JP2015136443A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid such a situation that a game player receives unexpected disadvantage.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: an introduction route for introducing a movable body to a prescribed position; and discharging means for discharging the movable body outside the introduction route. The discharging means at least comprises: a movable part that can displace the movable body to a first position where the movable body can be discharged to the outside of the introduction route, and to a second position where movement of the movable body through the introduction route is allowed; first moving force generation means that can generate moving force for moving the movable part to the first position; and second moving force generation means that can generate moving force for moving the movable part to the second position. The movable part, in a prescribed state, can be displaced from the second position to the first position by its own weight. In the prescribed state, both the moving force of the first moving force generation means and the moving force of the second moving force generation means do not exist.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a pachinko machine or a slot machine.

  Some game machines represented by pachinko machines and slot machines include an exclusion mechanism that selectively introduces and removes a moving body represented by a game medium such as a game ball or medal to a predetermined position. As this type of exclusion mechanism, for example, in a slot machine, there is a medal sorting device called a selector that eliminates a game situation or a non-standard irregular medal (for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, for example, a pachinko machine has a prize opening called an attacker.

  More specifically, regarding the medal sorting device, in a slot machine, in general, after a medal is inserted from a medal slot, it is sorted by the medal sorting device, and if it is a normal medal insertion, it is stored in the medal storage device inside the game stand. If it is not normal, it is discharged to the lower plate through the cancel chute.

  The sorting function of a general medal sorting device is performed using a medal blocker whose movement is controlled by driving means such as a solenoid on a passage through which medals pass. For example, when the solenoid is not excited, the medal blocker is moved to a position where the medal is removed out of the passage by using a force such as a spring, and the medal is discharged to the lower plate. The medal blocker is moved to a position where the medal can pass through the selector. Thereby, it is selected whether the medals are discharged out of the gaming table or stored inside the gaming table.

JP 2006-247054 A

  However, as the game stand is operated for many years, the spring's elastic force acts on the medal blocker due to deterioration or failure of the spring itself, dirt or dust adhering to the spring part, or falling off of the spring itself. It may disappear or become weak. In this case, the medal blocker does not return to the exclusion position, and the medal is swallowed into the game table, causing the player to receive an unexpected disadvantage.

  An object of the present invention is to avoid a situation in which a player receives an unexpected disadvantage.

  According to the present invention, for example, a gaming machine comprising: an introduction path for guiding a mobile body to a predetermined position; and an exclusion means capable of removing the mobile body outside the introduction path, wherein the exclusion means Is a movable part displaceable to a first position where the moving body can be removed out of the introduction path, and a second position which allows the moving body to move along the introduction path, and A first moving force generating means capable of generating a moving force for moving the movable portion to the first position; and a second moving force generating capable of generating a moving force for moving the movable portion to the second position. And the movable part is displaceable from the second position to the first position by its own weight in a predetermined state, and the predetermined state is the first Neither the moving force of the moving force generating means nor the moving force of the second moving force generating means is present. A state, the amusement machine is provided, characterized in that.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a player receives an unexpected disadvantage.

The perspective view of the slot machine of embodiment. The front view of the state which opened the front door of the slot machine of embodiment. The block diagram of the control part of the slot machine of embodiment. (A) is a diagram showing a plane arrangement of symbols arranged on each reel, (b) is a type of winning combination (including an operating combination), a combination of symbols corresponding to each winning combination, The figure which shows the action | operation or payout of a winning combination. The flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. The flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. (A) is a flowchart of main processing of the first sub-control unit, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit, and (c) is a timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit. Flowchart. (A) is a flowchart of main processing of the second sub-control unit, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit, and (c) is a timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit. (D) is a flowchart of image control processing of the second sub-control unit. The exploded perspective view of a medal selector. (A) is a figure which shows the passage aspect of a medal, (b) is a schematic sectional drawing which follows the II line | wire of Fig.10 (a). (A) thru | or (d) are explanatory drawings of an exclusion unit. The partial exploded perspective view of an exclusion unit. (A) thru | or (c) is explanatory drawing of the dead weight displacement of a medal blocker. (A) is a perspective view of another example medal blocker, (b) and (c) is an explanatory view of the own weight displacement of another example medal blocker. (A) is a perspective view of another example medal blocker, (b) is an explanatory view of the self-weight displacement of another example medal blocker, (c) is a partial perspective view of another example support member, and (d) is another example. Explanatory drawing of the dead weight displacement of the medal blocker by a supporting member. (A) thru | or (e) is explanatory drawing of the exclusion unit of another example. (A) thru | or (d) is explanatory drawing of the example applied to a pachinko machine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The sound hole 143 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right portions of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160. The effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 including two right shutters 163a and a left shutter 163b that can be opened and closed in a horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (effect image) disposed on the back side of the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 (not shown) is displayed in front of the slot machine 100 (player side). It has a structure that appears in It should be noted that the display device is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, but may be any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), dot matrix display, organic EL display, plasma display , A reel (drum), or a display device including a projector and a screen. Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. In the present embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface.

<Internal structure>
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 opened. The main body 101 is a box that is surrounded by the upper surface plate 261, the left side plate 260, the right side plate 260, the lower surface plate 264, and the back plate 242, and that opens to the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 210 that stores the main control board is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation port 249 provided on the upper portion of the back plate 242. Below the three reels 110 to 112 are arranged. On the side plate 260 on the left side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, a sub control board storage case 220 containing a sub control board is disposed. Further, an external concentrated terminal plate 248 that is connected to the main control board and outputs the information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached to the side plate 260 on the right side.

  The lower surface plate 264 is provided with a medal payout device 180 (device for paying out medals accumulated in a bucket), and has a power supply board above the medal payout device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112. A power supply device 252 is provided, and a power switch 244 is provided on the front surface of the power supply device 252. The power supply device 252 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100 into a direct current, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and each device such as a main control unit 300 and sub-control units 400 and 500 described later. To do. Furthermore, a power storage circuit (for example, a capacitor) for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power source is cut off is provided. Yes.

