JP2012105807A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that internally stores all the game media to be dispensed, thereby eliminating the need of game media to be supplied from the outside.SOLUTION: The game machine includes: a first credit region that stores, up to a predetermined limit, game media supplied into the machine, and game media dispensed due to predetermined winning; and a control part for monitoring the numbers of the supplied game media and dispensed game media to be stored in the first credit region up to the predetermined limit, and supplying the game media stored in the first credit region into a game based on a predetermined operation. The game machine further includes a second credit region that stores only the dispensed game media. The control part is configured to store the dispensed game media preferentially in the first credit region up to the predetermined limit, to store the dispensed game media in the second credit region when the predetermined limit is exceeded and not to store the supplied game media in the second credit region.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine installed in a game arcade, and more particularly to a gaming machine having a credit function for storing gaming media to be thrown into a game.

Game machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines are installed in the game hall, and such game machines include a game machine having a credit function for storing game media to be thrown into a game.
For example, in a slot machine, when a player inserts a game medal (coin) or game ball (pachinko ball) as a game medium and presses a start lever, a predetermined pattern, number, character, etc. A plurality of reels (usually three reels) with the symbol of 開始 start rotating, and after rotating at a constant speed, the reels are stopped by pressing the stop button at an arbitrary timing. A gaming machine in which a predetermined number of game media are paid out according to the combination, and has a credit function for internally storing up to a specified number (for example, 50 medals) of inserted game media and paid-out game media, This credited game medium can be thrown into the game by operating the bet button and can be paid out by operating the settlement button. It has become the jar.

  By the way, in recent amusement halls, a service for setting different rental fees for each gaming machine island (corner) where the gaming machines are installed without spreading the gaming media rental fee (rental rate) is widespread. For example, a corner with a lending fee per medal of 5 yen, a corner of 10 yen, and a corner of 20 yen, etc. are provided so that you can enjoy games according to the player's financial power. I have to.

There has been proposed a slot machine capable of individually setting such rental fee for each gaming machine. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a slot machine that can select one lending fee from a plurality of lending fees and determines the time required for one game according to the selected lending fee.
In this slot machine, the time required for one game changes according to the rental fee, so that the efficiency of the game can be increased when the rental fee per medal is lowered, and the loan fee is reduced. The loss of operating profit at the amusement hall can be prevented.

JP 2010-75346 A

By the way, since the game media acquired by the player has a monetary value that can be exchanged for cash, if the rental fee differs, the monetary value per game media also varies accordingly.
The player's greatest interest is in the monetary value of the gaming medium acquired at the present time. However, in the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, it is not possible to set the rental fee individually for each gaming machine. Although it was possible, it was not possible to determine how much the acquired game media would be.

In addition, the gaming machine is configured to store a certain amount of game media inside, and to pay out the game media from there, but when the game media is paid out, the stored game media also decreases accordingly. It is necessary to replenish the shortage from the outside.
However, in the case of gaming machines, especially slot machines, there are few game halls that have introduced automatic replenishment systems that automatically replenish game media from the outside, and many of them are manually replenished by store staff at the game hall. As a result, the store clerk was forced to do complicated work.
Moreover, although the paid-out game media are stored in a tray or a ball box provided in the gaming machine, there are cases where the game media is stolen.

  Further, like the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, if different rental fees (lending rates) are set for each gaming machine and for each corner, it is necessary to manage the gaming media acquired by the player for each gaming machine and for each corner. While the gamers can enjoy the game according to their financial strength, the game hall is forced to bear a management burden, such as monitoring illegal carry-in of game media from the low lending fee corner to the high lending fee corner. It was a disadvantage.

The present invention has been proposed in order to solve various problems of such a game arcade, and in a gaming machine having a credit function for storing game media to be played on a game, the monetary value of the credited game media is obtained. It is intended to provide a gaming machine that can enjoy a game while recognizing a game profit / loss by displaying it as a monetary amount.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that internally stores all game media to be paid out, thereby eliminating the need for external game media supply.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a first credit unit for storing up to a prescribed number of gaming media thrown into the machine and gaming media paid out by a predetermined winning, The number of game media and the amount of game media paid out is monitored, and the first credit unit is stored up to the specified number, and the game stored in the first credit unit based on a predetermined operation A gaming machine comprising a control unit that performs a process of putting a medium into a game, and a second credit unit that stores only the paid-out gaming media, wherein the control unit Up to the specified number of game media are stored in the first credit unit, and when the specified number is exceeded, the second credit unit is stored, and the inserted game media is stored in the second credit unit. It is constituted not to be stored in isolation portion.

