JP4225959B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine using game balls for pachinko machines as game media.

  Slot machines that use game balls for pachinko machines as game media have been proposed. In such a slot machine, instead of a medal used as a game medium, when a game ball is thrown into the machine, the number of bets is set and the game can be started, and when a game start request is made by operating a start switch, The symbol display device variably displays a plurality of symbols. After the variable display, when a predetermined winning arrangement is fixedly displayed on the winning line, a prescribed number of game balls are paid out to the player as prize balls. Since these slot machines can be played using the game balls used for pachinko machines, by installing them together with the pachinko machines in the game hall, players can enjoy both pachinko machines and slot machines with one type of game medium. It is possible to improve the convenience of the player.

  In addition, if this slot machine is mounted on a game island for a pachinko machine in the game hall and uses a ball supply / discharge mechanism for the pachinko machine, the facilities for the game hall can be simplified and the management of the game media can be made. Costs can be reduced. For this reason, the configuration already proposed is composed of an outer frame arranged upright on a game island for a pachinko machine in a game hall, and a gaming machine main body that covers the front opening of the outer frame. A game ball is suitably received from a game island for use, and a used game ball can be discharged to the game island (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). In addition, these slot machines, like existing pachinko machines, are provided with an intake storage tray for storing game balls for acquisition on the front side of the machine body. When the take-up storage tray is full of game balls, prize balls are paid out and stored in a surplus storage tray provided below the intake storage tray. Here, the pachinko machine sequentially supplies the game balls stored in the take-in storage tray to the launching device in accordance with the launch operation of the game balls, whereas the slot machine takes in the game balls into the machine. Before starting the game, the player makes a predetermined take-in request by operating the switch, so that the game control means activates the take-in device to automatically play the game ball in the take-up storage tray. The number of bets is set according to the number of game balls taken in the plane. In addition, similar to a pachinko machine, such a slot machine is connected to a card unit or the like, which is an external device, and pays out balls from the payout device in response to a ball rental request from a player. It has been.

Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 7-47056 JP 2001-299995 A

  As described above, a slot machine using a game ball has been proposed to have a storage tray for intake and a storage tray for surplus as well as a pachinko machine. As described above, various ideas have been made, and problems occur when diverted to the slot machine. For example, the game balls in the intake storage tray are easily depleted, and the game balls in the excess storage tray and new rental balls must be replenished frequently. Here, in the pachinko machine, most of the game operation is performed by turning the handle, and the game operation is extremely simple, so that the game ball can be replenished to the intake storage tray in parallel with the game operation. However, in the slot machine, the game operation is relatively complicated, so it becomes complicated for the player to replenish the game ball while performing the game operation, and the game operation is interrupted every time there is a shortage of game balls to be taken in. There is a problem that must be done.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and provides a configuration that can suitably save labor for replenishment of a game ball to a take-up storage tray in a slot machine using a game ball as a game medium. Objective.

The present invention relates to a symbol display device that fixedly displays a plurality of symbols after a variable display, a storage tray for storing game balls for capture, and a game ball stored in the storage reservoir for capture. A take-in device, a payout device for paying out game balls to the take-in storage tray, and a take-in device that is activated based on a player's take-in request to take the game balls into the machine as game media and set the number of bets Take-in process, game start process to start changing the symbol on the symbol display device based on the game start request from the player after setting the bet number, and the payout device to actuate the game ball into the storage reservoir A slot machine that uses a game ball as a game medium with a game control means for executing a payout process, and detects that the amount of game balls stored in the intake storage tray is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference storage amount A storage amount detection switch that performs the game control,
If the storage amount detection switch detects that the amount is more than the reference storage amount, the payout process is not performed, and the number of game balls to be paid out is accumulated and held as unpaid number data,
If there is a take-in request from a player when there is unpaid-out number data, instead of taking-in processing, the number of game balls stored as unpaid-out number data is subtracted, and the bet number is not set. Execute the payout number subtraction process with priority ,
When the unpaid-out number data reaches a predetermined upper limit value, even if game balls that exceed the upper limit value are stored in the intake storage tray even if the game balls are more than the reference storage amount, the payout device , And pay out the award balls and rental balls that exceed the upper limit until at least the storage bin is full and the storage bin is full of game balls. It is a slot machine characterized by paying out game balls to a surplus storage tray . Here, the symbol display device usually includes a rotating reel having symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface. Further, the game control means can be realized mainly by a board in which an electric circuit is incorporated and a program executed on the board, and unpaid number data can be stored in a memory area or the like on the board. . In addition, a player's take-in request and game start request can be normally made by operating a switch provided on the front of the machine body.

  According to such a configuration, first, when the game balls stored in the intake storage tray are less than the reference storage amount, the game balls to be paid out such as prize balls are paid out to the intake storage tray. In such a case, normally, there is no game ball stored as unpaid-out number data, that is, the value of the data is 0 (pieces). The device is activated and game balls are taken in, and the number of bets is set according to the number of game balls taken in. Here, when the game balls are paid out or replenished by the player and the number of game balls stored in the intake storage tray exceeds the reference storage amount, the game balls to be paid out are Without being paid out from the apparatus, it is electrically stored and held as unpaid number data. Then, when such an unpaid-out number data exists (unpaid-out number data> 0), when a take-in request is made, there is a take-in request instead of taking in a game ball in the take-up storage tray. The unpaid number data is subtracted by the amount and the bet number corresponding to the subtracted number of game balls is set. Further, when the unpaid-out number data is subtracted from this state and the value of the data becomes zero, the game ball is taken in again from the take-in storage tray, and the game ball in the take-up storage tray becomes the reference storage amount. If it becomes less than this, the game ball will be paid out to the intake storage tray.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the game balls to be paid out are electrically stored and held as unpaid-off number data on condition that the number of game balls in the take-up storage tray is equal to or greater than the reference storage amount. When a take-in request is made, the bet amount can be set by subtracting the unpaid-out number data instead of taking the game ball from the take-in storage tray. That is, in this configuration, in addition to the game balls stored in the take-in storage tray, the game balls stored as unpaid-out number data can also be used for setting the betting number as the take-in game balls. Therefore, it is possible to store (memorize) more game balls for use than before, and the frequency of replenishing the game balls to the intake storage tray is less than the amount of game balls used for acquisition. Less is enough. In particular, since the unpaid-out number subtraction process is an electric calculation process, it is possible to set the bet number in a shorter time than when a game ball is taken in by the take-in device. Therefore, when the bet number is set by subtracting the unpaid number data, even if a large amount of game balls are taken in, the game is started immediately without waiting for the game balls to be taken into the plane. be able to. Note that it is desirable that the gaming machine of the present invention is provided with a display for displaying the unpaid number data, and constantly notifies the player of the number of game balls electrically stored and held. In the present invention, the game balls to be paid out are not stored as unpaid number data unconditionally. If the number of game balls in the take-in storage tray is less than the reference storage amount, It pays out to the storage tray. For this reason, even if calculation of unpaid-out number data is performed instead of paying out / intake of game balls, at least a reference storage amount of game balls is stored in the intake storage tray. A game ball can be realized as a game medium. In addition, since the game balls of the unpaid number data are preferentially used over the game balls of the storage tank for taking in, when the remaining game balls are reduced, the unpaid number data becomes “0”, and the remaining game balls are It will be stored in the storage tray for intake. Therefore, the player can intuitively grasp the remaining amount of game balls based on the amount of game balls in the take-in storage tray, not on the amount displayed on the display unit that displays the unpaid-out number data. If the number of game balls in the take-in storage tray becomes less than the reference storage amount in a state where the unpaid number data is stored, the number of game balls in the unpaid number data is automatically calculated from the payout device. The data may be paid out, or the data may be stored until a predetermined return request is made by the player. In addition, the game balls to be paid out from the payout device are generally only prize balls generated by winning a prize, but as mentioned above, there are also known models for paying out balls from the payout device. When applied to such a model, a game ball to be paid out includes a rental ball, and the rental ball can be electrically stored and held as unpaid number data.

In general, when a game medium is stored as electronic data, an upper limit value that can be stored as electronic data is set. For this reason, if the unpaid-out number data has reached a predetermined upper limit value, even if game balls that exceed the upper limit value are stored in the take-up storage tray in excess of the reference storage amount , When the payout device is operated, and the prize balls and rental balls that exceed the upper limit value are paid out at least until the intake reservoir is full, and the intake reservoir is full of game balls. The game balls to be paid out are paid out to the surplus storage tray . In such a configuration, the generated winning balls and rental balls are accumulated and held, and when the unpaid-out number data reaches the upper limit, the game balls exceeding the reference storage amount are stored in the intake storage tray. Even if is stored, the payout device is operated to pay out the prize balls and the rental balls that exceed the upper limit until at least the storage tray for taking-in is full.

