JP2012245412A - Device for detecting passage of game medium, and game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To strongly suppress the pulling up of game media without damaging the smooth passage of the game medium with a relatively simple configuration.SOLUTION: In the device in which game media path where the game medium passes through is formed and which detects passing of the game medium, a movable member provided so as to be freely moved forward and backward at the game media path and the movable member has such a shape that at least one end part projects more on the downstream side compared to the other parts.

Description

The present invention is related to apparatus for detecting the passage of game media such as medals to be applied to the amusement machine typified by a slot machine (Pachi) (coins, coins).

  A medal selector provided in a gaming machine represented by a slot machine has a countermeasure against fraud concerning medal insertion. For example, a movable projecting piece having a thread hanging medal prevention function is used to prevent illegal acts such as inserting and pulling repeatedly to increase the credit so that the thread hanging medal enters the medal selector and passes the medal in a pseudo manner. A medal selector provided with is proposed (Patent Document 1). In addition, there has also been proposed a game table provided with a foreign matter catching means for catching a fraudulent instrument in order to make it difficult to pull out the fraudulent instrument (Patent Document 2).

JP 2003-275382 A Japanese Patent No. 4279716

  As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561, the one that prevents illegal acts using a thread medal is generally one that protrudes into the medal passage after passing the medal and prevents reverse movement of the medal. Since the outer shape of the medals is circular, the medals that are lifted up with respect to the members projecting into the medal path are in a state of being locked with the uppermost ends being point-contacted. For this reason, when the medal is pulled up strongly, the lock is released and the medal may be pulled out. If an attempt is made to simply improve the locking force, the structure tends to be complicated, and the smooth insertion of medals may be impaired.

An object of the present invention is to suppress the pulling up of the game medium more strongly without impairing the smooth passage of the game medium with a relatively simple configuration.

According to the present invention, to form a passage game media you pass, the apparatus for detecting the passage of the game medium, a movable member which is provided retractably in said passage, said movable member, other portions An apparatus is provided that includes one side end projecting further downstream .

According to the present invention, the pulling-up of the game medium can be more strongly suppressed without impairing the smooth passage of the game medium with a relatively simple configuration.

1 is an external perspective view of a slot machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine 100. FIG. (A) is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) in a plan view, and (b) is the type of winning combination of the slot machine 100. Illustration. The flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. The perspective view of medal selector 200. FIG. The exploded perspective view of medal selector 200. FIG. The front view of the medal selector 200 in the state which removed the front cover 230. FIG. (A) And (b) is a perspective view of the front cover 230. FIG. (A) thru | or (d) are explanatory drawings of the movable member 270. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows arrangement | positioning of the to-be-detected piece 274 and the motion detection sensor 290 at the time of an assembly | attachment. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing of the advancing / retreating mode of the advancing / retreating parts 271a to 271d. (A) is explanatory drawing of the position of the downstream end part of the advance / retreat part 271a thru | or 271d, (b) is explanatory drawing of the position of the downstream end part of the advance / retreat part 271e. (A) thru | or (c) is explanatory drawing of the operation | movement aspect of the movable member 270. FIG. (A) thru | or (c) is explanatory drawing of the operation | movement aspect of the movable member 270. FIG. (A) thru | or (c) is explanatory drawing of the other example of the movable member 270. FIG. (A) thru | or (e) are explanatory drawings of other examples, such as a movable member 270. FIG. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing of the example of application to a game ball.

<First Embodiment>
<Overall configuration>
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 the present 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 affixing the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed three 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.

  A backlight (not shown) for illuminating the individual symbols displayed on the symbol display window 113 is disposed on the back of each 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 (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. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor are provided. A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the two. 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 Five lines, the down line and the upper right line, may be valid as the winning lines.

  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 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 134. is there. The medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 pass through a medal selector 200 (described later) provided in the slot machine 100 to select regular medals and detect the passage of medals.

  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. The stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

  The start lever 135 is a lever type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired number of medals is inserted into the medal insertion slot 134 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start rotating. 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 switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are associated 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. Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each stop button 137 to 139, and when the stop button 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter may 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 180 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.