  A medal auxiliary storage 240 is arranged on the right side of the medal payout device 180, and an overflow terminal is arranged behind this (not shown). The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connecting portion for connecting a power cord 264, and the power cord 264 connected thereto extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 provided in the back plate 242 of the main body 101. Yes.

  The front door 102 is hinged to the left side plate 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276, and an effect device 160 and an effect control board (which controls the effect device 160) are provided above the symbol display window 113. An upper speaker 272 is provided. Below the symbol display window 113, there are provided a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops illegal medals etc. on the medal tray 161. Yes. Further, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the lower sound hole 143.

<Control unit>
A circuit configuration of the control unit of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

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

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

  The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that fluctuates a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535, and a start signal output circuit that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the activation signal is input from the activation signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts main processing main processing described later).

  In addition, the main control unit 300 includes a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 is inserted from various sensors 318 (a bet button 130 sensor, a bet button 131 sensor, a bet button 132 sensor, and a medal slot 141 at every interruption time. Medal reception sensor, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, checkout button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, index sensor for reel 110 , The index sensor of the reel 111, the index sensor of the reel 112, etc.).

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

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

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

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

  The main control unit 300 is provided in a drive circuit 322 for driving a stepping motor provided in the reel devices 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 for driving a solenoid provided in a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and a medal payout device 180. A drive circuit 326 for driving the motor, various lamps 338 (a winning line display lamp 120, a notification lamp 123, a game medal insertion possible lamp 124, a re-game lamp 122, a game medal insertion lamp 129, a game start lamp 121, and a stored number display. A driving circuit 328 for driving the device 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127).

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

  The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power management unit (not shown) to the main control unit 300. The voltage monitoring circuit 330 is a voltage of the power source. When the value is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has decreased is output to the basic circuit 302.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub control unit 400 and enables communication with the first sub control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub control unit 400. However, the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to transmit a signal such as a command to the main control unit 300.

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

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

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

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

  In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the effect device 160 including display control of the effect image display device 157. The second sub-control unit 500 includes, for example, a control unit that controls the effect image display device 157, a control unit that controls various effect drive devices (for example, a control unit that controls the motor driving of the shutter 163), and the like. For example, it may be configured by a plurality of control units.

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

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

<Type of winning prize>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows the types of winning combinations (including actuating combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination. Of the winning combinations in the present embodiment, the big bonuses (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are used as a combination for shifting to the bonus game, and the replay (replay) is a replay without newly inserting a medal. Each winning combination is sometimes distinguished from a winning combination and sometimes called an “acting combination”. However, in the “winning combination” in this embodiment, a big bonus, a regular bonus, and a replay that are operating combinations are included. included. In addition, “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an actuator not accompanied by a medal payout (without medal payout) is displayed on an active line, for example, a big bonus, regular Includes bonuses and replay wins.

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

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

  The “regular bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a regular bonus game (RB game) is started by winning. The corresponding symbol combination is “bonus-bonus-bonus”. Note that the RB carries over the flag as well as the above-mentioned BB. However, in the big bonus game (BB game) (details will be described later), the regular bonus game (RB game) is won internally and the combination of symbols is displayed on the winning line. In addition, the regular bonus game is started after the start of the big bonus game, and when the regular bonus game is finished once, the regular bonus game is automatically started so that the next regular bonus game is immediately started. It is good.

  “Short (cherry, watermelon, bell)” (hereinafter, simply referred to as “cherry”, “watermelon”, “bell”) is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. The symbol combinations are “cherry-ANY-ANY” for cherry, “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” for watermelon, and “bell-bell-bell” for bell. The corresponding payout number is as shown in FIG. In the case of “cherry-ANY-ANY”, the symbol of the left reel 110 may be “cherry”, and the symbol of the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 may be any symbol.

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

<Type of gaming state>
Next, the types of gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described. The gaming state is information for identifying the type of lottery data selected in a lottery or the like. In the present embodiment, the gaming state of the slot machine 100 is roughly classified into a normal game, a BB game, an RB game, and an internal winning game of a big bonus (BB) and a regular bonus (RB). However, the internal winning game may be a division included in the normal game.

<Normal game>
The winning combinations that are internally won for normal games include a big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay), and small roles (cherry, watermelon, bell).

  “Big Bonus (BB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning. “Regular Bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) that starts a regular bonus game (RB game) upon winning. The “replay” (replay) is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without a medal being inserted in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The “small role” is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. In addition, the internal winning probability of each combination is a range of random values obtained at the time of internal lottery from numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each combination from lottery data prepared for normal games. It is calculated by the value divided by numerical data (for example, 65535). The lottery data prepared for the normal game is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. It is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to which combination, and the internal lottery combination is determined. This lottery data is provided with settings 1 to 6 in which the winning probabilities of at least one combination are different, and a game shop clerk can arbitrarily select and set any set value.

  In the normal game, the internal lottery result is almost lost (big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay) and small play is not won). A setting is made so that the stop display result of the losing that does not correspond to the symbol combination of the combination is generally derived, and the total number of medals to be acquired is less than the total number of inserted medals. Therefore, it is a gaming state that is disadvantageous for the player. However, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when a specific symbol combination is displayed), it is a gaming state that may be changed to increase the probability of internal winning of replaying. In this case, Consumption of medals used for games is suppressed, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning a small role, resulting in a gaming state where the total number of medals exceeds the total number of medals inserted, which is beneficial to the player. May become a gaming state.

<BB game>
The BB game is set to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the BB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the BB game is started by winning a big bonus (BB), and an RB game (described later) can be continuously executed repeatedly, and a predetermined number (for example, during the game) The process ends when more than 465 medals are obtained. However, the BB game only needs to be able to execute the RB game a plurality of times. For example, when a combination (for example, replay-replay-replay) is set for starting the RB game, and this combination is won internally, or The RB game may be set to start when winning. Furthermore, in the BB game, when the BB general game excluding the RB game during the BB game is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times), or the number of the RB games executed during the BB game is a predetermined number of times. It may be made to end when it reaches (for example, three times).

