower surface of the lift baseplate 2420 abuts on the overflow sensor 2440, a game board 100 detects that the number of tokens stored in the token auxiliary storage case has reached a predetermined value.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a slot machine (pachislot machine), and more particularly to a medal auxiliary storage case for a gaming machine.

  When a game machine (for example, a slot machine) rotates a reel by inserting a medal and operating a start lever, determines a role by internal lottery, and stops a reel by operating a stop button. When a combination of symbols predetermined according to the internal determination is displayed on the symbol display window, a combination is established. When a medal with a medal payout is established, a medal payout device provided inside the game table is driven to pay out a prescribed number of medals.

  In general, the game stand is a medal payout device (hopper) for paying out a prescribed number of medals from a medal payout exit, and a medal auxiliary storage case that is provided adjacent to the medal payout device and accommodates medals overflowing from the medal payout device. And. A pair of contact terminals of the overflow sensor is inserted into the medal auxiliary storage case. The overflow sensor detects that the medal auxiliary storage case is full when a predetermined amount of medals are deposited and the medals come into contact with the pair of contact terminals (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .

JP 2001-212282 A (specifications [0094] to [0098])

  The medals overflowing from the medal payout device are accumulated on the bottom of the medal auxiliary storage case, but at this time, the medals easily accumulate in a mountain shape at the medal dropping position. In particular, if a lot of dirt such as hand dust adheres and medals with high frictional resistance on the surface accumulate, the undulation of the mountain may become severe.

  In this way, when medals are piled up in the medal auxiliary storage case, there is a difference between the height of medals deposited at the medal drop position and the height of medals deposited around the overflow sensor. Before the contact terminal contacts the medal, medals in other places (for example, medal dropping position) may exceed the height of the side wall of the medal auxiliary storage case and overflow from the medal auxiliary storage case. That is, there is a problem that medals overflow outside the medal auxiliary storage case before the overflow sensor detects.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a gaming table that can detect that medals in a medal auxiliary storage case have reached a certain amount without overflowing from the medal auxiliary storage case. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention includes, as one aspect thereof, a medal payout device that discharges medals stored in a medal tank, and an upper opening that is adjacent to the medal payout device. And a medal auxiliary storage case for storing medals overflowing from the medal tank, and a detecting means for detecting whether or not the medal stored in the medal auxiliary storage case has reached a specific amount. The medal auxiliary storage case is configured to be movable in the vertical direction, and includes an elevating bottom plate portion in which a bottom plate descends according to the weight of the medal stored in the medal auxiliary storage case, and the elevating bottom plate portion When the medal stored in the medal auxiliary storage case reaches the specified amount, the medal is lowered to the first position, and the detecting means is configured so that the elevating bottom plate portion is in the first position. By detecting that it has moved down to, determining that the stored in the medal auxiliary storage case medals reaches the specific amount.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to detect that the medal in the medal auxiliary storage case has reached a certain amount without overflowing the medal from the medal auxiliary storage case.

It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the state which opened the front door of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. (A) is an external perspective view of the medal payout device of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a cross-sectional perspective view in which a part of the medal payout device is omitted. It is an external appearance perspective view (internal perspective view) of the medal auxiliary storage case of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the medal auxiliary storage case of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the medal discharged | emitted from the discharge port of the medal payout apparatus of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention to a medal auxiliary storage case. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the raising / lowering baseplate of the medal auxiliary storage case of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining a mode that a medal is stored in the conventional medal auxiliary storage case. FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing a main control unit main process flow of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of main control unit timer interrupt processing of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 is an external perspective view (internal perspective view) of the medal auxiliary storage case of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention (first modified example); It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the raising / lowering type baseplate of the medal auxiliary storage case of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention (1st modification). It is an external appearance perspective view (internal perspective view) of the medal auxiliary storage case of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention (second modified example). It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the raising / lowering type baseplate of the medal auxiliary storage case of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention (2nd modification).

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

<Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a slot machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the slot machine 100, a game is started when a medal is inserted, and a medal is paid out according to the result of the game.