<Control unit>
FIG. 2 describes in detail the circuit configuration of the control unit of the control unit of the slot machine 100. This figure shows 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 another storage device may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 described later.

  The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 314 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 314 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. WDT 313 is a watchdog timer.

  The basic circuit 302 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in a range of 0 to 65535, and a start signal output circuit 338 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 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts a main control unit main process described later).

  The basic circuit 302 is provided with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 detects various sensors 318 (a bet button 130 sensor, a bet button 131 sensor, a bet button 132 sensor, and a medal selector 200, which will be described later) for each interrupt time. Sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, checkout button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, index sensor for reel 110, index sensor for reel 111, index sensor for reel 112 The status of the index sensor etc. is 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 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 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 input operation when 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. Becomes L 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 main control unit 300 is provided with a drive circuit 322 for driving a stepping motor provided in the reel devices 110 to 112, and a drive circuit 324 for driving a solenoid provided in the medal selector 200 for selecting inserted medals. In addition, a drive circuit 326 for driving a motor provided in the medal payout device 180 is provided, and various lamps 338 (a winning line display lamp 120, a notification lamp 123, a game medal insertable lamp 124, a re-game lamp 122, and a game medal are inserted). The lamp 129 is provided with a drive circuit 328 for driving the game start lamp 121, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127).

  Further, an information output circuit 334 (external concentration terminal board 248) is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is connected to an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 334. The game information (for example, game state) of the slot machine 100 is output to the information input circuit 652 provided.

  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. Note that 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 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub control unit 400. However, the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to transmit a signal such as a command 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 a control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on the control command. The basic circuit 402 includes 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 and frequency. It is installed. 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, and controls the control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, lighting of the backlight A ROM 406 in which data for controlling patterns and various displays is stored is 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 the sound source IC 418 is provided with speakers 272 and 277 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 provided with a drive circuit 422, and 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. Provided.

  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 and the shutter 163. In this way, the performance is executed as the game progresses.

<Pattern arrangement>
A symbol arrangement applied to each of the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a diagram in which the arrangement of symbols applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) is developed in a plane.

  In each reel 110 to 112, a plurality of types (eight types in this embodiment) of symbols shown on the right side of the figure are arranged in a predetermined number of frames (21 frames of numbers 0 to 20 in this embodiment). Also, numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of symbols on the reels 110 to 112. For example, in the present embodiment, the “replay” symbol for the number 1 frame on the left reel 110, the “bell” symbol for the number 0 frame on the middle reel 111, and the “bell” symbol for the number 2 frame on the right reel 112. "Watermelon" design is arranged respectively.

<Type of winning prize>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows the types of winning combinations (including actuating combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination.

  Of the winning combinations in the present embodiment, the big bonuses (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are used as a combination for shifting to the bonus game, and the replay (replay) is a replay without newly inserting a medal. Each winning combination is sometimes distinguished from a winning combination and sometimes called an “acting combination”. However, in the “winning combination” in this embodiment, a big bonus, a regular bonus, and a replay that are operating combinations are included. included. In addition, “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an actuator not accompanied by a medal payout (without medal payout) is displayed on an active line, for example, a big bonus, regular Includes bonuses and replay wins.

  The winning combination of the slot machine 100 includes a big bonus (BB1, BB2), a regular bonus (RB), a small combination (cherry, watermelon, bell), and replay (replay). Needless to say, the type of winning combination is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  “Big Bonus (BB1, BB2)” (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “BB”) is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning a prize. . Corresponding symbol combinations are “white 7-white 7-white 7” for BB1, and “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” for BB2. Further, flag carryover is performed for BB1 and BB2. That is, when BB1 and BB2 are won internally, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300), but even if BB1 and BB2 are not won in the game, a prize is won. Until then, the flag indicating the internal winning is maintained, and even after the next game, BB1 and BB2 are being internally selected, and the symbol combination corresponding to BB1 “white 7-white 7-white 7”, the symbol corresponding to BB2 The combination “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” is in a state of winning a prize.