<RB game>
The RB game is set so as to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the RB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the RB game is started by winning a regular bonus (RB), and a predetermined role is set to a variation that increases the probability of internal winning (for example, “setting 1” or “normal game”). The internal winning probability 1/15 of “small role 1” is increased to an internal winning probability 1 / 1.2, which is a predetermined value), and a predetermined number (for example, 8 times) It ends when there is a prize. In the RB game, when a predetermined number of times (at least 2 times) is won (for example, 8 times), or when the number of RB games executed during the RB game reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, (8 times). Since the BB game described above can execute the RB game a plurality of times, when a single RB game is performed, the number of medals less than the total number of medals obtained in the BB game is acquired and terminated. Become.

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

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

<Processing example of control unit>
<Main control unit main processing>
The main process of the main control unit executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit.

  As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes the main process of the main controller shown in FIG. 5 in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

  When power is turned on, first, various initial settings are made in step SA01. In this initial setting, setting of the stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of interrupt inhibition, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, operation permission to the WDT 313, and initial setting Set the value. In step SA03, medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing is executed. Here, it is checked whether or not a medal has been inserted, and the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on in response to the insertion of the medal. Note that when a re-win is won in the previous game, a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, so that it is not necessary for the player to insert medals. Further, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated. If there is an operation of the start lever 135, the process proceeds to step SA05.

  In step SA05, the number of inserted medals is determined, and an effective winning line is determined. In step SA07, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316 is acquired. In step SA09, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the random value acquired in step SA07. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination (including an operating combination) is won internally, the flag of the winning combination is turned ON. In step SA11, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result.

  In step SA13, rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is started. In step SA15, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be received. When any one of the stop buttons is pressed, the reel stop control in which one of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop button is selected in step SA11. Stop based on data. When all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to Step SA17.

  In step SA17, winning determination is performed. Here, when a picture combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that the winning combination is won. For example, if “bell-bell-bell” is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that the player has won the bell. In step SA19, if any winning combination with payout is won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out according to the number of winning lines.

  In step SA21, game state control processing is performed. In the game state control process, a process related to transition of each game state of normal game, BB game, RB game, and internal winning game is performed, and the game state is shifted when those start conditions and end conditions are satisfied. Thus, one game is completed. Thereafter, the game proceeds by returning to step SA03 and repeating the above-described processing.

<Main controller 300 timer interrupt processing>
The main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

  The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 2 ms), and the main control unit timer interrupt is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. The process is started at a predetermined cycle.

  In step SB01, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

  In step SB03, the WDT is periodically updated (so that the count value of the WDT 314 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8 ms in the present embodiment) and no WDT interrupt occurs (so as not to detect a processing abnormality). In the embodiment, the restart is performed once every about 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step SB05, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port status update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and each of the various sensors 318 is partitioned in the RAM 308. Store in the provided signal state storage area.

  In step SB07, various game processes are performed. Specifically, an interrupt status is acquired (various interrupt statuses are acquired based on signals from various sensors 318), and processing according to this status is performed (for example, the interrupt status of each acquired stop button 137 to 139). Based on the stop button reception process). In step SB09, timer update processing is performed. Various timers are updated for each time unit.

  In step SB11, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that the output schedule information transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of 16 bits in the present embodiment, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bit 11 -14 are command types (in this embodiment, basic command, start lever reception command, production command accompanying production lottery processing, rotation start command accompanying the start of rotation of reels 110 to 112, and operation of stop buttons 137 to 139. Bits 0 to 10 are command data (a stop button reception command accompanying the stop processing of the reels 110 to 112, a payout number command accompanying the medal payout processing, a payout end command, a command indicating a gaming state, etc.). Predetermined information corresponding to the command type).

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

  In step SB13, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to an information input circuit 652 separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

    In step SB15, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step SB05 are read to monitor the presence / absence of errors relating to medal insertion abnormality and medal payout abnormality. (Not shown) Error processing is executed. Further, according to the current gaming state, the medal selector 170 (medal blocker in which the solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 operates), various lamps 338, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators are set.

  In step SB17, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step SB21. When the low voltage signal is off (power supply cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step SB19.

  In step SB19, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end process are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step SB01 is set in each original register. Thereafter, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step SB21, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

<Processing of First Sub-Control Unit 400>
The processing of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A is a flowchart of a main process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 7B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 7C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400.

  First, in step SC01 in FIG. 7A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step SC01. In this initialization processing, initialization of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed.

  In step SC03, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step SC05. In step SC05, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.

  In step SC07, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 determines whether a command is received from the main control unit 300.

  In step SC09, an effect control process is performed. For example, if there is a new command in step SC07, processing corresponding to this command is performed. This process includes, for example, performing a process such as reading effect data from the ROM 406 and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated.

  In step SC11, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step C09. For example, if there is a command to the sound source IC 418 in the effect data read in step SC09, this command is output to the sound source IC 418.

  In step SC13, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step C09. For example, if there is a command to the various lamps 420 in the effect data read in step SC09, this command is output to the drive circuit 422.

  In step SC15, an information output process for setting to transmit a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 is performed based on the processing result of step C09. For example, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read in step SC09, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to step SC03.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step SD01 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 408.

  Next, the first sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is performed by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle.

  In step SE01, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step SC03 in the first sub control unit main process shown in FIG. 7A, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step SC03, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step SE03, transmission of a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 set in step SC15, an effect random number update process, and the like are performed.

<Processing of Second Sub-Control Unit 500>
The process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 8B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 8C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 8D is a flowchart of the image control process of the second sub control unit 500.

  First, in step SG01 in FIG. 8A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step SF01. In this initialization process, input / output port initialization, storage area initialization in the RAM 508, and the like are performed.

  In step SF03, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step SF05.

In step SF05, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.
In step SF07, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 determines whether a command is received from the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400.
In step SF09, an effect control process is performed. For example, if there is a new command in step SF07, processing corresponding to this command is performed. This process includes, for example, performing a process such as reading effect data from the ROM 506 and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated.
In step SF11, shutter control processing is performed based on the processing result of step SF09. For example, if there is a shutter control command in the effect data read in step SF09, shutter control corresponding to this command is performed.
In step SF13, image control processing is performed based on the processing result of step SF09. For example, if there is an image control command in the effect data read in step SF09, image control corresponding to this command is performed (details will be described later), and the process returns to step SF03.