  A slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front surface of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are stored and rotated inside the slot machine 100. It is configured to be able to. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

  In this embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by attaching the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, three symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are displayed in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Then, by rotating the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that displays a plurality of combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be used as such a display device. In this embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  Backlights (not shown) for illuminating individual symbols displayed on the symbol display window 113 are arranged on the rear surfaces of the reels 110 to 112. It is desirable that the backlight is shielded for each symbol so that the individual symbols can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (index sensor; not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112, and the light projecting unit of this optical sensor. A light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light receiving portion and the light receiving portion. Based on the detection result of the sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating the winning line 114 that is valid. The effective pay line is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. There are five pay lines 114. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal pay line is valid, and when two medals are betted, the upper horizontal win line and the lower horizontal pay line are added. If three are valid and three medals are bet, five lines including a right-down winning line and an upper-right winning line are valid as winning lines. The number of winning lines 114 is not limited to five. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line, the right The down line and the upper right line may be set as valid pay lines, and the same number of pay lines may be set as valid pay lines regardless of the number of bets.

  The notification lamp 123 is, for example, a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) has been won internally in an internal lottery to be described later or that a bonus game is in progress. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 122 informs the player that the current game can be replayed (the medal need not be inserted) when winning a replay which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. It is a lamp. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

  The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) stored electronically in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, a maximum of 3 cards are inserted, 2 when the bet button 131 is pressed, and 3 when the bet button 132 is pressed. It has become so. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as a MAX (max) bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the game start is informed that the game can be started. The lamp 121 is turned on.

  The medal slot 141 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. That is, the medal can be inserted electronically by the bet buttons 130 to 132, or an actual medal can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141. is there. The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various types of internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) as numerical values. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. In the present embodiment, the stored number display unit 125, the game information display unit 126, and the payout number display unit 127 are configured by a 7 segment (SEG) display unit.

  The start lever 135 is a lever type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired medal number is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or when the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is referred to as a game start operation.

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type push switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are provided in association with the reels 110 to 112. . Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. Also, the reel that is the target of the first stop operation is referred to as the first stop reel, the reel that is the target of the second stop operation is the second stop reel, and the reel that is the target of the third stop operation is the third stop reel. Note that a light emitter may be provided in each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter can be turned on to notify the player.

  The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove a medal when the inserted medal is jammed. The payment button 134 is a button for adjusting the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them from the medal payout exit 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.

  Below the stop button unit 136 is provided a title panel 162 for displaying the model name and pasting various types of certificate. At the lower part of the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided.

  The sound hole 191 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right portions of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160. The effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 including two right shutters 163a and a left shutter 163b that can be opened and closed in a horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (not shown) disposed on the back side of the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened outward in the horizontal direction in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 (not shown) is displayed in front of the slot machine 100 (game). The structure appears on the person side).

  In addition, even if it is not a liquid crystal display device, it should just be comprised so that various effect images and various game information can be displayed, for example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display , A reel (drum), or a display device including a projector and a screen. Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. In the present embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface.

<Internal housing configuration>
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 opened. The main body 101 is a box body that is surrounded by an upper surface plate 261, a left side plate 260, a right side plate 260, a lower surface plate 264, and a back plate 242 and has an open front surface. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 210 in which a main control board (a board on which a main control unit 300 to be described later is mounted) is stored in a position where it does not overlap with the ventilation port 249 provided on the upper part of the back plate 242. And three reels 110 to 112 are arranged below the main control board storage case 210. The side panel 260 on the left side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, that is, the left side plate 260, contains a first sub control board (a board on which a first control unit 400 described later) is stored. A control board storage case 220 is provided. Further, an external concentrated terminal plate 248 that is connected to the main control board and outputs the information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached to the side plate 260 on the right side.

  The lower surface plate 264 is provided with a medal payout device 180 (device for paying out medals accumulated in the bucket), and has a power supply board above the medal payout device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112. A power supply device 252 is provided, and a power switch 244 is provided on the front surface of the power supply device 252. The power supply device 252 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100 into a direct current, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and each device such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400. Furthermore, a power storage circuit (for example, a capacitor) for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power source is cut off is provided. Yes.

  On the right side of the medal payout device 180, a medal auxiliary storage case 240 for storing medals overflowing from the medal payout device 180 is provided, and an overflow terminal is provided behind this (not shown). The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connecting portion for connecting a power cord 265, and the power cord 265 connected thereto extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 provided in the back plate 242 of the housing 101. ing.

  The front door 102 is hinged to the left side plate 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276, and an effect device 160 and a second control board (which controls the effect device 160) are provided above the symbol display window 113. An illustration is omitted: a substrate on which a second control unit 500 to be described later is mounted) and an upper speaker 272 are provided. Below the symbol display window 113 are provided a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, a passage 266 through which the medal passes when the medal selector 170 drops an illegal medal or the like on the medal tray 161. ing. Further, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 191.

