JP2016052466A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can show a user viewing a game field a state in which game mediums to be supplied are stored orderly.SOLUTION: A game machine 2 for supplying a plurality of medals M1-M4 onto a game field GF and advancing a game according to the movement of the medals M comprises: a medal hopper 47 for collecting the medals M falling from the game field GF; medal storage containers 41-44 for storing the medals 4 flatly in a stacked state; and conveyance means 48a, 49 for conveying the medals M collected by the medal hopper 47 to the storage containers 41-44. The storage containers 41-44 are provided so that a user can view a state in which the medals M are stacked flatly. Feeding mechanisms 50a-50d for feeding the flatly stacked medals M one by one are provided at bottoms of the storage containers 41-44, and the fed medals M are supplied onto the game field GF.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine in which a game progresses according to movement of a game medium on a game field.

  A medal game machine in which a medal hopper is arranged at a position that can be visually recognized by a user and a medal is supplied to the game field from the position is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). This medal game machine is provided with a movable medal payout device that moves between station units, and moves to a station unit to be paid out to pay out a medal to the game field.

JP 2010-125277 A

  In the medal payout device of the medal game machine described above, since the medals are randomly packed and stored in the container, it is impossible to show the user how to be stored in an orderly manner.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine capable of showing a state in which game media to be supplied to a user viewing a game field is stored in an orderly manner.

  The game machine of the present invention supplies a plurality of board-like game media onto the game field and collects the game media dropped from the game field in the game machine that advances the game according to the movement of the game media. A collection container, a stacked storage container that stores the game media in a state of being stacked in a flat state, and a transport means that transports the game media collected in the recovery container to the stacked storage container. The storage container is provided so that a user who visually recognizes the game field can see a state in which game media are stacked in a flat state, and the game media stacked in a flat state are sent to the bottom of the stack storage container one by one. A sending means is provided, and the sent game medium is supplied onto the game field.

1 is an overall view of a game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. The enlarged view of a station unit. The principal part enlarged view of a medal supply mechanism. The figure explaining arrangement | positioning of each medal storage container between the station units adjacent on the back. The figure explaining operation | movement of a blocker. The figure explaining operation | movement of a blocker. The front view of a production board. The enlarged view of a blue medal storage container. The perspective view of a delivery mechanism. The figure explaining operation | movement of a lower distribution mechanism. The figure explaining operation | movement of a lower distribution mechanism. The figure which shows an example of the game screen of a jackpot game. The figure which shows the other example of the game screen of a jackpot game. The functional block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the game system containing a game machine. The figure which shows an example of medal identification data. The figure which shows an example of medal supply data. The figure which shows an example of medal field data. The figure which shows an example of medal storage data. The flowchart explaining the illumination control process which the station control part of a game machine performs. The figure explaining the light emission control of the LED unit of a blue medal storage container. The flowchart explaining the medal distribution control process which the unit management part of a game machine performs. The flowchart explaining the medal supply control processing which the station control part of a game machine performs. The figure which shows the effect board which concerns on a modification. The figure which shows the effect board which concerns on another modification.

  FIG. 1 is an overall view of a game machine 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game machine 2 is installed in a predetermined facility such as a store for the main purpose of making a large number of users play a game repeatedly to increase profits. This type of game machine 2 may be called an arcade game machine. The game machine 2 is a so-called medal game machine that uses medals. The game machine 2 is provided with a plurality of station units ST. In the form of FIG. 1, the game machine 2 is provided with four station units ST, and between the two adjacent station units ST, a first monitor 11 and a second monitor that are commonly used by the two station units ST. A monitor 12 is provided. The first monitor 11 is a liquid crystal display device, and displays a bingo game that progresses according to a pusher game result, a jackpot game that runs according to a bingo game result, and the like. The second monitor 12 is provided with a book-type screen 12a and a projector (not shown) that displays a game image on the screen 12a, and various lottery games are displayed according to the game result of the pusher game. Note that the game machine 2 shown in FIG. 1 is described with appropriate members omitted.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the station unit ST. Each station unit ST is configured for one user. In addition, since the station field ST which shares and uses each monitor 11 and 12 faces the game field GF in the same direction, the user who plays with those station units ST confirms a game progress of each player, and a game. Can play. The station unit ST executes a so-called pusher game using the medal M and a bingo game corresponding to the game result of the pusher game. Each station unit ST is provided with an operation unit 3 for the user to operate the game, and a game field GF in which the game progresses according to the user's operation, and the physical of the medal M to be inserted into the game field GF The game progresses using movement. The medal M inserted into the game field GF is a medal M that circulates internally in the game machine 2, and a medal that is inserted by the user or paid out to the user (hereinafter also referred to as a play medal). It is a different specification. Details will be described later.

  The operation unit 3 of the station unit ST includes a medal insertion slot 21 for inserting a play medal into the game machine 2, an insertion operation lever 22 for inserting a medal M into the game field GF, and operation buttons for various operations. 23, a card reader 24 for reading the user's card 4, and a medal payout exit 25 (see FIG. 1) for paying out a play medal to the user according to the game result of the game field GF. The play medal inserted into the medal slot 21 is detected by a medal detection sensor (not shown) and stored in the storage unit 73 as a credit. By operating the insertion operation lever 22, the user can insert the medal M into the game field GF within the range of credits owned.

  The station unit ST includes a table 31 on which the medal M is placed, a pusher table 32 that reciprocates back and forth along the upper surface of the table 31, a medal supply mechanism 33 that supplies the medal M onto the pusher table 32, A drop part 34 where the medal M falls, a recovery part 35 where the medal M is collected on both sides of the table 31, and a parent which is provided in the recovery part 35 and adjusts the fall of the medal M. A drop adjustment mechanism 36 is provided. The table 31 is fixed to the game field GF, and when the pusher table 32 reciprocates, the medal M on the pusher table 32 and the medal M on the table 31 are pushed out and moved. The pusher table 32 reciprocates according to the operation of a drive mechanism (not shown). The game field GF means a space in which a game by the medal M progresses, and includes a table 31, a pusher table 32, a dropping unit 34 and a collecting unit 35.

  The medal M is a resin medal having an IC chip (not shown) in which identification information is recorded. The medal M has a plurality of attributes. As an example, a blue medal M1 set with a 1 credit value, a green medal M2 set with a 2 credit value, and a 3 credit value set on the game field GF according to the operation of the insertion operation lever 22 are set. A red medal M3 and a bingo medal M4 respectively associated with a plurality of cells of the bingo sheet 101 of the bingo game are provided. When the blue medal M1 falls on the dropping unit 34, 1 credit is given to the user. Similarly, when the green medal M2 and the red medal M3 fall on the dropping unit 34, 2 credits and 3 credits are given to the user, respectively. Is done. Each color medal M1 to M3 is formed of a resin having translucency of each color. Identification information for each color is recorded on the IC chips of the respective color medals M1 to M3. The bingo medal M4 is made of a yellow light-transmitting resin. In addition, as resin which has translucency, transparent resin and translucent resin are contained, and what is necessary is just resin which has the property to permeate | transmit light.

