JP2014166477A - Game medium putout device and game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game medium putout device and a game machine, capable of performing accurate putout of game media with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: When a game medium putout sensor turns on and when the game medium putout sensor turns off until a value of a game medium passage check timer becomes zero, a putout control part of a game medium putout device determines that game medium has been normally put out, performs putout interval waiting for a prescribed time, and stops the determination of whether or not the game medium putout sensor has performed ON/OFF operation. The putout control part determines whether or not the game medium has been normally put out based on the game medium putout sensor and the game medium passage check timer after the putout interval waiting. The putout control part makes the next game medium be put out from a putout unit after a putout interval-waiting timer set with an initial value after the game medium putout sensor detects the game medium becomes zero.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium payout device for paying out a determined number of game media, and a gaming machine equipped with the game medium payout device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine including a plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on each surface, a start switch, a stop switch, and a control unit is known. The start switch detects that the start lever has been operated by the player (hereinafter referred to as “start operation”) on condition that a game medium such as a game medal or coin (hereinafter referred to as a medal) has been inserted, A signal requesting the start of rotation of all reels is output. The stop switch detects that the stop button provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels has been pressed by the player (hereinafter referred to as “stop operation”), and requests to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel. Is output. A driving force of a stepping motor provided corresponding to each of the reels is transmitted to the plurality of reels. The control unit controls the operation of the stepping motor based on the signals output from the start switch and the stop switch, and rotates and stops each reel.

  In such a gaming machine, when a start operation is detected, a lottery process using random numbers on the program (hereinafter referred to as “internal lottery process”) is performed, and the result of the lottery (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) and stoppage are stopped. The reel rotation is stopped based on the operation timing. As a result of stopping the rotation of all the reels, when a symbol combination related to the winning is displayed, a privilege associated with the symbol combination is given to the player.

  Benefits given to the player include payout of medals, re-games that perform internal lottery processing without consuming game media next time, and bonus game operations that increase the chances of game media payout And so on.

  A medal payout device in a general gaming machine is required to perform accurate medal payout control in order to ensure the fairness of the game. In this medal payout control, for example, when a medal is paid out, it is detected that the medal is paid out by using a medal payout sensor which is pressed by the medal and turned on / off.

  By the way, although the medal payout sensor is turned on / off, when the medal is not paid out (so-called underpay), the medal payout control is not accurately performed. Such a phenomenon occurs, for example, when the payout unit (disk) stops before the actual medal is paid out after the medal payout sensor is turned on / off.

  Patent Document 1 describes a payout control device that pays out a predetermined number of balls or disk-shaped articles while counting them with electromagnetic means. In the payout control device described in Patent Document 1, even if the operation is interrupted during the medal payout operation, the shutter means for maintaining the payout state of the spherical or disc-shaped article before and after the interruption is provided. Provided.

JP 2001-334045 A

  However, in the payout control device described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to use a conventional payout unit (disk). In addition, the structure becomes complicated and the cost is increased.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a game medium payout device and a game machine capable of accurately paying out game media with a simple configuration in consideration of the actual situation in the prior art.

The game medium payout device of the present invention includes a payout unit, a game medium payout sensor, a game medium passage check timer, a payout control unit, and a payout interval waiting timer.
The payout unit pays out the game media one by one with a certain posture.
The game medium payout sensor detects the game medium paid out from the payout unit and is turned on, and is turned off when not detected.
The game medium passage check timer is set to an initial value after the payout unit is driven.
The payout control unit determines that the game medium has been normally paid out when the game medium payout sensor is turned off before the game medium payout sensor is turned on and the value of the game medium passage check timer becomes zero, and the predetermined period of time. The payout interval is waited, and the determination as to whether or not the game medium payout sensor has been turned on / off is stopped. Then, after waiting for the payout interval, it is determined whether or not the game medium has been normally paid out based on the game medium payout sensor and the game medium passage check timer.
The payout interval waiting timer is set to an initial value after the game medium payout sensor detects the game medium.
Then, the payout control unit pays out the next game medium from the payout unit after the payout interval waiting timer becomes zero.

  In addition, a gaming machine of the present invention includes an exterior body formed in a casing shape and the above-described game medium dispensing device that is disposed inside the exterior body and that dispenses game media to the outside of the exterior body.

  In the game medium payout device and the game machine having the above-described configuration, even when the game medium payout sensor is turned on a plurality of times when one game medium is discharged from the payout unit, the payout control unit does not pay out one game medium. It is determined that it has been done. Therefore, although the game medium is paid out, underpay in which the game medium is not actually paid out can be prevented, and the game medium can be paid out accurately with a simple configuration.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to pay out game media accurately with a simple configuration.

It is explanatory drawing explaining the functional flow in the game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the example of an external appearance structure in the game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a middle door closed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a middle door opened. It is explanatory drawing which shows the inside of the cabinet in the game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the back surface side of the front door in the game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control system in the game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the main control circuit in the game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the sub control circuit in the game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the hopper apparatus in the game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the timing chart at the time of empty error in the gaming machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the timing chart at the time of jam error in the gaming machine of one Embodiment of this invention (at the time of forward rotation). It is explanatory drawing which shows the timing chart at the time of jam error in the gaming machine of one Embodiment of this invention (at the time of reverse rotation). It is explanatory drawing which shows the timing chart at the time of the error where the payout of medals is effective in the gaming machine of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the hopper control in the gaming machine of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a main flowchart which shows the process example of the main control circuit in the game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the process at the time of power-on in the game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the medal reception / start check process in the gaming machine of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the error process in the game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the medal payout process in the game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the hopper control process in the game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the hopper control process in the game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the interruption process by control of main CPU in the gaming machine of one Embodiment of this invention.

  A pachi-slot showing an embodiment of a game medium payout device and a game machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a functional flow according to the embodiment of the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the pachislot of this embodiment, medals are used as game media for playing games. In addition to the medals, coins, game balls, game point data, tokens, or the like can be applied as game media.

  When a player inserts a medal and operates the start lever, one value (hereinafter, random number value) is extracted from random numbers in a predetermined numerical range (for example, 0 to 65535).

  The internal lottery means performs lottery based on the extracted random number value and determines an internal winning combination. This internal lottery means is carried out by a main control circuit described later. By determining the internal winning combination, a combination of symbols that permits display along a winning determination line described later is determined. The types of symbol combinations include those related to “winning” in which benefits such as paying out medals, re-games, bonuses, etc. are given to players, and other so-called “loses”. Is provided.

  Further, when the start lever is operated, a plurality of reels are rotated. Thereafter, when the stop button is pressed by the player, the reel stop control means performs control to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel based on the internal winning combination and the timing when the stop button is pressed. The reel stop control means is responsible for a main control circuit described later.

  In the pachi-slot, basically, control for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reel is performed within a specified time (190 msec) from when the stop button is pressed. In the present embodiment, the number of symbols that move with the rotation of the reel within the specified time is referred to as “the number of sliding symbols”, and the maximum number is defined as four symbols.

  The reel stop control means displays the symbol combination as much as possible along the winning determination line using the specified time when the internal winning combination allowing the display of the symbol combination related to winning is determined. Stop the reel rotation so that Further, the reel stop control means stops the rotation of the reel using the specified time so that a combination of symbols that are not permitted to be displayed by the internal winning combination is not displayed along the winning determination line.

  Thus, when the rotation of the plurality of reels is all stopped, the winning determination means determines whether or not the combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line is related to winning. This winning determination means is carried out by a main control circuit described later. When it is determined that the prize is related to a prize, a bonus such as a medal payout is given to the player. A series of flows as described above is performed as one game in the pachislot.

  Further, in the pachislot, in the above-described series of flows, video display performed by a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, light output performed by various lamps, sound output performed by a speaker, or a combination thereof is used. Various productions are performed.

  When the start lever is operated, an effect random number value (hereinafter referred to as effect random number value) is extracted in addition to the random number value used for determining the internal winning combination. When the effect random number value is extracted, the effect content determining means determines, by lottery, what is to be executed this time from among a plurality of types of effect contents associated with the internal winning combination. This effect content determination means is carried out by a sub-control circuit described later.

  When the content of the production is determined, the production execution means is linked to each opportunity such as when the rotation of the reel is started, when the rotation of each reel is stopped, or when the presence / absence of a prize is determined. To proceed with the production. This effect executing means is carried out by a sub-control circuit described later. In this way, in the pachislot, the player is given the opportunity to know or predict the determined internal winning combination (in other words, the combination of symbols to be aimed at) by executing the production contents associated with the internal winning combination. As a result, the player's interest is improved.

<Pachislot structure>
Next, the structure of the pachislot machine 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Appearance structure]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external structure of the pachi-slot 1.