  In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention has a credit unit for storing up to a prescribed number of gaming media thrown into the machine and gaming media paid out by a predetermined winning, and the thrown-out gaming media and the paid-out A control unit that monitors each quantity of game media, stores up to the specified number in the credit unit, and performs processing to put the game media stored in the credit unit into the game based on a predetermined operation; A plurality of predetermined rates indicating the monetary value of one game medium are set, and one of the plurality of rates can be selected based on a predetermined selection operation. The control unit converts the game medium stored in the credit unit into an amount of money based on a predetermined rate indicating the monetary value of one game medium, and displays a predetermined display A structure in which the amount is displayed by controlling the stage, and the amount is variably displayed with reference to a selected rate as the number of game media stored in the credit unit is increased or decreased by the insertion and withdrawal of the game media It is as.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, by displaying the monetary value of the credited game medium as an amount, the player can enjoy the game while recognizing the game profit / loss.
In addition, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the need for external supply of game media by internally storing all of the game media to be paid out.

It is a schematic front view showing a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the internal structure of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of a control unit and its peripheral configuration of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed typically the storage process of the storage medal which the control part of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention performs. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a money amount display process performed by the control unit of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
There are various types of gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines that have a credit function for internally storing game media to be thrown into the game. In each embodiment shown below, A case where the invention is applied to a slot machine will be described.

[First embodiment]
[Slot machine body]
First, the configuration of the slot machine main body according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
1 is a schematic front view showing a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal configuration of the slot machine, and FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the periphery structure.
As shown in these drawings, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is a medal that is a game medium by rotating a plurality of reels 21a, 21b, 21c provided in the slot machine 1, as in the conventional slot machine. A revolving type gaming machine having a credit function for internally storing up to a prescribed number (for example, 50 medals) of inserted medals and paid-out medals. , A credit function for internally storing winning medals related to payout exceeding the prescribed number. In addition, a monetary value of the medal stored internally in this way is converted into a monetary amount, and a monetary value display function for displaying this is provided.
Hereinafter, the configuration of the slot machine main body according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 10 that is internally configured by a microcomputer and the like, a housing 1b that can accommodate necessary machines, devices, and the like, and a front side that can be opened and closed. It is comprised by the housing | casing shape which consists of the door 1a.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front door 1a is a door body that can be freely opened and closed to the casing 1b of the slot machine 1 via a hinge or the like. The front door 1a includes a front panel 2 and other parts. Thus, the front portion of the slot machine 1 is configured.

A display L is provided at the top of the front door 1a, and speakers S are provided on both the left and right sides of the display L.
The display device L is a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and is configured as rendering means for displaying a predetermined moving image or still image on the screen and performing a visual effect.
For example, the display device L can display an amount indicating the monetary value of the stored medal stored internally.
The speaker S is configured as a production means for producing an auditory effect by generating various sounds such as a melody sound and a message sound to the player.
The display L and the speaker S are driven and controlled by the effect control unit 40 (see FIG. 3).

The front panel 2 is provided with a display window 3 at a substantially central portion so that the reels 21a to 21c in the housing can be visually recognized from the outside.
The display window 3 is a window portion for viewing three reels (left) 21a, a reel (middle) 21b, and a reel (right) 21c (see FIG. 2) disposed in the slot machine 1, and each of the three reels. Among a plurality of symbols shown on the outer peripheral surface 21, three symbols that are continuously adjacent in the vertical direction can be visually recognized and identified.

Below the display window 3 of the front panel 2, a stored number display section 2a, a status display section 2b, and an acquired number display section 2c are arranged, and an amount display is displayed above the display window 3 of the front panel 2. Part 2d is arranged.
The stored number display unit 2a, the state display unit 2b, the acquired number display unit 2c, and the amount display unit 2d are each composed of a 7-segment LED or the like, and a predetermined numerical value is displayed.
The stored number display unit 2a is composed of a 6-digit 7-segment LED, and the medal number stored in the first credit area (first credit unit) in the RAM 11b of the control unit 10 is displayed on the lower 2-digit 7-segment LED. Similarly, the number of medals stored in the second credit area (second credit portion) in the RAM 11b is displayed on the upper four-digit 7-segment LED.
The status display unit 2b displays the total number of medals paid out and the number of digested games in the bonus game, and the acquired number display unit 2c displays the number of payouts at the time of winning.
The amount display unit 2d displays an amount (yen) obtained by converting the total number of medals stored in the first credit area and the second credit area at a predetermined rate.
The display units 2a to 2d are driven and controlled by the control unit 10 (see FIG. 3).