The first monitor 11 is executed by each station unit ST (the left station unit ST in FIG. 2 may be referred to as a first station unit ST1 and the right station unit ST may be referred to as a second station unit ST2). Bingo sheets 101A and 101B of the bingo game are displayed. Each bingo sheet 101A, 101B has 16 squares in 4 rows and 4 columns, and each square 102 is assigned bingo numbers 1-16. On the other hand, bingo numbers 1 to 16 are assigned to the bingo medal M4. The identification information of the assigned bingo numbers is recorded on the IC chip of the bingo medal M4, and the assigned bingo numbers are displayed on the surface of the bingo medal M4. In addition, the bingo medal M4 includes a medal in which identification information of “lottery” for executing a roulette lottery of bingo numbers and “designation” for validating a bingo number desired by the user is recorded. On the surface of these bingo medals M4, symbols corresponding to each function are displayed. In this embodiment, the “lottery” bingo medal M4 is described with a “★” mark and the “designated” bingo medal M4 with a “*” mark.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of the medal supply mechanism 33. The medal supply mechanism 33 includes a blue medal storage container 41 that stores a blue medal M1, a green medal storage container 42 that stores a green medal M2, a red medal storage container 43 that stores a red medal M3, and a bingo medal M4. A bingo medal storage container 44 for storing, a medal insertion guide 45 for inserting a blue medal M1 into the game field GF, a common insertion guide 46 for commonly inserting a green medal M2, a red medal M3, and a bingo medal M4, and a falling part A medal hopper 47 for collecting the medals M dropped from 34, a lift hopper 48a for raising the medals M stored in the medal hopper 47, a descending lift hopper 48b for returning the unallocated medals M to the medal hopper 47, and a medal Medal distribution mechanism 49 for distributing M to containers 41 to 44, and containers 41 to 4 To which the medals M1 to M4 are supplied to the game field GF according to predetermined conditions, and medals M2 to M4 paid out from the sending mechanisms 50b to 50d other than the blue medal M1 are supplied to And a lower distribution mechanism 51 that distributes to the game field GF.

  The green medal storage container 42, the red medal storage container 43, and the bingo medal storage container 44 are shared with the adjacent station unit ST (note that the shared medal storage containers 42 to 44 are referred to as shared medal storage containers 42 to 44, May be distinguished.) Moreover, the blue medal storage container 41 is provided in each station unit ST. The containers 41 to 44 are installed above the game field GF, and accumulate and store medals M so that they can be seen by a user who visually recognizes the game field GF. The medals M are arranged and stored, and the order in which they are accommodated is maintained. Each of the containers 41 to 44 is formed of a light-transmitting resin and is provided so that a user who views the game field GF can see a state where the medals M are stacked in a flat state. The medal hopper 47, the ascending lift hopper 48a and the descending lift hopper 48b, the medal distribution mechanism 49, the delivery mechanisms 50b to 50d, and the lower distribution mechanism 51 are also shared with the adjacent station unit ST. The medal hopper 47 collects all types of medals M1 to M4 dropped from the dropping unit 34 and the collecting unit 35 in a common space.

  The medal distribution mechanism 49 includes an IC reader 52 that reads identification information of the medal M that has been lifted by the lift lift hopper 48a, and a plurality of blockers 53a that distribute the medal M to the containers 41 to 44 based on the reading result of the IC reader 52. ˜53d and a blocker 53e for distributing the blue medal M1 to the blue medal storage container 41 of the station unit ST adjacent on the back side. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the medal storage containers 41 to 44 between the station units ST adjacent on the back surface. Note that the station unit ST adjacent on the back side of the second station unit ST2 located on the near side may be referred to as a third station unit ST3 (see FIG. 1). The medal M guided by the lift hopper 48a moves on the medal distribution path 54 in which the blockers 53a to 53e are arranged. The blockers 53a to 53e switch availability of guidance to the containers 41 to 44 communicating with the respective blockers 53a to 53e.

  5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the blockers 53a to 53e. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the blockers 53a and 53e in the medal passing state, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the blockers 53a and 53e in the medal distribution state. The other blockers 53b to 53d have the same configuration. Hereinafter, the blocker 53a will be described as a representative. The blocker 53a is provided with a flap 55a and a stopper 55b that appear and disappear in the movement path of the medal M, and a solenoid 55c that moves the flap 55a and the stopper 55b. Further, a notch 54a is provided at a position where the blocker 53a of the medal distribution path 54 is provided. In the medal passing state, the flap 55a rises to close the notch 54a, and the movement path of the medal M is formed. On the other hand, the stopper 55b is sunk with respect to the movement path of the medal M and does not block the movement of the medal M. In the medal distribution state, the flap 55a is lowered and a notch 54a appears, and the movement path of the medal M is changed. The medal M falls through the notch 54a and is guided to the blue medal storage container 41 while preventing the medal M from passing through the notch 54a by the stopper 55b. The solenoid 55c operates the flap 55a and the stopper 55b integrally. The solenoid 55c may use a known technique.

  Based on the reading result of the IC reader 52, the blockers 53a to 53e operate, and the medal M is stored in the corresponding containers 41 to 44. Since one blue medal storage container 41 is provided for each station unit ST as described above, the blocker 53e places the blue medal M1 in the blue medal storage container 41 of the third station unit ST3 adjacent on the back side. Distribute. Which blue medal storage container 41 is distributed may be alternately distributed, or the blue medal storage container 41 with a small storage amount may be selected with reference to medal storage data 79 described later.

  The medal M that cannot be discriminated by the IC reader 52 passes through the blockers 53a to 53d and is guided to the irregular descending lift hopper 48b. The medal M guided to the descending lift hopper 48b returns to the medal hopper 47 again. Further, referring to the medal storage data 79, even when the storage amount of each storage container 41 to 44 is the maximum storage number, the medal M is guided to the descending lift hopper 48b without being distributed to the storage containers 41 to 44. The storage unit 73 stores in advance the maximum storage number of the storage containers 41 to 44. In addition to the case where the IC reader 52 cannot discriminate, etc., the medal M may be circulated using the medal hopper 47, the lift lift hopper 48a, and the lift lift hopper 48b as an effect of exciting the game at the time of jackpot. Is possible.