The exterior body 2 of the pachi-slot 1 includes a cabinet 2a that houses a reel, a circuit board, and the like, and a front door 2b that is attached to the cabinet 2a so as to be opened and closed.
Handles 7 are provided on both side surfaces of the cabinet 2a. The handle 7 is a recess that is put on when carrying the pachi-slot 1.

  Inside the cabinet 2a, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided side by side. Hereinafter, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are referred to as a left reel 3L, a middle reel 3C, and a right reel 3R, respectively. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R has a reel body formed in a cylindrical shape and a translucent sheet material mounted on the peripheral surface of the reel body. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols are drawn on the surface of the sheet material at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction.

  An upper panel unit 10 and a liquid crystal display device 11 are provided above the center of the front door 2b. The upper panel unit 10 forms the upper part of the front door 2b. The upper panel unit 10 has a light source, and performs an effect by light emitted from the light source. The liquid crystal display device 11 is arranged on the lower side of the upper panel unit 10 and executes an effect by displaying an image.

  A pedestal 12 is formed in the center of the front door 2b. The pedestal portion 12 is provided with a symbol display area 4 and various devices to be operated by the player.

  The symbol display area 4 is arranged on the front side superimposed on the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R when viewed from the front, and is provided corresponding to the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The symbol display area 4 functions as a display window, and has a configuration capable of transmitting through the reels 3L, 3C, 3R provided behind the display window. Hereinafter, the symbol display area 4 is referred to as a reel display window 4.

  When the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R provided behind the reel display window 4 stop rotating, the reel display window 4 has an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage within the frame among a plurality of types of symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. One symbol (three in total) is displayed in each area. In the present embodiment, a pseudo line formed by combining any one of predetermined regions among the three regions including the upper, middle, and lower stages facing the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R of the reel display window 4, It is defined as a line (winning determination line) that is a target for determining whether or not a prize is won.

  The reel display window 4 is formed by a frame member 13 provided on the pedestal portion 12. The frame member 13 has a reel display window 4, an information display window 14, and a stop button attachment portion 15.

  The information display window 14 is provided continuously below the reel display window 4 and opens upward. That is, the reel display window 4 and the information display window 14 are formed as one continuous opening. The information display window 14 and the reel display window 4 are covered with a transparent window cover 16.

  The window cover 16 is disposed on the inner surface side of the frame member 13 and cannot be removed from the front side of the front door 2b. In addition, the frame member 13 includes a sheet placement portion 17 that faces the opening of the information display window 14 with the window cover 16 interposed therebetween. And between the sheet | seat mounting part 17 and the window cover 16, the sheet | seat member (information sheet) in which the information regarding a game was described is arrange | positioned. Therefore, the information sheet is covered with the window cover 16 having a smooth surface without unevenness or gaps.

The window cover 16 that constitutes the information sheet attachment portion cannot be removed from the front side of the front door 2b, and has a smooth surface with no irregularities or gaps. Can prevent fraudulent access to the inside.
The replacement of the information sheet will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the reel display window 4 and the information display window 14 are formed as one continuous opening. However, the information display window according to the gaming machine of the present invention may be provided below the reel display window and may not be continuous with the reel display window. That is, the reel display window and the information display window according to the gaming machine of the present invention may be formed as two openings arranged in the vertical direction.

  The stop button mounting portion 15 is provided below the information display window 14 and is formed on a plane facing the front. The stop button mounting portion 15 is provided with a through hole through which the stop buttons 19L, 19C, 19R pass. Stop buttons 19L, 19C, 19R are associated with each of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and are provided to stop the rotation of the corresponding reels. Hereinafter, the stop buttons 19L, 19C, and 19R are referred to as a left stop button 19L, a middle stop button 19C, and a right stop button 19R, respectively.

  The stop buttons 19L, 19C, and 19R show examples of various devices that are targets of operations by the player. In addition, the pedestal portion 12 is provided with a medal slot 21, a BET button 22, and a start lever 23 as various devices to be operated by the player.

  The medal slot 21 is provided to accept a medal dropped from the outside by the player. The medals accepted by the medal slot 21 are inserted into one game with a predetermined number as the upper limit, and the amount exceeding the specified number can be deposited inside the pachislot 1 ( So-called credit function).

  The BET button 22 is provided to determine the number of coins to be inserted into one game from medals deposited inside the pachislot 1. The start lever 23 is provided to start rotation of all reels (3L, 3C, 3R).

  Further, a 7-segment display 24 composed of a 7-segment LED (Light Emitting Diode) is provided on the left side of the reel display window 4 when viewed from the front. The 7-segment display 24 digitally displays information such as the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a privilege (hereinafter referred to as the number of payouts), the number of medals deposited inside the pachislot (hereinafter referred to as the number of credits), and the like. .

  Side panel units 26 </ b> L and 26 </ b> R are provided on both sides of the pedestal portion 12. Each of the side panel units 26L and 26R has a light source, and performs an effect by light emitted from the light source. A settlement button 27 is provided below the side panel unit 26L. The checkout button 27 is provided to pull out the medals deposited inside the pachislot 1 to the outside.

  A lower panel unit 31 is provided below the pedestal 12. The waist panel unit 31 includes a decorative panel on which an arbitrary image is drawn and a light source that emits light for illuminating the decorative panel from the back side.

  Below the waist panel unit 31, a medal payout port 32, speaker holes 33L and 33R, and a medal tray unit 34 are provided. The medal payout port 32 guides medals discharged by driving a hopper device 51 described later to the outside. The medals discharged from the medal payout opening 32 are stored in the medal tray unit 34. The speaker holes 33L and 33R are provided for outputting sound such as sound effects and music corresponding to the contents of the performance.

[Internal structure]
3 and 4 are perspective views showing the internal structure of the pachi-slot 1. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the front door 2b is opened and the middle door 41 provided on the back side of the front door 2b is closed with respect to the front door 2b. FIG. 4 shows a state where the front door 2b is opened and the middle door 41 is opened with respect to the front door 2b.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the inside of the cabinet 2a. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing the back side of the front door 2b.

  The cabinet 2a includes a top plate 20a, a bottom plate 20b, left and right side plates 20c and 20d, and a back plate 20e (see FIG. 5). A cabinet-side speaker 42 is disposed on the upper side inside the cabinet 2a. The cabinet-side speaker 42 is attached to the back plate 20e of the cabinet 2a via attachment brackets 43L and 43R. The cabinet side speaker 42 is, for example, a speaker for outputting sound effects.

  A cabinet-side relay board 44 is disposed on the left side of the cabinet-side speaker 42 when the inside of the cabinet 2a is viewed from the front. The cabinet side relay board 44 is attached to the left side plate 20c of the cabinet 2a. The cabinet-side relay board 44 includes a main control board 71 (see FIG. 7), which will be described later, attached to the middle door 41 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), a hopper device 51, a medal auxiliary storage switch (not shown), and a medal payout. The wiring connecting the count switch (not shown) is relayed.

  An amplifier board 45 that controls the output of sound from the cabinet-side speaker 42 is disposed in the center of the cabinet 2a. The amplifier board 45 is attached to a mounting shelf 46 fixed to the left and right side plates 20c, 20d.

  Further, an external concentrated terminal plate 47 is disposed on the right side of the amplifier board 45 when the inside of the cabinet 2a is viewed from the front. The external concentrated terminal plate 47 is attached to the right side plate 20d of the cabinet 2a. The external concentration terminal board 47 is provided for outputting signals such as a medal insertion signal, a medal payout signal, and a security signal to the outside of the pachislot machine 1.

  A sub power supply device 48 is disposed on the left side of the amplifier board 45 when the inside of the cabinet 2a is viewed from the front. The sub power supply 48 is attached to the left side plate 20c of the cabinet 2a. The sub power supply device 48 supplies power with an AC voltage of 100 V to the power supply device 53 described later. Further, the power of the AC voltage 100V is converted into the power of the DC voltage and supplied to the amplifier board 45.

  A medal payout device (hereinafter referred to as a hopper device) 51, a medal auxiliary storage 52, and a power supply device 53 are disposed on the lower side of the cabinet 2a.

  The hopper device 51 is attached to the central portion of the bottom plate 20b in the cabinet 2a. This hopper device 51 can accommodate a large amount of medals, and has a structure capable of discharging them one by one. The hopper device 51 pays out medals when the number of stored medals exceeds 50, for example, or when the settlement button is pressed and the medals are settled. The medals paid out by the hopper device 51 are discharged from the medal payout port 32 (see FIG. 2).