  The “regular bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a regular bonus game (RB game) is started by winning. The corresponding symbol combination is “bonus-bonus-bonus”. Note that the RB carries over the flag as well as the above-mentioned BB. However, in the big bonus game (BB game) (details will be described later), the regular bonus game (RB game) is won internally and the combination of symbols is displayed on the winning line. In addition, the regular bonus game is started after the start of the big bonus game, and when the regular bonus game is finished once, the regular bonus game is automatically started so that the next regular bonus game is immediately started. It is good. “Short (cherry, watermelon, bell)” (hereinafter, simply referred to as “cherry”, “watermelon”, “bell”) is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. The symbol combinations are “cherry-ANY-ANY” for cherry, “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” for watermelon, and “bell-bell-bell” for bell. The corresponding payout number is as shown in FIG. In the case of “cherry-ANY-ANY”, the symbol of the left reel 110 may be “cherry”, and the symbol of the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 may be any symbol.

  “Replay” is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without inserting a medal (game medium) in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The corresponding symbol combination is “replay-replay-replay” for replay.

<Type of gaming state>
Next, the types of gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described. In this embodiment, the gaming state of the slot machine 100 is roughly divided into a normal game, a BB game, an RB game, and an internal winning game of a big bonus (BB) and a regular bonus (RB). However, it may be divided into a general game, a BB game, and an RB game.

<Normal game>
The winning combinations that are internally won for normal games include a big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay), and small roles (cherry, watermelon, bell). “Big Bonus (BB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning. “Regular Bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) that starts a regular bonus game (RB game) upon winning. The “replay” (replay) is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without a medal being inserted in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The “small role” is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning.

  In addition, the internal winning probability of each combination is a range of random values obtained at the time of internal lottery from numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each combination from lottery data prepared for normal games. It is calculated by the value divided by the numerical data (for example, 65535). The lottery data prepared for the normal game is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. It is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to which combination, and the internal lottery combination is determined. This lottery data is provided with settings 1 to 6 in which the winning probabilities of at least one combination are different, and a game shop clerk can arbitrarily select and set any set value.

  In normal games, the result of the internal lottery is set to be largely lost (big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay) and small role won), and the medal to be won The total number is less than the total number of medals inserted. Therefore, it is a gaming state that is disadvantageous for the player. However, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when a specific symbol combination is displayed), it is a gaming state that may be changed to increase the probability of internal winning of replaying. In this case, When a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning a small role, there are cases where the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted, resulting in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player.

<BB game>
The BB game is set to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the BB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the BB game is started by winning a big bonus (BB), and an RB game (described later) can be continuously executed repeatedly, and a predetermined number (for example, during the game) The process ends when more than 465 medals are obtained. However, the BB game does not allow the RB game to be executed continuously and repeatedly, and sets the role to start the RB game (the symbol combination is, for example, replay-replay-replay), and if this role is won internally, or The RB game may be set to start when winning. Furthermore, in the BB game, when the BB general game excluding the RB game during the BB game is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times), or the number of the RB games executed during the BB game is a predetermined number of times. It may be made to end when it reaches (for example, three times).

<RB game>
The RB game is set so as to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the RB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the RB game is started by winning a regular bonus (RB), and one predetermined role is set to a variation that increases the probability of internal winning (for example, “setting 1” “normal game”). Increase the internal winning probability 1/15 of “small role 1” to an internal winning probability 1 / 1.2 which is a predetermined value) and win a predetermined number (for example, 8 times) It ends when there is. A BB game ends when a predetermined number of wins are made (for example, 8 times) or when the number of RB games executed during the RB game reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times). You may make it do.

<Big winning (BB) and regular bonus (RB) internal winning games>
The winning combination that is internally won for the internal winning game of the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) includes a replay and a small role. The big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) are not won internally, and are game states in which a symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) or the regular bonus (RB) can be won.

  However, the probability of the internal winning of the replay may be changed from the next game that has been internally won to the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB), for example, the probability of increasing the internal winning probability of the replay is changed. Until the symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB) wins, the total number of medals to be acquired is almost the same as the total number of inserted medals, and is compared with the normal game. The gaming state may be beneficial to the player.

