JP3195661B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly to an improvement in a mechanism for counting inserted medals.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this kind of slot machine, inserted medal detecting means for detecting each inserted medal inserted from a medal insertion slot one by one and outputting a inserted medal detection signal; The inserted medal counting means for counting the number of inserted medals based on the inserted medal detection signal, and the inserted medal detection signal from the inserted medal detecting means when the count value of the inserted medal counting means exceeds the maximum number of game medals. Based on the stored medal counting means for counting the number of inserted medals, a start switch for outputting a start signal for starting the rotation of the rotating reel, and the count value of the inserted medal counting means based on the start signal from the start switch. There is known a device provided with a count value determining means for performing the counting.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional slot machine, when the start switch is operated immediately after inserting the medals, the inserted medals inserted from the medal insertion slot are detected by the inserted medal detecting means. Therefore, there is a problem that the count value of the inserted medal counting means is determined before the inserted medal detection signal is output from the inserted medal detecting means.

For example, if a player inserts three medals from the medal insertion slot and immediately operates the start switch by the player, the third inserted medal reaches the inserted medal detecting means. However, when the inserted medals are detected by the inserted medals detecting means and "2" is counted by the inserted medals counting means, the count value is determined.

Therefore, even if the third medal is detected by the inserted medal detecting means, it is not counted by the inserted medal counting means. Further, the third inserted medal may not be returned to the player but may be swallowed into the slot machine. If the third inserted medal is swallowed into the slot machine in this manner, the player loses one medal, and therefore, a significant disadvantage is given to the player, causing trouble. .

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. It is an object of the present invention to count the inserted medals detected late by the stored medal counting means. It is intended to be.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is to achieve the above-mentioned object, and its contents will be described below with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. According to the present invention, on condition that a start signal is generated from the start switch (80), a medal insertion prohibition is output to the inserted medal counting means (131) to prohibit counting of the inserted medal counting means (131). Means (136), and after the insertion prohibition signal is output from the medal insertion prohibition means (136), on the condition that the insertion medal detection signal from the inserted medal detection means (126) is generated, based on the insertion medal detection signal. A storage switching means (137) for counting the number of inserted medals in the stored medal counting means (132).

[0008]

Therefore, according to the present invention, for example, when three medals M are inserted from the medal insertion slot (60), and immediately after that, the start switch (80) is operated by the player,
The second medal is detected by the inserted medal detecting means (126), and the inserted medal detection signal is input from the inserted medal detecting means (126) to the inserted medal counting means (131), and the inserted medal counting means (131) When “2” is counted by
The count value is determined.

At the same time, on the condition that a start signal is generated from the start switch (80), an insertion prohibition signal is output from the medal insertion prohibiting means (136) to the inserted medal counting means (131). Therefore, the third medal M is inserted medal detecting means.
Even if it is detected in (126), counting by the inserted medal counting means (131) is prohibited. In contrast, medal insertion prohibition means (13
When the third medal is detected by the inserted medal detection means (126) after the output of the insertion prohibited signal from 6), the inserted medal detection signal is transmitted to the stored medal counting means 132 through the storage switching means 137. Sent to

Therefore, the number of inserted medals is counted by the stored medal counting means (132) based on the inserted medal detection signal. For example, if the count value of the stored medal counting means (132) is "0", "1" is counted, and the count value of the inserted medal counting means (131) is "2". ) Are counted.

[0011]

1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a slot machine, FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the slot machine, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the medal passage of a medal. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 denotes a slot machine.

First, referring to FIG.
The outline of the ten front panels will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 10 has a rectangular window 20 at almost the center of the height thereof, and three rotating reels 30 to 32 are arranged in the window 20, respectively. I have. The three rotating reels 30 to 32 are individually driven to rotate by a driving force of a reel driving device 33 provided inside the slot machine 10 and including, for example, three stepping motors (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 2, a total of five lines 21 to 25 are displayed on the glass surface of the window 20 to display the winning lines of the three rotating reels 30 to 32. The lines 21 to 25 are a substantially horizontal center line 21 and upper and lower prize lines that are vertically separated from and parallel to the center line 21.
22, 23, and two diagonal lines of the upper and lower prize lines 22, 23, and are composed of a diagonally right-up diagonal line 24 and a diagonally right-down diagonal line 25, which intersect at a point X in the center.