In the present invention, when the take-up storage tray is full of game balls, the game balls to be paid out are paid out to the surplus storage tray. For this reason, when a large amount of game balls are paid out, the unpaid-out number data reaches the upper limit, and the intake storage tray becomes full, the game balls are paid out from the payout device to the surplus storage tray. . Therefore, the player can continue the game without discharging the game ball out of the machine even when the game ball cannot be received in the unpaid-out number data and the collecting storage tray. Further, the surplus sphere storage tray of the present invention communicates with the intake storage tray as in the conventional configuration, and the game balls paid out from the payout device when the intake storage tray is full are directly stored in the excess sphere storage tray. Although it may be made to pay out to the tray side, it is also possible to adopt an independent configuration that does not communicate with the intake storage tray. In this case, the degree of freedom of installation of the surplus ball storage tray is increased. In this configuration, the priority for storing (memorizing) the game balls is as follows. Reservoir for intake (up to the reference storage amount) ⇒ Unpaid number data (up to the upper limit) ⇒ Reservoir for intake (until full) ⇒ Surplus storage tray, but in addition to this, the intake storage tray (up to full) ⇒ Surplus storage tray (up to full) ⇒ Store (memorize) game balls in the order of unpaid-out number data It is also possible. That is, award balls and the like generated after the surplus storage tray is full can be accumulated and held in the unpaid number data.

The storage amount detection switch can be realized by a detection switch or the like that is installed so as to face the intake storage tray and that is turned on when a game ball is stored at a predetermined position of the intake storage tray. In such a case, the reference storage amount can be appropriately set by changing the installation position of the detection switch. Here, it is proposed that the reference storage amount is a storage amount at which the intake storage tray is filled with game balls . In such a configuration, the game balls are stored and held in the unpaid-out number data, and the take-in storage tray can be kept full while the betting number is set through the data. Note that the reference storage amount detected by the storage amount detection switch is not limited to the exact number of game balls, but may be a rough amount such as about what percentage of the storage capacity of the intake storage tray.

On the other hand, it is also proposed that the reference storage amount be the number of game balls corresponding to the upper limit value of the betting number . Here, the “number of game balls corresponding to the upper limit value of the bet number” is the number of game balls necessary for setting the upper limit value of the bet number, and the maximum number of game balls that can be thrown into one game. It is. In such a configuration, the game balls to be paid out are accumulated and held as unpaid number data at a stage where the storage amount of the take-in storage tray is small. The number setting can be started early. In addition, since the number of game balls stored in the intake storage tray becomes relatively small, the storage state of the game balls in the storage tray becomes stable. Furthermore, even when the unpaid-out number data is no longer subtracted, at least one game ball is stored in the intake storage tray, so that the player can continue playing for a while.

In addition, when the game control means makes a predetermined cancellation request by the player after executing the unpaid number subtraction process and before executing the game start process, the bet number setting is canceled and When a data return process is performed to add the subtracted number of game balls to the unpaid number data and a game ball is taken in from the take-in storage tray, if a cancel request is made, the same number as the number of game balls taken in A configuration is also proposed in which the payout number data is stored and held . In such a configuration, if the player wants to stop the game or reset the bet number after the unpaid number subtraction process is executed by the take-in request, the player cancels it by operating a predetermined switch or the like. When the request is made, the bet number setting is canceled and the unpaid number data is added, so that it is possible to return to the state before execution of the unpaid number subtraction process. Further, when a cancel request is made after taking a game ball from the take-in storage tray, the same number as the taken game ball is stored and held in the unpaid number data .

  As described above, in the present invention, the game control means does not perform the payout process when the storage amount detection switch detects that the storage amount of the intake storage tray is equal to or greater than the reference storage amount. The number of game balls to be paid out is accumulated and held as unpaid number data, and if there is a take-in request from the player when there is unpaid number data, it is replaced with a take-in process. The slot machine is characterized in that the number of game balls stored as unpaid-out number data is subtracted and the unpaid-out number subtraction process for setting the number of bets is preferentially executed (claim 1). It is possible to store (store) more game balls for taking in as much as the number of unpaid-out data stored in. This makes it difficult for the game balls to be consumed during the game, and reduces the frequency of interrupting the game operation and replenishing the game balls to the storage tank, thereby allowing the player to concentrate on the game. Can do. In particular, the present invention stores and holds game balls as electronic data, so there is no need to newly provide a physical area for storing game balls, and the game balls for taking-in can be obtained without complicating the conventional configuration. The amount can be increased. In addition, since the bet number setting by subtraction of the unpaid number data can be instantaneously performed by electrical calculation, the bet number setting time is shortened compared to the conventional configuration in which the bet number setting is performed only by the take-in device, The game can be started immediately. In addition, when the game ball of the intake storage tray is less than the reference storage amount, it is not electrically stored and held, but the game ball is paid out to the intake storage tray, Since the game ball in the take-in storage tray is taken in, the player can intuitively grasp the remaining ball amount from the game ball amount in the take-up storage tray. Further, in the configuration for paying out the rented balls from the payout device as described above, the rented balls are also stored and retained as unpaid-out number data when the storage amount of the intake storage tray is equal to or larger than the reference storage amount. Become. Therefore, if a ball lending request for a large number of game balls is made at one time, and the game balls are stored (stored) in a storage tray and unpaid number data, the number of bets can be set smoothly. The frequency of lending requests can be reduced.

Also, if the unpaid coin number data reaches a predetermined upper limit value, the game control means, for minute game balls that exceeds the upper limit value, it is so arranged to execute the payout process, unpaid coin count data Since excessive storage is prevented and the game ball can be stored until the intake storage tray is full, the space of the intake storage tray can be effectively utilized.

Furthermore, when a surplus storage tray for storing game balls is provided, the unpaid-out number data has reached a predetermined upper limit, and the intake storage tray is full of game balls, the game balls to be paid out are Since the payout is made to the surplus storage tray, the game balls can be paid out to the surplus storage tray even when there is no room for accepting the game balls in the unpaid-out quantity data or the intake storage tray. Therefore, the player can continue the game without transferring the game ball to the outside of the machine.

Also, the reference storage amount, when the take-reserving dish was accumulated amount to be filled with game ball through the unpaid coin number data, while the bet number of settings have been made, for taking Since the storage tray is maintained in a full state, the player can realize that there are enough game balls for taking in.

On the other hand, the reference storage amount, when a game ball number corresponding to the upper limit value of the bet number can initiate betting amount set by subtracting the non-dispensing quantity data early. Moreover, since the storage state is stabilized by reducing the number of game balls in the take-up storage tray, the take-in by the take-in device can be performed smoothly.

In addition, if a predetermined cancellation request is made by the player after the execution of the unpaid number subtraction process and before the game start process, the number of game balls subtracted by the take-in process after canceling the bet number setting. the in the configuration executing the data return processing to be added to the unpaid coin number data, it is possible to cancel the number bet set only by rapid electrical treatment.
In addition, when a cancel request is made after taking a game ball from the take-in storage tray, the same number as the taken game ball is stored and retained in the unpaid number data. The trouble of transferring the game ball returned to the storage tray to the storage tray for loading can be saved.

Embodiments of the present invention are described according to the following examples. In the following embodiments, the storage amount at which the intake storage tray is filled with game balls is set as the reference storage amount according to the invention.
A slot machine 1 according to the present invention plays a game using a game ball x (see FIG. 7) for a pachinko machine as a game medium. As shown in FIGS. A wooden outer frame 2 fixed to (omitted) is provided. The outer frame 2 is formed by assembling plate materials into a rectangular frame shape, and is formed in the same shape as a wooden outer frame of a general pachinko machine. A front frame 4 having one side edge pivoted by upper and lower hinge members 3 and 3 is attached to the front surface of the outer frame 2 so as to be opened and closed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the front frame 4 is formed with an opening 5 at a position near the center, and a game board 7 to which a design plate 6 is attached is attached to the opening 5. The The design board 6 is decorated with an appropriate pattern on the front surface, and a display window at a substantially central portion that allows a design P (see FIG. 2) of rotating reels 63a to 63c described later to be visible from the front. 8a to 8c are formed. A winning line lamp 9 (see FIG. 2) for notifying the player of an effective winning line is provided on the left side of the display window 8a located on the left side. Below the display windows 8a to 8c, various indicators 10a to 10d (see FIG. 2) attached to the game board 7 are arranged in a horizontal row. Here, the display unit 10a displays the number of winnings in the regular bonus, the display unit 10b displays the number of winning balls acquired by one winning, and the display unit 10c is set at the present time. The bet amount is displayed, and the unpaid number data according to the present invention is displayed on the display 10d.