A player such as a start lever 4, a stop button 5, a medal insertion slot 6, a checkout button 6b, a bet button 7, a rate switching button 8 and the like are operated at a substantially central portion of the front door 1a on the lower side of the front panel 2. The buttons are provided.
The start lever 4 is a game start means for starting the rotation of each of the three reels 21. When the start lever 4 is pressed by the player's operation, a start signal is output to the control unit 10 (see FIG. 3). ), The reels 21a to 21c inside the main body rotate all at once.
In addition, when a start signal is input by depressing the start lever 4, an internal lottery is performed in the control unit 10, and the winning content is determined.

  The stop button 5 is a stop means for stopping the rotating reel 21 and includes three stop buttons (left) provided corresponding to the three reels (left) 21a, the reel (middle) 21b, and the reel (right) 21c. 5a, a stop button (middle) 5b, and a stop button (right) 5c. When each of the stop buttons 5a, 5b, 5c is pressed at an arbitrary timing by the player, a stop signal is output to the control unit 10 (see FIG. 3), and the corresponding reels 21a, 21b, 21c are rotated. Is to be stopped.

The medal slot 6 is a slot for receiving medals as a game medium used in the slot machine game, and a game can be played according to the number of medals inserted from the medal slot 6.
As shown in FIG. 2, a medal selector 6a is provided on the inside of the main body of the medal insertion slot 6. The number of inserted medals is counted, and a medal signal indicating the number of medals is output to the control unit 10 inside the main body. It has come to be.

Further, medals inserted from the medal slot 6 are stored in the first credit area (first credit part) of the RAM 11b in the control unit 10 as stored medals inserted into the game. Prior to the start of the game, a plurality of medals are inserted in advance, so that they can be stored and stored (hereinafter referred to as credits) as stored medals to be inserted into the game.
Specifically, when medals (for example, 3) that can be played are inserted and medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 6, medals thereafter are stored as medals, and a prescribed number (for example, , Up to 50). Further, when a payout is made at the time of winning a prize, the winning medals are credited as stored medals to be inserted into the game up to the specified number.
The stored medals are inserted (subtracted) from the first credit area for use in the game when a later-described BET button 7 is pressed.
The stored medals stored in the first credit area in this way are stored medals that are credited in advance and inserted into the game, as in the conventional slot machine.
The number of stored medals stored in the first credit area is displayed as a numerical value on the lower two-digit 7-segment LED in the stored number display portion 2a of the front panel 2.

Further, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a payout at the time of winning is made and a predetermined number of stored medals are already credited to the first credit area, the winning medals exceeding the specified number are controlled. It is stored in the second credit area (second credit part) of the RAM 11b in the part 10.
When the stored medals stored in the second credit area are less than the number of stored medals stored in the first credit area (for example, three), the BET button 7 described later is pressed. Then, a predetermined number is transferred (transferred) to the first credit area, and as a result, medals used for the game are inserted from the stored medals stored in the first credit area.

Specifically, for example, the number of stored medals stored in the second credit area is “60”, and the number of stored medals stored in the first credit area is less than “3” that can be gamed “0”. When the BET button 7 is pressed at the time of “~ 2”, the stored medal “60” stored in the second credit area to the prescribed number “50” is transferred to the first credit area. From among the stored medals transferred to the first credit area, the number of medals used for the game is “3”.
That is, when the stored medals are inserted into the game from the first credit area, the number of stored medals in the first credit area is smaller than the number of medals that can be played, and the stored medals are stored in the second credit area. The stored medal stored in the second credit area is transferred to the first credit area and then inserted.
The number of stored medals stored in the second credit area is displayed as a numerical value on the upper four-digit 7-segment LED in the stored number display portion 2a of the front panel 2.
In this case, medals used for the game can be directly inserted from the stored medals stored in the second credit area without being transferred to the first credit area.

The settlement button 6b is an example of a settlement section, and is a switch for settlement of the stored medal at the end of the game.
When the settlement button 6b is pressed, medals for the stored medals (stored medals stored in the first credit area and the second credit area) are discharged from the medal payout device 30 to the game medal payout opening 9, and the RAM 11b. The data on the number of stored medals stored in is also deleted.
Further, when the stored medal is settled, the 6-digit numerical value of the stored number display portion 2a is also displayed as zero.

In the case where the stored medals stored in each credit area are discharged as real medals based on the pressing operation of the settlement button 6b, a predetermined unit divided in advance as shown below based on the player's operation is shown. Each medal can be discharged.
For example, the stored medals are classified into those stored in the first credit area and those stored in the second credit area, and stored in the first credit area by one press operation of the settlement button 6b. The stored medals stored in the second credit area can be discharged by the next pressing operation.
In addition, the stored medals stored in each credit area can be divided into a predetermined number of units (for example, 100 units), and a predetermined number (100) of medals can be discharged for each operation. Furthermore, all the stored medals can be selected by long-pressing the settlement button 6b (for example, 1 second).
In this way, by discharging the actual medals for each predetermined unit divided in advance based on the player's operation, particularly when a large number of medals are stored in the second credit area, a large number of medals are obtained. It is possible to avoid the clogging of medals occurring near the game medal payout exit 9 by being discharged at one time, and the clerk can replenish medals.