  The medal auxiliary storage 52 stores medals overflowing from the hopper device 51. The medal auxiliary storage 52 is disposed on the right side of the hopper device 51 when the inside of the cabinet 2a is viewed from the front. The medal auxiliary storage 52 is engaged with the bottom plate 20b of the cabinet 2a, and is configured to be detachable from the bottom plate 20b.

  The power supply device 53 includes a power switch 53a and a power supply board 53b (see FIG. 7). The power supply device 53 is disposed on the left side of the hopper device 51 when the inside of the cabinet 2a is viewed from the front, and is attached to the left side plate 20c. The power supply device 53 converts the power of the AC voltage 100V supplied from the sub power supply device 48 into the power of the DC voltage necessary for each part, and supplies the converted power to each part.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the middle door 41 is arranged at the center of the back surface of the front door 2b, and is configured such that the reel display window 4 (see FIG. 4) can be opened and closed from the back side. Door stoppers 41a, 41b, and 41c are provided on the upper and lower portions of the middle door 41. The door stoppers 41a, 41b and 41c fix (prohibit) the opening operation of the middle door 41 in a state where the reel display window 4 is closed from the back side. That is, in order to open the middle door 41, it is necessary to rotate the door stoppers 41a, 41b, and 41c to release the middle door 41 from being fixed.

  A main control board case 55 that houses a main control board 71 (see FIG. 7) and three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are attached to the middle door 41. Stepping motors are connected to the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R through gears having a predetermined reduction ratio.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the middle door 41 is opened, the back surface of the window cover 16 and the sheet placement portion 17 are exposed. As described above, between the back surface of the window cover 16 and the sheet placement portion 17, an information sheet on which information related to the game is described is arranged. This information sheet is inserted into a gap formed between the back surface of the window cover 16 and the sheet placement portion 17 in a state where the middle door 41 is opened and the back surface of the window cover 16 and the sheet placement portion 17 are exposed. The When exchanging information sheets, the information sheet is exchanged after the middle door 41 is opened.

The main control board case 55 is provided with a setting key type switch 56. The setting key type switch 56 is used when changing the setting of the pachislot 1 or confirming the setting of the pachislot 1.
In the present embodiment, a main control board unit is configured by the main control board case 55 and the main control board 71 accommodated in the main control board case 55.

  The main control board 71 accommodated in the main control board case 55 constitutes a main control circuit 91 (see FIG. 8) described later. The main control circuit 91 is a circuit that controls the main flow of the game in the pachislot 1 such as determination of an internal winning combination, rotation and stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and determination of the presence or absence of winning. A specific configuration of the main control circuit 91 will be described later.

  A sub control board case 57 that houses the sub control board 72 (see FIG. 7) is disposed above the middle door 41. The sub control board 72 housed in the sub control board case 57 constitutes the sub control circuit 101 (see FIG. 9). The sub-control circuit 101 is a circuit that controls execution of effects by displaying images. A specific configuration of the sub control circuit 101 will be described later.

  A center speaker 58 is disposed above the sub control board case 57. A fan 59 is disposed on the left side of the center speaker 58 when the front door 2b is viewed from the back side. That is, the fan 59 is disposed at the upper part on the back side of the front door 2b. The fan 59 blows air downward to cool the interior of the pachislot machine 1.

  A sub relay board 61 is disposed on the right side of the sub control board case 57 when the front door 2b is viewed from the back side. The sub relay board 61 relays the wiring connecting the sub control board 72 and the main control board 71. Further, it is a board that relays the wiring that connects the sub-control board 72 and the board disposed around the sub-control board 72. In addition, as a board | substrate arrange | positioned around the sub control board | substrate 72, LED board 62A, 62B mentioned later is mentioned.

  The LED boards 62A and 62B are disposed above the sub control board case 57 when viewed from the back side of the front door 2b. These LED boards 62A and 62B cause an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 85 (see FIG. 7), which shows one specific example of the light source, to emit light according to the effects executed by the control of the sub-control circuit 101 (see FIG. 8). Display the blinking pattern. Note that the pachislo 1 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of LED substrates in addition to the LED substrates 62A and 62B.

  Below the sub-relay board 61, a 24h door opening / closing monitoring unit 63 is disposed. The 24h door opening / closing monitoring unit 63 stores the opening / closing history of the middle door 41. When the middle door 41 is opened, a signal for displaying an error on the liquid crystal display device 11 is output to the sub control board 72 (sub control circuit 101).

  Below the middle door 41, a board speaker 64 and lower speakers 65L and 65R are arranged. The board speaker 64 faces the waist panel unit 31 (see FIG. 2), and the lower speakers 65L and 65R face the speaker holes 33L and 33R (see FIG. 2), respectively.

  A selector 66 and a door open / close monitoring switch 67 are disposed above the lower speaker 65L. The selector 66 is a device for selecting whether or not the medal material and shape are appropriate, and guides an appropriate medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 to the hopper device 51. A medal sensor (not shown) for detecting that an appropriate medal has passed is provided on the path through which the medal passes in the selector 66.

  The door open / close monitoring switch 67 is arranged on the left side of the selector 66 when the front door 2b is viewed from the back side. The door open / close monitoring switch 67 outputs a security signal for notifying the opening / closing of the front door 2b to the outside of the pachi-slot 1.

  Further, a door relay terminal plate 68 is disposed in a region below the reel display window 4 and opened and closed by the middle door 41 (see FIG. 4). The door relay terminal board 68 includes a main control board 71 (see FIG. 7) in the main control board case 55, various buttons and switches, a sub-control board 72 (see FIG. 7), a selector 66, and a game operation display board 81. It is a board | substrate which relays wiring with (refer FIG. 7). Examples of the various buttons and switches include a BET button 22, a settlement button 27, a door open / close monitoring switch 67, a BET switch 77, a start switch 79, and the like, which will be described later.

<Control system for pachislot>
Next, a control system provided in the pachislo 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control system of the pachislot 1.

The pachi-slot 1 has a main control board 71 disposed on the middle door 41 and a sub-control board 72 disposed on the front door 2b.
The main control board 71 includes a reel relay terminal board 74, a setting key switch 56, an external concentration terminal board 47, a hopper device 51, a medal auxiliary storage switch 75, and a power supply board 53b of the power supply 53. It is connected. The setting key switch 56, the external concentration terminal board 47, the hopper device 51, and the medal auxiliary storage switch 75 are connected to the main control board 71 via the cabinet-side relay board 44. Since the external concentration terminal board 47 and the hopper device 51 have been described above, description thereof will be omitted.

  The reel relay terminal plate 74 is disposed inside the reel body of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R. The reel relay terminal plate 74 is electrically connected to stepping motors (not shown) of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and relays signals output from the main control board 71 to the stepping motors.

  The medal auxiliary storage switch 75 penetrates a later-described switch through hole of the medal auxiliary storage 52. The medal auxiliary storage switch 75 detects whether or not the medal auxiliary storage 52 is full of medals.

  A power switch 53 a is connected to the power supply board 53 b of the power supply device 53. The power switch 53a is turned on when supplying necessary power to the pachislot machine 1.

  The main control board 71 has a selector 66, a door open / close monitoring switch 67, a BET switch 77, a settlement switch 78, a start switch 79, a stop switch board 80, a game operation display board 81, and a door relay terminal board 68. The sub relay board 61 is connected. Since the selector 66, the door open / close monitoring switch 67, and the sub relay board 61 have been described above, the description thereof will be omitted.

  The BET switch 77 detects that the BET button 22 has been pressed by the player. The settlement switch 78 detects that the settlement button 27 has been pressed by the player. The start switch 79 detects that the start lever 23 has been operated by the player (start operation).

  The stop switch substrate 80 is a substrate constituting a circuit for stopping the rotating reel and a circuit for displaying the stopable reel by an LED or the like. The stop switch substrate 80 is provided with a stop switch. The stop switch detects that each stop button 19L, 19C, 19R has been pressed by the player (stop operation).

  The game operation display board 81 displays the number of inserted medals on the 7-segment display 24 when accepting insertion of medals, when the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotatable and when replaying. It is a substrate for making it. A 7-segment display 24 and an LED 82 are connected to the game operation display board 81. The LED 82 lights, for example, a mark for displaying the start of a game or a mark for performing a re-game.

  The sub control board 72 is connected to the main control board 71 via the door relay terminal board 68 and the sub relay board 61. A sound I / O board 84, LED boards 62A and 62B, and a 24h door open / close monitoring unit 63 are connected to the sub control board 72 through a sub relay board 61. Since these LED boards 62A and 62B and the 24h door opening / closing monitoring unit 63 have been described above, the description thereof will be omitted.

  The sound I / O board 84 outputs sound to a center speaker 58, a board speaker 64, lower speakers 65L and 65R, and a speaker (not shown) provided on the front door 2b.