  Next, a command reception interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub control unit 500 detects the strobe signal output from the first sub control unit 400. In step SG01 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 508.

  Next, the second sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is predetermined by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle.

  In step SH01, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step SF03 in the second sub control unit main process shown in FIG. 8A, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step SF03, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In step SH03, an effect random number update process is performed.

  Next, the image control process in step SF13 in the main process of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

  In step SI01, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the designation of the display areas A and B in the VRAM 536. As a result, an image of one frame stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets ROM coordinates (transfer source address of the ROM 506), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of the VRAM 536), and the like in the attribute register of the VDP 534 based on the position information table and the like, and then the image from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 534 transfers the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 534 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

  In step SI03, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal is input from VDP 534. If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step SI05. Otherwise, a transfer end interrupt signal is input. Wait for it. In step SI05, parameters are set based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 536 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 536 in step SI01, the CPU 504 includes information on the image data constituting the display image (coordinate axes and image sizes of the VRAM 536). , VRAM coordinates (arrangement coordinates, etc.) are instructed to the VDP 534. The VDP 534 performs parameter setting in accordance with the attribute based on the instruction stored in the attribute register.

  In step SI07, a drawing instruction is performed. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 to start drawing an image. The VDP 534 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 504.

  In step SI09, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 534 is input based on the end of image drawing. If the generation end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step SI11. If not, the generation end interrupt signal is determined. Wait for input. In step SI11, a scene display counter which is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 508 and counts how many scene images have been generated is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

<Medal selector>
Next, the medal selector 170 provided in the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the medal selector 170, FIG. 10A is a view showing a medal passage mode in the medal selector 170, and FIG. 9B is along the line II in FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing.

  The medal selector 170 includes a main body 21, a guide member 22 that can be attached to and detached from the main body 21, and a cover member 23 that can be attached to and detached from the lower portion of the main body 21.

  The main body portion 21 includes a guide plate portion 21a. When the guide member 22 is attached to the main body portion 21, the guide plate portion 22a of the guide member 22 and the guide plate portion 21a of the main body portion 21 face each other with a gap. Thus, a receiving portion serving as an entrance of a medal passage is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the medal first passes through the receiving unit (see A in the figure). The main body 21 is provided with a lower lower guide rail portion 21b and an upper upper guide rail portion 21c, and the inserted medal is shown in FIG. 9 (a) as these lower guide rail portions 21b. And rolls and passes through the medal selector 170 along the upper guide rail portion 21c (see B to F in the figure).

  That is, in this embodiment, the medal passage mainly formed by the lower guide rail portion 21b and the upper guide rail portion 21c leads from the medal insertion port to the bucket (hopper) of the medal payout device 180 that is a storage box for game media. Part of the introduction route.

  The guide member 22 is provided with a guide piece 22b that is rotatable in a direction orthogonal to the medal path, and presses the medal toward the lower guide rail portion 21b and the upper guide rail portion 21c by contacting the side surface of the passing medal. ,invite.

  The upper guide rail portion 21c is set so as to guide a slight range of the upper end of the passing medal, and if a fake medal smaller than a regular medal is to pass, the position of B in FIG. Thus, the upper guide rail portion 21c is not guided and the guide piece 22b is pressed to drop off. Since the hole of the medal slot 134 is designed to be approximately the same size as the regular medal, a fake medal larger than the regular medal cannot be inserted from the medal slot 141. .

  The main body 21 is provided with a movable piece 21d that is rotatable in a direction orthogonal to the medal path. When a medal jam occurs, the medal return button 133 is pressed, and the movable piece 21d rotates to the medal path side so that the jammed medal is dropped from the medal selector 170.

  The main body 21 is provided with an exclusion unit 30. The exclusion unit 30 is a unit that can exclude medals out of the medal passage. Details will be described later.

  A sensor unit 21 g is arranged at the downstream end of the medal passage formed by the medal selector 170 and is attached to the main body 21. The sensor unit 21g includes, for example, two medal insertion sensors 1 and 2 for detecting the number of medal insertions. The medal insertion sensor is, for example, an optical sensor, and includes a light receiving element and a light emitting element, and a medal passes between them (see the position E in FIG. 10A), and light from the light emitting element. The passage of medals is detected by blocking.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the medal insertion sensors 1 and 2 are arranged along the medal passage, with the medal insertion sensor 1 on the upstream side of the passage and the medal insertion sensor 2 on the downstream side of the passage. It is arranged.

  The medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 134 first pass through the receiving part (A in the same figure) and are guided by the guide rail parts 21b and 21c to move in the medal selector 170 (in the same figure BD). At this time, a fake medal smaller than a regular medal is selected and dropped by the above-described action, reaches the medal payout exit 155, and is returned to the player. On the other hand, regular medals are guided to the bucket of the medal payout device 180 after the passage of the medal is detected by the medal insertion sensors 1 and 2 at the position E in FIG.

  Next, the exclusion unit 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIGS. 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views of the exclusion unit 250, and generally correspond to a cross-sectional view taken along the line II in FIG. 10A. FIGS. 11C and 11D show the operation of the medal blocker 31 and correspond to the states of FIGS. 11A and 11B, respectively. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the medal blocker 31 and the support member 34.

  The exclusion unit 30 includes a medal blocker 31, a moving force generator 32, a moving force generator 33, and a support member 34.

  The medal blocker 31 constitutes a movable portion that moves forward and backward in the medal passage to switch between medal removal and passage permission. The medal blocker 31 of the present embodiment is a plate-like member having a U-shaped bent portion 31a at the top. A pair of recesses 31 b that can be engaged with a pair of protrusions 34 a formed on the support member 34 of the medal blocker 31 are formed.