  A reel unit 62 constituting a symbol display device is attached to the back side of the game board 7. Here, the reel unit 62 has three rotary reels 63a to 63c and a plurality of reel drive motors (not shown) for driving the rotary reels 63a to 63c at predetermined positions of the robust storage frame 64. A plurality of symbols P (see FIG. 2) are displayed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the respective rotating reels 63a to 63c. And the reel unit 62 is arrange | positioned at the game board 7 in the state which can display the symbol P of this rotating reel 63a-63c on the display windows 8a-8c mentioned above. Each reel drive motor of the reel unit 62 is electrically connected to a display control board 102 (see FIG. 16) for controlling the rotation of the motor via a wiring (not shown).

  Further, a surplus storage tray 13 is disposed in the lower front portion of the front frame 4, and a ball discharge port 14 is formed in the front frame 4 so as to face the surplus storage tray 13. In the surplus storage tray 13, game balls overflowed from a later-described intake storage tray 15 and game balls returned by a cancel operation flow from the ball discharge port 14 and are stored. Further, the surplus storage tray 13 is provided with a ball slide slider 16 (see FIG. 2) for opening and closing the opening formed on the bottom surface thereof, and the player opens the ball slide slider 16 by moving the ball slide slider 16. Is opened, and the game balls in the surplus storage tray 13 are discharged downward.

  A front door 17 having one side edge pivoted by a hinge member (not shown) is attached to the front side of the front frame 4 so as to be openable and closable. The front door 17 includes a window 18 in which a transparent cover plate made of glass or synthetic resin is fitted, and the rotary reels 63a to 63c that are exposed from the window 18 to the display windows 8a to 8c described above. The design P and various displays 10a-10d can be visually recognized. Decorative lamps 19 are disposed on the left and right sides of the window 18, and speakers 20 are disposed on the left and right sides of the upper portion thereof. The decoration lamp 19 and the speaker 20 are used to produce an effect with a predetermined blinking light or sound effect according to the gaming state. A card operation unit 21 (see FIG. 2) is disposed below the window 18. The card operation unit 21 lends a card return button 25 for requesting a player to return a prepaid card inserted in a card unit (not shown) attached to the side of the slot machine 1 and a predetermined number of game balls. A ball lending button 26 that requests to pay out as a ball, and a frequency display 27 that displays the balance of the prepaid card inserted into the card unit.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a game operation unit 39 in which the intake storage tray 15 is integrally formed is disposed below the front door 17. The game operation unit 39 is provided with a start switch 41, stop switches 43a to 43c, a cancel switch 65a, a return switch 65b, and a settlement switch 65c on the front wall surface, and a MAXBET switch 42a and a 1BET on the right side of the upper wall surface. A switch 42b is provided. And a game is performed by operation of these lever type and button type switches. Here, the MAXBET switch 42a and the 1BET switch 42b are for making a game ball take-in request, and as will be described later, the game balls in the take-in storage tray 15 are automatically moved by these pressing operations. The number of bets is set according to the number of game balls taken in or subtracted from the back side of the front frame 4 or the unpaid-out number data is subtracted. In a state where a game is possible by taking in the game ball, when the game start request is made by depressing the lever-type start switch 41, the rotary reels 63a to 63c rotate and the game is started. The stop switches 43a to 43c are used for a stop operation of the rotary reels 63a to 63c. When these switches are pressed while the rotary reels 63a to 63c are rotating, the game control means sets each stop switch based on the operation timing. The rotating reels 63a to 63c corresponding to 43a to 43c are stopped. The cancel switch 65a is a request for canceling the set bet number before starting the game. When the player presses the cancel switch 65a, the set bet number is cancelled. The taken or subtracted game ball is returned to the player. The return switch 65b is for discharging the game ball x of the intake storage tray 15 to the surplus storage tray 13, and the game ball is transferred from the intake storage tray 15 to the surplus storage tray 13 by such switch operation. Flows down. The settlement switch 65c is for paying out the game balls stored as unpaid-out number data. When the player presses the switch, the game balls with the unpaid-out number data are stored in the intake storage tray or surplus. It is paid out to the storage tray 13. The BET switches 42a to 42b and stop switches 43a to 43c are each provided with a lamp, and the player is notified that the switch operation is effective by lighting each lamp.

  The take-in storage tray 15 has a storage area 36 for storing game balls inside, and the game balls are received from a ball supply port 47 opened on the left side of the front door 17 so as to face the storage area 36. Inflow. Further, the game balls stored in the storage area 36 sequentially flow out from a ball outlet 58 (see FIG. 4) formed on the right side of the storage area 36 and are taken into the machine one by one by a take-in device 50 described later. . Here, the storage area 36 is provided with an elongated groove-shaped rectifying passage 54 (see FIG. 4) inclined downward to align the gaming balls x in a line and roll them to the ball outlet 58. Further, the bottom surface of the storage area 36 is inclined downward toward the rectifying passage 54 so that the game balls can flow into the rectifying passage 54 sequentially.

  The rectifying passage 54 has a length capable of aligning at least 15 game balls (for 15 bets) in a line. As shown in FIG. 7, the rectifying passage 54 is provided with fifteen detection switches 95b at positions facing the fifteenth game ball x from the top. The fifteen detection switch 95b detects the fifteenth game ball when the fifteen gaming balls x are aligned in the rectifying passage 54, and is turned on. Based on the operating state of the switch 95b, It is determined by the control board 100 (see FIG. 16) whether or not 15 or more (15 or more bets) gaming balls x exist in the take-in storage tray 15. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of bets of 1 to 15 units can be selected in one game, and the number of game balls 15 detected by the 15 detection switches 95b is the upper limit of the bet number. It hits.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the bottom portion of the rectifying passage 54 is composed of an aligned bottom plate 59 attached to the front door 17, and a sprocket 71 constituting the take-in device 50 is arranged at the end of the aligned bottom plate 59. It is installed. The take-in device 50 is for taking game balls on the rectifying passage 54 into the machine in units of bets, and as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, a take-in motor 72 as an electric drive device, A sprocket 71 that is rotated by the operation of the take-in motor 72 and a take-in ball detection switch 77 as a game ball detecting means are configured. The take-in motor 72 includes a stepping motor, is connected to the main control board 100 (see FIG. 16), and rotates the sprocket 71 at a rotation angle corresponding to a control signal from the main control board 100. The sprocket 71 has a thickness dimension substantially equal to the width dimension of the aligned bottom plate 59, and has a substantially Y-shape in which three recesses 70 each accommodating one game ball x are formed at equal intervals on the periphery thereof. However, between the concave portions 70 is a stopping portion 73 for stopping the game ball on the outer peripheral surface thereof.

  The sprocket 71 is located immediately below the end of the rectifying passage 54, and in a state where any one of the recesses 70 of the sprocket 71 is directed upward, one game ball x falling from the end of the alignment bottom plate 59 is received by the recess 70. Can be accommodated inside. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, in the state where any of the stopping portions 73 of the sprocket 71 faces the ball outlet 58, the game ball x is stopped by the outer peripheral surface of the stopping portion 73 and the stopping portion 73. A recess 70 located on the front side in the rotation direction of the intake passage 48 communicates with the intake passage 48. As a result, the game ball x accommodated in the recess 70 passes from the ball intake port 49 formed so as to penetrate the front door 17 and the front frame 4 to the intake passage 48 of the back mechanism plate 37 described later. Inflow. Moreover, the outer peripheral surface of each stopping part 73 is inclined downward toward the front door 17, and guides the game ball x stopped at the head of the rectifying passage 54 toward the return port 80 of the return passage 45 described later. You can get it.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the take-in ball detection switch 77 is disposed at the base end of the take-in passage 48 at a position facing the side of the sprocket 71. The take-in ball detection switch 77 is connected to the main control board 100, and every time the game ball x taken in by the take-in device 50 flows into the take-in passage 48, the take-in ball detection switch 77 is turned on. Accordingly, the main control board 100 (see FIG. 16) determines that one game ball x has been taken in.