The sub-control board 72 is connected to a ROM cartridge board 86 and a liquid crystal relay board 87. The ROM cartridge substrate 86 and the liquid crystal relay substrate 87 are housed in the sub control board case 57 together with the sub control board 72.
The ROM cartridge substrate 86 is a substrate for managing production images (video), sound, LED substrates 62A and 62B, other LED substrates (not shown), and communication data. The liquid crystal relay substrate 87 is a substrate that relays wiring that connects the sub-control board 72 and the liquid crystal display device 11.

<Main control circuit>
Next, the main control circuit 91 constituted by the main control board 71 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the main control circuit 91 of the pachi-slot 1.

  The main control circuit 91 includes a microcomputer 92 installed on the main control board 71 as a main component. The microcomputer 92 includes a main CPU 93, a main ROM 94, and a main RAM 95. The main CPU 93 and the hopper device 51 described above constitute a game medium payout device of the present invention.

  The main ROM 94 stores a control program executed by the main CPU 93, a data table, data for transmitting various control commands (commands) to the sub control circuit 101, and the like. The main RAM 95 is provided with a storage area for storing various data such as an internal winning combination determined by execution of the control program.

  The main CPU 93 is connected to a clock pulse generation circuit 96, a frequency divider 97, a random number generator 98, and a sampling circuit 99. The clock pulse generation circuit 96 and the frequency divider 97 generate clock pulses. The main CPU 93 executes a control program based on the generated clock pulse. The random number generator 98 generates a random number in a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535). The sampling circuit 99 extracts one value from the generated random numbers.

The main CPU 93 counts the number of times pulses are output to the stepping motors of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R after detecting the reel index. Thereby, the main CPU 93 manages the rotation angle of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R (mainly, how many symbols the reel has rotated).
The reel index is information indicating that the reel has made one revolution. This reel index is provided at a predetermined position of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, for example, with a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit by the rotation of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R. Detection is performed by a reel position detection unit (not shown) including a detection piece interposed therebetween.

  Here, the management of the rotation angle of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R will be specifically described. The number of pulses output to the stepping motor is counted by a pulse counter provided in the main RAM 95. Each time the output of a predetermined number of pulses (for example, 16 times) necessary for the rotation of one symbol is counted by the pulse counter, the symbol counter provided in the main RAM 95 is incremented by one. The symbol counter is provided for each reel 3L, 3C, 3R. The value of the symbol counter is cleared when a reel index is detected by a reel position detector (not shown).

  In other words, in the present embodiment, by managing the symbol counter, it is possible to manage how many symbols have been rotated since the reel index was detected. Therefore, the position of each symbol on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is detected with reference to the position where the reel index is detected.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the maximum number of sliding symbols is set to four symbols. Therefore, when the left stop button 19L is pressed, the symbols of the left reel 3L in the middle of the reel display window 4 and the symbols within the range up to the four symbols ahead are displayed in the middle of the reel display window 4. It becomes a symbol that can be stopped.

<Sub control circuit>
Next, the sub control circuit 101 constituted by the sub control board 72 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the sub control circuit 101 of the pachi-slot 1.

  The sub control circuit 101 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 91 and performs processing such as determination and execution of effect contents based on a command transmitted from the main control circuit 91. The sub control circuit 101 basically includes a sub CPU 102, a sub RAM 103, a rendering processor 104, a drawing RAM 105, and a driver 106.

  The sub CPU 102 controls the output of video, sound, and light according to the control program stored in the ROM cartridge substrate 86 in accordance with the command transmitted from the main control circuit 91. The ROM cartridge substrate 86 basically includes a program storage area and a data storage area.

  A control program executed by the sub CPU 102 is stored in the program storage area. For example, the control program includes a main board communication task for controlling communication with the main control circuit 91 and an effect registration task for extracting and registering effect contents (effect data) by extracting effect random numbers. Is included. Further, a drawing control task for controlling display of an image by the liquid crystal display device 11 (see FIG. 6) based on the determined contents of the effect, a lamp control task for controlling light output by a light source such as the LED 85, and the speakers 58, 64, and 65L. , 65R, etc., and a voice control task for controlling the sound output from the speaker.

  The data storage area includes a storage area for storing various data tables, a storage area for storing effect data constituting each effect content, and a storage area for storing animation data related to creation of video. Also included are a storage area for storing sound data related to BGM and sound effects, a storage area for storing lamp data related to the light on / off pattern, and the like.

  The sub-RAM 103 is provided with a storage area for registering the determined contents and effects data, and a storage area for storing various data such as an internal winning combination transmitted from the main control circuit 91.

  The sub CPU 102, the rendering processor 104, the drawing RAM (including the frame buffer) 105, and the driver 106 create a video according to the animation data specified by the effect contents, and cause the liquid crystal display device 11 to display the created video.

  Further, the sub CPU 102 causes a sound such as BGM to be output from a speaker such as speakers 58, 64, 65L, and 65R in accordance with the sound data specified by the contents of the effect. Further, the sub CPU 102 controls the turning on and off of the light source such as the LED 85 in accordance with the lamp data designated by the contents of the effect.

<Configuration of hopper device>
Next, the configuration of the hopper device 51 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the hopper device 51.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the hopper device 51 includes a bucket 381 that stores a large number of medals, a base member 382 to which the bucket 381 is attached, and a payout unit 383 that is accommodated inside the base member 382.

  The bucket 381 has an upper end opening 384 formed from a wall surface substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and an inclined side wall 385 that is continuous with the upper end opening 384 and is inclined at a predetermined angle. The upper end opening 384 has a planar shape that is substantially rectangular. At one corner of the upper end opening 384, a medal collision part 386 where the medal led from the selector 66 collides and a discharge guide 387 continuous with the medal collision part 386 are provided.

  The discharge guide 387 guides medals overflowing from the bucket 381 to the outside of the bucket 381. The discharge guide 387 has an inclined surface 387a that is inclined so as to become lower from the medal collision portion 386 side toward the front end side. The medal guided by the discharge guide 387 is stored in the medal auxiliary storage 52 (see FIG. 5).

  The medal collision unit 386 is an inclined surface that is continuous with the inclined surface 387 a of the discharge guide 387. The inclination angle of the medal collision unit 386 is set to be equal to the inclination angle of the inclined surface 387a of the discharge guide 387. The medal that has been guided to the selector 66 and collided with the medal collision unit 386 bounces toward the inclined side wall unit 385 of the bucket 381. At this time, if the amount of medals stored in the bucket 381 does not reach a certain amount, the medals move in the bucket 381 along the inclined side wall portion 385. Thereby, medals can be uniformly accommodated in the bucket 381.

  On the other hand, when the amount of medals stored in the bucket 381 reaches a certain amount, the medals collide with the inclined surface of the medal collision unit 386 and bounce, collide with the medals stored in the bucket 381 and collide with the medals. Return to the inclined surface of the portion 386. Then, the medal moves on the inclined surface of the medal collision unit 386 and the inclined surface 387a of the discharge guide 387 by its own weight and moves toward the medal auxiliary storage 52 side.

  In the present embodiment, the inclination angle of the inclined surface in the medal collision unit 386 is made equal to the inclination angle of the inclined surface 387a in the discharge guide 387. As a result, when a predetermined amount of medals are stored in the bucket 381, medals that are guided to a medal guide path (not shown) of the selector 66 and collide with the medal collision unit 386 are ejected by the medal auxiliary storage 52. Can be easily guided. That is, the medal is not maintained in a state where it is placed on the medal collision unit 386. As a result, it is possible to prevent a predetermined amount or more of medals from being stored in the bucket 381 and overflowing to the outside of the bucket 381.

  In the present embodiment, the upper end opening 384 of the bucket 381 and the medal collision unit 386 are integrally formed. However, the medal collision unit according to the gaming machine of the present invention may be configured to be detachable from the upper end opening 384 of the bucket 381.

  The base member 382 has a medal payout opening 32. The payout unit 383 includes a medal disk (game medium disk) 383a for paying out medals accumulated in the bucket 381 one by one in a fixed posture. The medal disk 383a is configured to be able to rotate forward and backward, and sequentially pays out medals while rotating. The medals paid out from the medal disc 383a are discharged from the medal payout opening 32 one by one.

<Processing during hopper empty>
Next, processing at the time of hopper empty that occurs when there is no medal in the payout unit 383 of the hopper device 51 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a timing chart when the hopper is empty.

  In this embodiment, when hopper empty occurs, the medal disk 383a of the payout unit 383 is rotated reversely and forwardly (see FIG. 10), and a recovery process is performed to check whether or not medals are paid out. If the hopper empty is not resolved by the recovery process, an error process is performed.