  An LED unit 56 is provided on each of the common medal storage containers 42 to 44 of the medal supply mechanism 33. Each LED unit 56 illuminates the medals M2 to M4 in the respective shared medal storage containers 42 to 44. Since the medals M2 to M4 having translucency are caused to shine in the respective shared medal storage containers 42 to 44 having translucency, it is possible to produce an effect such that the medals M2 to M4 themselves shine. In addition, the user can visually recognize how the medals M2 to M4 are stacked. Therefore, the game can be enhanced by shining the medals M2 to M4. In addition, an effect plate 57 is provided in front of the shared medal storage containers 42 to 44 of the medal supply mechanism 33. The effect plate 57 is formed of a resin having translucency, and an LED unit 57a is provided in the lower part. The LED unit 57a illuminates the effect plate 57 from below. FIG. 6 is a front view of the effect plate 57. The effect plate 57 is provided with a plurality of cuts 57b. Illumination light from the LED unit 57a is emitted at the cut 57b. Thereby, the production | presentation by more various light becomes possible with respect to each shared medal storage container 42-44.

  FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the blue medal storage container 41. At the bottom of the blue medal storage container 41, a sending mechanism 50a for sending the blue medals M1 stacked one by one onto the game field GF one by one is provided. On the back surface of the blue medal storage container 41, an LED unit 59 disposed along the stacking direction of the blue medals M1 of the blue medal storage container 41 and a light diffusion member 60 that diffuses illumination light of the LED unit 59 are provided. ing. A known diffusion film may be used as the light diffusion member 60. Further, an effect plate 61 is provided on the front surface of the blue medal storage container 41. The effect board 61 is a resin plate having translucency, and a pattern or a pattern such as a character is displayed on the surface. The blue medal storage container 41 is surrounded by the light diffusion member 60 and the effect plate 61. Structures such as the sending mechanism 50 a of the blue medal storage container 41 and the upper medal receiving mechanism can be hidden from the user by the effect plate 61. In the LED unit 59, a plurality of LEDs 59a emitting blue light are arranged on the LED substrate 59b (see FIG. 4). Illumination light is diffused by the light diffusing member 60, and the blue medal storage container 41 and the effect plate 61 are lit. Moreover, since the blue medal M1 is formed of a resin having translucency, it is possible to produce an effect that the blue medal M1 itself is shining.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the delivery mechanism 50a. 6 shows the delivery mechanism 50a provided in the blue medal storage container 41, the delivery mechanisms 50b to 50d provided in the shared medal storage containers 42 to 44 have the same configuration. Hereinafter, the delivery mechanism 50a of the blue medal storage container 41 will be described as a representative. The sending mechanism 50a is loaded with a rotating rotary disk 62, a guide member 63 for guiding the rotation of the rotary disk 62, a motor 64 for rotating the rotary disk 62, and a blue medal M1 sent from the rotary disk 62. A medal delivery port 65 for guiding the guide 45 is provided. The rotary disk 62 has a disk shape, and is fixed to a rotary shaft 66 that transmits the power of the motor 64 at the center thereof. The rotary disk 62 has three medal delivery holes 62a at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each medal delivery hole 62a is provided with a medal pushing surface 62b that is retracted with respect to the rotation direction. The guide member 63 is provided with a circular guide hole 63a, into which the rotary disk 62 is fitted. On the bottom surface of the guide hole 63a of the guide member 63, a guide plate 63b for guiding the blue medal M1 is installed. The blue medal M1 enters each medal delivery hole 62a, and the blue medal M1 that is in contact with the bottom surface of the guide hole 63a moves in the rotational direction while being pushed by the medal push-out surface 62b to the medal delivery port 65 by the guide plate 63b. Guided. Each medal delivery hole 62a guides the medal M1 to the medal delivery outlet 65 one by one.

  When the sending mechanism 50a is operated based on the operation of the insertion operation lever 22, the blue medal M1 is supplied onto the game field GF via the medal insertion guide 45. The insertion direction of the medal insertion guide 45 is changed according to the operation of the operation unit 3. Since the storage containers 42 to 44 other than the blue medal M1 are provided in common with the adjacent station units ST, when the medals M2 to M4 are paid out, the lower distribution mechanism 51 operates, and any of the station units The medal M is assigned to ST.

  9A and 9b are diagrams for explaining the operation of the lower sorting mechanism 51. FIG. FIG. 9A shows a state where medals M2 to M4 are supplied to the second station unit ST2, and FIG. 9B shows a state where medals M2 to M4 are supplied to the third station unit ST3. The lower distribution mechanism 51 includes a guide member 67a for guiding the medals M2 to M4 delivered from the shared medal storage containers 42 to 44, a flap 67b for distributing the medals M2 to M4, and a solenoid 67c for distributing the flap 67b. And are provided. The solenoid 67c operates in accordance with the progress of the game, and the medals M falling from the guide member 67a are distributed to the common insertion guide 46 of any of the station units ST2 and ST3.

  The dropping unit 34 is provided with an IC reader 37 that reads identification information of the dropped medal M. When the color medals M1 to M3 are dropped, a credit corresponding to the color is given to the user. When the bingo medal M4 falls, the bingo game proceeds according to the bingo medal M4 that has dropped.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the parent adjustment mechanism 36 will be described. The parent drop adjustment mechanism 36 is a mechanism that adjusts the amount of the so-called “parent drop” medal M that falls on both sides of the table 31 and is collected by the medal hopper 47 without giving credit to the user. The omission adjustment mechanism 36 includes a pair of movable members 68 disposed on both sides of the table 31, a drive mechanism (not shown) for driving the movable member 68, and the position of the movable member 68 for controlling the drive mechanism. A plurality of position detection sensors (not shown) for detection are provided. The movable member 68 is movable between three positions and adjusts the amount of medals M falling on the collecting unit 35. The movable member 68 includes a parent drop position for collecting the medals M dropped from both sides of the table 31 as a fallen medal, a user collection position for guiding the medals M dropped from both sides of the table 31 to the drop unit 34, It projects from both sides and is displaced between the parent drop prevention positions that prevent the medal M from falling off. On the upper surface of the movable member 68, a guide surface for guiding the dropped medal M is formed. The movable member 68 is displaced between the parent drop position, the user collection position, and the parent drop prevention position by changing the angle of the guide surface. The movable member 68 located at the user collection position guides the medal M to the dropping unit 34 through the guide surface.

  With reference to FIG. 2, an outline of the flow of medals M in the game field GF will be described. The user pays a fee to the store operator who installs the game machine 2 or consumes virtual currency according to the number of play medals lent. When a user inserts a play medal into the medal slot 21, it is counted as a credit and recorded in the storage unit 73. When the user operates the insertion operation lever 22, the blue medal M1 is supplied onto the game field GF via the medal insertion guide 45. At this time, when the user operates the operation unit 3, the insertion direction of the medal insertion guide 45 is changed. On the table 31 and the pusher table 32 of the game field GF, medals M1 to M4 are laid in contact with each other. When the medal M1 is inserted, the pushing force by the reciprocating motion of the pusher table 32 is transmitted to the medal M spread from the front end portion of the pusher table 32 to the front end portion of the table 31, and is located at the front end portion of the table 31. The medal M is pushed out and falls to the dropping part 34. Alternatively, it falls from the side of the table 31 and is collected by the medal hopper 47. In the pusher game of this embodiment, only medals M1 to M4 are arranged on the game field GF.