At the right end of each of the five lines 21 to 25, five effective line display lamps 40 to 44 arranged vertically are arranged as shown in FIG. On the left side of the rotating reels 30 to 32, as shown in FIG. 2, three display units 50 to 52 arranged vertically are arranged. Each display unit 50 ~
52, for example, can display two digits of seven segments.

As shown in FIG. 2, among the three display sections 50 to 52, the uppermost bonus related number display section 50 displays, for example, the number of effective games during the large bonus and the JAC during the bonus.
The number of valid times is displayed as a two-digit number. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the number of stored medals is displayed as a two-digit number, for example, in the stored medal number display section 51 in the middle stage.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the number of payout medals is displayed as a two-digit number, for example, in the payout medal number display section 52 in the lower part. As shown in FIG. 2, a medal insertion slot 60 for a player to insert medals is arranged on the lower right side of the rotating reels 30 to 32 obliquely in FIG. In addition, below the three rotating reels 30 to 32,
As shown in FIG. 2, three stop switches 70... For individually stopping the respective rotating reels 30 to 32 are arranged in correspondence with the respective rotating reels 30 to 32.

As shown in FIG. 2, a lever-shaped start switch 80 for outputting a start signal for starting the rotation of the rotating reels 30 to 32 is provided on the left side of the three stop switches 70 as shown in FIG. Have been. As shown in FIG. 2, a medal insertion switch 90 for inserting a stored medal is provided above the start switch 80. The medal switch 90 includes three switch 91 to 93 arranged side by side. Of the three on-off switches 91 to 93, the one-off switch 91 on the left end as viewed from the left
Is operated, 1 is used to insert one stored medal.
A sheet insertion signal is output. Further, when the central two-sheet insertion switch 92 is operated, a two-sheet insertion signal for inserting two stored medals is output. Further, when the three-insertion switch 93 at the right end is operated, a maximum number of stored medals, that is, a three-insertion signal for inserting three medals is output. Note that the medal switch 90 is set to 3
Although the switch is composed of the closing switches 91 to 93, the number of closing switches may be one, or may be shared with other switches.

Below the medal switch 90, a clearing switch 100 is arranged as shown in FIG.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a medal outlet 110 is arranged below the front surface of the slot machine 10. Next, the outline of the medal path of the inserted medals provided inside the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the upper end of the medal passage 120 has a medal slot at the front of the slot machine 10.
60 (FIG. 2), the inside thereof is inclined downward, and the lower end thereof communicates with a hopper (not shown).
Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the medal passage 120 branches off from the medal passage 120, and the medal passage 120 and the slot machine 10
A medal return path 121 is provided to connect the medal discharge port 110 (FIG. 2) on the front of the medals. The medals flowing down the medal return path 121 are returned from the medal outlet 110.

Further, in the medal passage 120, as shown in FIG. 3, a standard such as the size and thickness of the inserted medal M is provided between the medal insertion slot 60 and the branch point of the medal return path 121. A medal sorting machine 122 for sorting is arranged.
Then, the unspecified medals M are stopped at the medal selector 122 or returned from the medal selector 122 to the player through the medal return path 121.

At a branch point between the medal passage 120 and the medal return passage 121, as shown in FIG. 3, a flow path switching device 123 for switching the flowing direction of the inserted medals M flowing down the medal passage 120 is arranged. I have. FIG.
As shown in the figure, an on-off valve 124 for opening and closing the medal return path 121
The on-off valve 124 is normally kept closed with the medal return path 121 closed, and when energized, the on-off valve 12
4 is rotated downward to open a medal return path 121.

When the start switch 80 is operated, or when the total number of medals M inserted from the medal slot 60 is a specified number, for example, the maximum number of game medals (for example, three) is set to the maximum number of stored medals. (For example, 50
When the number of added medals M exceeds the number of added medals (for example, 53 medals), the inserted medals M are thereafter transferred to the medal return path 121.
Through to be returned to the player.