  The medal payout device drive A shown in FIG. 11 rotates the medal disk 383a in the forward direction, and the medal payout device drive B rotates the medal disk 383a in the reverse direction. A medal payout count switch, which is a specific example of a game medium payout sensor, counts out the payout of medals when pressed by a medal ejected from the medal disk 383a and turned on / off.

  In some cases, the medal payout device switch A rotates the medal disk 383a in the forward direction, and the medal payout count switch does not detect the medal payout within the period a (it does not turn on). In this case, the main CPU 93 (see FIG. 8), which is a payout control unit, recognizes that hopper empty has occurred.

  When recognizing that hopper empty has occurred, the main CPU 93 turns off the medal payout device drive A. At this time, the main CPU 93 maintains the off state of the medal payout device drive B. And it waits for detection of a medal payout count switch until the period b which is specific time passes. In the period b, when the medal payout count switch detects the payout of medals, the main CPU 93 shifts the process to a normal payout process.

  On the other hand, when the medal payout count switch does not detect the medal payout in the period b, the main CPU 93 turns on the medal payout device drive B until the time period c elapses. In the period c, when the medal payout count switch detects the payout of medals, the main CPU 93 turns off the medal payout device drive B and shifts the process to a normal payout process.

  In the period c, when the medal payout count switch does not detect the medal payout, the main CPU 93 turns on the medal payout device drive A until the period d elapses. Note that in this embodiment, the period d is the same time as the period a.

  Thereafter, the main CPU 93 repeats the drive (on / off) control of the medal payout device drives A and B according to the period b, the period c, and the period d twice. That is, if the medal payout count switch is not turned on even when the medal disk 383a is rotated forward, the drive control of the medal payout device drives A and B corresponding to the period b, the period c, and the period d is repeated a total of three times. Thereby, the medal disc 383a repeats the set of reverse rotation and forward rotation three times.

If the medal payout count switch does not detect the payout of medals even if the drive control of the medal payout device drives A and B corresponding to the periods b, c, and d is repeated three times in total, the main CPU 93 Dispensing device drives A and B are turned off. Until the period e elapses, the detection of the medal payout count switch is awaited.
Note that in this embodiment, the period e is the same time as the period b.

In the period e, when the medal payout count switch detects the payout of medals, the main CPU 93 shifts the process to a normal payout process.
On the other hand, when the medal payout count switch does not detect the payout of medals during the period e, the main CPU 93 performs error processing. This error processing will be described later with reference to FIG. After the error processing, the employee or the like replenishes the bucket 381 (see FIG. 10) with medals, and turns on the reset switch or the stop release switch.

<Processing during hopper jam>
Next, processing during a hopper jam that occurs when a medal to be paid out remains in the payout unit 383 of the hopper device 51 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.
FIG. 12 is a timing chart at the time of a hopper jam that occurs during the normal rotation of the medal disc 383a. FIG. 13 is a timing chart at the time of a hopper jam that occurs while the medal disc 383a rotates in the reverse direction.

  When the medal payout count switch is kept on for the period f when the medal disc 383a is rotated, the main CPU 93 recognizes that a hopper jam has occurred.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the on state of the medal payout count switch is maintained beyond the period f while the medal disc 383a is rotating forward, the main CPU 93 turns off the medal payout device drive A. At this time, the main CPU 93 maintains the off state of the medal payout device drive B.

  Thereafter, the main CPU 93 performs error processing. This error processing will be described later with reference to FIG. After error processing, the employee or the like stays (clogged), and the reset switch or the stop release switch is turned on.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when the on state of the medal payout count switch is maintained beyond the period f while the medal disc 383a is rotating in the reverse direction, the main CPU 93 turns off the medal payout device drive B. At this time, the main CPU 93 maintains the off state of the medal payout device drive A. Thereafter, the main CPU 93 performs error processing. After error processing, the employee or the like stays (clogged), and the reset switch or the stop release switch is turned on.

<Processing during hopper jam during restoration processing>
Next, processing at the time of hopper jam during the recovery processing will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 14 is an example of a timing chart when a hopper jam occurs during the recovery process.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the medal payout count switch detects the payout of medals even if the drive control of the medal payout device drives A and B corresponding to the periods b, c, and d is repeated three times in the recovery process. If not, the medal payout device drives A and B are turned off. Until the period e elapses, the detection of the medal payout count switch is waited.

In the period e, when the medal payout count switch is kept on for more than the period g, the main CPU 93 performs error processing.
On the other hand, when the medal payout count switch is turned off within the period g in the period e, the main CPU 93 shifts the process to a normal payout process.

<Overview of hopper control>
Next, an outline of hopper control will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram of hopper control.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the hopper control is started, the medal disc 383a of the hopper device 51 is rotated based on the value of the hopper drive control counter (A1). An initial value (“7” in the present embodiment) is set in advance in the hopper drive control counter. Then, the value of the hopper drive control counter is subtracted at an appropriate timing.

  In the present embodiment, when the value of the hopper drive control counter is an odd number, the medal payout device drive A is driven (turned on) to rotate the medal disk 383a in the normal direction. When the value of the hopper drive control counter is an even number, the medal payout device drive B is driven (turned on) to rotate the medal disk 383a in the reverse direction.

When the medal disc 383a rotates, the hopper device 51 is in one of the following states: normal payout, occurrence of hopper jam, and occurrence of hopper empty.
For example, when the medal payout count switch is turned on (medal payout detection) and turned off before the medal passage check timer becomes 0 (A2), normal payout is performed. In this case, after waiting for the payout interval (A3), the hopper control is terminated (A4).

  When a normal payout is made, an interval is given to the payout of medals. Therefore, the main CPU 93 stops determining whether or not the medal payout count switch detects the payout of medals until a predetermined time has elapsed. That is, even if the medal payout count switch detects the payout of medals during a predetermined time, the main CPU 93 does not recognize that the medals have been paid out. Accordingly, the value of the winning number counter for counting the number of medals paid out is not updated until a predetermined time has elapsed.

  As a result, even if the medal payout count switch is turned on a plurality of times when one medal is discharged from the payout unit 383, the main CPU 93 determines that one medal has been paid out. Therefore, although the number of medals paid out is counted, underpayment where no medals are actually paid out can be prevented, and medals can be paid out accurately with a simple configuration.

  If the medal payout count switch is turned on (medal payout detection) and the medal passage check timer becomes 0, if it remains on, occurrence of a hopper jam is detected (A5). Then, error processing is performed (A6).

If the medal payout count switch is not turned on within the payout waiting time (medal payout is not detected), the occurrence of hopper empty is detected (A7).
When occurrence of hopper empty is detected, the rotation of the medal disc 383a is stopped (A8), and "1" is subtracted from the hopper drive control counter (A9). If the value before subtraction (before A9) of the hopper drive control counter is an even number, the process returns to A1.

  When the value before subtraction (before A9) of the hopper drive control counter is an odd number, the detection of the medal payout count switch is awaited. As a result, the hopper device 51 is in one of the following states: execution of normal payout, occurrence of hopper jam, and occurrence of hopper empty.

  In the case of executing normal payout (A11 to A13), the same processing as that in the case of executing normal payout (A2 to A4) while the medal disk 383a is rotating is executed.

  If the medal payout count switch is turned on (medal payout detection) and the medal passage check timer becomes 0, if it remains on, occurrence of a hopper jam is detected (A14). When the occurrence of hopper jam is detected, an error process is performed at an error timing (A15). Here, the error timing is when the value of the hopper drive control counter is “0”.

  If it is not the error timing, that is, if the value of the hopper drive control counter is larger than “0”, “1” is subtracted from the hopper drive control counter (A16). Then, the process returns to A1 (A17).

  Since “1” is subtracted from the hopper drive control counter in the process of A16, “2” is subtracted from the hopper drive control counter in total until the medal disk 383a is rotated next time. As a result, when the occurrence of hopper empty is detected (A7), the value of the hopper drive control counter is even if it is an even number, and if it is odd, the value is odd. Therefore, if the occurrence of hopper jam is detected (A14) after the occurrence of hopper empty is detected (A7), the medal disc 383a is rotated in the same rotational direction as the previous time.

  As described above, when the occurrence of hopper empty is detected, a recovery process for rotating the medal disc 383a in the reverse direction and the normal direction is performed. If occurrence of hopper jam is detected (A14) after occurrence of hopper empty is detected (A7), medals have not been completely paid out from the hopper device 51.

  Here, if the medal disk 383a is rotated in the direction opposite to the previous time, the medal detected by the medal payout count switch may be retracted to the medal disk 383a side of the hopper device 51. Therefore, the medal disc 383a is rotated in the same direction as the previous time so that the medal detected by the medal payout count switch is completely paid out from the hopper device 51. Thereby, the medals detected by the medal payout count switch can be paid out from the hopper device 51.