  Further, a return port 80 penetrating the front door 17 and the front frame 4 is formed at a position corresponding to the game ball x stopped at the head of the rectifying passage 54. As shown in FIG. 9, an opening / closing piece 81 that is driven back and forth by a return solenoid 85 is disposed on the back surface side of the front frame 4 at the return port 80. The return port 80 is closed. The return solenoid 85 is electrically connected to the return switch 65b provided in the game operation unit 39, and the return solenoid 85 is turned ON only when the return switch 65b is being pressed to open and close the opening / closing piece. 81 moves backward and the return port 80 is opened. Further, the return port 80 communicates with a return passage 45 of the back mechanism plate 37 described later, and the game ball x flowing in from the return port 80 passes through the return passage 45 to the ball discharge port 14 of the surplus storage tray 13. Sent.

  A back mechanism plate 37 whose one side edge is pivotally connected by hinge members 40 and 40 (see FIG. 9) is attached to the back side of the front frame 4 so as to be openable and closable. As shown in FIG. 11, a substrate unit 38 is mounted on the back surface of the back mechanism plate 37, and a plurality of substrates 100 to 106 in which electronic circuits are incorporated (see FIG. 16). Is built-in. These boards 100 to 106 are electrically connected to each other, and are connected to various sensors, switches, motors, lamps and the like included in the slot machine 1, and the game control means according to the present invention is used for these boards 100. To 106. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a ball tank 30 that receives supply of game balls from a game island ball supply device (not shown) is provided above the back mechanism plate 37. The ball tank 30 communicates with the above-described payout ball discharge port 14 through a vertical ball supply passage 31 formed to be biased to the side of the back mechanism plate 37. A payout device 32 is provided in the midway position. The payout device 32 includes a payout motor (not shown) for sending game balls from the ball tank 30 side to the ball discharge port 14 side, and a payout ball detection switch (not shown) for detecting the sent game balls. Driven by a command signal from the main control board (see FIG. 16), a predetermined number of game balls located on the ball tank 30 side are sent to the ball discharge port 14 side. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the game balls paid out from the payout device 32 normally flow into the take-in storage tray 15 from a ball supply port 47 provided in the middle of the ball supply passage 31. When the take-up storage tray 15 is full, the game ball overflowed from the ball supply port 47 is discharged from the ball discharge port 14 to the surplus storage tray 13. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, a fullness detection switch 95a for detecting that the intake reservoir 15 is full is provided in the back of the ball supply port 47. The full detection switch 95a detects the game ball and turns it on when the take-in storage tray 15 is full of game balls and a game ball that does not fit in the ball supply port 47 stops. Based on the operating status of 95a, the main control board (see FIG. 16) determines whether or not the take-in storage tray 15 is full. Here, in this embodiment, the reference storage amount as a condition for storing and holding as unpaid-off number data is the full amount of the intake storage pan, and the storage amount detection switch according to the present invention is such a full state. It comprises a detection switch 95a. Further, a surplus full tank switch 98 for detecting that the surplus storage tray 13 is filled with game balls is provided at the back of the ball discharge port 14, and the main control board 100 (see FIG. 16) is provided. The full state of the surplus storage tray 13 is detected by the ON operation of this switch.

  Further, the intake passage 48 and the return passage 45 described above are provided in the lower portion of the back mechanism plate 37. The return passage 45 causes the game ball that has flowed in from the return port 80 to flow down and discharge it to the ball discharge port 14 of the surplus storage tray 13, and its end portion is connected to the end portion of the ball supply passage 31. It is communicated. The intake passage 48 is bifurcated through a distribution device 33 provided in the middle thereof, and as shown in FIG. 12, one of the branch passages 51 a is formed at the end of the ball supply passage 31. The other branch 51b is opened to face a ball collecting device (not shown) on the game island. Then, the game balls flowing in and flowing down from the above-described ball intake port 49 are discharged by the sorting device 33 to either the ball discharge port 14 of the surplus storage tray 13 or the ball collection device of the game island.

  As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the distribution device 33 includes a sprocket 52 capable of blocking the intake passage 48 and a distribution motor 53 that selectively rotates the sprocket 52 in both forward and reverse directions. And a stationary ball detection switch 55 disposed immediately above the sprocket 52. Here, the sprocket 52 has the same shape as the sprocket 71 of the take-in device 50 described above, and is provided with three recesses 56 capable of accommodating game balls one by one on the periphery thereof, and between the recesses 56. The stopping portion 57 for stopping the game ball on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The sorting motor 53 is a stepping motor, is connected to the main control board 100 (see FIG. 16), is driven to rotate in either the forward or reverse direction by a control signal from the main control board 100, and is sprocket 52. It is controlled to stop in a state where any one of the stop portions 57 is directed upward. Then, the game balls in units of bets taken into the take-in passage 48 from the above-described ball take-in port 49 are temporarily stopped by the stop 57 of the sprocket 71 as shown in FIG. When the above-described start switch 41 is pushed down, the sorting motor 53 is driven to rotate clockwise in the drawing based on the control signal from the main control board 100 (see FIG. 16), and the sprocket 52 rotates in the same direction. As shown in FIG. 15B, the game balls are discharged to the ball collection device side of the game island via the branch path 51b. At this time, the rotation of the sorting motor 53 is continued until the game ball is no longer detected by the stationary ball detection switch 55 disposed immediately above the sprocket 52, that is, in units of bets taken into the take-in passage 48. Continue until there are no more game balls. In addition, when the cancel switch 65a is pressed in a state where the game ball in units of bets is stopped by the stopping portion 57 of the sprocket 71, based on a control signal from the main control board 100 (see FIG. 16), The distribution motor 53 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in the drawing, and the sprocket 52 rotates in the same direction, so that the game ball is terminated at the end of the ball supply passage 31 via the branch path 51a as shown in FIG. Sent to the department. Thereby, the game ball once taken into the take-in passage 48 is returned to the surplus storage tray 13 from the ball discharge port 14.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing various boards constituting the game control means of the slot machine 1 according to the present invention and a connection mode of the boards.
A main control board 100 constituted by a microcomputer is provided with a board circuit including a central control device (CPU) for main control for comprehensively controlling the game operation of the slot machine 1. The board circuit of the main control board 100 is provided with an input port and an output port (not shown) for performing data communication with peripheral devices, and a control signal from the main control board 100 is issued through the output port. The signals are output toward the input ports of the control board 101, the display control board 102, the lamp control board 103, and the information terminal board 105. The input port of the main control board 100 is connected to the start switch 41, the BET switches 42a to 42b, the stop switches 43a to 43c, the cancel switch 65a, the return switch 65b, the settlement switch 65c, etc. The control board 100 checks these operating states every predetermined time (for example, every 2 ms), and controls the gaming state according to the ON operation. The main control board 100 is connected to a full detection switch 95a, 15 detection switches 95b, an intake motor 72 of the intake device 50, an intake ball detection switch 77, and the like. In addition, the main control board 100 includes a storage device ROM that stores an operation program used for arithmetic processing and a storage device RAM that can read and write necessary data at any time via a bus (not shown). Connected to CPU. The unpaid-out number data according to the present invention is stored in this storage device RAM, and is added / subtracted / referenced by the central control device CPU for main control as required.

  The payout control board 101 is provided with a board circuit for controlling the payout operation of the game ball. This board circuit is connected to the payout device 32 of the back mechanism plate 37, and operates the payout device 32 in accordance with a command sent from the main control board 100 to execute the payout of the rented or winning balls. Also, the payout control board 101 is connected to a card unit, which is an accessory device that reads and writes a prepaid card storing the number of rented balls, via a CR connection board 104 that relays the data processing of this prepaid card. Exchanges the remaining sphere data of the sphere. Further, the payout control board 101 is provided behind the ball break switch for detecting the ball break in the ball tank 30 and the ball discharge port 14, and the surplus storage tray 13 is filled with game balls. A surplus full tank switch 98 is connected to detect this.

  The display control board 102 is provided with a board circuit for performing stop control of the rotary reels 63a to 63c. The substrate circuit is connected to a reel drive motor that rotationally drives each of the rotary reels 63 a to 63 c and a reference position sensor that detects the rotation angle of the rotary reels 63 a to 63 c, and in accordance with a command sent from the main control substrate 100. The reel drive motor is operated to rotate each of the rotary reels 63a to 63c and stop at a predetermined rotation angle. The display control board 102 is connected to the various displays 10a to 10d provided below the rotary reels 63a to 63c, and is connected to the speaker 20 via the voice control board 106 that controls output of sound effects and voices. It is connected.