<Medal payout device>
Next, the configuration of the medal payout device 180 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 3A is an external perspective view of the medal payout device 180, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional perspective view in which a part of the medal payout device 180 is omitted.

  The outline of the medal payout device 180 includes a medal tank 181 for accumulating medals, guide means for guiding medals to the medal payout outlet 1811, and drive means for driving the guide means.

  That is, the medal tank 181 for accumulating medals provided in the medal payout device 180 has a box shape in which an upper portion is opened and a bottom surface 1812 is inclined. A lead-out port (not shown) for guiding medals to the guide means is provided on the bottom surface 1812. )have. The guiding means for guiding the medals to the medal payout opening 1811 is a disk 1821 provided with insertion holes 1823 into which the medals are inserted one by one, and the disk 1821 rotates with the motor 1831 as a drive source. The medals inserted in the medals are discharged from the medal payout exit 1811.

  Further, on the side surface of the medal tank 181, a discharge port 1813 is provided for discharging medals that cannot be stored in the medal tank 181 to the medal auxiliary storage case 240. Note that the motor 1831 and the disk 1821 are assembled to the frame 1814, the dispensing device main body 182 that rotatably supports the disk 1821 is also inclined, and the disk 1821 also rotates on the inclined surface. It is configured. Of course, the disk 1821 may be configured to rotate in a horizontal plane. Further, the insertion hole 1823 into which medals are inserted one by one may be a notch.

<Medal auxiliary storage case>
Next, the configuration and operation of the medal auxiliary storage case 240 will be described with reference to FIGS. The medal auxiliary storage case 240 of this embodiment includes an elevating bottom plate 2420 that can move up and down, and the elevating bottom plate 2420 gradually descends according to the weight of medals stored in the medal auxiliary storage case. It is configured.

  4 is an external perspective view (internal perspective view) of the medal auxiliary storage case 240. The outer frame 2410 of the medal auxiliary storage case 240 is indicated by a dotted line, and the inside is indicated by a solid line. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the medal auxiliary storage case 240, and FIG. 6 is a side view of the medal payout device 180 and the medal auxiliary storage case 240 as viewed from the right side, and the medal from the discharge port 1813 of the medal payout device 180. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the medal discharged to the auxiliary storage case 240. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the elevating bottom plate 2420 of the medal auxiliary storage case 240.

  The medal auxiliary storage case 240 generally includes an outer frame 2410 that is a box that opens upward, an elevating bottom plate 2420 that moves up and down in the outer frame 2410, and a spring 2430 that supports the elevating bottom plate 2420 movably. It is equipped with.

  The elevating bottom plate 2420 is a rectangular shallow bottom plate that is inscribed in the opening surface of the outer frame 2410, and is connected to the bottom plate 2411 of the outer frame 2410 via a spring 2430. Specifically, the elevating bottom plate 2420 includes a bottom plate portion 2421 on which medals are placed and a side wall portion 2422 in contact with the inner wall of the outer frame 2410.

  Locking members 2424 for locking one end of the spring 2430 to the bottom plate portion 2421 are provided at the four corners of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 2421. The other end of the spring 2430 is connected to the bottom plate 2411 by a locking member 2414 provided at each of the four corners of the upper surface of the bottom plate 2411. As a result, the elevating bottom plate 2420 is gradually lowered according to the weight of medals accumulated in the bottom plate portion 2421. That is, the elevating bottom plate 2420 is supported by the spring 2430 that is an urging member so as to be movable up and down.

  A guide piece 2423 protruding outward is formed on the side wall portion 2422 in the longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, the guide pieces 2423 are provided at two pairs of opposing positions, and each guide piece 2423 extends along a guide groove 2413 formed in the vertical direction on the longitudinal side wall 2412 of the outer frame 2410. It comes to slide.

  A conductive member 2425 is attached to the lower surface of one end of the bottom plate portion 2421 in the longitudinal direction (the side facing the back plate 242 of the main body 101; hereinafter referred to as the back side). On the other hand, two openings 2415 are formed at the lower end of the side wall 2412 on the back side of the outer frame 2410, and a pair of terminals (overflow terminals 2441 and 2442) of the overflow sensor 2440 is inserted into the opening 2415. Yes. That is, the pair of terminals 2441 and 2442 of the overflow sensor 2440 protrude from the side wall 2412 into the medal auxiliary storage case 240. In the present embodiment, the overflow sensor 2440 is a contact-type sensor, and detects the full state of the medal in the medal auxiliary storage case 240 when each pair of terminals comes into contact with the conductive member 2425. ing. Hereinafter, the overflow sensor 2440 is also referred to as a continuity sensor 2440.