If the medal payout count switch is not turned on within the payout waiting time (medal payout is not detected), it is detected that hopper emptying continues (A18).
When continuation of hopper empty is detected, the payout count switch waits for detection (A19). That is, the main CPU 93 waits for detection of medals by the medal payout count switch until a specific time elapses.

  Thus, medals paid out from the medal disk 383a whose driving has been stopped can be detected by the medal payout count switch. As a result, although the medal is not detected by the medal payout count switch, for example, overpayment where the medal is paid out by inertia force can be prevented, and the medal can be paid out accurately with a simple configuration.

When waiting for detection of the payout count switch, an error process is performed if it is an error timing (A20).
On the other hand, if it is not the error timing, that is, if the value of the hopper drive control counter is larger than “0”, the process returns to A1 (A21).

<Description of main control circuit operation>
Next, the contents of a program executed by the main CPU 93 of the main control circuit 91 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Main flowchart by control of main CPU]
First, with reference to FIG. 16, the main flowchart by control of main CPU93 is demonstrated.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the main control process.

  First, when the power is turned on to the pachi-slot 1, the main CPU 93 calls and executes a subroutine of power-on processing (see FIG. 17) (S1). In this power-on process, it is determined whether the backup is normal or the setting has been changed appropriately, and an initialization process is executed according to the determination result.

  Next, the main CPU 93 executes an initialization process at the end of one game (unit game) (S2). In this process, for example, the initialization storage area at the end of one game is designated and initialized. As a result of this initialization processing, the data stored in the internal winning combination storing area or the display winning combination storing area of the main RAM 95 is cleared.

  Next, the main CPU 93 calls and executes a subroutine of medal acceptance / start check processing (see FIG. 18) (S3). By this medal acceptance / start check process, a process for detecting a medal inserted by the player and a process for detecting a start operation are performed.

  Next, the main CPU 93 extracts a random number value and stores it in a random value storage area (S4). Next, the main CPU 93 calls and executes a subroutine of internal lottery processing (S5). In this internal lottery process, an internal winning combination is determined by lottery based on random numbers.

  Next, the main CPU 93 executes a reel stop initial setting process (S6). In this reel stop initial setting processing, processing for determining each piece of information (for example, stop table number) related to reel stop control is performed based on the internal winning combination determined in the internal lottery processing.

  Next, the main CPU 93 generates start command data, and stores the generated start command data in the communication data storage area of the main RAM 95 (S7). The start command data stored in the communication data storage area is transmitted from the main control board 71 to the sub control board 72 in the command data transmission process (see FIG. 23). The start command data includes various types of information necessary for effects such as an internal winning combination.

  Next, the main CPU 93 executes a wait process (S8). This wait process determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the previous game (start of the previous unit game). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the predetermined time elapses. This is a process to wait until the digestion is complete. The predetermined time in the wait process, that is, the wait time is normally set to 4.1 seconds from the start of the previous unit game, for example.

  Next, the main CPU 93 executes a rotation start process for all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R according to the number of inserted medals (S9). When the start of rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is requested, the driving of the stepping motors 61L, 61C, 61R is controlled by an interrupt process (see FIG. 23) executed at a constant cycle (1.1173 msec). Then, the rotation of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is started. At this time, each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled to be accelerated until its rotation reaches a constant speed, and then controlled so as to maintain the constant speed.

  Next, the main CPU 93 generates reel rotation start command data, and stores the generated reel rotation start command data in the communication data storage area of the main RAM 95 (S10). The reel rotation start command data stored in the communication data storage area is transmitted from the main control board 71 to the sub control board 72 in the command data transmission process (see FIG. 23). By this processing, the sub control circuit 101 can recognize the start of reel rotation, and can determine the timing for executing various effects.

  Next, the main CPU 93 executes a pull-in priority storage process (S11). In this process, on the basis of the internal winning combination determined in the internal lottery process, the drawing priority data for each symbol position of each rotating reel is acquired and stored in the drawing priority data storage area. As a result, the drawing priority order of all symbols on the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R is determined.

  Next, the main CPU 93 performs a reel stop control process (S12). In this process, the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped based on the timing when the stop buttons 17L, 17C, and 17R are pressed and the internal winning combination.

  Next, the main CPU 93 executes a winning action search process (S13). In this winning action search process, after all reels are stopped, the symbol combination displayed along the winning determination line is compared with the symbol combination table to determine the symbol combination displayed for each winning determination line. At this time, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination of medals is displayed (winned) along the winning determination line, a predetermined payout number is added to the winning number counter.

  Next, the main CPU 93 generates winning operation command data, and stores the generated winning operation command data in the communication data storage area of the main RAM 95 (S14). The winning action command data stored in the communication data storage area is transmitted from the main control board 71 to the sub control board 72 in the command data transmission process (see FIG. 23). By this processing, the sub control circuit 101 can recognize the symbol combination displayed along the winning determination line, and can determine the timing for executing various effects.

  Next, the main CPU 93 performs a medal payout process corresponding to the displayed symbol combination based on the result of the winning action search process (S15). In this process, the hopper device 51 is driven and the number of credits is updated, and medals are paid out.

  Next, the main CPU 93 generates payout end command data, and stores the generated payout end command data in the communication data storage area of the main RAM 95 (S16). The payout end command data stored in the communication data storage area is transmitted from the main control board 71 to the sub control board 72 in the command data transmission process (see FIG. 23). The payout end command data includes information such as a display combination and the number of medals to be paid out.

Next, the main CPU 93 executes a bonus operation / end check process (S17). In this process, it is checked whether or not to start the bonus operation and whether or not to replay. Further, it is checked whether or not to end the bonus operation with reference to various counters for managing the end timing of the bonus.
When the bonus operation / end check process ends, the main CPU 93 returns the process to S2.

[Power-on processing]
Next, power-on processing will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the power-on process shown in FIG.

  First, the main CPU 93 determines whether the backup is normal (S21). In this determination process, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the backup is normal by performing error detection using the checksum value.

  For example, when the power is turned off, the set value of pachislot 1 (the value at which the payout rate is set in one of six predetermined stages) and the checksum value calculated from the set value are stored in the main RAM 95 as backup data. deep. Then, in the determination process when the power is turned on, the set value and the checksum value stored in the main RAM 95 are read. Next, the checksum calculated from the read set value is compared with the checksum that has been backed up. If the comparison results match, the main CPU 93 determines that the backup is normal.

  When the main CPU 93 determines that the backup is normal (YES), the main CPU 93 sets the backed-up setting values (S22). As a result, when the backup is normal, the set value before the power is turned off is set.

  After the process of S22 or when it is determined that the backup is not normal (NO) in the process of S21, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the setting change switch is on (S23). If it is determined that the setting change switch is ON (YES), the main CPU 93 executes initialization processing when the S setting is changed (S24).

  In the initialization process at the time of setting change, for example, the main CPU 93 clears the data stored in the internal winning combination storage area and the display combination storage area of the main RAM 95 and also clears the set value.

  Next, the main CPU 93 generates initialization command data, and stores the generated initialization command data in the communication data storage area of the main RAM 95 (S25). The initialization command data includes presence / absence of setting value change, setting value information and the like.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 93 executes a setting value changing process (S26). In the set value changing process, the main CPU 93 selects a set value from 1 to 6 set in advance according to the operation result of the reset switch, and determines the operation result of the start lever 23 operated subsequently. The set value is confirmed based on this.

  Next, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the setting change switch is on (S27). Then, the main CPU 93 repeats the processing until a determination result is obtained that the setting change switch is not in the on state (NO). If the result of determination that the setting change switch is not in the ON state (NO) is obtained, it means that the operation of the setting change switch has been completed.

  When determining that the setting change switch is not in the ON state (NO), the main CPU 93 generates initialization command data, and stores the generated initialization command data in the communication data storage area (S28). After the process of S <b> 28, the main CPU 93 ends the power-on process and returns the process to the main flowchart under the control of the main CPU 93.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S23 that the setting change switch is not on (NO), the main CPU 93 determines whether the backup is normal (S29). When determining that the backup is normal (YES), the main CPU 93 restores the set value to the state before the power interruption based on the backup data (S30). After the process of S <b> 30, the main CPU 93 ends the power-on process and returns the process to the main flowchart under the control of the main CPU 93.

  When it is determined in the process of S29 that the backup is not normal (NO), the main CPU 93 executes a power-on error process (S31). In this process, the main CPU 93 displays an error display or the like indicating that the backup is not normal.

  The error (backup error) that the backup is not normal in the present embodiment cannot be canceled by operating the stop cancellation switch or the reset switch, and is canceled by a new setting change.

[Medal reception / start check processing]
Next, the medal acceptance / start check process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of medal acceptance / start check processing.