<Main control unit main processing>
A main control unit main process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit. As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG. 4 according to the control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

  When the power is turned on, first, various initial settings are performed in S1. In this initial setting, setting of the stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of interrupt inhibition, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, operation permission to the WDT 313, and initial setting Set the value.

  In S2, a medal insertion / start operation acceptance process 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. 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. Further, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated. If there is an operation of the start lever 135, the process proceeds to S3.

  In S3, the number of inserted medals is determined and an effective winning line is determined. In S4, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316 is acquired. In S5, 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 value acquired in S4. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination is won internally, the internal winning flag of the winning combination is turned ON. In S6, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result.

  In S7, rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is started. In S8, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be received. When any of the stop buttons is pressed, any of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop button is selected as the reel stop control data selected in S6. Stop based on. The reel stop control basically allows the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination to be displayed when there is an internal winning winning combination, and the symbol corresponding to any combination in the case of a loss, etc. Reel stop control such as so-called pull-in and kick-out is performed so that combinations are not displayed.

  When all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to S9. In S9, a winning determination is performed. Here, when a picture 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-bell-bell” is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that the player has won the bell. Also, the internal winning flag is reset unless the flag is carried over.

  In S10, if any winning combination with payout is won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out according to the number of winning lines. In S11, a game state control process is performed. In the game state control process, a process related to transition of each game state of normal game, BB game, RB game, and internal winning game is performed, and the game state is shifted when those start conditions and end conditions are satisfied. Thus, in this embodiment, a privilege is given to the player based on the combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed. Thus, one game is completed. Thereafter, the game proceeds by returning to S2 and repeating the above-described processing.

<Medal selector>
Next, the medal selector 200 attached to the back surface of the front door 102 will be described. 5 is a perspective view of the medal selector 200, FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the medal selector 200, and FIG. 7 is a front view of the medal selector 200 with the front cover 230 removed. The medal selector 200 forms a medal passage through which medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 141 pass while rolling, and drops a medal having a diameter smaller than that of the regular medal to one side of the medal passage. And detect the passage of regular medals. The upstream side and the downstream side are based on the direction in which the medals flow while rolling, and the medal slot 141 side is the upstream side.

  The medal selector 200 includes a selector base 210, a guide member 220, a front cover 230, an actuator 250, a medal detection sensor 260, a movable member 270, an urging member 280, and an operation detection sensor 290. The medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 are first introduced into the introduction port 201 formed by the selector base 210 and the guide member 220 and discharged from the discharge port 215 formed in the selector base 210.

  The selector base 210 includes a passage wall 211. The passage wall 211 forms one of the passage walls facing the side surface among the side surface and the peripheral surface of the passing medal. The passage wall 211 includes a plurality of ribs 211a that are separated from each other in the width direction of the medal passage and extend in the medal passage direction, and a plurality of slits 211b that are separated from each other in the width direction of the medal passage and extend in the medal passage direction. , Is formed. The slit 211b is formed between the ribs 211a. By providing the rib 211a, the area in contact with the side surface of the passing medal is reduced, and the medal can be moved more smoothly.

  On the downstream side of the passage wall 211, a bottom portion BT and a contact portion 214 of the medal passage are formed. The peripheral surface of the medal is in contact with the bottom portion BT while rolling, and the contact portion 214 is in contact with the side surface of the medal. A part of the bottom portion BT is formed by the movable bottom portion 212. The movable bottom 212 is movable to a position displaced from the other part of the bottom BT by a movable mechanism (not shown) provided in the selector base 210, and is driven by the actuator 250 to operate when a medal insertion is prohibited. Make up a medal blocker.

  That is, when the medal insertion is prohibited, the movable bottom 212 is moved by the operation of the actuator 250, thereby making the bottom BT partially discontinuous, and the medal rolling on the bottom BT is placed on one side of the medal path. It drops off to the front cover 230 side. As a configuration of the medal blocker, in addition to a configuration in which a part of the components of the medal passage is movable as described above, a member that moves in and out from the side of the medal passage may be driven by an actuator.