  The medal M dropped on the dropping unit 34 is collected by the medal hopper 47 after the identification information is read by the IC reader 37. In accordance with the read identification information, various processes such as awarding credits, paying out medals for play from the medal payout exit 25, a bingo game progress process, and a roulette lottery are performed. On the other hand, the medals M in the medal hopper 47 are sequentially moved to the medal distribution mechanism 49 by the lift hopper 48a, and are distributed and stored in the containers 41 to 44 according to the reading result of the IC reader 52. Further, based on the reading result of the IC reader 37 and the supply status of the medal supply mechanism 33, the entry / exit of the medal M present on the game field GF can be grasped. The supply status of the medal M by the medal supply mechanism 33 is grasped from the reading result of the IC reader 52 and the payout number. Thereby, the attribute ratio of the medal M currently existing on the game field GF and the type of bingo medal M4 can be determined and used for the progress of the game.

  Hereinafter, the bingo game will be described. A bingo game that progresses when a pusher game is played in the first station unit ST1 will be described as an example. When the bingo medal M4 falls to the dropping part 34 in the pusher game, the identification information of the bingo medal M4 is read by the IC reader 37, and the corresponding bingo mass 102 of the bingo sheet 101A is validated based on the read result. Each time the bingo medal M4 falls, the corresponding bingo mass 102 becomes valid, and the bingo game proceeds.

  10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating examples of game screens 100A and 100B of the jackpot game. When bingo is established in the bingo game, a jackpot game can be played. FIG. 10 shows a game screen 100A when one line of bingo is established on the bingo sheet 101A. When even one line of bingo is established, the jackpot game can be started. The user can play the jackpot game by operating the operation button 23 assigned to start the jackpot game. On the other hand, when the operation button 23 is not operated, the number of bingo formation lines can be increased. The jackpot reward in the jackpot game increases as the number of bingo establishments increases. FIG. 11 shows a game screen 100B when a bingo of 10 lines is established on the bingo sheet 101A. When a bingo of 10 lines (all bingo masses 102 are valid) is established, the jackpot reward is 10 times that of a bingo of one line. In the jackpot game, the roulette 103 is displayed on the first monitor 11 and a roulette lottery is executed.

  In addition to the jackpot game, there is a bonus game that can be played when a specific pattern is prepared in the slot lottery game executed on the screen 12a. In the bonus game, as in the jackpot game, the roulette 103 is displayed on the first monitor 11 and the roulette lottery is executed. However, the winning reward in the bonus game is accumulated for each user, and as a result, the magnitude of the reward is different for each user. For example, when some medals included in the medals M1 to M4 or the medals M1 to M4 (so-called hit medals) fall on the dropping unit 34, a bonus game reward for each user is added by a predetermined amount. The value of the bonus game reward for each user is stored as play data 75 in the storage unit 92 of the center server 5 in association with the user identification information. Unlike the jackpot game, the bonus game does not have the aspect that rewards are collected by other users, so that the user is motivated to play the game continuously. Note that the process of adding the bonus game reward for each user may be performed when the medals M1 to M4 fall on the collecting unit 35 in addition to the case where the medals M1 to M4 fall on the dropping unit 34. In this case, value is given to the medals M1 to M4 that fall off the parent, so that it is possible to reduce the decrease in the willingness to play when the medals M1 to M4 fall on the collecting unit 35. In addition, the bonus game reward may be added even when the bonus game reward for each user is not acquired in the bonus game. The conditions for enabling the bonus game, the lottery contents of the bonus game, the conditions for adding the bonus game reward for each user are not limited to the above example, and can be changed as appropriate. .

  FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the game system 1 including the game machine 2. The game machine 2 is provided with a unit management unit 71 that manages the operation of each station unit ST. The unit management unit 71 adjusts the operations of the first monitor 11 and the second monitor 12 and the medal supply mechanism 33 that are commonly used among the station units ST. Each station unit ST is provided with a station control unit 72 and a storage unit 73. The unit management unit 71 and the station control unit 72 are logical devices realized by a combination of hardware of the game machine 2 (including a CPU and a memory as its internal storage device) and software. The station control unit 72 is connected to the operation unit 3 that accepts user operations, the medal supply mechanism 33, the omission adjustment mechanism 36, the IC reader 37, the first monitor 11 and the second monitor 12, and the like. Request or obtain signals and data necessary for game progress. The station control unit 72 is connected to other various sensors, mechanisms, members, and the like necessary for game execution and setting, and controls transmission / reception of signals and data and operations.

  The storage unit 73 is a device that includes a nonvolatile storage medium such as a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, or an EEPROM. In the storage unit 73, a game program 74 for executing a game on the game machine 2, play data 75, medal identification data 76 in which attributes of the medal M and identification information are recorded in association with each other, and bingo medal storage. In the medal supply data 77 in which the order of the bingo medals M4 stored in the container 44 is recorded, in the medal field data 78 in which the identification information of the medals M existing on the game field GF is recorded, and in each of the medal storage containers 41 to 44. The medal storage data 79 in which the number of stored medals M1 to M4 is recorded is stored. In addition, various data necessary for game execution are recorded. The play data 75 is data in which the play contents of the game are stored so that the player can continue playing the game. In the play data 75, data relating to game contents such as results of various games played by the player and acquired items are recorded.

  When the station control unit 72 reads and executes the game program 74 stored in the storage unit 73, a pusher game execution unit 81 and a bingo game execution unit 82 as logical devices are provided inside the station control unit 72. . The pusher game execution unit 81 executes various processes necessary for the progress of the pusher game. For example, the medal M is inserted into the game field GF according to the user's operation, the reward according to the medal M dropped on the dropping unit 34, the supply of the medal M from the medal supply mechanism 33, and the LED according to the game result. Processing such as a game effect by illumination light of the units 56, 57a, and 59 is executed. The bingo game execution unit 82 executes various processes necessary for the progress of the bingo game. For example, the bingo sheet 101 is generated, the bingo game progresses according to the bingo medal M4 dropped on the dropping unit 34, the game presentation according to the game result, and various lottery processes such as a roulette lottery and jackpot game. In FIG. 12, one station unit ST is illustrated, but the game machine 2 is actually provided with a plurality of station units ST having the same configuration.