The structure of the flow switching device 123 is not limited to the embodiment shown in the drawings. Also, medal passage
As shown in FIG. 3, the inserted medal detecting means 126 is disposed at the downstream side of the flow path switching device 123. The inserted medal detecting means 126 is constituted by, for example, a photo sensor and the like, and detects inserted medals M that conform to the standard that has passed through the medal selector 122 one by one, and outputs an inserted medal detection signal.

The inserted medal detecting means 126 is not limited to a non-contact type sensor such as a photo sensor, but may be a contact type micro switch or the like. Further, an interval of a length equal to or greater than the diameter of one medal M is provided between the inserted medal detecting means 126 and the flow path switching device 123,
When the flow path switching device 123 is opened, the medal return path 1
The inserted medal M returned to the player through 21 is not detected by the inserted medal detecting means 126.

Next, referring to FIG.
Will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the control circuit of the slot machine 10 is mainly configured by a central controller 130 composed of a CPU. As shown in FIG. 1, a start switch 80 (FIG. 2), inserted medal detecting means 126 (FIG. 3), and a medal inserted switch 90 (FIG. 2) are connected to the input side of the central control device 130, respectively. Have been.

On the output side of the central control device 130, as shown in FIG. 1, a flow path switching device 123 (FIG. 3) and three rotating drums 30 to 32 for individually rotating the three rotating drums 30 to 32, respectively. Reel drive device composed of a stepping motor, etc.
33 are connected to each other. The central control unit 130
As shown in FIG. 1, inserted medal counting means 131 for counting the number of inserted medals based on the inserted medal detection signal from inserted medal detecting means 126, and inserted medal counting means 1
The count value of 31 is the maximum number of inserted medals M, for example, “3”
When the number exceeds the threshold, the stored medal counting means 132 counts the number of inserted medals based on the inserted medal detection signal from the inserted medal detecting means 126, and the stored medal counting means 132 based on the inserted signal from the medal insertion switch 90. Stored medal subtraction means 133 for subtracting the counted value counted by the counting means and adding the subtracted count value to the count value of the inserted medal counting means 131, and the inserted medal counting means based on a start signal from the start switch 80. A count value determining means 134 for determining the count value of 131, a medal number storage means 135 for storing the number of medal inserted based on a signal from the medal insertion switch 90, a start switch 80
Under the condition that a start signal is generated from the input medal counting means 131, the insertion medal counting means 131
After the medal insertion prohibiting means 136 for prohibiting the counting of 31 and the output of the insertion prohibition signal from the medal insertion prohibiting means 136,
On condition that the inserted medal detection signal from the inserted medal detection means 126 is generated, storage switching means 137 for counting the number of inserted medals in the stored medal counting means 132 based on the inserted medal detection signal, and a start signal from the start switch 80. The medal counting means 13 that has been determined on condition that
In addition to comparing the count value of 1 with the stored value stored in the inserted medal number storage unit 135, the determined count value of the inserted medal number storage unit 131 is compared with the inserted medal number storage unit 135.
If the stored value is less than the stored value, the count value of the stored medal counting means 131 is subtracted, and the count value of the inserted medal counting means 131 is added. Medal re-insertion means 138 for matching the stored value stored in the number storage means 135 and reel drive control means 139 for operating the reel drive device 33 based on a start signal from the start switch 80
After the input of the insertion prohibition signal from the medal insertion prohibition means 136, the passage switching device 12 is delayed for a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms).
The flow path switching control means 140 which excites the solenoid 125 of 3 and opens the medal return path 121, and the game control means 14 which performs overall game control such as determination of a game result and payout of medals.
With one.

Next, the operation of the slot machine 10 having the above configuration will be described. When, for example, the player inserts the three-sheet insertion switch 93 among the medal insertion switches 90 (FIG. 2) on the front surface of the slot machine 10, the three-sheet insertion switch 93 outputs a three-sheet insertion signal. As shown in FIG. 1, the three-sheet insertion signal from the three-sheet insertion switch 93 is output to the inserted medal number storage unit 135, and the inserted medal number storage unit 135 stores “3” as the inserted medal number.