  With the engagement between the protrusion 34a and the recess 251b, the medal blocker 31 is supported by the support member 34 so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow d around the imaginary line passing between the recesses 31b. It can be displaced to a passage allowable position shown in a) and (b) and an exclusion position shown in FIGS. 11 (b) and 11 (d).

  In the present embodiment, the medal blocker 31 is configured to be displaceable by turning. However, the medal blocker 31 may be displaceable by parallel movement, and the form of displacement may be another form. Further, the rotation support structure of the medal blocker 31 is not limited to the engagement structure such as the projecting portion 34a and the recessed portion 251b, and other structures such as a pivot support structure of a shaft and a hole can be adopted.

  The passage allowable position is a position where the medal blocker 31 allows the medal to move in the medal passage, and is a position where it is difficult to exclude the medal out of the passage. As shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (c), the medal blocker 31 is in a position retracted from above the lower guide rail portion 21b at the passage allowable position, and interferes with a medal rolling on the lower guide rail portion 21b. do not do. At this time, the surface of the lower guide rail portion 21b in the bent portion 31a of the medal blocker 31 is flush with the guide plate portion 21a, and assists the medal rolling guide.

  The exclusion position is a position where the medal blocker 31 can exclude the medal out of the medal passage. As shown in FIGS. 11B and 11D, at the exclusion position, the medal blocker 31 is in a position where a part thereof protrudes above the lower guide rail portion 21b and rolls on the lower guide rail portion 21b. Interfere with medals. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10B, medals that roll on the lower guide rail portion 21b can be excluded from the medal path.

  The support member 34 is made of a plate-like member, and the intermediate portion is curved to form the above-described protruding portion 34a, and the engaging portion 34b for the moving force generating portion 32 and the mounting for the moving force generating portion 33 are provided. A portion 34c is provided.

  The moving force generator 32 generates a moving force that moves the medal blocker 31 to the exclusion position. In this embodiment, the moving force generating part 32 is a spring, one end of which engages with an engaging part 31 c provided on the medal blocker 31, and the other end engages with an engaging part 34 b provided on the support member 34. doing. As shown in FIG. 11B, the moving force generator 32 constantly urges the medal blocker 31 toward the exclusion position. In the present embodiment, the moving force generating unit 32 is a spring, but other types of elastic members such as rubber may be used, and a configuration other than the elastic member (for example, an electric actuator) may be used.

  The moving force generation unit 33 generates a moving force that moves the medal blocker 31 to the passage allowable position. In the case of the present embodiment, the moving force generator 33 is an electromagnetic solenoid fixed to the mounting portion 34c of the support member 34, and includes an exciting coil 33a and an iron core 33b. By applying a predetermined voltage to the exciting coil 33a, it is possible to apply a magnetic attractive force to the iron core 33b. The medal blocker 31 is made of a material that is attracted by a magnetic force, and when a predetermined voltage is applied to the excitation coil 33b of the electromagnetic solenoid 33a, the medal blocker 31 is urged toward the passage allowable position by the magnetic attraction force. In the present embodiment, the moving force generating unit 33 is an electromagnetic solenoid. However, other types of electric actuators such as a motor may be used, and a configuration other than the electric actuator (for example, an elastic member) may be used.

  The exclusion unit 30 having such a configuration performs movement control of the medal blocker 31 by performing energization control of the moving force generation unit 33 by the main control unit 300. The medal blocker 31 basically moves to the pass permission position in the medal insertion / start operation acceptance process in step SA03, or the credit reaches the specified number, or is moved to the exclusion position except for the process in step SA03. The

  Here, in the case where the medal detection / acceptance by the sensor unit 21g is in the medal insertion / start operation accepting process in step SA03 and the credits reach the specified number, the medal detection / acceptance is performed. In the period when it is not performed, it is necessary to position the medal blocker 31 at the exclusion position more reliably. Otherwise, the medal inserted by the player will not be effectively accepted and will not be discharged, so-called swallowing of the medal, and the player may suffer unexpected disadvantages.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the movement of the medal blocker 31 to the exclusion position uses the urging force of the moving force generator 32. However, when the urging force decreases or disappears due to deterioration of the moving force generation unit 32 or the like, it may not return to the exclusion position. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the medal blocker 1 is configured to be displaceable to the exclusion position by its own weight when there is no movement force of the movement force generators 32 and 33 (also referred to as a free state). FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram thereof.

  FIG. 13A assumes that the medal blocker 31 is located at the passage-permitted position, and as an example, a state in which the moving force generation unit 32 drops and the urging force does not act on the medal blocker 31 is assumed. FIG. 13B shows the posture of the medal blocker 31 and its gravity center position G when the medal blocker 31 is in the passage allowable position. As shown in the figure, the gravity center position G is located on the bent portion 31a side, that is, on the lower guide rail portion 21b side with respect to the concave portion 31b serving as the rotation center of the medal blocker 31.

  Therefore, in a free state where the energization of the moving force generator 33 is turned off and the magnetic attraction force does not act on the medal blocker 31, the medal blocker 31 naturally moves in the direction of the arrow d1 due to its own weight as shown in FIG. To turn. In other words, the rotational force of the medal block 31 necessary for the rotation from the passage allowable position to the exclusion position is smaller than the rotational force necessary for the rotation from the exclusion position to the passage permission position. As a result, the medal blocker 31 is located at the exclusion position. In this state, even if a medal is inserted, it interferes with the medal blocker 31 and drops out of the medal passage and is returned.

  As described above, in this embodiment, in the free state, the medal blocker 31 is naturally displaced to a position (exclusion position) where the player is not disadvantageous, thereby avoiding a situation where the player suffers unexpected disadvantages. It may be possible.

<Embodiment 2>
In order to ensure the natural displacement of the medal blocker to the exclusion position, the medal blocker may be provided with a portion that promotes the displacement to the exclusion position. FIG. 14A shows an example.

  FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a medal blocker 31 </ b> A replacing the medal blocker 31 described above. The medal blocker 31A includes a main body MB and a self-weight displacement promoting portion WT. The main body MB has substantially the same configuration as the medal blocker 31 described above. The self-weight displacement promoting part WT is formed integrally with the main body part MB and constitutes a weight part protruding from a part of the main body part MB.