  The game machine 2 is connected to the center server 5 via a predetermined network. The center server 5 is configured as a single logical server device by combining a plurality of server units. However, the center server 5 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the center server 5 may be logically configured using cloud computing. The center server 5 is provided with a game service management unit 91 and a storage unit 92. The game service management unit 91 is a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware (including a CPU and a memory as an internal storage device necessary for its operation) of the center server 5 and software. The storage unit 92 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 92 may be configured to hold all data on one storage unit, or may be configured to store data in a plurality of storage units in a distributed manner. Various types of data are stored in the storage unit 92. FIG. 12 shows play data 75. The play data 75 is created for each user and is recorded in the storage unit 92 in association with the user identification information. FIG. 12 shows only the play data 75 associated with one user identification information.

  The game service management unit 91 provides a predetermined game service to the game machine 2. As a game service, for example, user authentication information (for example, a unique identification number and password for each user) is received from the game machine 2 to authenticate the user, and play data 75 corresponding to the user is received from the game machine 2. Service for providing the game machine 2 with user play data 75 saved in the storage unit 92, and updating the game machine 2 software (game program or data) via the network. There is service to do. The user play data 75 is associated with user identification information recorded on the card 4 possessed by the user.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the medal identification data 76. In the medal identification data 76, the attribute of the medal M and its identification information are recorded in association with each other. Each medal M1 to M4 may have unique identification information attached to all the medals M1 to M4, or unique identification information only to the bingo medal M4, and the color medals M1 to M3 are distinguished from each other. Only information to be performed may be attached. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the medal supply data 77. Each bingo number or each function is assigned to the bingo medal M4. The identification information of the bingo medal M4 read by the IC reader 52 is recorded in the medal supply data 77 in the order of reading. Further, the identification information of the corresponding bingo medal M4 is deleted from the medal supply data 77 in accordance with the number of bingo medal M4 paid out from the bingo medal storage container 44. As a result, the supply order of the bingo medals M4 stored in the bingo medal storage container 44 is recorded in the medal supply data 77.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the medal field data 78. In the medal field data 78, the attribute of the medal M present on the game field GF is recorded based on the supply status of the medal supply mechanism 33 and the reading result of the IC reader 37. The identification information of the medal M supplied from the medal supply mechanism 33 and the insertion time of the medal M are recorded, and the identification information is deleted according to the reading result of the IC reader 37. Further, the stay time of the medal M in the game field GF can be calculated from the reading time of the IC reader 37. In the medal field data 78, the time supplied from the medal supply mechanism 33 may be recorded, and the identification information of the medal M after a predetermined time may be deleted. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the medal storage data 79. In the medal storage data 79, the number of medals M1 to M4 stored in the respective medal storage containers 41 to 44 is recorded. The number of medals M1 to M4 is counted as the number of times each blocker 53a to 53d is operated. Further, the number of medals M1 to M4 sent out by the sending mechanisms 50a to 50d is divided. The medals M1 to M4 may be counted by detecting the operations of the mechanisms 53a to 53d and 50a to 50d, or medals M1 to M4 guided to the storage containers 41 to 44, respectively. A medal detection sensor for detecting medals M1 to M4 sent from the sending mechanisms 50a to 50d may be provided.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the illumination control process executed by the station control unit 72 of the game machine 2. The illumination control process controls the effect of changing the illumination for the LED unit 59 provided in the blue medal storage container 41 of the medal supply mechanism 33 according to the accumulation status of the blue medal M1 (the number of stored blue medals M1). It is processing to do. The station control unit 72 acquires medal storage data 79 (step S1). With reference to medal storage data 79, the current number of stored blue medals M1 is acquired. The station control unit 72 controls the light emission of the LED unit 59 according to the number of stored blue medals M1 (step S2), and ends the current process. The number of stored blue medals M1 stored in the blue medal storage container 41 is associated with the LED to emit light, and light emission is controlled. The light emission of the LED can be controlled in accordance with the stacked height of the blue medal M1 stored in the blue medal storage container 41. The station control unit 72 functions as an illumination control unit by executing the processes of steps S1 and S2.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the light emission control of the LED unit 59 of the blue medal storage container 41. The white circle LEDs 59a shown in FIG. 18 are turned on, and the black circle LEDs 59a are turned off. For example, as shown in the LED unit 59A on the left side, the LED 59a at a position corresponding to the stacked height from the lower surface of the blue medal storage container 41 to the stacked height where the blue medal M1 is stored emits the blue medal M1. can do. Further, as shown in the right LED unit 59B, the LED 59a at a position higher than the stacking height can be blinked, and an effect of emphasizing how the blue medal M1 falls and stacks can be performed. Further, the intensity of light emission of the LED 59a may be adjusted according to the number of stored blue medals M1. The light emission control may be changed as appropriate.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the medal distribution control process executed by the unit management unit 71 of the game machine 2. The medal distribution control process is a process of controlling the blockers 53a to 53e of the medal distribution mechanism 49 so that the medals M1 to M4 are distributed to the respective medal storage containers 41 to 44 of the medal supply mechanism 33. Hereinafter, description will be given as processing for controlling the medal supply mechanism 33 located between the second station unit ST2 and the third station unit ST3. The unit management unit 71 acquires the identification information of the medal M read by the IC reader 52 and the medal storage data 79 (steps S11 and S12). The medal storage data 79 to be acquired acquires the medal storage data 79 of the second station unit ST2 and the third station unit ST3. The unit manager 71 determines whether or not the read medal M is the blue medal M1 (step S13). If the read medal M is the blue medal M1, the unit management unit 71 refers to the medal storage data 79 of each station unit ST2 and ST3, and the number of blue medals M1 stored in the blue medal storage container 41 is determined. It is determined whether or not the maximum storage number has been reached (step S14).

  If the maximum number of stored blue medal storage containers 41 of at least one station unit ST has not been reached, the unit management unit 71 selects the blue medal storage containers 41 to which the blue medals M1 are distributed (step S15). If any one of the blue medal storage containers 41 has reached the maximum storage number, the blue medal storage container 41 that has not reached is selected. Alternatively, the number of stored blue medal storage containers 41 is compared, and a smaller number of stored blue medal storage containers 41 is selected. Alternatively, the blue medals M1 may be distributed alternately. The unit manager 71 operates the blocker 53a or blocker 53e corresponding to the selected blue medal storage container 41 (step S16), and ends the current process. The blockers 53a to 53e are normally in a medal passing state, and the flap 55a is raised to close the notch 54a to form a movement path for the medal M. However, the movement of the blocker 53a or the blocker 53e causes the medal distribution state. The medal M is distributed to the blue medal storage container 41.