  The abutting portion 214 protrudes from the front side of the selector base 210 and is formed in the medal flow direction, and forms a slit for preventing a regular medal from dropping out together with a guide member 220 described later. The selector base 210 includes a pair of bearing portions 213 having a hook shape. A shaft 240 is detachably attached to the bearing portion 213. The discharge port 215 is formed at the downstream end of the bottom BT, and medals passing through the medal selector 200 are discharged from the discharge port 215 and guided to a hopper device (not shown) for storing medals by a guide member (not shown). Will be.

  The actuator 250 is an actuator having an electromagnetic solenoid, and is attached to the back side of the selector base 210. The medal detection sensor 260 is an optical sensor that is supported by the selector base 210 and detects the passage of a medal that passes through the slit 261, but sensors other than the optical sensor can be used. In the present embodiment, the medal detection sensors 260 are disposed relatively upstream and downstream, respectively, and normal insertion of medals is determined based on the detection results of the two medal detection sensors 260. Note that electrical wiring is connected to the connector 262.

  Next, the front cover 230 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of the front cover 230. The front cover 230 includes a passage wall 231 that faces the passage wall 211 of the selector base 210. The passage walls 211 and 231 form a passage wall that is separated in the thickness direction of the medal passage, and the medal passes between them. The passage wall 231 is also formed with a plurality of ribs 231a that are separated from each other in the width direction of the medal passage and extend in the medal passage direction, thereby reducing friction with the medal.

  The front cover 230 has a pair of fitting portions 232 into which both end portions of the shaft 240 are fitted. The shaft 240 is loaded with a spring 241, and the front cover 230 is attached to the selector base 210 by attaching the shaft 240 to the bearing portion 213 in a state where the shaft 240 is fitted to the fitting portion 232. Can do. When attached to the selector base 210, the front cover 230 can be opened and closed around the shaft 240, but is always urged in the closing direction by a spring 241.

  A knob portion 234 is formed on the front side of the front cover 230. By using the knob portion 234, the opening / closing operation of the front cover 230 and the attaching / detaching operation to / from the selector base 210 can be facilitated. The front cover 230 also includes a cover portion 233 that covers the medal detection sensor 260. The cover part 233 has a ceiling part 233 a that covers the front side of the medal detection sensor 260 and covers the upper surface side of the medal detection sensor 260. Since the connector 262 of the medal detection sensor 260 is covered by the ceiling portion 233a, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized instrument from entering the connector 262. In the present embodiment, the front cover 230 has the protection function of the medal detection sensor 260 in this way.

  With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the guide member 220 is formed by bending a metal plate, for example, and includes an attachment portion 221 and a slit formation portion 222. A plurality of attachment holes are formed in the attachment portion 221, and the guide member 220 is fixed to the selector base 210 by fitting the attachment shaft of the selector base 210 to the attachment portion 221.

  The slit forming part 222 forms a slit through which the upper part of the regular medal passes together with the contact part 214 of the selector base 210. The slit is formed at a position spaced from the bottom BT by a distance corresponding to the diameter of the regular medal so that only a small portion of the upper part of the regular medal is inserted, and a position where a medal smaller in diameter than the regular medal is not inserted Formed.

  Therefore, the small-diameter medal is not supported by the slit forming portion 222 and the contact portion 214, but tilts to the side and falls out of the medal selector 200, so that the regular medal and the small-diameter medal are selected. The regular medal is supported by the slit forming part 222 and the contact part 214, and reaches the medal detection sensor 260, and its currency is detected.

  With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the movable member 270 is pivotally attached to the back side of the selector base 210. The biasing member 280 always biases the movable member 270 in one direction. In the present embodiment, the biasing member 280 is a torsion coil spring, but any member that can bias the movable member 270 may be used. The motion detection sensor 290 is an optical sensor that detects the rotational position of the movable member 270, and is a transmissive optical sensor that detects an object passing through the slit, like the medal detection sensor 260.