  The self-weight displacement promoting portion WT protrudes toward the bent portion 31a so that the center of gravity position of the medal blocker 31A is located at a position (lower guide rail portion 21b side) that is further away from the concave portion 31b that is the rotation center. The self-weight displacement promoting portion WT may be made of a material having a specific gravity higher than that of the main body MB.

  FIG. 14B illustrates a case where the medal blocker 31A is in the passage allowable position. In the case of this embodiment, an opening OP that avoids interference with the self-weight displacement promoting portion WT is formed in the guide plate portion 21a and the like. In this state, when the free state is entered, as shown in FIG. 14C, the medal blocker 31 'naturally rotates by its own weight and is positioned at the exclusion position.

  By providing the self-weight displacement promoting portion 31B, the rotation to the exclusion position is promoted. Further, since the self-weight displacement promoting part WT is integrally formed with the main body part MB, it is not easily detached, and since the potential energy is used without using the elastic energy or the electrical energy, the reliability is improved. May improve.

  In the example of FIG. 14, the center of gravity position is focused. However, in the rotation support portion of the medal blocker, the natural displacement to the exclusion position is more surely given to the medal blocker by structurally giving one-way rotation behavior. May be possible. FIGS. 15A and 15B show an example.

  FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a medal blocker 31B that replaces the medal blocker 31 described above. The medal blocker 31B includes a main body part MB and a self-weight displacement promoting part CS. The main body MB has substantially the same configuration as the medal blocker 31 described above. The self-weight displacement promoting portion CS is configured as one of the inner wall surfaces (upper surface) of the concave portion 31b integrally with the main body portion MB, and is a contact surface that contacts the protruding portion 34a of the support member 34.

  By making the self-weight displacement promoting portion CS a surface inclined with respect to the contacted surface of the protruding portion 34a, it is possible to give a one-way turning behavior that displaces the medal blocker 31B to the exclusion position. FIG. 15B is an explanatory diagram of the inclination direction of the self-weight displacement promoting portion CS, and shows a state where the medal blocker 31B is located at the exclusion position. As shown in the figure, the self-weight displacement promoting portion CS is inclined with respect to the abutted surface of the protruding portion 34a, and the gap W between the non-abutting ends is relatively narrow at the exclusion position, and the passage allowable position. Then it becomes relatively wide. The wider the gap W, the more unstable the support state, so that the turning behavior of displacing the medal blocker 31B to the exclusion position occurs.

  Since the self-weight displacement accelerating portion CS is formed integrally with the main body portion MB, it does not come off, and since the shape is used without using elastic energy or electrical energy, the reliability may be improved. Note that this example can also be combined with the example of FIG.

  Next, a portion that promotes the displacement of the medal blocker to the removal position may be provided on the support member 34 side. FIGS. 15C and 15D show an example. FIG. 15C shows a protrusion 34a 'of a support member 34A that replaces the above-described support member 34, and FIG. 15D shows a state where the medal blocker 31 is located at the exclusion position. The protruding portion 34a 'is an inclined piece inclined downward toward the medal blocker 31 side. Thereby, the one-way rotation behavior which displaces medal blocker 31B to an exclusion position can be given.

  Since the protrusion 34a 'uses a shape without using elastic energy or electric energy, the reliability may be improved. It should be noted that this example can be combined with at least one of the examples shown in FIGS.

<Embodiment 3>
When the medal blocker is in the passage allowable position, a part of the medal blocker may prevent the medal from dropping out and guide its rolling. FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the exclusion unit 40 showing an example thereof, and is a vertical cross-sectional view orthogonal to the rolling direction of medals.

  In the case of the present embodiment, a medal passage is formed by a guide portion 21a 'and a lower guide rail portion 21b' instead of the guide plate portion 21a and the lower guide rail portion 21b of the first and second embodiments. The upper surface of the lower guide rail portion 21b ′ serving as the rolling surface of the medal is an inclined surface inclined at an angle θ with respect to the horizontal plane H, and the medal passes from the medal passage to the right side of the figure by the configuration of the lower guide rail portion 21b ′. It is easy to drop off.

  The exclusion unit 40 includes a medal blocker 41, a moving force generator 42, a moving force generator 43, and a support member 44. The medal blocker 41 has a C-shaped cross-sectional shape, contacts the upper edge of the medal from the outside to prevent dropping, and includes a guide portion 41a for guiding its rolling at the top, and moves forward and backward in the medal passage. An exclusion portion 41b that can exclude medals out of the passage is provided at the bottom.

  The support member 44 is a shaft support member that supports the medal blocker 41 so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow d. The medal blocker 41 can be displaced to a passage allowable position shown in FIG. 16A and an exclusion position shown in FIG. 16B by rotating about the support member 44 as a rotation center.

  In the passage allowance position, the medal blocker 41 has the exclusion portion 41b retracted from the medal passage, and the guide portion 41a abuts on the upper edge of the medal from the outside to prevent the dropout. In the exclusion position, the medal blocker 41 is retracted so that the guide portion 41a moves away from the upper edge of the medal, the exclusion portion 41b protrudes into the medal passage, and the exclusion portion 41b rolls on the lower guide rail portion 21b ′. Interfere with. As a result, medals can be excluded from the medal path in the direction indicated by the arrow d1 in FIG.

  The moving force generating unit 42 generates a moving force that moves the medal blocker 41 to the exclusion position. In this embodiment, the moving force generating unit 42 is a spring, but is not limited to this, and is similar to the moving force generating unit 32. The moving force generator 43 generates a moving force that moves the medal blocker 41 to the passage allowable position. In this embodiment, the moving force generating part 43 is a push-pull pull solenoid, and when energized, the plunger is drawn into the case by electromagnetic force to shorten the entire length, and when not energized, the plunger advances from the case by the bias of the return spring. The total length becomes longer. Note that the moving force generator 43 is not limited to the push-pull solenoid, similar to the moving force generator 33.