  On the other hand, when the read medal M is not the blue medal M1, the unit management unit 71 determines whether or not the medal M is the green medal M2 (step S17). When the read medal M is not the green medal M2, the unit management unit 71 determines whether or not the medal M is the red medal M3 (step S18). If the read medal M is not the red medal M3, the unit management unit 71 determines whether or not the medal M is the bingo medal M4 (step S19). If the read medal M is the green medal M2 in step S17, the red medal M3 in step S18, or the bingo medal M4 in step S19, the unit management unit 71 refers to the medal storage data 79. Then, it is determined whether or not the number of medals M2 to M4 stored in the corresponding shared medal storage containers 42 to 44 has reached the maximum stored number (step S20). When the number of medals M2 to M4 stored in the corresponding shared medal storage containers 42 to 44 has not reached the maximum stored number, the unit management unit 71 proceeds to step S16, and the shared medals corresponding to the read medal M The blocker 53b, the blocker 53d, or the blocker 53d of the storage containers 42 to 44 is operated, and the current process is terminated. The blocker 53b, the blocker 53d, or the blocker 53d is moved to the medal distribution state by the operation of the blocker 53d, and can be distributed to the corresponding common medal storage containers 42 to 44.

  On the other hand, if any of the blue medal storage containers 41 has reached the maximum storage number in step S14, if not the bingo medal M4 in step S19, or the shared medal storage containers 42 to 44 corresponding to the medal M read in step S20. When the maximum storage number has been reached, the unit management unit 71 ends the current process without operating any of the blockers 53a to 53e. Thereby, the medal M is guided to the descending lift hopper 48 b and returns to the medal hopper 47. Note that the indistinguishable medal whose identification information cannot be read by the IC reader 52 corresponds to a medal that is not the bingo medal M4 in step S19.

  According to the processing described above, the medals M are distributed to the respective medal storage containers 41 to 44 by operating the corresponding blockers 53a to 53e based on the identification information of the medals M read by the IC reader 52 and the medal storage data 79. (Steps S13, S15-19). On the other hand, if the medals M1 to M4 stored in the respective medal storage containers 41 to 44 have reached the maximum storage number, the medals M are guided to the descending lift hopper 48b and returned to the medal hopper 47 (steps S14 and S20). . Thereby, each medal M1-M4 can be stored in the corresponding medal storage containers 41-44. Further, for example, when the number of stored red medal storage containers 43 is reduced, only the red medal M3 is selected from the medals M sent from the lift lift hopper 48a and stored in the red medal storage container 43, and unnecessary medals are stored. M can be returned to the medal hopper 47. By providing the return path (lowering lift hopper 48b) returning to the medal hopper 47, the medals M can be efficiently stored in the respective medal storage containers 41 to 44. The unit management unit 71 functions as a conveyance control unit by executing the processes of steps S11 to S20.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the medal supply control process executed by the station control unit 72 of the game machine 2. In the medal supply control process, the type and number of medals M to be supplied onto the game field GF are determined according to the number of stored color medals M1 to M3 stored in the color medal storage containers M1 to M3. This is a process for supplying the medal M. The station control unit 72 acquires the credit value of the user reward (step S31). For example, the credit value given to the user as a reward in the above-described jackpot game or a reward in the pusher game and the bingo game is acquired. Further, the station control unit 72 acquires medal storage data 79 (step S32).

  The station control unit 72 refers to the medal storage data 79 and determines the types of medals M1 to M3 to be supplied and the number of medals M1 to M3 (step S33). For example, when the medal storage data 79 shown in FIG. 16 is acquired when supplying the medal M with 100 credits on the game field GF, the number of red medals M3 stored is as small as 20, so that 10 red medals M3 are stored. The remaining 70 credit values are determined as 30 green medals M2 and 10 blue medals M1. Further, when all the color medals M1 to M3 are sufficiently stored, it may be determined that 20 red medals M3, 15 green medals M2, and 10 blue medals M1. The station control unit 72 supplies the sending mechanisms 50a to 50c so as to supply the types of the color medals M1 to M3 determined in step S33 and the number of medals M1 to M3 from the respective medal storage containers 41 to 43 to the game field GF. Control is performed (step S34), and the current process is terminated.

  According to the processing described above, the credit value of the reward according to the game results of the pusher game and the bingo game and the medal storage data 79 are acquired (steps S31 and S32), and based on the storage number of each color medal M1 to M3. Then, the types of medals M1 to M3 to be supplied to the game field GF and the number of medals M1 to M3 are determined (step S33), and the medals M1 to M3 are supplied to the game field GF (step S34). In the pusher game and the bingo game, only the credit value is determined as a reward, and the medals M1 to M3 to be supplied can be determined according to the current stored number of the respective color medal storage containers 41 to 43. M1 to M3 can be supplied. Further, the color medal storage containers 41 to 43 with a small number of medals M can be supplied to the medal field GF without waiting for a sufficient amount of medals M to be stored. Note that the processing in steps S31 to S34 executed by the station control unit 72 functions as a transmission control unit.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described form and can be implemented in various forms. For example, in this embodiment, the disk-shaped medals M1 to M4 have been described as the disk-shaped game medium, but the present invention is not limited to this. The shape may be any flat plate shape that can be stacked upward. For example, it may be a polygonal (hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) medal or an irregular shape such as a jigsaw piece. Alternatively, the shape of each medal M may be different such that the blue medal M1 is circular and the green medal M2 is square. Moreover, in the form mentioned above, although each medal storage container 41-44 was installed above the game field GF, it is not restricted to this. For example, you may install in the side of the game field GF, and may provide in common in the center of several station unit ST. It suffices if it is provided at a position that is visible to the user. Moreover, although demonstrated in the example which provides several medal storage containers 41-44, it is not restricted to this. A single medal storage container may be provided. A medal storage container may be provided according to the type of medal. Alternatively, a plurality of types of medals may be stored in one medal storage container. Moreover, the medal storage containers 42 to 44 to be shared are not limited to a part, and all the medal storage containers 41 to 44 may be shared. Alternatively, the medal storage containers 41 to 44 may be individually provided in each station unit ST. The number may be appropriately changed in consideration of the number of storable sheets and the limit number supplied to the game field GF. The medal is not limited to a plurality of types, and may be a single type.

  In addition, the sending mechanisms 50a to 50d configured to send the medals M one by one by the rotating rotary disk 62 have been described, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the stacked medals M are flipped one by one from the side. Or it is good also as a structure which puts the medal M of the piled-up state on a conveyor one by one, and sends it out. Appropriate changes are possible. As the collection container, the medal hopper 47 that collects the medals M1 to M4 dropped from the dropping unit 34 and the collecting unit 35 without being distinguished is described, but is not limited thereto. For example, the type of the medal M may be determined and distinguished for each type, or the medal M falling on the dropping unit 34 may be distinguished from the medal M falling on the collecting unit 35. The configuration of the collection container can be changed as appropriate.