The medal BET button (insertion button) 7 is a medal insertion switch for inserting (multiplying) medals used in the game from the first credit area when there are stored medals stored in the first credit area. .
Specifically, a MAXBET button 7a for inserting a medal (for example, 3) that can be played by a single press from a stored medal stored in the first credit area at a time, and a single press And a 1BET button 7b for inserting one medal from a stored medal stored in the first credit area.
In the present embodiment, the number of multiplications that can be played is always three, but can be changed according to the gaming state. For example, it may be 2 for bonus games and 3 for other game sections (during normal games).

When each BET button 7 is pressed, a medal signal corresponding to the number of inserted medals (multiplier) is output to the control unit 10 (see FIG. 3), and the number of inserted medals (multiplier). The same number of medals are inserted into the game from the stored medals stored in the first credit area of the RAM 11b.
As a result, when a stored medal is inserted, the inserted number is subtracted from the first credit area of the RAM 11b, and the lower two-digit display value in the stored number display portion 2a is also decreased by the inserted number.
Further, in the case where stored medals are stored in the second credit area, if the BET button 7 is pressed when the number of stored medals stored in the first credit area is less than the number of medals that can be played, the second The stored medals stored in the credit area are added to the first credit area up to the specified number, and the display value of the last two digits in the stored number display portion 2a is increased by the added number. At this time, the stored medal stored in the second credit area is subtracted, and the display value of the first four digits in the stored number display portion 2a is also reduced by the subtracted number.

When each BET button 7 is pressed, the amount (yen) displayed on the amount display unit 2d also changes.
For example, the rate (amount) per medal is set to “20 yen” by a rate switching button 8 described later, “20 medals” are stored in the first credit area, and “60” is stored in the second credit area. In the case where the medal is stored as an example, the monetary value of the stored medal is displayed as the monetary value of the stored medal “1600 yen ([20 + 60] × 20 yen)”. Is done.
Here, when the MAXBET button 7a is pressed and, for example, “3” medals are inserted into the game from the stored medals stored in the first credit area, the amount displayed on the amount display portion 2d is “1600 yen. "1540 yen" obtained by subtracting "60 yen" which is the amount of 3 medals from "".

Furthermore, the displayed amount (yen) of the amount display unit 2d varies with the payout of medals by winning.
For example, in the game in which “3” medals are inserted, when a predetermined small role is won and “5” medals are paid out, the amount displayed on the amount display unit 2d is “1540 yen”. The display is variably displayed as “1640 yen” obtained by adding “100 yen”, which is the amount of money for five medals.
Thus, since the monetary value of the credited stored medal is displayed as the monetary amount on the monetary amount display unit 2d, the player can directly grasp the profit and loss in the game.

The rate switching button 8 is a rate selection unit capable of selecting a predetermined rate (for example, a lending rate or an exchange rate) per medal, and in this embodiment, three types (5 yen, 10 yen, 20 yen) The rate per medal is switched in the order of 5 yen, 10 yen, 20 yen, 5 yen,... The selected rate is displayed on, for example, the status display unit 2b, and the selected rate is confirmed by leaving the operation for a predetermined time.
The determined rate is stored in the rate storage area of the RAM 11b, and is referred to when the control unit 10 controls the amount display unit 2d to display the amount.
The initial value of the rate when the slot machine power is turned on is, for example, 20 yen, and a predetermined operation means (such as a dip switch) that can select the initial value is provided in the control unit 10 for each game hall. Can be set to a specific value.

Inside the casing of the slot machine 1, as shown in FIG. 2, there are a drum unit 20 that rotates and stops the three reels 21a to 21c, a medal payout device 30 that pays out medals, and other machines and devices. Is provided.
The drum unit 20 rotatably holds the three reels 21a, 21b, and 21c and the three reels 21a to 21c, and rotates the stepping motors corresponding to the reels 21a to 21c to rotate the reels 21a to 21c. A motor drive circuit for controlling the start, constant speed rotation and stop, and a reference position of each reel 21a to 21c that is detected each time the reels 21a to 21c are rotated, and is output to the control unit 10 as a marker signal. A body position detecting unit (both not shown).

The reel 21 is composed of a cylindrical portion in which a plurality of (usually 21) patterns such as patterns and characters are represented on the outer periphery, and three reels (left) 21a that rotate in the vertical direction (downward from the top of the drawing) A (middle) 21b and a reel (right) 21c are arranged in a line in the horizontal direction (the horizontal direction in the drawing) (see FIG. 2).
The symbols shown on the reels 21a to 21c are arranged at equal intervals for each reel 21, and for example, symbols and characters such as “bell”, “7”, and “replay” are displayed in a predetermined order. In addition, 21 symbols are displayed on each reel 21.