  The exclusion unit 40 having such a configuration performs movement control of the medal blocker 41 by performing energization control of the movement force generation unit 43. When power is not supplied to the moving force generating unit 43, as shown in FIG. 16A, the entire length of the moving force generating unit 43 becomes relatively long, and the medal blocker 41 rotates to the passage allowable position. As shown in FIG. 16B, the total length of the moving force generating unit 43 is relatively shortened, and the medal blocker 41 is rotated to the removal position by the urging force of the moving force generating unit 42.

  When the urging force decreases or disappears due to deterioration of the moving force generation unit 42 or the like, there may be a case where it does not return to the exclusion position as shown in FIG. Therefore, in the free state, the medal blocker 41 is configured to be naturally displaceable to its exclusion position by its own weight. The configuration example can be the same as that of the first and second embodiments.

  As an example, the example of FIG. 16 (d) shows an example in which the own weight displacement promoting portion WT is provided in the medal blocker 41. The self-weight displacement promoting portion WT is a weight portion as in the example of FIG. 14, and the rotation of the medal blocker 41 to the exclusion position is promoted.

  As another example, in the example of FIG. 16E, the rotation center position (the position of the support member 44) and the urging positions of the moving force generators 42 and 43 are changed. An example is shown. In the example of the figure, since the rotation center position of the medal blocker 41 is changed to the upper right of the figure, the medal blocker 41 is naturally displaced to the exclusion position in the free state.

<Embodiment 4>
In the first to third embodiments, the game medium (medal) is exemplified as the moving body, and the medal blocker is exemplified as the movable part. However, the present invention can be applied to other movable bodies and movable parts. Here, as an application example to a pachinko machine, an example in which a moving body is a game ball and a movable part is an opening / closing member of an attacker will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 16A is a vertical sectional view of the game board 50 of the pachinko machine. The game board 50 forms a winning opening 51 as a part of an introduction path for guiding the game ball to a ball detection sensor that detects the winning of the game ball.

  The exclusion unit 60 includes an opening / closing member 61, a moving force generator 62, a moving force generator 63, and an engaging member 64. The opening / closing member 61 constitutes a movable part that moves forward and backward to the winning opening 51 and switches between passing (winning) and exclusion of the game ball. The opening / closing member 61 of the present embodiment is an L-shaped member that is rotatably supported by the game board 50 at the shaft portion 61c, and includes an opening / closing portion 61a that opens and closes the winning opening 51 and an engaging portion 61b. Yes.

  The opening / closing member 61 rotates about the shaft portion 61c as a rotation center, and can be displaced to an exclusion position shown in FIG. 17A and a permissible passage position shown in FIG. When the opening / closing member 61 is in the exclusion position, the opening / closing portion 61a can close the winning opening 51 to eliminate the game ball, and when the opening / closing member 61 is in the passage-permitting position, the opening / closing portion 61a opens the winning opening 51. Allowing game balls to pass.

  The moving force generating unit 62 generates a moving force that moves the opening / closing member 61 to the exclusion position. In the present embodiment, the moving force generating unit 62 is a spring, but is not limited thereto. The moving force generation unit 63 generates a moving force that moves the opening / closing member 61 to the passage allowable position. In this embodiment, the moving force generator 63 is a pull-pull solenoid, and the plunger 63a is pulled into the case by electromagnetic force when energized to shorten the entire length, and the plunger 63a is energized by the bias of the moving force generator 62 when de-energized. The total length is extended from the beginning. That is, the moving force generator 62 functions as a return spring for the moving force generator 63. The moving force generator 43 is not limited to a pull solenoid, as is the case with the moving force generator 33.

  The engaging member 64 is provided at the tip of the plunger 63a, and includes a two-step flange portion disposed above and below the engaging portion 61b. The opening / closing member 61 is rotated by the engagement between each flange and the engaging portion 61b. The moving force generator 62 is loaded between the engaging member 64 and the case of the moving force generator 63.

  The exclusion unit 60 having such a configuration performs movement control of the opening / closing member 61 by performing energization control of the moving force generation unit 63. As shown in FIG. 17A, the plunger 63a advances from the case when the moving force generating part 63 is not energized, and the entire length of the moving force generating part 63 becomes relatively long. For this reason, the engaging member 64 pushes down the engaging part 61b, and the opening / closing member 61 rotates to the exclusion position. As shown in FIG. 17B, the plunger 63a is drawn into the case by the electromagnetic force when the moving force generating unit 63 is energized, and the entire length of the moving force generating unit 63 becomes relatively short. For this reason, the engaging member 64 pushes up the engaging portion 61b, and the opening / closing member 61 rotates to the passage allowable position.

  A game that is not accepted as a winning game ball when the winning opening 51 remains open as shown in FIG. 17B due to a decrease or disappearance of the urging force due to deterioration or the like of the moving force generator 62. A ball may enter the winning opening 51. This may cause the player to receive an unexpected disadvantage because the player may not be able to obtain a prize ball even though he / she thinks he has won.

  Therefore, the open / close member 61 is configured to be naturally displaceable to the exclusion position by its own weight in the free state. As an example, the example of FIG. 17C shows an example in which the opening / closing member 61 is naturally displaced to the exclusion position by being assisted by the weight of the plunger 63a and the engaging member 64. In the present embodiment, the moving direction of the plunger 63a is set to the vertical direction, and the plunger 63a is raised when energized. Therefore, the plunger 63a is likely to spontaneously drop due to its own weight when not energized. By adding the weight of the engaging member 64 to this, the opening / closing member 61 is naturally displaced to the exclusion position.

  The example of FIG. 17D shows an example in which the self-weight displacement promoting portion WT is provided on the opening / closing member 61. The self-weight displacement promoting portion WT is a weight portion as in the example of FIG. 14, and the rotation of the opening / closing member 61 to the removal position is promoted.