  Next, the operation of the liftable bottom plate 2420 of the medal auxiliary storage case 240 and the detection of overflow by the continuity sensor 2440 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the medal in the medal tank 181 of the medal payout device 180 reaches a predetermined amount, the medal falls into the medal auxiliary storage case 240 from the medal discharge port 1813. At this time, the dropped medals are accumulated on the elevating bottom plate 2420 of the medal auxiliary storage case 240, and as shown in FIG. 7, as the medal accumulated on the elevating bottom plate 2420 increases in weight, the spring 2430 contracts greatly, and the liftable bottom plate 2420 gradually descends. Then, when the conductive member 2425 of the liftable bottom plate 2420 descends to a position where it contacts the pair of terminals 2441 and 2442 of the conductive sensor 2440 (hereinafter referred to as an overflow detection position), a pair of the conductive member 2425 and the conductive member 2425 Since the conductive sensor 2440 outputs a detection signal due to the conduction of the terminals 2441 and 2442, the main control unit 300 can grasp that the medal amount in the medal auxiliary storage case 240 is a specific amount.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the specific amount is an amount that does not allow the height L1 of the peak of the medal to exceed the height L2 of the outer frame 2410 even if the medals are unevenly piled up. preferable. In other words, the overflow detection position where the pair of terminals 2441 and 2442 of the conductive sensor 2440 is disposed is set to a position where the elevating bottom plate 2420 is positioned by the medal weight for the specific amount.

  As described above, the overflow sensor 2440 according to the present embodiment detects the predetermined amount based on the weight of the medal, not directly touching the medal as in the conventional case, and thus the accumulation of medals is biased. Even if the medals do not overflow from the medal auxiliary storage case 240, it is possible to reliably detect that the medal in the medal auxiliary storage case has reached a specific amount.

  Conventionally, the overflow sensor is configured to detect a predetermined amount by directly contacting the medal accumulated in the medal auxiliary storage case, so that there is a problem that the detection is influenced by the bias of the accumulated medal. . For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, when a medal is formed in a mountain shape on the side opposite to the position where the overflow sensor is arranged, the medal is stored in the auxiliary storage even when the overflow sensor does not detect the overflow. It was overflowing from the case. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the medal is formed in a mountain shape on the side where the overflow sensor is disposed, the overflow sensor is used even if the medal is not full in the medal auxiliary storage case. Had detected an overflow. However, the medal auxiliary storage case 240 of the present embodiment is such that such a problem is solved, and even if the medal accumulation is biased, a constant amount can always be detected.

  Further, since the overflow sensor 2440 according to the present embodiment does not directly touch the medal, there is an effect that it is possible to avoid an adverse effect of static electricity charged on the medal on the electronic device.

<Circuit configuration of control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

  The control unit of the slot machine 100 can be broadly divided into main effects according to a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. And a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on a command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of a winning combination, and reel stop. A ROM 306 for storing a position, a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 312 for measuring time and frequency It is installed. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 and the second control unit 500 described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined cycle output from the crystal oscillator 314b as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is transmitted to the CPU 304 at every interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 314b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz. = 1.504 ms.

  The basic circuit 302 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that fluctuates a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535, and a start signal output circuit 332 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the activation signal is input from the activation signal output circuit 332, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts a main control unit main process described later).

  Further, the basic circuit 302 is provided with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 is inserted from various sensors 318 (a bet button 130 sensor, a bet button 131 sensor, a bet button 132 sensor, and a medal slot 141 every interruption time). Medal medal acceptance sensor, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal medal payout sensor paid out from medal payout device 180, index sensor for reel 110, The index sensor of the reel 111, the index sensor of the reel 112, the overflow sensor 2440, etc.) are monitored.

  When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, a signal indicating this detection is output to the random number generation circuit 316. Receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random value used for the lottery.

  Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141 and detect whether or not a medal has passed. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect a start operation by the player. The stop button 137 sensor, the stop button 138 sensor, and the stop button 139 sensor are installed in each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

  The bet button 130 sensor, the bet button 131 sensor, and the bet button 132 sensor are installed in each of the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132, and the medals stored electronically in the RAM 308 are inserted as inserted medals into the game. Detecting the case input operation. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals stored electronically are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting a medal paid out by the medal payout device 180. Each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

  The index sensor of the reel 110, the index sensor of the reel 111, and the index sensor of the reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the reels 110 to 112, and each time a light shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes through L Become a level. When detecting this signal, the CPU 304 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

  The overflow sensor 2440 is installed in the medal auxiliary storage case 240 and detects a full state of medals in the medal auxiliary storage case 240.

  The main control unit 300 is provided in a drive circuit 322 for driving a stepping motor provided on the reels 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 for driving a solenoid provided in a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and a medal payout device 180. A drive circuit 326 for driving a motor, and various lamps 338 (a winning line display lamp 120, a notification lamp 123, a game medal insertion possible lamp 124, a re-game lamp 122, a game medal insertion lamp 129, a game start lamp 121, a stored number indicator 125, a game information display 126, and a payout number display 127) are provided.

  In addition, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is slotted into an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 334. The game information (for example, game state) of the machine 100 is output.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub control unit 400 and enables communication with the first sub control unit 400. The information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 can transmit a signal such as a command to the first sub control unit 400, but the first sub control A signal such as a command cannot be transmitted from the unit 400 to the main control unit 300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that receives the control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 via the input interface and controls the entire first sub control unit 400 based on the control command. Yes. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, frequency, and the like. is doing. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 stores a ROM 406 in which a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the lighting pattern of the backlight, various displays, and the like are stored. Provided.

  The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency dividing data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sound source IC 418, and speakers 272 and 277 are connected to the sound source IC 418 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls sound output from the amplifiers and speakers 272 and 277 in accordance with a command from the CPU 404. The sound source IC 418 is connected to an S-ROM (sound ROM) in which audio data is stored. The audio data acquired from the ROM is amplified by an amplifier and output from the speakers 272 and 277.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a drive circuit 422. Various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface. Is connected.

  In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 controls the liquid crystal display device 157, the shutter 163, and the like. Note that the second sub-control unit 500 may be configured by a plurality of control units such as a control unit that controls the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit that controls the shutter 163.

  Next, the second sub control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 receives a control command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400 via the input interface, and includes a basic circuit 502 that controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on the control command. The basic circuit 502 includes a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter for measuring time, frequency, and the like. A timer 512 is mounted. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The second sub control unit 500 is provided with a ROM 506 that stores a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub control unit 500, data for image display, and the like.

  The CPU 504 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 504 for each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a drive circuit 530 for driving the shutter 163, and the shutter 163 is connected to the drive circuit 530 via an output interface. The drive circuit 530 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 504.

  The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a sensor circuit 532, and a shutter sensor 538 is connected to the sensor circuit 532 via an input interface. The CPU 504 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 538 every interruption time.

  The second sub control unit 500 is provided with a VDP 534 (video display processor), and a ROM 506 and a VRAM 536 are connected to the VDP 534 via a bus. The VDP 534 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 536, and displays the image on the effect image display device 157.

<Main control unit main processing>
Next, the main process of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit 300.

  Basic control of the game is performed mainly by the CPU 304 of the main controller 300, and the CPU 304 repeatedly executes the main process of the main controller shown in FIG.

  When the power is turned on, first, various initial settings are made in step S101. In this initial setting, setting of a stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of interrupt prohibition, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, operation permission to the WDT 314, and initial setting Set the value.

  In step S102, medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing is executed. Here, it is checked whether or not a medal has been inserted, and the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on in response to the insertion of the medal. In addition, preparation is made for transmitting a medal insertion command indicating that a medal has been inserted to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that when a re-win is won in the previous game, a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, so that it is not necessary for the player to insert medals. Also, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated. If it is determined that the start operation has been performed, the number of inserted medals is determined and the start lever 135 is operated with respect to the first sub-control unit 400. Prepare to send a start lever acceptance command indicating that.

  In step S103, the number of inserted medals is determined and an effective winning line is determined.

  In step S104, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316 is acquired.