  Although the IC reader 52 has been described as the type detection means, it is not limited to this. A color sensor that detects the colors of the medals M1 to M4, or a difference in the shapes of the medals M1 to M4 may be detected by a photoelectric sensor. Moreover, although the LED unit 56 installed in the common medal storage containers 42 to 44 and the LED unit 59 installed in the blue medal storage container 41 have been described as illumination means, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a halogen lamp, a tungsten lamp, an optical fiber, or the like may be used as the illumination means instead of the LED. The position where the illumination means is installed is not limited to the back side. For example, the illumination means may be installed along the side of the medal storage containers 41 to 44 along the medal stacking direction, or may be provided below the medal storage containers 41 to 44. Good. The installation position may be changed as appropriate. Moreover, although the blocker 53a-53e and sending mechanism 50a-50d demonstrated as a loading condition detection means, it is not restricted to this. For example, a photoelectric sensor may be provided at a position where the maximum storage number of each medal storage container 41 to 44 reaches, and it may be determined whether or not the maximum storage number has been reached.

  In the embodiment described above, the shape of the effect plate 57 installed on the front surface of the shared medal storage containers 42 to 44 has been described with reference to the example shown in FIG. 6, but is not limited thereto. The effect board 57 can change the effect by providing various cuts 57b. Another example is shown in FIGS. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an effect board 57A according to a modification, and FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an effect board 57B according to another modification. The effect by illumination of the LED unit 57a can be changed by changing the pattern like the cuts 57Ab and 57Bb.

  In the embodiment described above, only the credit value is determined as a reward in the pusher game and the bingo game, and the type and number of medals M to be supplied to the game field GF are determined according to the number of stored medals supply containers 41 to 43. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the credit value and the types of medals M to be supplied and the number of each type may be determined as rewards in the pusher game and the bingo game. In this case, when the number of stored medals M of a certain type is small, step S33 in the flowchart of FIG. 20 may be executed to change the shortage credit value to another type of medals M. Similarly, the supply of the medal M to the game field GF can be promptly executed.

  Although the flowchart of FIG. 17 has been described as the process of controlling the light emission of the LED unit 59 of the blue medal storage container 41, the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can also be applied to the LED units 56 of the shared medal storage containers 42 to 44. In the case of the green medal storage container 42, the light emission of the LED unit 56 is controlled in the process of step S2 according to the number of green medals M2 stored in the medal storage data 79 acquired in step S1. For example, the intensity of light emission may be adjusted according to the number of stored green medals M2, or the emission color may be changed.

  Various aspects of the present invention derived from each of the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. In the following description, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, the corresponding members illustrated in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses, but the present invention is thereby limited to the illustrated embodiments. It is not a thing.

  A game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention (for example, the game machine 2 illustrated in FIG. 1) is configured such that a plurality of board-like game media (for example, medals M1 to M4 illustrated in FIG. 2) are transferred to a game field ( In the game machine that is supplied onto the game field GF described in 2 and advances the game in accordance with the movement of the game medium, a collection container (for example, described in FIG. 3) that collects the game medium dropped from the game field. Medals hopper 47), a stacked storage container (for example, each medal storage container 41 to 44 shown in FIG. 3) for storing game media in a state of being stacked flat, and the game media recovered in the recovery container Transport means (for example, the lift lift hopper 48a and the medal distribution mechanism 49 shown in FIG. 3) that transports the game storage field to the game storage container. It is provided so that a user can visually recognize the state in which the game media are stacked flat, and the bottom of the stacked storage container has a sending means (for example, FIG. 8) that sends the game media stacked flat one by one. The described sending mechanism 50a) is provided, and the sent game medium is supplied onto the game field.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to allow the user to visually recognize how game media are stacked flatly in the stacked storage container and the game media are stored in an orderly manner. Therefore, it is possible to produce a game that makes use of the manner in which game media is stored. In addition, since the sending means is provided at the bottom of the stacked storage container, the stacked game media can be supplied to the game field one by one.

  In one aspect of the game machine of the present invention, the plurality of board-like game media include a plurality of visually identifiable types (for example, a blue medal M1, a green medal M2, a red medal M3, Bingo medal M4) is set, and as the stacked storage container, a plurality of individual storage containers (for example, blue medal storage shown in FIG. 2) that stores the plurality of types of game media in a state of being stacked flat for each type. A container 41, a green medal storage container 42, a red medal storage container 43, and a bingo medal storage container 44), and the recovery container recovers the plurality of types of game media dropped from the game field in a common space. The transport means includes a type detection means for detecting the type of game medium (for example, the IC reader 52 shown in FIG. 3), and the plurality of individual storage containers based on the detection result of the type detection means. Container sorting means for distributing the recreation medium to any (e.g., blocker 53a~53e according to FIG. 3) and may be provided.

  When multiple types of game media are used in a game, it is necessary to manage the game media for each type in order to specify the type and supply it to the game field. Conventionally, since a plurality of types of game media dropped from the game field are supplied again to the game field for each type, the dropped game media are sorted into individual storage containers for each type inside the chassis below the game field. Or, a transport means for supplying game media to the game field is provided for each storage container. According to the present invention, a plurality of types of game media can be collected with a collection container, and a plurality of types of game media can be transported with a transport means, thereby simplifying the recovery mechanism inside the housing. In addition, by distributing the game medium for each type to the individual storage container provided at a position that can be visually recognized by the user, the transport path ahead from each individual storage container can be shortened, and a simple and compact mechanism as a whole can be obtained. it can.

  In the above-described aspect, a plurality of station units (for example, a plurality of station units ST shown in FIG. 1) each provided with the game field are provided, and at least some of the plurality of individual storage containers (for example, The common medal storage containers 42 to 44 shown in FIG. 4 and the recovery container are shared by the adjacent station units (for example, the second station unit ST2 and the third station unit ST3 shown in FIG. 4) and are adjacent to each other. You may further provide the unit distribution means (For example, the lower distribution mechanism 51 of FIG. 9A) which distributes the game medium sent out from the separate storage container shared by the station unit to one of the station units. According to this, space saving around a game field can be realized by sharing an individual storage container between adjacent station units.

  In one aspect of the game machine of the present invention, illumination means (for example, the LED unit 56 shown in FIG. 3 or the LED unit 59 shown in FIG. 7) for illuminating the game medium stored in the stacked storage container is further provided. You may prepare. According to this, it can produce with light that game media is stored, and the game can be excited. In this aspect, a diffusing member (for example, the light diffusing member 60 shown in FIG. 7) for diffusing the illumination light of the illuminating means may be provided on at least a part of the side surface of the stacked storage container.

  In the above-described aspect, the stacked state detecting means (for example, the blockers 53a to 53e and the sending mechanisms 50a to 50d shown in FIG. 3) for detecting the stacked state of the game media stored in the stacked storage container, Illumination control means (for example, the station control unit 72 shown in FIG. 12) that controls the illumination means based on the detection result of the accumulation status detection means (for example, medal storage data 79 shown in FIG. 16); You may prepare. According to this, a game medium can be effectively produced according to the accumulation situation.