<Summary of Embodiment>
1. The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
A game comprising an introduction path for guiding a moving body (for example, medals, game balls) to a predetermined position, and an exclusion means (for example, 30, 40, 60) capable of removing the moving body out of the introduction path A stand,
The exclusion means includes
A movable part (for example, 31, 31A) that can be displaced into a first position where the movable body can be removed from the introduction path and a second position where the movable body is allowed to move along the introduction path. , 31B, 41,61) and
First moving force generating means (for example, 32, 42, 62) capable of generating a moving force for moving the movable part to the first position;
A second moving force generating means (for example, 33, 43, 63) capable of generating a moving force for moving the movable part to the second position, at least,
The movable part can be displaced from the second position to the first position by its own weight in a predetermined state;
The predetermined state is a state where neither the moving force of the first moving force generating means nor the moving force of the second moving force generating means is present.

  According to this configuration, even when there is no moving force of the first moving force generating means, it may be possible to prevent the moving body from being guided to the predetermined position. Therefore, it may be possible to avoid a situation in which the player receives an unexpected disadvantage.

2. The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
The movable part is
The main body (for example, MB),
A self-weight displacement promoting portion (e.g., WT, CS),
The self-weight displacement promoting portion is formed integrally with the main body portion,
The self-weight displacement promoting part promotes displacement of the movable part from the second position to the first position.

  According to this configuration, by providing the self-weight displacement promoting portion, it is possible to promote the displacement of the movable portion from the second position to the first position, and integrally with the main body portion. Because it is formed, it will not come off.

3. The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
The self-weight displacement promoting portion is a weight portion (for example, WT) protruding from a part of the main body portion.

  According to this configuration, since potential energy is used without using elastic energy or electrical energy, reliability may be improved.

4). The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
The exclusion means includes a support member (for example, 34, 34A) that supports the movable part,
The self-weight displacement accelerating portion is a contact surface (for example, CS) that contacts the support member.

  According to this configuration, since the shape is used without using elastic energy or electrical energy, the reliability may be improved.

5. The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
The exclusion means includes a support member (for example, 34, 34A) that supports the movable part,
The support member supports the movable part so as to promote displacement from the second position to the first position (for example, 34a ′).

  According to this configuration, since the shape is used without using elastic energy or electrical energy, the reliability may be improved.

6). The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
The movable part is rotatably supported,
The movable part is displaceable by turning to the first position and the second position,
In the predetermined state, the rotational force necessary to rotate the movable part from the second position to the first position is a first rotational force,
In the predetermined state, the rotational force necessary to rotate the movable part from the first position to the second position is a second rotational force,
The first rotational force is a rotational force smaller than the second rotational force.

  According to this configuration, the movable body may be easily displaced to the first position with a relatively small force.

7). The game table of the above embodiment (for example, 100)
A gaming machine comprising an introduction path for guiding medals to a predetermined position and an exclusion means (for example, 30, 40) capable of removing the medals out of the introduction path,
The exclusion means includes
Medal blocker (e.g. 31,31A, 31B, 41),
A support member (for example, 34, 34A, 44) that rotatably supports the medal blocker;
An elastic member capable of rotating the medal blocker to the first position (for example, 32, 42);
An electric actuator (e.g. 33, 43) capable of rotating the medal blocker to a second position,
The first position is a position where the medal blocker can exclude the medal out of the introduction path,
The second position is a position where the medal blocker is difficult to exclude the medal out of the introduction path,
The blocker rotates in the first position in the free state,
The free state is a state where the force of the elastic member is not acting on the blocker,
The free state is a state in which the force of the electric actuator is not acting on the blocker.

  According to this configuration, it may be possible to prevent medal entrapment due to deterioration or disappearance of the elastic member. Therefore, it may be possible to avoid a situation in which the player receives an unexpected disadvantage.

Claims (7)

A gaming table comprising an introduction path for guiding the mobile body to a predetermined position, and an exclusion means capable of removing the mobile body out of the introduction path,
The exclusion means includes
A movable part displaceable into a first position where the movable body can be removed out of the introduction path, and a second position where the movable body is allowed to move along the introduction path;
First moving force generating means capable of generating a moving force for moving the movable part to the first position;
A second moving force generating means capable of generating a moving force for moving the movable part to the second position;
The movable part can be displaced from the second position to the first position by its own weight in a predetermined state;
The predetermined state is a state where neither the moving force of the first moving force generating means nor the moving force of the second moving force generating means is present.
A game stand characterized by that. The game table according to claim 1,
The movable part is
The main body,
A self-weight displacement promoting portion,
The self-weight displacement promoting portion is formed integrally with the main body portion,
The self-weight displacement promoting part promotes displacement of the movable part from the second position to the first position.
A game stand characterized by that. A gaming table according to claim 2,
The self-weight displacement promoting part is a weight part protruding from a part of the main body part,
A game stand characterized by that. A gaming table according to claim 2,
The exclusion means includes a support member that supports the movable part,
The self-weight displacement promoting portion is a contact surface that comes into contact with the support member.
A game stand characterized by that. The game table according to claim 1,
The exclusion means includes a support member that supports the movable part,
The support member supports the movable part so as to promote displacement from the second position to the first position.
A game stand characterized by that. The game table according to claim 1,
The movable part is rotatably supported,
The movable part is displaceable by turning to the first position and the second position,
In the predetermined state, the rotational force necessary to rotate the movable part from the second position to the first position is a first rotational force,
In the predetermined state, the rotational force necessary to rotate the movable part from the first position to the second position is a second rotational force,
The first rotational force is a rotational force smaller than the second rotational force.
A game stand characterized by that. A gaming machine comprising an introduction path for guiding a medal to a predetermined position, and an exclusion means capable of excluding the medal out of the introduction path,
The exclusion means includes
Medal blocker,
A support member that rotatably supports the medal blocker;
An elastic member capable of rotating the medal blocker to a first position;
An electric actuator capable of rotating the medal blocker to a second position;
The first position is a position where the medal blocker can exclude the medal out of the introduction path,
The second position is a position where the medal blocker is difficult to exclude the medal out of the introduction path,
The blocker rotates in the first position in the free state,
The free state is a state where the force of the elastic member is not acting on the blocker,
The free state is a state where the force of the electric actuator is not acting on the blocker.
A game stand characterized by that.

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