  In step S105, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the random number value acquired in step S104. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination (including an operating combination) is won internally, the condition device (flag) of the internal winning combination is activated (the winning combination flag is turned ON). Further, in this step S105, preparation is made for transmitting an internal winning command indicating the result of the winning combination internal lottery to the first sub-control unit 400. For example, when the watermelon is won internally, the internal winning command indicating that the watermelon has been internally won is prepared for transmission to the first sub-control unit 400, and the result of the winning combination internal lottery is lost (no role In the case of (winning), preparation for transmitting an internal winning command indicating a loss to the first sub-control unit 400 is made.

  In step S106, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result.

  In step S107, the rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is started. Also, in this step S107, preparations are made to transmit a spinning cylinder rotation start command indicating that all reels 110 to 112 have started to rotate to the first sub-control unit 400.

  In step S108, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be received. When any one of the stop buttons is pressed, the reel stop control in which one of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop button is selected in step S106. Stop based on data. In step S108, when the first stop operation is received, the first stop button reception command is received. When the second stop operation is received, the second stop button reception command and the third stop operation are received. A stop button reception command is transmitted to each first sub-control unit 400. Note that the first to third stop button reception commands include information on the spinning cylinder number (indicating either the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, or the right reel 112) and the stop symbol position (upper reference). Yes. When all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S109, a winning determination (display determination) is performed. Here, when a symbol combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that the winning combination is won. For example, if “bell symbol-bell symbol-bell symbol” are arranged on the activated winning line, it is determined that the bell is won. Also, in this step S109, preparation is made for transmitting a display determination command indicating the result of the winning determination to the first sub-control unit 400.

  In step S110, a medal payout process is performed. In this medal payout process, if a winning combination with a payout is won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out.

  In step S111, a game state control process (details will be described later) is performed. In this game state control process, control for shifting the game state is performed. For example, in the case of BB winning, preparation is made so that the BB game can be started from the next time. Further, in this step S111, preparation is made for transmitting a gaming state command indicating the gaming state to the first sub-control unit 400.

  Thus, one game is completed. Thereafter, returning to step S102 and repeating the above-described processing, the game proceeds.

<Main control unit timer interrupt processing>
Next, the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

  The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 1.5 ms), and the main control unit timer is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. Interrupt processing is started at a predetermined cycle.

  In step S201, a timer interrupt start process is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

  In step S202, the WDT 314 is periodically changed to the initial value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) so that no WDT interruption occurs (so as not to detect a processing abnormality). In the embodiment, the restart is performed once in about 1.5 ms which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step S203, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port status update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and each of the various sensors 318 is partitioned in the RAM 308. Store in the provided signal state storage area.

  In step S204, various game processes are performed. Specifically, an interrupt status is acquired (various interrupt statuses are acquired based on signals from various sensors 318), and processing according to this status is performed (for example, the interrupt statuses of the acquired stop buttons 137 to 139). Based on the stop button reception process).

  In step S205, timer update processing is performed. Various timers are updated for each time unit.

  In step S206, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that the output schedule information transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of 16 bits in the present embodiment, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bit 11 -14 is a command type (for example, basic command, start lever reception command, production command accompanying production lottery processing, rotation start command accompanying the start of rotation of the reels 110 to 112, stop accompanying acceptance of operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 A button reception command, a stop position information command accompanying a stop process of the reels 110 to 112, a payout number command and a payout end command accompanying a medal payout process, a command indicating a game state, etc.), bits 0 to 10 are command data (command type Corresponding predetermined information).

  In the first sub-control unit 400, it is possible to determine the production control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and it is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, the contents of effect control can be determined.

In step S207, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to an information input circuit 652 separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

  In step S208, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step S203 are read, and the presence / absence of errors relating to medal insertion abnormality and medal payout abnormality is monitored. (Not shown) Error processing is executed. For example, when an overflow state of a medal in the medal auxiliary storage case 240 is detected from the signal state of the overflow sensor 2440, an overflow error process is executed. Specifically, an error display regarding overflow is performed using a liquid crystal display device 157 or a 7 segment (SEG) display. Further, according to the current gaming state, the medal selector 170 (medal blocker in which the solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 operates), various lamps 338, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators are set.

  In step S209, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply shutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S220, and when the low voltage signal is off (power supply shutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S210.

  In step S210, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end process are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step S201 is set in each original register. Thereafter, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step S220, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 as return data, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

<Other configurations>
12 and 13 show the configuration of the medal auxiliary storage case 280 of the first modified example. FIG. 12 is an external perspective view (internal perspective view) of the medal auxiliary storage case 280, and FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the elevating bottom plate 2820 of the medal auxiliary storage case 280.