  In one aspect of the game machine of the present invention, the sending means includes a rotating member (for example, FIG. 8) that rotates about an axis (for example, the rotating shaft 66 illustrated in FIG. 8) along the stacking direction of the game media. The rotary disk 62) may be included, and the rotating member may deliver the game media one by one.

  In one aspect of the game machine of the present invention, the stacked state detecting means for detecting the stacked state of the game media stored in the stacked storage container (for example, the blockers 53a to 53e and the sending mechanism 50a to 50a described in FIG. 3). 50d) and a transport control unit (for example, the unit management unit 71 shown in FIG. 12) that controls the transport unit based on the detection result of the loading status detection unit. According to this, a game medium can be efficiently stored according to the accumulation condition of the game medium currently stored by the accumulation storage container. In this aspect, the transport means includes a transport return path for returning the game medium transported from the collection container to the collection container without transporting the game medium to the stacked storage container (for example, the lower lift hopper 48b illustrated in FIG. 3). And the transport control means may guide the game medium to the transport return path based on a detection result of the stacked state detection means. According to this, for example, when the game medium stored in the stacked storage container is stored up to the maximum storage amount, the game medium can be returned to the collection container. It is also possible to select and store specific game media.

  In one aspect of the game machine of the present invention, the transport means includes a transport return path (for example, as shown in FIG. 3) for returning the game medium transported from the collection container to the collection container without transporting it to the stack storage container. A descent lift hopper 48b) may be provided.

  In one aspect of the game machine of the present invention, the stacked state detecting means for detecting the stacked state of the game media stored in the stacked storage container (for example, the blockers 53a to 53e and the sending mechanism 50a to 50a described in FIG. 3). 50d) and sending control means (for example, the station control unit 72 shown in FIG. 12) for controlling the sending means based on the detection result of the loading status detecting means. According to this, it is possible to efficiently supply game media to the game field according to the stacking situation.

  In the above-described aspect, the stacked state detecting means (for example, the blockers 53a to 53e and the sending mechanisms 50a to 50d shown in FIG. 3) for detecting the stacked state of the game media stored in the stacked storage container, And a sending control means (for example, the station control unit 72 shown in FIG. 12) for controlling the sending means based on the detection result of the accumulation status detecting means, and the plurality of types of game media have a gaming value ( For example, the credit value is set to be different for each type, and the transmission control means is a breakdown of the total amount of game values to be supplied on the game field based on the detection result of the accumulation status detection means. The type of game media and the number of game media are determined, and the sending means is controlled to supply the game media onto the game field based on the determination result. It may be. According to this, it is possible to determine the type of game media to be supplied equivalent to the game value and the number of each type of game media according to the stacked state of each individual storage container, and supply them on the game field. For example, in a container with a small number of stacked game media, it is possible to avoid sending out the game media and transfer the game media to other game media to be supplied to the game field.

2 Game machines 41 Blue medal storage container (stack storage container, individual storage container)
42 Green medal storage container (stack storage container, individual storage container)
43 Red medal storage container (shipping storage container, individual storage container)
44 bingo medal storage container (stack storage container, individual storage container)
47 Medal hopper (collection container)
48a Lift lift hopper (conveyance means)
48b Descent lift hopper (conveyance return path)
49 Medal distribution mechanism (conveying means)
50a-50d Sending mechanism (sending means)
52 IC reader (type detection means)
53a-53e blocker (container sorting means)
GF Game Field M1 Blue Medal (board-like game media)
M2 green medal (board-like game medium)
M3 red medal (board-like game media)
M4 bingo medal (board-like game media)

Claims (12)

In a game machine that supplies a plurality of board-like game media on a game field and advances the game in accordance with the movement of the game media,
A collection container for collecting game media dropped from the game field;
A storage container for storing game media in a state of being stacked flatly;
Transporting means for transporting the game medium recovered in the recovery container to the stacked storage container;
The stacked storage container is provided so that a user who views the game field can see a state in which game media are stacked flatly,
A game machine in which a delivery means for delivering game media stacked flat one by one is provided at the bottom of the stacked storage container, and the delivered game media are supplied onto the game field. The plurality of board-like game media are set with a plurality of visually identifiable types,
As the stacked storage container, a plurality of individual storage containers for storing the plurality of types of game media in a state of being stacked flat for each type are provided,
The collection container collects the plurality of types of game media dropped from the game field in a common space,
The transport means includes a type detection means for detecting a type of game medium, and a container distribution means for distributing the game medium to any of the plurality of individual storage containers based on a detection result of the type detection means. The game machine according to claim 1 provided. A plurality of station units each provided with the game field,
Among the plurality of individual storage containers, at least some of the individual storage containers and the recovery container are shared by adjacent station units,
The game machine according to claim 2, further comprising a unit distribution unit that distributes game media delivered from individual storage containers shared by the adjacent station units to any one of the station units.   The game machine as described in any one of Claims 1-3 further provided with the illumination means which illuminates the game medium stored by the said accumulation storage container.   The game machine according to claim 4, wherein a diffusion member that diffuses illumination light of the illumination unit is provided on at least a part of a side surface of the stacked storage container. A stacked state detecting means for detecting a stacked state of the game media stored in the stacked storage container;
The game machine according to claim 4, further comprising: an illumination control unit that controls the illumination unit based on a detection result of the stacked state detection unit.   The said sending means has a rotating member that rotates around an axis along the stacking direction of the game media, and the rotating member delivers the game media one by one. The game machine as described in. A stacked state detecting means for detecting a stacked state of the game media stored in the stacked storage container;
The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a conveyance control unit that controls the conveyance unit based on a detection result of the accumulation state detection unit. The transport means is provided with a transport return path for returning the game medium transported from the collection container to the collection container without transporting it to the stacked storage container,
The game machine according to claim 8, wherein the conveyance control unit guides the game medium to the conveyance return path based on a detection result of the accumulation state detection unit.   The said conveyance means is provided with the conveyance return path which returns the game medium conveyed from the said collection container to the said collection container, without conveying to the said accumulation storage container. Game machine. A stacked state detecting means for detecting a stacked state of the game media stored in the stacked storage container;
Sending control means for controlling the sending means based on the detection result of the loading status detecting means;
The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: A stacked state detecting means for detecting a stacked state of the game media stored in the stacked storage container;
Sending control means for controlling the sending means based on the detection result of the loading status detecting means;
Further comprising
The plurality of types of game media are set so that the game value differs for each type,
The delivery control means determines the type of game media and the number of each game medium that are a breakdown of the total amount of game values to be supplied to the game field based on the detection result of the accumulation status detection means, The game machine according to claim 2, wherein the sending means is controlled to supply the game medium on the game field based on a result.