In this way, the three reels 21a to 21c on which the symbols are arranged are driven and stopped by the controller 10, the motor drive circuit of the drum unit 20, and the rotation position detector. The control unit 10 constantly monitors the current rotational positions of the reels 21a to 21c based on the marker signal indicating the reference position input from the above-described drum position detection unit.
In the drum unit 20, when the start lever 4 and the stop buttons 5a to 5c are pressed, a pulse (drive) signal is input from the control unit 10 to the motor drive circuit, and the stepping motor is driven to drive the corresponding reels 21a to 21a. Control of rotation start, constant speed rotation and stop of 21c is performed.

Based on the timing when the player presses the stop button 5, the stop position of the reel 21 is controlled according to the winning content in the internal lottery performed by the control unit 10, and the current stop of each reel 21a to 21c can be stopped. When there is a symbol corresponding to the winning content within a predetermined symbol feed number range (from 0 to 4 symbols) from the rotation position, the reel 21 is controlled so as to stop the symbol at a predetermined effective line. Will be.
Thus, the control unit 10 performs an internal lottery with the start signal from the start lever 4 as a trigger, and the drum unit 20 is controlled by the pulse signal from the control unit 10 so that the stop button 5 is pressed. The reels 21a, 21b, and 21c are controlled to stop so that a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning content is stopped and displayed on the active line within a predetermined number of symbol feeds.

The medal payout device 30 is a medal payout device disposed below the drum unit 20 in the housing, and drives and controls a hopper 31 that stores payout medals and a medal payout motor provided in the hopper 31. A hopper drive circuit that discharges a predetermined number of medals, and a medal detection unit that detects the number of discharged medals by a predetermined sensor and outputs it to the control unit 10 as a payout signal (both are not suitable). (Illustrated).
Then, medals discharged from the medal payout device 30 are paid out from the game medal payout opening 9 of the front door 1a to the front surface of the slot machine and provided to the player.
In the present embodiment, the medal payout device 30 is activated only when a stored medal is stored in the first credit area or the second credit area and the settlement button 6b is pressed.

[Control unit]
Next, the control unit 10 that controls the entire slot machine 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.
The control unit 10 according to the present embodiment is configured as a control board having a microcomputer including an IC, a memory, and various electronic components that controls each part of the slot machine 1 described above, and is disposed at the rear part of the housing 1b. (See FIG. 2).
Specifically, the control unit 10 is generally called a main board, and includes a CPU 11, a ROM 11 a and a RAM 11 b that are built-in and stored in the CPU 11, a main body clock generation circuit that generates a reference clock, and a random number generator. A random number clock generation circuit that generates a reference clock, a random number counter that generates a random number for internal lottery, a display unit driving circuit that drives the display units 2a to 2d, and the like are provided.
The control unit 10 is configured to execute processing for controlling the entire slot machine 1 based on programs and data stored in the ROM 11a.

Specifically, the control unit 10 monitors the insertion of medals, makes the game possible according to the number of inserted medals, controls the rotation of each reel at the timing of operation of the start lever 4, and An internal lottery is performed to determine the winning contents of the current game from among the lottery objects, and the combination of symbols corresponding to the lottery objects of the winning contents based on the timing of the stop operation of the stop button 5 by the player and the winning contents Each reel 21 is controlled to stop so as to stop.
Further, when it is determined that the winning is based on the stopped symbol combination, the payout of a predetermined number of medals according to the symbol combination is determined.

  In addition to the basic control of the slot machine game as described above, the controller 10 stores the number of stored medals stored in the first credit area and the maximum number of stored medals that can be stored in the first credit area. 4, the number of stored medals stored in the second credit area, the number of inserted medals inserted from the medal slot 6, and the number of winning medals to be paid out by winning are respectively monitored. The storage medal storage control as shown is performed.

Specifically, when the medal signal is input from the medal selector 6a, the control unit 10 inserts the inserted medal of the number of medals indicated by the medal signal as shown in FIG. One credit section).
However, as shown in FIG. 4B, the control unit 10 stores the inserted medal so that when the first credit area exceeds the prescribed number (50), the excess amount has already been exceeded, or the first credit area has already been reached. When the predetermined number (50) is reached, all of the inserted medals are discharged from the game medal payout opening 9 by controlling a predetermined flow path switching means (not shown) provided in the medal selector 6a. That is, only a predetermined number of inserted medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 6 are stored.