  9A to 9D are explanatory views of the movable member 270. FIGS. 9A and 9B are a plan view and a right side view in an attached state, and FIGS. 9C and 9D are views. It is a perspective view. The movable member 270 includes a cylindrical shaft portion 272. A shaft member (not shown) of the selector base 210 is inserted into the center hole of the shaft portion 272, and the movable member 270 is supported by the selector base 210 so as to be rotatable around the center axis of the shaft portion 272. The shaft portion 272 has a spring mounting portion 272a having a relatively small diameter, and the biasing member 280 is loaded therein.

  The movable member 270 includes advance / retreat portions 271a to 271d corresponding to the slits 211b formed in the passage wall 211. The advancing / retreating portions 271a and 271b are connected at their upstream ends to the shaft portion 272, and the advancing / retreating portions 271c and 271d are connected to the advancing / retreating portions 271a and 271b via the upstream connecting portion 273a and the downstream connecting portion 273b. Has been.

  A detection piece 274 is integrally formed with the advance / retreat portion 271d. The motion detection sensor 290 detects the rotational position of the movable member 270 by detecting the presence / absence of the detected piece 274. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the detected piece 274 and the motion detection sensor 290 during assembly. The detected piece 274 is located at a position facing the slit of the motion detection sensor 290.

  Each advance / retreat portion 271a to 271d advances and retreats in the thickness direction of the medal passage through the corresponding slit 211b by the rotation of the movable member 270. In this embodiment, the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d are moved forward and backward by the rotational movement of the movable member 270. However, the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d may be advanced and retracted by the translational movement of the movable member 270.

  The urging member 280 constantly urges the movable member 270 in the direction of the arrow d1 in FIG. 9B, that is, the direction in which the advance / retreat portions 271a to 271d enter the medal passage. FIGS. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of the advance / retreat mode of the advance / retreat units 271a to 271d. In the figure, the broken line L1 indicates the tip position of the rib 211a, and the broken line L2 indicates the tip position of the rib 231a.

  FIG. 11A shows a state where the medal is not passing, and shows a case where the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d are in the approaching state. The amount of protrusion of each of the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d into the medal passage with reference to the broken line L1 gradually increases from the upstream side toward the downstream side so as not to hinder the smooth passage of medals. On the other hand, the downstream ends of the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d are close to the broken line L2, and the interference with the passing medal is ensured. In the state where the medal shown in FIG. 11A is not passing, the detected piece 274 is located outside the slit of the motion detection sensor 290, and its presence is not detected by the motion detection sensor 290.

  FIG. 11B shows a state when a medal (not shown) is passing, and shows a case where the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d are in the retracted state. The amount of protrusion of each of the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d into the medal passage with respect to the broken line L1 is reduced, and a medal passage space is secured by being entirely separated from the broken line L2. The retreat positions of the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d may be positions completely removed from the medal path, but may be left in the medal path as long as the medal can pass as shown in FIG. In the state where the medal shown in FIG. 11B is passing, the detected piece 274 is positioned in the slit of the motion detection sensor 290, and its presence is detected by the motion detection sensor 290. When the motion detection sensor 290 continuously detects the detected piece 274 for a specified time (for example, several tens of seconds), it is assumed that some sort of fraud (such as inserting a foreign object into the medal selector 200) has been performed. Error processing may be executed.

  Next, the shape of the downstream end portion of the movable member 270, that is, the downstream end portions of the advance / retreat portions 271a to 271d will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of the positions of the downstream end portions of the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d. In the case of this embodiment, the downstream ends of the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d are more advanced than the advancing / retreating portions 271b and 271c at the center in the width direction of the medal passage than the advance / retreat portions 271a and 271d at both ends in the width direction of the medal passage. Protrudes downstream. The broken line P1 indicates the positions of the downstream end portions of the central advance / retreat portions 271b and 271c, and the broken line P2 indicates the positions of the downstream end portions of the advance / retreat portions 271a and 271d at both ends. For this reason, when the medal that has passed through the movable member 270 is pulled up with a hanging thread or the like, the number of the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d caught on the periphery of the medal increases.