Thereafter, when three medals M are inserted from the medal insertion slot 60 (FIG. 2) on the front of the slot machine 10,
Each medal M is slot machine through the medal slot 60
10, is taken into the medal passage as shown in FIG.
Flow down 120. While flowing down the medal passage 120, first, for example, the size, thickness, and the like of the inserted medals M are selected at the medal selector 122.

At this time, if the inserted medal M conforms to the standard, as shown in FIG. 3, after passing through the medal selector 122, each inserted medal is detected by the inserted medal detecting means 126.
The inserted medal detection means 126 outputs a inserted medal detection signal. As shown in FIG. 1, the inserted medal detection signal from the inserted medal detection means 126 is
And the inserted medal counting means 131 increments the counted value by "1" each time the inserted medal detection signal is input. That is, since the initial value of the inserted medal counting means 131 is “0”, the counted value of the inserted medal counting means 131 becomes “3” which is the maximum number of game medals.

Thereafter, when another medal M is inserted into the medal insertion slot 60, the stored medal counting means 132 receives the counted value every time the inserted medal detection signal from the inserted medal detecting means 126 is input. Are added by “1” at a time. That is, since the initial value of the inserted medal counting means 131 is “0”, the counted value of the stored medal counting means 132 is “1”.
At this time, since the count value of the inserted medal counting means 131 is “3” which is the maximum number of game medals, the count value of the inserted medal counting means 131 does not change.

Thereafter, when the start switch 80 (FIG. 2) on the front of the slot machine 10 is operated, a start signal is output from the start switch 80. Start switch
As shown in FIG. 1, the start signal from 80 is output to the medal insertion prohibiting unit 136, and the medal insertion prohibiting unit 136 further outputs an insertion prohibition signal.

The insertion prohibition signal from the medal insertion prohibition means 136 is output to the count value determination means 134 as shown in FIG. 1, and the count value determination means 134 further outputs a count value determination signal. As shown in FIG. 1, the count value determination signal from the count value determination means 134 is output to the inserted medal counting means 131. The inserted medal counting means 131 further outputs a signal meaning the count value "3". Output to control means 141.

When the game control means 141 inputs a signal indicating the count value "3", the game control means 141 proceeds with the game under the condition of three medals inserted. That is, the five active line display lamps 40 to 44 on the front of the slot machine 10
(FIG. 2) are all turned on, and all five lines 21 to 25 are enabled. At the same time, the start signal from the start switch 80 is sent to the reel drive control means 139 via the count value determination means 134 as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, when a start signal is input from a start switch 80, the reel drive control unit 139 activates the reel drive unit 33 and the three reels
The rotation of 30 to 32 starts. On the other hand, medal insertion prohibition means
The insertion prohibition signal from 136 is output to the flow path switching control means 140 as shown in FIG. 1, and the flow path switching control means 140 excites the solenoid 125 (FIG. 3) of the flow path switching device 123, The return path 121 is opened.

When the medal return path 121 is opened,
The inserted medal M inserted into the medal insertion slot 60 is returned from the medal passage 120 to the player through the medal return path 121. Note that a signal indicating the count value “3” is sent from the inserted medal counting means 131 to the medal re-inserting means 138, as shown in FIG. In addition, a signal indicating “3” is transmitted as the number of inserted medals from the inserted medal number storing unit 135 to the medal re-inserting unit 138. The medal re-insertion means 138 does not operate because the two signals are compared. Here, the two signals have the same numeric value.

Next, the condition that the three-insertion switch 93 (FIG. 2) was operated and three medals M were inserted from the medal insertion slot 60 was not changed, and three medals M were inserted. Immediately after, the case where the start switch 80 is operated will be described. Normally, the medal M inserted from the medal insertion slot 60 flows down the medal passage 120, passes through the medal selector 122, and is detected by the inserted medal detection unit 126 until it is detected.
For example, it takes 200 to 400 ms.

Therefore, if the start switch 80 is operated within 200 to 400 ms after the third medal M is inserted, for example, the inserted medal counting means 131 becomes "2".
Is counted, the count value is determined. At that time, the insertion prohibition signal from the medal insertion prohibition means 136 is output to the storage switching means 137 as shown in FIG.
When the third medal M is detected by the inserted medal detection means 126 and the inserted medal detection signal is output, the storage switching means 137 outputs the inserted medal detection signal to the stored medal counting means 132
To be sent.