Further, when the control unit 10 determines the payout of a predetermined number of medals according to the combination of symbols that are determined to be winning and stopped, until the first credit area exceeds the specified number (50), the control unit 10 changes to FIG. As shown, the winning medal is preferentially stored in the first credit area.
However, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the prescribed number (50) is exceeded by storing the winning medals in the first credit area, the excess amount or the first credit area is already in the prescribed number ( 50) (when full), all of the winning medals are stored in the second credit area (second credit portion) of the RAM 11b.
In this second credit area, a 2-byte RAM area is secured, and a maximum of 65536 stored medals can be stored.

Thus, by providing the second credit area, it is not necessary to pay out the actual medal, so that the work load of the store clerk who replenishes the medal from the outside of the machine is reduced and the medal can be prevented from being stolen.
In the second credit area, only winning medals related to payout are stored, and inserted medals inserted from the medal slot 6 are not stored. As a result, even if a medal signal is illegally generated by inserting a foreign object from the medal insertion slot 6, more than a prescribed number of stored medals are not stored, so that illegal acts can be suppressed.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, the control unit 10, when stored medals are stored in the second credit area, the number of medals that can be played by the stored medal number stored in the first credit area. If the BET button 7 is pressed when it is less than, the stored medals stored in the second credit area are transferred to the first credit area up to a specified number, and the storage stored in the transferred first credit area is stored. The number of medals is subtracted from the number of medals so that the game is possible.
Thereby, even if the number of stored medals stored in the first credit area is insufficient, as long as the stored medals are stored in the second credit area, the game progresses smoothly.

The transfer of stored medals from the second credit area to the first credit area is not only performed by pressing the BET button 7, but, for example, a transfer operation button (not shown) is provided on the exterior of the slot machine 1 and this transfer Based on the operation of the operation button, it can be transferred at an arbitrary timing.
In addition, whenever a stored medal is inserted into the game from the first credit area, or when the number of stored medals stored in the first credit area falls below a predetermined medal number, the stored medal is automatically transferred from the second credit area. Can also be transported.

Further, the control unit 10 determines the amount display unit 2d based on the number of stored medals stored in the first credit area, the number of stored medals stored in the second credit area, and the rate stored in the rate storage area. As shown in FIG. 5, the monetary value of the stored medal is displayed as a monetary amount.
Specifically, the number of stored medals stored in the first credit area and the number of stored medals stored in the second credit area are summed, and the total number is based on the rate stored in the rate storage area. The amount is converted into an amount and stored in the amount storage area of the RAM 11b, and the amount is displayed on the amount display unit 2d.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), if the rate stored as an initial value in the rate storage area of the RAM 11b is “20 yen / one medal”, “20” is entered from the medal slot 6 at the start of the game. When a medal is inserted and stored in the first credit area, the control unit 10 calculates the money of the stored medal by multiplying the rate stored in the rate storage area of the RAM 11b by the number of stored medals stored in the first credit area. While calculating the monetary amount as the target value, the monetary amount display unit 2d is driven and controlled to display “400 yen (20 sheets × 20 yen)” as the calculated amount.

In addition, the control unit 10 refers to the rate stored in the rate storage area and displays the amount displayed on the money amount display unit 2d as the number of stored medals stored in each credit area increases or decreases due to the insertion and withdrawal of medals. Is displayed in a variable manner.
For example, when the “MAX BET” button 7a is pressed while the “400 yen” is displayed, and “3” medals are inserted into the game from the first credit area and reduced, the control unit 10 stores the rate memory. With reference to the rate stored in the area, the amount displayed on the amount display unit 2d is changed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5B, the amount displayed on the amount display unit 2d is subtracted “60 yen (3 sheets × 20 yen)” that is the amount of three medals from “400 yen”. Will be displayed in a variable manner at “340 yen”.

Further, when the control unit 10 wins a predetermined small combination, the display amount of the amount display unit 2d is variably displayed in accordance with the payout of medals by winning.
For example, in the game in which the above-mentioned “3” medals are inserted, when a prize is awarded to a small role that is paid out of “5”, and the “5” medals are paid out to the first credit area and increased, As shown in FIG. 5C, the display amount of the display unit 2d is “440 yen” obtained by adding “100 yen (5 sheets × 20 yen)” that is the amount of 5 medals to “340 yen”. It will be displayed fluctuating.