  In particular, in the case of the present embodiment, the downstream end portions of the advance / retreat portions 271a and 271d project to the downstream side according to the outer shape arc shape of the medal, and the downstream end portions of the advance / retreat portions 271a to 271d match the outer shape arc shape of the medal. Because of the shape, the downstream end portions of the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d are hooked on the peripheral edge of the medal substantially simultaneously. For this reason, it strongly resists by raising the medal. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the raising of the medal more strongly without impairing the smooth insertion of the medal with a relatively simple configuration.

  FIG. 12B shows an example in which an advancing / retreating portion 271e having the same downstream end position (broken line P3) is used instead of the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d as a comparative example. In the case of this configuration, since only the central two advancing / retreating portions 271d are caught on the periphery of the medal, it is obvious that the resistance to raising the medal is inferior.

  Next, a series of operation modes of the movable member 270 when the medal passes will be described. FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are explanatory diagrams of operation modes of the movable member 270. FIG. 13A shows a state where the medal M is being introduced into the introduction port 201. In this case, the advance / retreat parts 271a to 271d are in the approach state. FIGS. 13B and 13C and FIGS. 14A and 14B show a mode in which the medal M passes over the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d. The movable member 270 rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow d1 in FIG. 9B due to the weight of the medal M against the urging of the urging member 280, and the advance / retreat portions 271a to 271d are displaced to the retracted state.

  When the medal M passes over the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d, a frictional resistance acts on the medal M from the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d, so that the medal M can also be decelerated, and the medal M can move while moving wildly. Can be prevented. In particular, since the advancing / retreating portions 271a and 271d are long in the medal passing direction, the decelerating effect of the medal M can be improved.

  When the medal M finishes passing over the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d, the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d are returned to the entering state as shown in FIG. Thereafter, even if the medal M is to be pulled up with a hanging thread or the like, the resistance is received by the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d as described above.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment, the downstream end portions of both the advancing / retreating portions 271a and 271d located at both ends in the width direction of the medal passage are configured to protrude downstream, but either one may be used. FIG. 15A is a perspective view showing another example of the movable member 270, and FIG. 15B is an explanatory diagram of the positions of the downstream end portions of the advance / retreat portions 271a to 271d ′. In the example shown in the figure, the advancing / retreating portion 271d ′ has the same position of the downstream side end portion as the advancing / retreating portions 271b and 271c on the center side, and only the advancing / retreating portion 271a projects its downstream end portion to the downstream side. Even in this configuration, since the three advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271c are caught on the medal periphery, they are more strongly resisted by raising the medal than the example shown in FIG.

<Third Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the amount of protrusion of the advance / retreat portions 271a to 271d into the medal passage is made uniform along the medal passage direction (FIG. 11A), but may be different. FIG. 15C shows an example in which the protruding amount is changed.

  In the example of the figure, the amount of protrusion into the medal passage is made uniform by the set of the advance / retreat portions 271a and 271d, and the amount of protrusion into the medal passage is made uniform by the set of the advance / retreat portions 271b and 271c on the center side in the width direction of the medal passage. It is said. The set of advance / retreat portions 271b and 271c has a smaller amount of protrusion in the upstream portion UP than the set of advance / retreat portions 271a and 271d. In the upstream portion UP, the medal path in the set of advance / retreat portions 271b and 271c. The shape is recessed in the thickness direction.

  Since the medals are circular, when the medals reach the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d, the protruding amounts of the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d into the medal passage are set along the passing direction of the medals as in the first embodiment. If uniform, first, the advancing / retreating portions 271b and 271c on the center side interfere with medals (see FIG. 13B). For this reason, the upstream portions of the advance / retreat portions 271b and 271c are subject to uneven wear.

  As in this embodiment, the advancing / retreating portions 271b and 271c initially interfere with the medal by reducing the amount of protrusion in the upstream portion UP compared to the advancing / retreating portions 271a and 271d. In other words, since the all-advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d interfere with the medal substantially at the same time, uneven wear can be prevented and the durability of the movable member 270 can be improved.