Therefore, each time the inserted medal detection signal is input from the inserted medal detecting means 126, the stored medal counting means 132 increments the counted value by "1". That is, if the initial value of the inserted medal counting means 131 is “0”, the count value of the stored medal counting means 132 becomes “1”.
The insertion prohibition signal from the medal insertion prohibition means 136 is
As shown in FIG. 1, it is output to the flow path switching control means 140,
The flow path switching control means 140 operates the flow path switching device 123, but at that time, operates with a predetermined time delay.

The above-mentioned predetermined time is set to, for example, 500 ms. After the set time, the medal M inserted from the medal insertion port 60 flows down the medal passage 120 and passes through the medal selector 122, It is set to be longer than the time until detection by 126, for example, 200 to 400 ms. Therefore, the time until the inserted medal M is detected by the inserted medal detecting means 126 is sufficiently ensured.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, when the input medal counting means 131 receives the count value determination signal from the count value determination means 134, the signal indicating the count value "2" is supplied to the medal reinsertion means 138. Sent to In addition, a signal meaning “3” is sent from the inserted medal number storage unit 135 to the medal reinsertion unit 138 as a stored value. In the medal re-insertion means 138, the two signals are compared, and here the numerical values of the two signals are different. That is, the determined count value “2” of the inserted medal counting unit 131 is changed to the stored value “3” stored in the inserted medal number storage unit 135.
Less than.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the medal re-insertion means 138 causes the stored medal counting means 132 to decrement the count value counted by "1" by the stored medal subtraction means 133, as shown in FIG. The counted value "1" is added to the counted value "2" of the inserted medal counting means 131, that is, "1" is added, and the counted value is "3" of the inserted medal counting means 131. Therefore, a signal meaning the count value “3” is output from the inserted medal counting means 131 to the game control means 141,
The game proceeds under the condition of three medals inserted.

[0042]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent so-called swallowing of medals, that is, the medals inserted into the slot machine are not counted and are not returned to the player, so that the player can enjoy the game with peace of mind. High slot machine can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the slot machine.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the slot machine.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a medal path of a inserted medal.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Slot machine 20 Window 21 Center line 22 Upper prize line 23 Lower prize line 24 Upward diagonal line 25 Downward diagonal line 30-32 Spinning reel 33 Reel drive 40-44 Active line display lamp 50 Bonus related count display 51 Number of stored medals display section 52 Number of payout medals display section 60 Medal slot 70 Stop switch 80 Start switch 90 Medal slot switch 91 1 slot switch 92 2 slot switch 93 3 slot switch 100 Clearing switch 110 Medal slot 120 Medal passage 121 medal return path 122 medal sorter 123 flow path switching device 124 on-off valve 125 solenoid 126 inserted medal detecting means 130 central control unit 131 inserted medal counting means 132 stored medal counting means 133 stored medal subtracting means 134 count value determining means 135 inserted medal Number storage means 136 Medals insertion prohibition means 137 Storage switching means 138 Medals re-insertion Stage 139 the reel drive control means 140 the channel switching control means 141 game control means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A63F 5/04

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] An inserted medal detecting means for detecting each inserted medal inserted from a medal insertion slot and outputting an inserted medal detection signal, and an inserted medal based on the inserted medal detection signal from the inserted medal detecting means. Inserted medal counting means for counting the number of inserted medals, and stored medals for counting the inserted medal number based on the inserted medal detection signal from the inserted medal detecting means when the counted value of the inserted medal counting means exceeds the maximum number of game medals. A slot including counting means, a start switch for outputting a start signal for starting rotation of the spinning reel, and count value determining means for determining the count value of the inserted medal counting means based on the start signal from the start switch; In the machine, the slot machine is provided with a condition that a start signal is generated from a start switch. A medal insertion prohibition means for outputting a insertion prohibition signal to the medal counting means and prohibiting the counting of the inserted medal counting means, and an insertion medal detection from the inserted medal detection means after outputting the insertion prohibition signal from the medal insertion prohibition means A slot machine provided with storage switching means for counting the number of inserted medals in the stored medal counting means based on the inserted medal detection signal on condition that a signal is generated.