When the rate switching button 8 is operated and the rate per medal is changed, the control unit 10 stores the medal in each credit area by referring to the rate memorized in the rate memory area. As the stored medal is increased or decreased, the amount displayed on the amount display unit 2d is variably displayed.
For example, in the state where “440 yen” is displayed, the rate is selected (changed) based on the operation of the rate switching button 8, and “10 yen / one medal” is stored in the rate storage area. When the MAXBET button 7a is pressed, “3” medals are inserted into the game from the first credit area and decreased. Then, the control unit 10 refers to the rate “10 yen” stored in the rate storage area, and changes the amount displayed on the amount display unit 2d.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5D, the amount displayed on the amount display portion 2d is subtracted “30 yen (3 sheets × 10 yen)”, which is the amount of three medals from “440 yen”. Will be displayed in a variable manner at “410 yen”.

  Further, in the game in which the “3” medals are inserted, the winning combination of “5” medals is won, and when the “5” medals are increased by the payout and stored in the first credit area, As shown in FIG. 5E, the display amount of the display unit 2d is “460 yen” obtained by adding “50 yen (5 pieces × 10 yen)” that is the amount of 5 medals to “410 yen”. It will be displayed fluctuating.

Although not shown in particular, in the above states, when stored medals are stored in the second credit area, the number of remaining medals is multiplied by the rate stored in the rate storage area. The amount is added to the amount displayed on the amount display portion 2d and displayed.
As described above, the control unit 10 displays a monetary amount based on the number of stored medals stored in the first credit area, the number of stored medals stored in the second credit area, and the rate stored in the rate storage area. The unit 2d is driven and controlled to display the monetary value of the stored medals as a monetary value, and the rate stored in the rate storage area is increased or decreased as the number of stored medals stored in each credit area is increased or decreased. Since the money amount displayed in the money amount display section 2d is displayed with reference, the player can immediately confirm how much monetary value the number of medals earned at this time has, while recognizing the game profit / loss You can enjoy the game.
Further, since the stored medal is stored as an amount, the amount does not change even if the rate is changed. Therefore, it is not necessary to manage the gaming machines according to the rate as in the conventional game hall, and the management burden can be reduced.

In the above description of FIG. 5, when the rate is changed based on the operation of the rate switching button 8, the stored medal stored in each of the first credit area and the second credit area is associated with this change. Quantity varies.
For example, at a rate of “20 yen / medal”, “20” stored medals are stored in the first credit area, and “400 yen” is displayed in the amount display portion 2d. In the example, when the rate is changed to “10 yen / one medal”, the amount displayed in the amount display portion 2d remains “400 yen” but is not changed, but is stored in the first credit area. The number of stored medals varies to “40”.

Furthermore, when the rate is changed to “5 yen / one medal”, the number of stored medals stored in the first credit area changes to “80”, and in this case, the prescribed number “ Will exceed "50 sheets".
As described above, since the number of stored medals stored in the first credit area may exceed the specified number in accordance with the rate change, in such a case, the control unit 10 determines the excess amount as the first number. It is transferred to the second credit area or paid out from the game medal payout exit 9.

When the money is transferred, the amount displayed on the amount display portion 2d remains “400 yen”, but when paying out from the game medal payout opening 9, the control unit 10 displays the excess amount to be paid out on the display amount “400 yen”. Subtract from For example, in the above case, “30 sheets”, that is, “150 yen (30 sheets × 5 yen)” is paid out, so the displayed amount is “250 yen”.
On the other hand, when transferring the excess amount to the second credit area, the control unit 10 adds “30” stored medals to the second credit area and stores them. However, transferring the excess exceeding the specified number to the second credit area in this way indirectly allows the inserted medal inserted from the medal slot 6 to be stored in the second credit area, The stored medals can be stored up to the allowable storage number in the second credit area by an illegal act of inserting a foreign object from the medal slot 6 to generate a medal signal, which is not preferable. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 10 pays out the excess stored medals from the game medal payout port 9.

As described above, according to the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, all medals to be paid out are stored internally, so that it is not necessary to supply game media from the outside.
Further, since the monetary value of the credited medal is displayed as an amount, the game can be enjoyed while recognizing the game profit / loss.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
Unlike the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment in that it does not have a second credit area for storing stored medals. Amount based on having a first credit area for storing up to a prescribed number of stored medals to be inserted into the game, based on the number of stored medals stored in the first credit area and the rate selected by operating the rate switching button 8 Displaying the monetary value of the stored medal on the display unit 2d, and displaying the monetary value of the stored medal on the monetary value display unit 2d with reference to the rate stored in the rate storage area, according to the increase / decrease of the stored medal due to the insertion and withdrawal of medals. The variable amount display and other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment.

That is, since the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment has only the first credit area as the credit area for storing the stored medal, as in the first embodiment, the transfer of the stored medal between the credit areas, Although the total amount of the stored medals stored in each credit area cannot be displayed on the amount display unit 2d, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the number of stored medals stored in the first credit area Based on the rate selected by the operation of the rate switching button 8, the monetary value of the stored medal is displayed on the monetary amount display unit 2d, and is stored in the rate storage area as the number of stored medals increases or decreases due to insertion and withdrawal of medals. The amount displayed on the amount display portion 2d is displayed in a variable manner with reference to the rate.
Since the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment configured as above displays the monetary value of the credited stored medal as an amount, it is possible to enjoy the game while recognizing the game profit / loss.