  In the medal auxiliary storage case 280, the elevating bottom plate 2820 is not lowered in the vertical direction but is lowered while being inclined according to the weight of the medal. That is, one end of the elevating bottom plate 2820 is locked by the hinge portion 2822 provided on the short side wall 2813, and the central portion of the elevating bottom plate 2820 is connected by the spring 2430 connected to the bottom plate 2811. Since the liftable bottom plate 2820 is supported, the liftable bottom plate 2820 is pivotally supported around the hinge portion 2822 according to the weight of medals accumulated in the liftable bottom plate 2820.

  Here, in the first modified example, as shown in FIG. 13, the medal discharge port 1813 of the medal payout device 180 is disposed on the far side near the center. Therefore, the medals discharged from the medal payout device 180 fall to the back side of the medal auxiliary storage case 280 (the side where the terminal of the conductive sensor 2440 protrudes), so that the medals accumulate in the medal auxiliary storage case 280. As it goes on, the elevating bottom plate 2820 rotates about the hinge portion 2822, and the elevating bottom plate 2820 is inclined and lowered. Then, when the conductive member 2425 of the liftable bottom plate 2820 is inclined down to a position (overflow detection position) in contact with the terminal of the conductive sensor 2440, the conductive member 2425 attached to the bottom surface on the back side of the liftable bottom plate 2820. And the conductive sensor 2440 are connected to each other, and the conductive sensor 2440 outputs a detection signal, so that the main control unit 300 can grasp that the medal amount in the medal auxiliary storage case 240 is a specific amount. It has become.

  In this manner, the elevating bottom plate may be configured to be inclined and not lowered vertically. In the medal auxiliary storage case 280, since medals accumulate on the inclined bottom plate 2820, as shown in FIG. 13, a mountain-shaped bias is unlikely to occur, and the medal is stored while maintaining a certain height. There is an effect that.

  14 and 15 show the configuration of the medal auxiliary storage case 290 of the second modification. FIG. 14 is an external perspective view (internal perspective view) of the medal auxiliary storage case 290, and FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the elevating bottom plate 2420 of the medal auxiliary storage case 290.

  In the second modified example, only the configuration of the sensor is different from that of the above embodiment. Specifically, two photo sensors 2911 and 2912 are installed as overflow sensors 2910 on the side wall 2412 on the back side of the outer frame 2410. In this modification, since the photosensors 2911 and 2912 are installed at positions having different heights, two detection positions are provided. That is, as shown in FIG. 15A, the first detection position detected by the photosensor 2911 and the second detection position detected by the photosensor 2912 (overflow detection position) as shown in FIG. ).

  Specifically, the photosensors 2911 and 2912 are transmissive optical sensors composed of a light projecting portion and a light receiving portion, and a detection piece (not shown) attached to the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 2421 of the elevating bottom plate 2420 is projected. The first detection position and the second detection position are detected by blocking the light emitted from the light section, and a predetermined amount of medals corresponding to the first detection position and the second detection position are detected.

  As described above, the overflow sensor may be a photo sensor in addition to the conductive sensor, or any sensor as long as it can detect the lowered position of the elevating bottom plate.

<Summary of Embodiment>
As described above, according to the game stand (for example, the slot machine 100) of the embodiment of the present invention, the medal paying device (for example, the medal paying device 180) for discharging the medal stored in the medal tank, A medal auxiliary storage case (for example, medal auxiliary storage case 240) for storing medals overflowing from the medal tank, and being stored in the medal auxiliary storage case. And a detection means (for example, an overflow sensor 2440, the main control unit 100, etc.) for detecting whether or not the medal has reached a specific amount, wherein the medal auxiliary storage case is An elevating bottom plate portion that is configured to be movable, and the bottom plate descends according to the weight of medals stored in the medal auxiliary storage case (for example, And the elevating bottom plate portion is lowered to the first position when the medal stored in the medal auxiliary storage case reaches the specific amount, and the detection means It is determined that the medal stored in the medal auxiliary storage case has reached the specific amount by detecting that the elevating bottom plate part has been lowered to the first position.

  With this configuration, in this embodiment, it is possible to reliably detect that medals in the medal auxiliary storage case have reached a certain amount without overflowing from the medal auxiliary storage case.