  The lamp control board 103 is connected with a winning line lamp 9, a start lamp provided in the game operation unit 39, and lamps built in the various switches 42a, 42b, 43a to 43c. In response to the command, various lamps are controlled to be informed to the player that the winning line or the switch operation has become effective. Further, a decoration lamp 19 is connected to the lamp control board 103, and the decoration lamp 19 is lit and blinks in a predetermined manner according to the gaming state in accordance with a command sent from the main control board 100.

  The information terminal board 105 is for connection to a centralized management device installed on the amusement island, and information such as the number of winning balls and the number of hits sent from the main control board 100 and the payout control board 101 is received. The information is transmitted to the centralized management apparatus via the information terminal board 105.

  Next, the control process of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment performed on the main control board 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the control process of the slot machine 1 includes a main process for repeatedly executing a plurality of subroutines after an initial setting process after power-on. That is, when the slot machine is first turned on, the internal operation initialization is performed, and then whether or not the erasure condition for the storage device RAM is satisfied. If the condition is satisfied, the contents of the storage device RAM are changed. Erase, and then initialize the internal device.

  After such an initial setting process after the power is turned on, a bet number setting process, an internal lottery process, a reel rotation process, a reel stop process, a winning determination process, a winning ball payout process, a lending payout process, and a payout control process are performed. After that, a series of subroutines from the betting number setting process to the payout control process are repeatedly executed. Briefly describing each subroutine, in the bet number setting process, before starting the game, a process for setting the bet number and returning the game ball according to the operation of the player is performed. In the internal lottery process, at the start of the game, a random value lottery and a result determination are performed in order to determine whether or not to make a winning possible state. In the reel rotation process, the reel drive motor is driven to rotate the rotation reels 63a to 63b at a predetermined rotation speed. In the reel stop process, the symbol form to be fixedly displayed is determined based on the operation timing of the stop switches 43a to 43c and whether or not the winning is possible, and the reel drive motor is stopped. In the winning determination process, it is determined whether or not a winning is made according to the arrangement of the symbols P that are fixedly displayed, and when a winning is made, a prescribed number of winning balls are generated. In the prize ball payout process, a process related to payout of the generated prize ball is performed. In addition, the ball rental payout process is a process related to payout of a ball generated by a ball rental request from a player. Further, in the payout control process, the payout device 32 is operated to perform a process for paying out the winning balls or the rental balls to the take-in storage tray 15 (or the surplus storage tray 13). Here, the internal lottery process, the reel rotation process, the reel stop process, and the winning determination process are the same control processes as those of the existing slot machine. In the following, the bet number setting process, the award according to the present invention, Only the four subroutines of the ball payout process, the lending payout process, and the payout control process will be described in detail.

  In the bet number setting process, before the game starts, various processes for setting the bet number and returning the game ball are performed according to the player's operation. The take-in process, unpaid-out number subtraction process, and data return process according to the present invention are mainly executed in this bet number setting process. First, before describing specific processing contents of the betting number setting process, main variables stored in the storage device RAM of the main control board 100 and used for control will be briefly described. The “unpaid number data” according to the present invention indicates the number of game balls that have not been paid out at the present time among the game balls (prize balls / rental balls) to be paid out from the payout device 32, and is stored in the storage device RAM. It is stored in the unpaid number counter. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the unpaid-out number data is set to 250 (pieces). The “number of requested acquisitions” indicates the number of bets requested by the player by operating the BET switches 42a and 42b, that is, the number of requested acquisitions, and is stored in the acquisition request counter of the storage device RAM. Specifically, the take-in request number (take-in request counter value) takes a value from 0 to 15 (betting number upper limit value). “Acquisition confirmation number” indicates the number of game balls that have been taken in from the take-in storage tray 15 or subtracted from the unpaid-out quantity data at the present time. And takes a value from 0 to 15 (the upper limit value of the betting amount). Here, in this embodiment, one game ball is used as one unit of bet amount, and the number of confirmation of acquisition indicates the bet number set at the present time. It should be noted that the number of acquisition requests and the number of acquisition confirmations are accumulated and held by an additional acquisition request from the player or an additional setting of the number of bets, and are reset at the start of the game.

  As shown in FIG. 18, at the start of the betting number setting process, it is first determined whether or not the take-in request number is less than the betting number upper limit (15). If the required number of bets is the upper limit for betting, the process for setting the betting number is skipped, and the cancellation, return processing, settlement processing, and start processing subroutines are executed in order to set the betting amount. The process ends. These subroutines will be described later. On the other hand, when the number of acquisition requests is less than 15, the operating state of the BET switches 42a and 42b is determined. When the 1BET switch 42b is ON, "1" is added to the number of acquisition requests. If the MAXBET switch 42a is ON, the number of acquisition requests is set to “15” and the acquisition operation flag is turned ON. Thereafter, the state of the fetching operation flag is determined. If the fetching operation flag is ON, whether or not unpaid-out number data exists, that is, whether or not the unpaid-out number data is greater than 0 If there is unpaid-out number data, the unpaid-out data take-in process is executed, and the bet number is set by subtracting the unpaid-out number data. On the other hand, if the unpaid-out number data is “0”, the take-in ball take-in process is executed, and the bet number is set by taking in the game balls from the take-in storage tray 15. Further, when the capturing operation flag is OFF, such processing is skipped. In any case, the subroutines of the cancel process, the return process, the settlement process, and the start process are executed in order, and the betting number setting process is terminated.

  The unpaid-out data take-in process is to subtract the unpaid-out quantity data when a take-in request is made when there is unpaid-out quantity data, and sets the bet number. The payout number subtraction process is mainly executed in the unpaid data take-in process. First, as shown in FIG. 19, the unpaid number data is compared with the fetch request number to check whether the fetch request number can be covered by the unpaid number data. If the unpaid number data is greater than or equal to the requested number (can be covered), set the current number of requested requests as the number of confirmed confirmations (betting number) and retrieve from the unpaid number data. The requested number is subtracted, the start permission flag is turned ON (game can be started), and the start switch operation is validated. On the other hand, if the unpaid number data is less than the requested number, the unpaid number data at that time is set as the confirmed number (betting number), and the unpaid number data is set to “0”. . In this case, it is not possible to cover all the requested number of acquisitions with the unpaid number data, but the game balls in the storage tray 15 for acquisition may be able to be acquired, so at this time the start permission flag is turned ON. Instead, once the player tries to take in from the take-in storage tray 15, the game can be started. As described above, when the BET switches 42a and 42b are operated to make a take-in request, the unpaid number data is confirmed in the betting number setting process, and this subroutine is executed when the unpaid number data exists. As a result, the number of game balls corresponding to the number of take-in requests is subtracted from the unpaid number data, and the bet number corresponding to the subtraction number is set.

  The take-in-ball take-in process is to set the bet number by taking a game ball from the take-in storage tray 15 when a take-in request is made in a state where there is no unpaid number data. The taking-in process according to the present invention is mainly executed in this taking-in dish ball taking-in process. First, as shown in FIG. 20, if it is stopped, the take-in motor 72 is driven to rotate the sprocket 71 and the take-in monitoring timer for measuring the take-in interval is set to “5000 (10 seconds)”. Set to. Then, the state of the take-in ball detection switch 77 is determined, and when the take-in ball detection switch 77 is ON, “1” is added to the number of take-in confirmation (the number of bets), and the take-in monitoring is performed. Reset the timer to “5000”. Next, when the value of the capture monitoring timer is not “0”, “1” is subtracted from the value of the timer. When the sprocket 71 is rotated, the game balls aligned in the rectifying passage 54 are sent to the intake passage 48 one by one, and when the intake ball detection switch 77 is turned on, the main control board 100 confirms the acquisition. “1” is added to the number (the number of bets), and the capture monitoring timer is reset to “5000”. Next, the number of acquisition confirmation (the number of bets) is compared with the required number of acquisitions. If the two are equal, the acquisition monitoring timer is set to “0” on the assumption that the acquisition of the requested game ball has been completed. ”And the take-in motor 72 is stopped, the take-in operation flag is set to OFF (non-take-in), the start permission flag is set to ON (game can be started), and the take-in tray ball take-in process is terminated. . When the number of acquisition confirmations and the number of required acquisitions are different, it is determined whether the value of the acquisition monitoring timer is “0”, and when it is not “0”, the acquisition tray ball acquisition process is performed. finish. On the other hand, when the take-in monitoring timer is “0”, the game ball is not taken in even if the sprocket 71 is rotated for 10 seconds. After the take-in motor 72 is stopped and the take-in operation flag is set to OFF (take-in operation is stopped), if the take-in confirmation number (the number of bets) is 1 or more, the start permission flag is turned on (game) The take-in tray ball taking-in process is terminated.