  The preferred embodiment of the slot machine of the present invention has been described above. However, the slot machine according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

For example, the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to be able to receive money amount information indicating an amount of money inserted from a pedestal machine (for example, a game medium lending machine) that is attached to the slot machine 1 and can insert cash. Then, based on the amount information, the control unit 10 directly displays the amount inserted into the intermediary machine on the amount display unit 2d, or the amount inserted into the intermediary unit and stored in each credit area. It is also possible to display the total amount summed with the amount converted according to the number of stored medals on the amount display unit 2d.
This eliminates the need to insert a real medal from the medal slot 6 when performing a slot machine game.

In addition to such a configuration, by operating the settlement button 6b, the actual medal is not paid out, and is output as information indicating the total value of the number of stored medals stored in each credit area to the above machine. You can also The interstage machine to which the total value has been input can also record this total value on a predetermined recording medium (receipt, IC card, magnetic card, etc.) and issue it to the player. Further, the slot machine 1 may be provided with issuing means (card reader / writer, printer, etc.) for issuing the recording medium, and issue a recording medium on which the total value is recorded in accordance with the operation of the settlement button 6b. it can.
Thereby, a medalless game without using the actual medal from the insertion of the medal to the payout can be performed. When the slot machine 1 is configured in this way, the medal insertion slot 6, the medal selector 6a, the game medal payout opening 9 In addition, it is possible to eliminate the need for a flow path, a device, and the like related to the insertion and withdrawal of medals into the machine, such as the medal dispensing apparatus 30, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
In each embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to a slot machine. However, the present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine configured to be capable of storing game balls launched on a game board.

  The present invention can be suitably used for a gaming machine having a credit function for storing game media to be thrown into a game.

1 slot machine 2 front panel 3 display window 4 start lever 5 (5a, 5b, 5c) stop button 6 medal slot 6b settlement button (settlement section)
7 BET button 8 Rate switching button (Rate selection part)
9 Game medal payout exit S Speaker 10 Control unit 11a ROM
11b RAM (first credit part, second credit part)
20 drum unit 21 (21a, 21b, 21c) reel 30 medal payout device 40 effect control unit

Claims (5)

A first credit unit for storing up to a prescribed number of game media inserted into the plane and game media paid out by a predetermined winning, and the respective quantities of the inserted game media and the paid-out game media A control unit that performs processing to store the game medium stored in the first credit unit into a game based on a predetermined operation, A gaming machine with which
A second credit unit for storing only the paid out game media;
The controller is
The paid-out game medium is stored up to the specified number in preference to the first credit unit, and when exceeding the specified number, stored in the second credit unit,
A gaming machine, wherein the inserted gaming media is not stored in the second credit unit. A plurality of predetermined rates indicating the monetary value of one game medium are set, and a rate selection unit capable of selecting one of the plurality of rates based on a predetermined selection operation,
The controller is
The game medium stored in each credit unit is converted into an amount based on the selected rate, and a predetermined display means is controlled to display the amount,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the amount is variably displayed with reference to a selected rate as the number of game media stored in each credit unit is increased or decreased due to insertion and withdrawal of game media. . The controller is
When there is no game medium stored in the first credit unit or when a game medium less than the prescribed number is stored in the first credit unit, the game medium is stored in the second credit unit 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game medium stored in the second credit unit is transferred to the first credit unit up to a quantity not exceeding the prescribed number. . A checkout unit for paying out the game media stored in each credit unit based on a predetermined operation and discharging it out of the machine,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the settlement unit discharges the game media for each predetermined unit divided based on a predetermined operation. A credit unit for storing up to a prescribed number of game media thrown into the plane and game media paid out by a predetermined prize, and monitoring each quantity of the inserted game media and the paid-out game media. A gaming machine comprising: a controller for storing up to the specified number in the credit unit and performing a process of throwing a game medium stored in the credit unit into a game based on a predetermined operation;
A plurality of predetermined rates indicating the monetary value of one game medium are set, and a rate selection unit capable of selecting one of the plurality of rates based on a predetermined selection operation,
The controller is
The game medium stored in the credit unit is converted into an amount based on a predetermined rate indicating the monetary value of one game medium, and the amount is displayed by controlling predetermined display means.
A gaming machine characterized in that the amount is variably displayed with reference to a selected rate as the number of gaming media stored in the credit unit increases or decreases due to the insertion and withdrawal of gaming media.

Images