  As an example, an urging member (for example, a spring 2430) is provided that is connected between the bottom plate of the medal auxiliary storage case and the bottom plate of the elevating bottom plate portion and supports the elevating bottom plate portion so as to be extendable in the vertical direction. The urging member is configured to contract according to the weight of medals accumulated in the elevating bottom plate portion.

  With such a configuration, the elevating bottom plate portion smoothly descends according to the weight of medals accumulated in the elevating bottom plate portion, so that it is reliably detected that the medal in the medal auxiliary storage case has reached a certain amount. be able to.

  Further, as an example, a member to be detected (for example, a conductive member 2425) is disposed on the bottom plate of the elevating bottom plate portion, and detection members (for example, overflow terminals 2441, 2442, etc.) of the detection means are The detection means is arranged at the first position, and the detection means determines that the medal stored in the medal auxiliary storage case has reached the specific amount when the detection member and the detected member come into contact with each other. .

  With such a configuration, even if medals are accumulated unevenly on the liftable bottom plate, it is possible to reliably detect that the medals stored in the medal auxiliary storage case have reached a specific amount.

Note that the gaming table of the present embodiment is preferably provided with a plurality of types of symbols, and a plurality of reels (for example, reels 110 to 112) that are rotationally driven and game media (for example, medals) are inserted. The start switch (for example, the start lever 135) for instructing the start of rotation of the plurality of reels on the condition that there is a lot, and whether or not the internal winning of a plurality of types of predetermined roles is determined based on the operation of the start switch And a stop switch (for example, stop button 137) provided for each of the plurality of reels and individually stopping rotation of the reels. 139) and a stop control for stopping the rotation of the reel based on the lottery result of the lottery means and the stop operation of the stop switch. Stop control means (for example, main control unit 300, reel stop control processing) for stopping and stop control on the predetermined effective line on the display window (for example, symbol display window 113) by the stop control by the stop control means Judgment means (for example, main control unit 300, display judgment) for determining whether or not to win a winning combination based on whether or not the displayed symbol combination is a symbol combination determined corresponding to the winning combination internally won by the lottery means Processing) and a payout means (for example, main control unit 300, medal payout process, medal payout device 180) for paying out the game medium as a payout when a winning combination with a payout is determined by the determination by the determination means. A notification unit (for example, a liquid crystal display device 157, various lamps 338, a 7-segment display, speakers 272, 277, etc.) for notifying information about the game;
It is a gaming machine comprising notification control means (for example, a first sub control unit 400 and a second sub control unit 500) for determining a notification mode to be notified by the notification unit.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the gist of the present invention. Such modifications and changes can be made, and those accompanying such modifications and changes are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention only list the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to what was done.

100 slot machine 110, 111, 112 reel 113 symbol display window 114 winning line 130, 131, 132 medal insertion button 135 start lever 137, 138, 139 stop button 180 medal payout device 181 medal tank 240, 280, 290 medal auxiliary storage case 300 Main control unit 400 First sub control unit 500 Second sub control unit 157 Liquid crystal display devices 272, 277 Speakers 2410, 2810 Outer frames 2420, 2820 Elevating bottom plate 2425 Conductive member 2430 Spring (biasing member)
2440, 2910 Overflow sensor

Claims (3)

A medal payout device for discharging medals stored in the medal tank;
A medal auxiliary storage case that opens upward and is disposed adjacent to the medal payout device and stores medals that overflow from the medal tank;
Detecting means for detecting whether or not a medal stored in the medal auxiliary storage case has reached a specific amount,
The medal auxiliary storage case is
It is configured to be movable in the vertical direction, and includes an elevating bottom plate portion in which the bottom plate descends according to the weight of medals stored in the medal auxiliary storage case,
The elevating bottom plate part is
When the medal stored in the medal auxiliary storage case reaches the specific amount, the medal is lowered to the first position,
The detection means includes
A game table for determining that the medal stored in the medal auxiliary storage case has reached the specific amount by detecting that the elevating bottom plate part has been lowered to the first position. A biasing member connected between the bottom plate of the medal auxiliary storage case and the bottom plate of the elevating bottom plate portion, and supporting the elevating bottom plate portion in a vertically expandable and contractible manner;
The game table according to claim 1, wherein the biasing member contracts according to a weight of medals accumulated in the elevating bottom plate part. A detected member is disposed on the bottom plate of the elevating bottom plate portion,
The detection member of the detection means is disposed at the first position,
3. The gaming table according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit determines that the medal stored in the medal auxiliary storage case has reached the specific amount by contacting the detection member and the detected member.

Images