  The cancel process is a process for canceling the setting of the bet amount in response to a cancel request by operating the cancel switch 65a, and the data return process according to the present invention is mainly executed in this cancel process. At the beginning of the cancellation process, as shown in FIG. 21, the requested number of acquisitions and the number of confirmed acquisitions (the number of bets) are confirmed, and when any value is 0, the number of bets is not set. The cancel process ends. On the other hand, when the requested number of acquisitions and the number of acquisition confirmations are positive numbers, it is determined whether or not the cancellation flag is ON (betting number setting is being canceled), and when it is OFF, the cancel switch 65a. The state of the switch is determined by making the operation of (1) effective. Here, when the cancel switch 65a is ON, the cancel flag is set to ON (betting number setting is being canceled), and a cancel timer for measuring the game ball discharge interval is set to a predetermined value (here, 5 seconds), and a series of processes for canceling the bet amount setting is started. Further, it is determined whether or not the capture device 50 is in operation, and if it is in operation, the capture device 50 is stopped. Subsequently, the state of the cancel flag is determined again, and if the cancel flag is OFF, the cancel flag is terminated. If the cancel flag is ON, the sorting motor 53 is driven in a direction to return the game ball in the intake passage 48 to the surplus storage tray 13. Next, the state of the stationary ball detection switch 55 is determined. If it is ON, “1” is added to the number of cancellations, and the cancellation timer is reset to a predetermined value (5 seconds). Thereafter, the value of the cancellation timer is updated to check the value of the cancellation timer. If the cancellation timer is not “0”, it is determined that there is a game ball to be discharged in the intake passage 48. Then, the canceling process is ended while the sorting motor 53 is driven. On the other hand, when the cancellation timer is “0”, the game ball is not discharged even if the sorting motor 53 is rotated for a predetermined time (5 seconds). Accordingly, the sorting motor 53 is stopped, and subsequently a series of cancel data processing for canceling the unpaid-out number data is executed, and then the cancel processing is terminated.

  In the cancel data process, a process for returning the number of game balls of the unpaid-off number data subtracted in the unpaid-out subtraction process according to the present invention to the state before the subtraction is performed. First, as shown in FIG. 22, at the beginning of the process, the number of bets to be confirmed (the number of bets) and the number of game balls returned to the surplus storage tray 13 (the number of cancellations) are subtracted from the unpaid number data. Determine the number of played balls. When the number of cancellations is 0, that is, when the number of game balls returned to the surplus storage tray 13 is 0, all of the confirmed number of acquisitions (the number of bets) is due to subtraction of the unpaid number data. For this reason, the number of acquisition confirmation (number of bets) is added to the unpaid-out number data. When the number of confirmed acquisitions is equal to the number of cancellations, the number of game balls of the confirmed number of acquisitions has been returned to the surplus storage tray 13 and therefore the unpaid number data is not added and the cancellation number is reset to “0”. To do. Also, in any of the above cases, and when the number of cancellations is smaller than the number of confirmed acquisitions, the number obtained by subtracting the number of cancellations from the number of confirmed acquisitions is the number of subtractions from the unpaid number data, so this value Is added to the unpaid number data, and the cancel number is reset to “0”. In either case, after resetting the number of capture confirmations and the number of requested captures to “0”, the cancel flag, the capture operation flag, and the start flag are respectively turned off, and the cancel data processing is terminated.

  In the return process, based on the operation of the return switch 65 b, a process for returning the game ball x stored in the intake storage tray 15 to the surplus storage tray 13 through the return passage 45 is performed. In this return processing, as shown in FIG. 23, first, the state determination of the in-operation flag is performed, and when the in-operation flag is ON (in operation), the return solenoid 85 is stopped. End the return process. This is because if the return port 80 is opened during the taking-in operation, the taking-in operation of the game ball is hindered. Next, the state of the return switch 65b is determined. If the return switch is ON, the return solenoid 85 is operated. If the return switch is OFF, the return solenoid 85 is stopped and the return process is terminated. Thus, when the return switch 65b is pressed while the take-in device 50 is inactive, the return solenoid 85 is activated, the return port 80 is opened, and when the return switch 65b is released, the return solenoid 85 is turned on. The operation is stopped and the return port 80 is closed. In this configuration, while the return switch 65b is being pressed, the return solenoid 85 is operated to open the return port 80. However, in order to suppress the heat generation of the return solenoid 85 due to long-time operation, the return solenoid 85 is constant. When the time has elapsed, the return solenoid 85 may be automatically stopped and the return port 80 may be closed.

  In the checkout process, a process for paying out the game balls stored as unpaid-out number data from the payout device 32 is performed based on the operation of the checkout switch 65c. In this settlement process, as shown in FIG. 24, first, the state determination of the capturing operation flag is performed. If the capturing operation flag is ON (the capturing operation is in progress), the settlement process is terminated as it is. It is difficult to think that there is a settlement request during the capture operation, and this is to prevent erroneous operation. Next, the unpaid-out number data is confirmed. If the data is “0”, the settlement process is terminated as it is. Then, the state of the settlement switch 65c is determined. When the settlement switch 65c is OFF, the settlement process is terminated, and when the settlement switch 65c is ON, the dispensing motor is driven to dispense the dispensing ball. Each time the detection switch detects a paid-out game ball, the unpaid-out number data is subtracted by “1” and the drive of the payout motor is continued until the data becomes “0”. In this settlement process, when the settlement switch 65c is pressed, the settlement process is executed immediately. However, in consideration of the case where the settlement switch 65c is touched by mistake, the settlement switch 65c is continuously pressed for a certain time. At this point, the settlement of the unpaid number data may be executed.

  In the start process, a process for starting a game is performed based on the operation of the start switch 41. As shown in FIG. 25, first, at the start of the start process, the state of the start permission flag is determined. If the flag is OFF (game start is impossible), the start process is terminated. If the start permission flag is ON (game can be started), the state of the start switch 41 is determined. If the switch is OFF, the start process is terminated. On the other hand, when the start switch 41 is ON, a series of processes for starting the game is performed. That is, the start flag indicating the start of rotation of the rotating reels 63a to 63c is set to ON (rotation start), and the current acquisition confirmation number (set bet number) is set as the fixed acquisition number (determined bet number). Thereafter, the number of requested acquisitions and the number of confirmations to be acquired are reset to “0”, and further, the distribution motor 53 is driven in a direction to discharge the game balls in the take-in passage 48 to the ball collecting device on the game island, and start. End the process.

  In the prize ball payout process, a process related to payout of the generated prize ball is performed. First, as shown in FIG. 26, the state of the ball break switch and surplus full tank switch 98 is determined, and when either switch is ON, the ball is out or the surplus storage tray is full. Since the payout is impossible, the prize ball payout process is terminated. Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of prize balls have been generated by winning a prize. If no prize balls have been generated, the prize ball payout process is terminated. A series of processes for determining the are executed. That is, first, the state of the full detection switch 95a is determined, and when the switch is OFF (the storage tank for taking-in is not full), the specified award ball number is added to the unpaid number data, and a prize ball payout process is performed. Exit. When the full detection switch 95a is ON (the storage tray for intake is full), a total value obtained by adding the prescribed award ball number to the unpaid number data is obtained, and the total value is the upper limit value of the unpaid number data. (250) It is determined whether or not. If the total value is less than or equal to the upper limit value, the specified award ball number is added to the unpaid number data, and the award ball payout process is terminated. On the other hand, when the total value is larger than the upper limit value, the number of game balls that exceed the upper limit value is stored in the surplus ball data, and the unpaid-out number data is set as the upper limit value (250), and the winning ball payout process is performed. finish.

  In the rental ball payout process, a process related to paying out a rental ball caused by a ball rental request is performed. Here, in the present embodiment, the game ball payout mode does not largely distinguish the prize ball and the rental ball payout mode, and the same process as the above-described prize ball payout process is performed in the ball payout process. That is, as shown in FIG. 27, first, the state of the ball break switch and the surplus full tank switch 98 is determined, and if the payout is impossible, the lending payout process is terminated. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is a ball lending request by operating the ball lending button 26. If there is no ball lending request, the lending payout process is terminated. A series of processes for determining the treatment of the loaned ball is executed. That is, first, the state of the fullness detection switch 95a is determined, and when the switch is OFF (the storage bin for intake is not full), the required number of rented balls is added to the unpaid-out number data to rent The ball payout process is terminated. When the full detection switch 95a is turned ON (the storage tray is full), a total value obtained by adding the specified number of balls to the unpaid number data is obtained, and the total value is the upper limit value of the unpaid number data. (250) It is determined whether or not. If the total value is less than or equal to the upper limit value, the specified lending number is added to the unpaid-out number data, and the lending payout process is terminated. On the other hand, if the total value is larger than the upper limit value, the number of game balls that exceed the upper limit value is stored in the surplus ball data, and the lending payout process is performed with the unpaid-off number data as the upper limit value (250). finish.