  Next, in the example of FIG. 15C, the set of advance / retreat portions 271b and 271c has the same protrusion amount at the downstream end portion as the downstream end portions of the advance / retreat portions 271a and 271d. Thereby, when the medal is not passed, the medal passage can be closed almost completely only by the set of the advancing / retreating portions 271b and 271c.

  In the example of FIG. 15C, the protrusion amounts of both the upstream portion UP and the downstream end portion of the advance / retreat portions 271b and 271c are changed, but it goes without saying that either one may be used. Moreover, this embodiment can also be combined with the second embodiment.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d are integrally formed, but may be configured separately and configured to be individually rotatable. FIG. 16A shows an example in which the movable member 270 is configured separately by providing a shaft portion 272b for each of the advance / retreat portions 271a to 271d. By configuring the advance / retreat parts 271a to 271d in this manner, even if some advance / retreat parts are moved to the retracted position by an illegal act, the remaining advance / retreat parts are still located at the entry position. There is an advantage that the medal passage can be closed.

  When the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d are configured separately as in the present embodiment, the urging member 280 is required for each of the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d, but the integral molding having an urging portion for each of the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d. Parts may be used. FIG. 16B shows an urging member 281 that replaces the urging member 280. The urging member 281 is integrally formed by an elastic member such as a leaf spring, and has urging portions 281a to 281d for the advance / retreat portions 271a to 271d, respectively, which urge the advance / retreat portions 271a to 271d individually.

  Next, the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d may be configured to be rotatable for each group. In the example of FIG. 16C, the movable member 270 is provided with a common shaft portion 272c for each of the sets of the advance / retreat portions 271a and 271b and the set of the advance / retreat portions 271c and 271d. Rotate. In the example of FIG. 16D, the movable member 270 is provided with common shaft portions 272d and 272e for the set of advance / retreat portions 271a and 271d and the set of advance / retreat portions 271b and 271c, respectively. Rotate each set.

  This embodiment can be combined with the second and third embodiments.

<Fifth Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d separated in the width direction of the medal passage advance and retreat into the medal passage. However, a configuration including an advancing / retreating portion continuous in the width direction may be used. The example of the movable member 270 in FIG. 16E has a configuration in which an advance / retreat portion 271e is connected to the shaft portion 272f, and rotates around the central axis of the shaft portion 272f. The advancing / retreating portion 271e is a single member that is continuous in the width direction of the medal passage, and its downstream side end portion is configured such that both end portions in the width direction of the medal passage protrude downstream in accordance with the outer diameter arc shape of the medal. .

  In this example, the passage wall 211 is formed with an opening through which the advance / retreat portion 271e can advance and retreat instead of the slit 211b. This embodiment can be combined with the second and third embodiments.

<Other application examples>
In each of the embodiments described above, the prevention of the lifting of the thread hanging medal is targeted, but the present invention can also be applied to the prevention of the lifting of the thread hanging game ball (pachinko ball). FIG. 17A is an explanatory diagram of the positions of the downstream end portions of the advancing / retreating portions 271a to 271d of the movable member 270, and also has an arc shape according to the outer diameter of the game ball P. FIG. 17 (b) shows an example of an illegal act of the hanging game ball P with respect to the electric tulip D, and shows an illegal act of moving the game ball P up and down to enter and retreat the electric tulip D. By arranging the movable member 270 on the upstream side of the sensor that detects the entry of the game ball P in the path of the game ball P in the electric tulip D, for example, such an illegal act can be prevented.

Claims (6)

In the device game media to form a passage you pass, it detects the passage of game media,
A movable member which is provided retractably in said passage,
The movable member includes one side end projecting downstream from the other part.
A device characterized by that. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising:
The one side end portion has a shape that protrudes most in the thickness direction of the passage,
A device characterized by that. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
Of the downstream end portion of the movable member, the portion excluding the one side end portion has a shape protruding uniformly in the passing direction of the game medium.
A device characterized by that. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The game medium is a game ball;
A device characterized by that. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A passage wall forming the passage;
A plurality of ribs formed in the passage wall and extending in a direction in which the game medium passes;
A device characterized by comprising: Amusement machine provided with a device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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