  First, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not there is an automatic insertion request (S41). When a replay is won in the previous unit game, medals are automatically inserted in the current unit game. In other words, the determination process in S41 is equivalent to determining whether or not a replay is won in the previous unit game.

  When it is determined that there is an automatic input request in the process of S41, the main CPU 93 performs an automatic input process (S42). In this process, the value of the automatic loading counter is copied to the loading number counter, and then the value of the automatic loading counter is cleared. Thereafter, the main CPU 93 generates medal insertion command data, and stores the generated medal insertion command data in the communication data storage area of the main RAM 95 (S43). The medal insertion command data includes information such as the number of inserted medals.

  When it is determined in the process of S41 that there is no automatic insertion request, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the medal auxiliary box switch is on (S44). When the medal auxiliary storage switch is on (YES), the medal auxiliary storage 52 (see FIG. 3) is full of medals. When it is determined that the medal auxiliary storage switch is on, the main CPU 93 sets an error code associated with the medal auxiliary storage 52 being full and executes error processing (S45).

  After the process of S45, or when it is determined in the process of S44 that the medal auxiliary warehouse switch is not on (NO), the main CPU 93 permits medal acceptance (S46). In this process, the solenoid of the selector is driven, and medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 21 are accepted. The received medals are counted and guided to the hopper device 51.

  Next, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not there is a selector error (S47). In this process, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the medal passage sensor remains on for a predetermined time or more, that is, whether or not a medal clogging has occurred in the selector. When determining that there is no selector error, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not there is a hopper error (S48).

When it is determined that there is a hopper error in the process of S48, or when it is determined that there is a selector error in the process of S47, the main CPU 93 executes an error process (S49).
After the process of S49 or when it is determined that there is no hopper error in the process of S48, the main CPU 93 sets the maximum value of the inserted number according to the gaming state (S50).

  Next, the main CPU 93 executes a medal insertion check process (S51). In this process, the number of inserted medals is checked, and the value of the inserted number counter is updated according to the number of checked medals.

  Next, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not there is a selector error (S52). In this process, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the plurality of medal passage sensors provided in the selector have been turned on for a predetermined time or more, or whether or not the plurality of passage sensors have been turned on outside a predetermined order. To do. That is, it is determined whether or not a medal clogging has occurred in the selector, or whether or not there is any illegal act.

  When it is determined that there is a selector error in the process of S52 (YES), the main CPU 93 executes an error process (S53).

  After the process of S53 or when it is determined that there is no selector error (NO) in the process of S52, the main CPU 93 generates medal insertion command data and stores the generated medal insertion command data in the communication data storage area of the main RAM 95. Store (S54). The medal insertion command data stored in the communication data storage area is transmitted from the main control board 71 to the sub control board 72 in the command data transmission process (see FIG. 23). The medal insertion command data includes information such as the number of inserted medals.

Next, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the number of inserted medals is a number that allows the game to be started (S55). That is, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the number of inserted medals is a number that can start a unit game according to the gaming state.
When it is determined that the number of inserted medals is not the number that can start the game (NO), the main CPU 93 shifts the process to S51.

When it is determined in the process of S55 that the number of inserted medals is the number that can start the game (YES), or after the process of S43, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the start switch is on (S56). .
When determining that the start switch is not on (NO), the main CPU 93 shifts the process to S51.

  When it is determined in the process of S56 that the start switch is on (YES), the main CPU 93 prohibits medal reception (S57). In this process, the main CPU 93 prompts the medals inserted into the insertion slot to be discharged from the medal payout opening 32 without driving the solenoid in the selector (not shown). After the process of S57, the main CPU 93 ends the medal acceptance / start check process.

[Error handling]
Next, error processing will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for error processing.

  First, the main CPU 93 sets an error state according to an error code (error type) (S61). Examples of the error type include a medal auxiliary warehouse error, a selector error, and a hopper error.

  Next, the main CPU 93 generates error command data representing an error state, and stores the generated error command data in the communication data storage area of the main RAM 95 (S62). The error command data stored in the communication data storage area is transmitted from the main control board 71 to the sub control board 72 in a command data transmission process described later.

  Next, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the stop release switch or the reset switch is on (S63). When it is determined that the stop release switch or reset switch is not on (NO), the main CPU 93 repeats the process until it is determined that the stop release switch or reset switch is on.

  When it is determined in S63 that the stop release switch or reset switch is on (YES), the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the error is released (S64). When determining that the error has not been released (NO), the main CPU 93 shifts the processing to S63.

  If it is determined in step S65 that the error has been released (YES), the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the stop release switch or the reset switch is on (S65). That is, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the stop release switch or reset switch that has been turned on in the above-described processing of S63 has been returned to the off state.

  When it is determined in step S65 that the stop release switch or reset switch is on (YES), the main CPU 93 repeats the processing until it is determined that the stop release switch or reset switch is not on. When determining that the stop release switch or the reset switch is not on (NO), the main CPU 93 resets the error state (S66). By this process, the error state is reset in response to the error cancellation.

  Next, the main CPU 93 generates error command data including information on which the error state has been released, and stores the generated error command data in the communication data storage area of the main RAM 95 (S67). The error command data stored in the communication data storage area is transmitted from the main control board 71 to the sub control board 72 in the command data transmission process (see FIG. 23). After the process of S67, the main CPU 93 ends the error process.

[Medal payout processing]
Next, the medal payout process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of medal payout processing.

  First, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the winning number counter is 1 or more (S71). When determining that the winning number counter is not 1 or more (NO), the main CPU 93 ends the medal payout process.

  When determining that the winning number counter is 1 or more in the processing of S71, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the credit counter is the upper limit number (S72). When determining that the credit counter is not the upper limit number (NO), the main CPU 93 adds the number of winning prize counters that can be added to the credit counter (S73).

  Next, the main CPU 93 updates the value of the winning number counter (S74). Then, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the winning number counter is 1 or more (S75). When determining that the winning number counter is not 1 or more (NO), the main CPU 93 ends the medal payout process.

  When it is determined that the credit counter is the upper limit number in the process of S72, or when it is determined that the winning number counter is 1 or more in the process of S75, the main CPU 93 performs a hopper control process (S76). After the process of S76, the main CPU 93 ends the medal payout process.

[Hopper control processing]
Next, the hopper control process will be described with reference to FIGS.
21 and 22 are flowcharts showing a subroutine of the hopper control process.

  First, the main CPU 93 stores the initial value (7) in the hopper drive control counter (S81) and turns off the hopper drive B (S82). Next, the first initial value is set in the payout waiting time timer (S83), and the hopper drive A (medal payout device drive A) is set (S84).

  Next, the main CPU 93 turns on the set hopper drive (S85). Thereby, the medal disc 383a of the hopper device 51 rotates. Then, the main CPU 93 sets an initial value in the medal passage check timer (S86).

  Subsequently, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the payout count switch is on (S87). When the payout count switch is turned on from off, the main CPU 93 activates the medal passage check timer in which the initial value is set.

  When it is determined in the process of S87 that the payout count switch is on (YES), the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the medal passage check timer is “0” (S88). When determining that the medal passage check timer is not “0” (NO), the main CPU 93 shifts the processing to S87.

  If the payout count switch is on until the medal passage check timer becomes “0”, it is possible that medals are jammed in the payout unit 383. On the other hand, when the medals are normally paid out, the payout count switch is turned off until the medal passage check timer becomes “0”.

  When determining that the medal passage check timer is “0” (YES) in the process of S88, the main CPU 93 turns off the hopper drives A and B (S89). Thereafter, the main CPU 93 sets a hopper jam error code (S90). Then, the main CPU 93 performs error processing (see FIG. 19) (S91). After the process of S91, the main CPU 93 shifts the process to S81.

  When it is determined in the process of S87 that the payout count switch is not on (NO), the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the medal passage check timer has been activated (S92). When determining that the medal passage check timer is activated (YES), the main CPU 93 shifts the processing to S112.

  When determining in step S92 that the medal passage check timer is not operating (NO), the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the payout waiting time timer is “0” (S93). When determining that the payout waiting time timer is not “0” (NO), the main CPU 93 shifts the processing to S87.

  When the payout waiting time timer is determined to be “0” (YES) in the processing of S93, the main CPU 93 sets a hopper empty error code (S94). Subsequently, the main CPU 93 turns off the hopper drives A and B (S95), and subtracts "1" from the hopper drive control counter (S96).

  Next, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the hopper drive control counter before subtraction is an even number (S97). When determining that the hopper drive control counter before the subtraction is an even number (YES), the main CPU 93 shifts the process to S82.