  In the payout control process, a process for paying out award balls and rental balls stored as unpaid-out number data and surplus ball data is performed. The payout process according to the present invention is mainly executed in this payout control process. Is done. As shown in FIG. 28, at the start of the payout control process, first, the state of the fullness detection switch 95a is determined. Here, when the full detection switch 95a is ON (the storage tray for intake is full), the game balls stored in the unpaid-out number data are stored and held without being paid out, and the surplus ball data is confirmed. If there is no surplus sphere data (surplus sphere data = 0), the payout control process is terminated. If surplus ball data exists, the surplus ball data is subtracted by “1” each time the payout motor is driven and the payout ball detection switch detects a game ball that has been paid out. ”Is continued until the payout motor is driven. On the other hand, in the state determination at the start of processing, when the full detection switch 95a is OFF (the storage tray for intake is not full), it is determined that there is no surplus sphere data, and the unpaid-out number data is confirmed. If there is no unpaid number data (unpaid number data = 0), the payout control process is terminated. On the other hand, when there is unpaid-out number data, a series of processes for paying out unpaid-out number data is performed. Here, 25 game balls stored as unpaid-out number data are paid out at a time. That is, it is determined whether or not the unpaid-out number data is 25 or less. If the unpaid-out number data is 25 or less, the unpaid-out number data is set as the number of continuously paid-out balls. If the unpaid-out number data is 26 or more, the number of continuously paid-out balls is set to “25”. Thereafter, every time the payout motor is driven and the payout ball detection switch detects a payout game ball, “1” is subtracted from the consecutive payout ball number and the unpaid number data, and the continuous payout ball number is “0”. ”Is continued until the payout motor is driven. When the full detection switch 95a is turned ON during the payout of the unpaid number data, the payout control process is terminated by setting the number of consecutive payout balls to “0” immediately.

  In this way, in this embodiment, when a game ball to be paid out such as a prize ball or a rental ball is generated, in the prize ball payout process or the ball payout process, until the unpaid number data reaches the upper limit value, If it is temporarily stored as unpaid-out number data and the unpaid-out number data reaches the upper limit value, the number of game balls exceeding the upper limit value is stored as surplus ball data. In the subsequent payout control process, the game balls stored as the surplus ball data are paid out from the payout device 32 regardless of the storage amount of the take-in storage tray 15. On the other hand, the game balls stored as the unpaid-out number data are paid out from the payout device 32 on the condition that the take-up storage tray 15 is not full and discharged to the take-up storage tray 15. That is, when the take-in storage tray 15 is full, the number of game balls to be paid out is stored and held as unpaid number data without being paid out from the payout device 32.

Next, the game operation of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, one game ball constitutes one unit of bet number. Normally, a game ball of 1 to 15 units is inserted by inserting a game ball in a storage tray 15 for taking in. Set the number and start playing. The setting of the bet number is performed by operating the two BET switches 42a and 42b. In other words, when the BET switches 42a and 42b are operated, if the MAXBET switch 42a is operated, a take-in request is made to set the bet number to 15 units, and if the 1BET switch 42b is operated, the bet number is incremented by one. Request is made. Note that, when the rotating reels 63a to 63c are rotating, or when the bet number is already set to 15, even if the BET switches 42a and 42b are operated, the take-in device 50 does not operate.

  When a bet number of at least one unit is set by operating the BET switches 42a and 42b, the start lamp is turned on and the game can be started. When the start switch 41 is pressed down when the start lamp is lit, the rotating reels 63a to 63c start to rotate, and the symbol P is displayed in a variable manner. When the stop switches 43a to 43c are pressed during this rotation, the main control board 100 determines the stop mode of the symbol P based on the operation timing, and each of the rotary reels 63a is set to the stop mode. ˜63c is stopped. When the rotary reels 63a to 63c are stopped and the symbols P on the effective winning line are arranged in a predetermined arrangement, the winning combination is “win (winning)”, and a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out from the payout device 32. In some cases, a bonus game or the like is executed. It should be noted that the stop reel mechanism 63a to 63c stop control mechanism and the game content such as the bonus game can be the same as those of a known slot machine.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment has five winning lines of upper, middle, lower and double diagonal lines with respect to the symbol P of the display windows 8a to 8c, as in a general slot machine. A pay line that is provided and is activated according to the set bet number is selected. In addition, unlike the normal slot machine, this embodiment does not allow a game with any one to three bets. Instead, one game ball is one unit and one bet (one game ball). ) To 15 units (15 game balls). For this reason, in this embodiment, an effective pay line corresponding to 15 bets, a winning lottery probability, and the number of winning balls are defined.

Next, the payout mode of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
The prize balls generated by winning are usually paid out from the payout device 32 to the intake storage tray 15. Here, when a lot of prize balls are paid out in a bonus game or the like and the take-in storage tray 15 becomes full, the full detection switch 95a detects this. Thus, the newly generated prize ball is stored and held as unpaid-out number data without being paid out from the payout device 32, and the value of the unpaid-out number data is displayed on the display 10d and stored as electronic data. The number of game balls held is notified to the player. Further, a winning ball is generated and cumulatively added to the unpaid-out number data. When the unpaid-out number data reaches the upper limit value (250), the winning ball generated exceeding the upper limit value is stored from the payout device 32 for surplus use. It will be paid out to the tray 13. When the surplus storage tray 13 becomes full with the paid out game balls, the surplus full tank switch 98 detects this. In such a case, since there is no space for storing (storing) a new prize ball, the main control board 100 does not accept the game start request and prompts the player to transfer the game ball to the outside of the machine. In this embodiment, when a ball lending request is made by pressing the ball lending button 26, the ball lending is paid out from the payout device 32. Similarly to the prize ball, when the take-in storage tray 15 is full, it is electrically stored and held as unpaid-out number data.

  Note that the player can discharge the game balls accumulated in the surplus storage tray 13 downward by moving the ball removal slider 16. In addition, the game ball in the take-in storage tray 15 can be discharged to the surplus storage tray 13 by the pressing operation of the return switch 65b, and then discharged out of the machine. The game balls stored and retained as unpaid-out number data are sequentially paid out from the payout device 32 to the take-in storage tray 15 when the game balls in the take-up storage tray 15 are discharged and the full state is eliminated. Even if the intake reservoir 15 is full, it can be paid out to the excess reservoir 13 by the pressing operation of the settlement switch 65c.

Next, the betting number setting mode of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
When the player operates the BET switches 42a and 42b to make a take-in request, and there is no unpaid-out number data (unpaid-out number data = 0), the take-in device 50 is driven, A game ball is taken in from the take-in storage tray 15. Then, the number of bets displayed on the display 10c increases by the number of game balls taken, and if the start switch 41 is operated in such a state, a game with the displayed number of bets is started. On the other hand, when there is unpaid-out number data, the game balls in the take-in storage tray 15 are not taken in, but the value of the unpaid-out number data displayed on the display 10d is decreased and subtracted. As a result, the number of bets displayed on the display 10c increases. If the start switch 41 is operated in such a state, the game with the displayed bet number is started in the same manner as when the game ball is taken in. Note that the player can cancel the setting of the betting number by pressing the cancel switch 65a and making a cancel request before the game starts. That is, in such a case, the bet number displayed on the display 10c is “0”, and the game ball x taken from the take-in storage tray 15 and stopped in the take-in passage 48 is replaced with the surplus storage tray. The number of game balls returned to 13 and once subtracted is added to the unpaid-out number data, and the unpaid-out number data returns to the value before setting the bet amount.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, when the take-in storage tray 15 is full of game balls, the game balls to be paid out such as prize balls and rental balls are paid out from the payout device 32 to the surplus storage tray 13. Instead, it is electrically stored and held as unpaid-off number data. The electrically stored and held game balls can be subtracted by the player's take-in request and used for setting the betting amount. For this reason, it becomes possible to use the winning balls and rental balls generated when the take-up storage tray 15 is full without changing the surplus storage tray 13 to the take-up storage tray 15 for setting the betting amount. It is possible to reduce the time and effort for the player to replenish the game ball to the take-in storage tray 15. In addition, since the bet number setting by subtraction of the unpaid number data is instantaneously performed by electrical calculation, the game is started more quickly than when the take-in device 50 takes in from the take-in storage tray 15. Can do. In particular, when a ball lending request is made, if a ball lending request for a large number of game balls is made at once, and the game balls are stored (stored) in the storage reservoir and the unpaid number data, the bet number setting is And the frequency of making a ball lending request can be reduced.

  Further, since the game balls can be stored electrically in addition to the intake storage tray 15 and the surplus storage tray 13, the capacity of the game balls that can be stored in the slot machine 1 is increased without increasing the size of the storage tray. It is possible to make it. Furthermore, since the game ball is stored and held as unpaid-out number data only when the fullness detection switch detects that the take-in storage tray 15 is full, the bet amount is determined via the unpaid-out number data. While the setting is being made, the take-in storage tray 15 is maintained in a full state, and the player can realize that there are enough game balls for take-in. In addition, when the bet number is set only by subtraction of the unpaid number data, the cancellation process is performed only by electrical calculation, so that the bet number can be canceled quickly and the surplus storage tray Compared with the case where the game balls are returned to 13, the returned game balls can be used for setting the bet number without transferring them.

  Note that the slot machine of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. In particular, the control circuit and the control processing mode described above are merely examples for realizing the present invention, and the present invention can be realized by various methods using known control mechanisms. For example, most of the control processing according to the present invention is performed by the main control board 100, but such control processing can be shared by a plurality of control boards. In the embodiment, the award ball and the rental ball are not distinguished from each other and are accumulated and stored as the same unpaid-out number data. However, the award ball and the rental ball may be stored as separate data. Further, in the above embodiment, even if the take-in storage tray 15 is not full, the payout process is executed after the generated prize balls / rental balls are once added to the unpaid number data. If it is full, the payout may be executed without adding to the unpaid number data. Furthermore, in the embodiment, when the full state of the intake storage tray is resolved, the game balls stored as unpaid-out number data are paid out. Until 65c is operated, it may be stored as unpaid-out number data.

  In the embodiment, when a cancel request is made by operating the cancel switch 65a, the game balls taken from the take-in storage tray 15 and temporarily stopped in the take-in passage 48 are transferred to the surplus storage tray 13. I am trying to return it. However, in addition to such a configuration, the taken game balls are discharged to the game island ball collecting device without stopping, and when a cancellation request is made, the number of taken game balls is added to the unpaid number data. Is also possible. In this case, the trouble of transferring the game balls returned to the surplus storage tray 13 to the storage reservoir 15 can be saved.

  Further, in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, when a prize ball or the like is generated when the unpaid-out number data reaches the upper limit value, the payout device 32 is driven to pay out the game ball to the surplus storage tray 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the unpaid-out number data reaches the upper limit value, for example, a message such as “Please press the settlement switch!” Is displayed and the game may be interrupted until the settlement switch 65c is pressed. . Furthermore, the present invention can be realized with only the storage tank 15 for intake, omitting the storage tank 13 for surplus. In such a case, it is desirable to request the player to transfer the game ball to the outside when the unpaid number data reaches the upper limit value.

Moreover, the modification which changed the said Example as follows is also mentioned.
In such a modification, the reference storage amount is the upper limit value of the betting number, that is, 15 game balls, and the storage amount detection switch is configured by 15 detection switches 95b (see FIGS. 7 and 8) provided in the rectifying passage 54. In such a configuration, when the number of game balls in the take-in storage tray 15 exceeds 15, 15 detection switches 95b are turned ON, and prize balls and rental balls are stored and held as unpaid-out number data. . As shown in FIG. 29, in this modification, the game ball x paid out from the payout device 32 is caused to flow down to the ball supply port 47 in the ball supply passage 31 (FIG. 29 (A)), A flow path switching device 99 is provided that fluctuates to a state where it flows down to the ball discharge port 14 side (FIG. 29 (b)). When the unpaid-out number data reaches the upper limit value, the flow path switching device 99 varies. Then, the flow-down direction which was normally on the ball supply port 47 side is switched to the ball discharge port 14 side, and the game ball paid out by the payout device 32 is transferred to the surplus storage tray 13 instead of the intake storage tray 15. Let it flow down. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to play a game while maintaining the minimum required (15) game balls in the take-in storage tray 15, and smoothly play the game balls during the take-in operation. In addition to being able to flow down to the outlet 58, the award balls and the rental balls are stored and retained as unpaid-off number data when the storage amount of the intake storage tray 15 is small. Rapid bet number setting by subtraction of the number data can be executed early and for a long time.

1 is an external perspective view of a slot machine 1 according to the present invention. It is a front view of the slot machine 1 same as the above. It is a right view of the slot machine 1 same as the above. It is a top view of the slot machine 1 same as the above. It is an external appearance perspective view of the state which isolate | separated the front frame 4, the back mechanism board 37, and the outer frame 2. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a state in which a front door 17, a front frame 4 and a game board 7 are separated. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship of the rectification | straightening channel | path 54 and 15 detection switches 95b. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a take-in storage tray 15 is separated from a front door 17. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an arrangement relationship between a front door 17 and a back mechanism plate 37. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the capture device 50. 4 is a rear perspective view of a back mechanism plate 37. FIG. 4 is a front view of a back mechanism plate 37. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow-down aspect of the game ball x paid out from the paying-out apparatus 32, (a) is when the storage tank 15 for intake is not full, (b) is when the storage tank 15 for intake is full. Indicates. (A) is a perspective view showing a configuration of the intake passage 48, and (B) is an exploded perspective view thereof. FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram of the sorting device 33 provided in the intake passage 48. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit which controls a game. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the main process which consists of a several subroutine. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of acquisition number setting processing. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of unpaid-out data taking-in processing. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a taking-in tray ball taking-in process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of cancellation processing. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of cancellation data processing. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a return process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a payment process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a start process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a prize ball payout process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a rental ball payout process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of payout control processing. In the modified example, the variation mode of the flow path switching device 99 is shown. (A) is a state in which the game ball x flows down to the ball supply port 47 side, and (B) is a flow down of the game ball x to the ball discharge port 14 side. Indicates the state.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 13 Surplus storage tray 15 Take-in storage tray 26 Ball lending button 31 Ball supply passage 32 Dispensing device 39 Game operation part 41 Start switch 42a MAXBET switch 42b 1BET switch 43a-43c Stop switch 50 Capture device 62 Reel unit (Design display device)
65a Cancel switch 65b Return switch 65c Checkout switch 85 Solenoid for return 95a Full detection switch (Storage amount detection switch)
95b 15 detection switches 98 Full switch for surplus 100 Main control board P Pattern x Game ball

Claims (3)

A symbol display device for fixedly displaying a plurality of symbols after the variable display;
A storage tank for storing game balls for capturing;
A take-in device for taking in game balls stored in a take-up storage tray;
A payout device for paying out game balls to a storage tray for intake;
Based on the player's take-in request, the take-in device is activated and the game ball is taken into the plane as a game medium, the bet number is set, and the game start request from the player after the bet number is set A game ball comprising a game start process for starting a variation of the symbol of the symbol display device, and a game control means for operating the payout device and executing a payout process for paying out the game ball to the storage reservoir. A slot machine that
A storage amount detection switch for detecting that the storage amount of the game ball in the intake storage tray is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference storage amount;
A surplus storage tray for storing game balls is provided,
The game control means
If the storage amount detection switch detects that the amount is more than the reference storage amount, the payout process is not performed, and the number of game balls to be paid out is accumulated and held as unpaid number data,
If there is a take-in request from a player when there is unpaid-out number data, instead of taking-in processing, the number of game balls stored as unpaid-out number data is subtracted, and the bet number is not set. Execute the payout number subtraction process with priority ,
When the unpaid-out number data reaches a predetermined upper limit value, even if game balls that exceed the upper limit value are stored in the intake storage tray even if the game balls are more than the reference storage amount, the payout device , And pay out the award balls and rental balls that exceed the upper limit until at least the storage bin is full and the storage bin is full of game balls. A slot machine wherein game balls are paid out to a surplus storage tray . 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the reference storage amount is the number of game balls corresponding to the upper limit value of the betting number. If a predetermined cancellation request is made by the player after the unpaid number subtraction process is executed and before the game start process is executed, the bet number setting is canceled and the number of game balls subtracted by the take-in process is not yet determined. Execute the data return process to add to the payout quantity data ,
The claim 1 or claim , wherein when a cancel request is made after taking the game ball from the take-in storage tray, the same number as the taken game ball is stored in the unpaid number data. Item 3. The slot machine according to Item 2 .

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