  On the other hand, when determining that the hopper drive control counter before the subtraction is not an even number (NO), the main CPU 93 sets an initial value in the medal passage check timer (S98). Next, the main CPU 93 sets an initial value in the payout count switch detection timer (S99).

  Subsequently, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the payout count switch is on (S100). When it is determined that the payout count switch is on (YES), the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the medal passage check timer is “0” (S101). When determining that the medal passage check timer is not “0” (NO), the main CPU 93 shifts the processing to S100.

  When determining that the medal passage check timer is “0” (YES), the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the hopper drive control counter is “0” (S102). When it is determined that the hopper drive control counter is “0” (YES), the main CPU 93 sets a hopper jam error code (S103). Then, the main CPU 93 performs error processing (see FIG. 19) (S104). After the process of S104, the main CPU 93 shifts the process to S81.

  When determining that the hopper drive control counter is not “0” (NO) in the process of S102, the main CPU 93 decrements the hopper drive control counter by “1” (S105). After the process of S105, the main CPU 93 shifts the process to S82.

  When it is determined in the process of S100 that the payout count switch is not on (NO), the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the medal passage check timer has been activated (S106). When determining that the medal passage check timer is activated (YES), the main CPU 93 shifts the processing to S112.

  When determining in step S106 that the medal passage check timer is not operating (NO), the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the payout count switch detection timer is “0” (S107). When determining that the payout count switch detection timer is not “0” (NO), the main CPU 93 shifts the processing to S100.

  When it is determined in the process of S107 that the payout count switch detection timer is “0” (YES), the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the hopper drive control counter is “0” (S108). When it is determined that the hopper drive control counter is “0” (YES), the main CPU 93 performs error processing (see FIG. 19) (S109). After the process of S109, the main CPU 93 shifts the process to S81.

  When determining that the hopper drive control counter is not "0" (NO) in the process of S108, the main CPU 93 sets a second initial value in the payout waiting time timer (S110).

In the present embodiment, the first initial value and the second initial value are set as initial values to be set in the payout waiting time timer. That is, when the hopper drive A is turned on, the main CPU 93 sets the first initial value in the payout waiting time timer, and when the hopper drive B (medal payout device drive B) is turned on, the main CPU 93 waits for payout. A second initial value is set in the time timer. The first initial value is set larger than the second initial value. Thus, the time for driving the hopper drive A is set longer than the time for driving the hopper drive B.
It should be noted that the first initial value and the second initial value according to the present invention can be set to arbitrary lengths, and both may be set to the same value, and the first initial value is set to the second value. It may be smaller than the initial value.

  After the process of S110, the main CPU 93 sets the hopper drive B (S111). After the process of S111, the main CPU 93 shifts the process to S85.

  When it is determined that the medal passage check timer has been activated (YES) in the processes of S92 and S106, the main CPU 93 updates the value of the winning number counter (S112). Next, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the input number counter is “1” or more (S113). When determining that the input number counter is “1” or more, the main CPU 93 sets an initial value in the payout interval waiting timer (S114).

  Next, the main CPU 93 determines whether or not the payout interval waiting timer is “0” (S115). The main CPU 93 waits until the payout interval waiting timer becomes “0”. When the main CPU 93 determines that the payout interval waiting timer is “0” (YES), the main CPU 93 shifts the processing to S81.

  When it is determined in the process of S113 that the input sheet counter is not equal to or greater than “1” (NO), the main CPU 93 turns off the hopper drives A and B (S116). Thereafter, the main CPU 93 ends the hopper control process and returns the process to the medal payout process.

[Interrupt processing under the control of the main CPU (1.1172 msec)]
Next, an interrupt process (1.1173 msec) under the control of the main CPU will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of interrupt processing under the control of the main CPU.

  First, the main CPU 93 saves the register (S121). Next, the main CPU 93 updates the watchdog timer (S122).

  Next, the main CPU 93 performs a reel control process (S123). In this process, the driving of the stepping motors 61L, 61C, 61R is controlled so that the rotation of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is started when the start of rotation of all reels is requested, and then the reels are rotated at a constant speed. Is done. When the number of sliding symbols is determined, the symbol counter of the corresponding reel is updated by the number of sliding symbols. Then, after the updated symbol counter matches the value corresponding to the planned stop position (the symbol at the planned stop position reaches the middle stage of the display window), the rotation of the corresponding reel is decelerated and stopped. The driving of the stepping motor is controlled.

  Next, the main CPU 93 performs an input port check process (S124). In this process, signals input from various switches such as a stop switch are checked. Subsequently, the main CPU 93 performs a command data transmission process (S125). In this process, various command data stored in the communication data storage area are transmitted to the sub control board 72.

  Next, the main CPU 93 performs a lamp and 7-segment driving process (S126). In this process, the 7-segment display 24 is driven to display the number of payouts and the number of credits. Subsequently, the main CPU 93 performs a timer update process (S127). Then, the main CPU 93 performs an error check process (S128). Thereafter, the main CPU 93 restores the register (S129). When this process ends, the main CPU 93 ends the interrupt process.

<Modification>
The gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above including the effects thereof. However, the game medium payout device and the game machine of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention described in the claims. is there.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, a gaming machine to which a medal is applied as a gaming medium has been described. However, as a game medium to be applied to the game medium payout device and the game machine of the present invention, coins, game balls, game point data, tokens, and the like can be applied in addition to medals.

  In the above-described embodiment, the drive control of the reverse rotation and the normal rotation of the medal disc 383a is repeated three times as the recovery process at the time of hopper empty. However, as the restoration processing according to the present invention, the number of times of repeating the reverse and forward drive control of the medal disk 383a can be arbitrarily set.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the forward rotation of the medal disk 383a at the time of hopper empty is stopped and then a hopper jam is detected by the medal payout count switch, the rotation of the next medal disk 383a is set to the normal rotation. It was. However, the medal payout device according to the present invention may be configured to reverse the rotation of the next medal disk 383a when a hopper jam is detected after stopping the reverse rotation of the medal disk 383a at the time of hopper empty. .

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachislot (game machine), 2 ... Exterior body, 2a ... Cabinet, 2b ... Front door, 4 ... Display window (symbol display area), 7 ... Handle, 10 ... Upper panel unit, 11 ... Liquid crystal display device, 12 ... Pedestal part, 13 ... Frame member, 14 ... Information display window, 15 ... Stop button mounting part, 16 ... Window cover, 17 ... Seat placement part, 19L ... Left stop button, 19C ... Middle stop button, 19R ... Right stop button 21 ... Medal slot, 51 ... Hopper device, 52 ... Medal auxiliary storage, 55 ... Main control board case, 57 ... Sub control board case, 71 ... Main control board, 72 ... Sub control board, 91 ... Main control circuit 101 ... Sub control circuit 381 ... Bucket 382 ... Base member 383 ... Dispensing unit 383a ... Medal disk 384 ... On End opening, 385 ... inclined side wall, 386 ... medal collision part, 387 ... discharge guide, 387a ... inclined surface

Claims (2)

A payout unit for paying out game media one by one with a certain posture;
A game medium payout sensor that detects a game medium paid out from the payout unit and is in an on state;
A game medium passing check timer in which an initial value is set after the payout unit is driven;
If the game medium payout sensor is turned off before the game medium payout sensor is turned on and the value of the game medium passage check timer becomes zero, it is determined that the game medium has been paid out normally, and a predetermined time is paid out. Wait for an interval, stop determining whether or not the game medium payout sensor has been turned on / off, and wait for the payout interval, and then the game medium is normal based on the game medium payout sensor and the game medium passage check timer. A payout control unit for determining whether or not
A payout interval waiting timer in which an initial value is set after the game medium payout sensor detects a game medium,
The payout control unit is a game medium payout device that pays out the next game medium from the payout unit after the payout interval waiting timer becomes zero. An exterior body formed in a casing shape;
A game medium payout device that is arranged inside the outer package and pays out game media to the outside of the outer package;
The game medium payout device is:
A payout unit for paying out game media one by one with a certain posture;
A game medium payout sensor that detects a game medium paid out from the payout unit and is in an on state;
A game medium passing check timer in which an initial value is set after the payout unit is driven;
If the game medium payout sensor is turned off before the game medium payout sensor is turned on and the value of the game medium passage check timer becomes zero, it is determined that the game medium has been paid out normally, and a predetermined time is paid out. Wait for an interval, stop determining whether or not the game medium payout sensor has been turned on / off, and wait for the payout interval, and then the game medium is normal based on the game medium payout sensor and the game medium passage check timer. A payout control unit for determining whether or not
A payout interval waiting timer in which an initial value is set after the game medium payout sensor detects a game medium,
The payout control unit is a gaming machine that pays out the next game medium from the payout unit after the payout interval waiting timer becomes zero.

Images