JP4324902B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine configured so that a game can be realized for each unit (predetermined number) of game media.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In order to mix pachinko machines and slot machines in the same island facility, it is only necessary to configure the slot machine to be playable using pachinko balls, considering that pachinko balls can be shared as game media. In order to enable a slot machine to play with a value equivalent to one medal (or coin, etc.), it is necessary to provide a take-in device for taking, for example, five pachinko balls as one unit. Normally, each time a player operates a button, a unit of pachinko ball is taken into the plane. When trying to capture a large number of pachinko balls, it would be cumbersome to operate the button each time. Therefore, for example, an auto credit function that automatically takes a pachinko ball into the aircraft with an upper limit of 50 units is already known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
However, when taking the pachinko ball into the aircraft using the auto credit function, taking it in using the sprocket or the like, it takes time to finish taking up to the upper limit. This will take time to start the game. Also, it takes time to pay out the remaining balls in order to finish the game after taking in the auto credit function. In order to reduce such waiting time, a technology that allows a game to be started when it is detected that one or more pachinko balls are present in the passage (用 い る) used for taking pachinko balls, and is taken in after the game starts. Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2002-239079 (page 5-6, FIG. 8)
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent No. 3053028 (page 13, FIG. 34)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in order to realize the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 described above, a passage that is long enough to detect the presence of one or more units of pachinko spheres is required. For this reason, a space sufficient to provide the passage in the aircraft is required, and the aircraft must be enlarged. In addition, since the passage is covered with a cover, the player cannot visually confirm the presence or absence of the pachinko ball. Therefore, when there are only less than one unit of pachinko balls in the passage, the lack of pachinko balls cannot be known unless the start lever is actually operated.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and while maintaining a compact body, it is possible to know in advance whether there is an excess or deficiency of game media (for example, pachinko balls, etc.), and to play games at an early stage. The purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can be started.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problem 1]
As schematically shown in FIG. 1, when the first operation unit 6a (corresponding to the operation unit) is operated after the internal state becomes playable, the means 1 for solving the problem is a predetermined number of times. A gaming machine configured to start a game with the game medium B as a unit,
A receiving unit 1 for receiving the game medium B;
Regardless of whether or not a game is in progress, taking-in means 3 for taking in the game medium B from the receiving unit 1 through the passage 2 into the machine,
A second operation unit 6b that operates to request the loading of the game medium B;
And a state setting unit 5 that enables the internal state to be played when the capturing of the game medium B by the capturing unit 3 is completed and the second operation unit 6b is operated.
[0007]
The terms described in the above means 1 are interpreted as follows. The same interpretation applies to terms used in the claims and the detailed description of the invention.
(1) “Internal state” is an index indicating the directionality of a game, and usually includes a plurality of internal states for each purpose for one gaming machine.
(2) The “first operation unit” and the “second operation unit” are a predetermined number (ie, any value from one to the maximum number that can be installed) of levers, buttons, buttons, etc., which can be operated at least by the player. This is true. The first operation unit and the second operation unit may be configured to be shared by one member or device, or may be configured by separate members or devices.
(3) The term “take game media into the machine” refers to a mode in which game media is simply put into the game machine, and excludes game media already in the game machine. Therefore, a game medium that has already been recognized as a multiplier (introduced) is not a target to be “taken in” even if it exists in the gaming machine.
[0008]
According to the means 1, if the game medium B is present in the receiving part 1, the taking-in means 3 takes the game medium B from the receiving part 1 through the passage 2 into the machine regardless of whether or not the game is in progress (arrow D). direction). The game is performed, for example, by rotating an annular member R (reel, belt, etc.). As soon as the take-in of the game medium B is completed and the second operation unit 6b is operated, the state setting means 5 enables the internal state to be played, so that the game can be started early without waiting for the take-in of the game medium B. It becomes a state. The take-in means 3 does not require the passage 2 long enough to detect the presence of the game medium B, and the machine body can be kept compact.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problem 2]
Means 2 for solving the problem is a gaming machine configured to start a game with a predetermined number of game media B as a unit when the first operation unit 6a is operated after the internal state becomes playable. Because
A receiving unit 1 for receiving the game medium B;
A second operation unit 6b that operates to request the loading of the game medium B;
Regardless of whether the second operation unit 6b is operated, taking-in means 3 for taking the game medium B from the receiving unit 1 through the passage 2 into the machine,
And a state setting unit 5 that enables the internal state to be played when the capturing of the game medium B by the capturing unit 3 is completed and the second operation unit 6b is operated.
[0010]
According to the means 2, the take-in means 3 is the same as the above-described means 1 except that the game medium B is taken into the machine from the receiving part 1 through the passage 2 regardless of whether or not the second operation part 6b is operated. It is. Therefore, the game can be started early without waiting for the game medium B to be taken in, and the machine body can be kept compact.
[0011]
[Means 3 for Solving the Problems]
The means 3 for solving the problem is the gaming machine described in the means 1 or 2, and has a notifying means 9 for notifying whether or not the take-in of the game medium B by the take-in means 3 is completed.
[0012]
According to the means 3, the notification means 9 notifies whether or not the game medium B has been taken in. Since the take-in means 3 can take in the game medium B prior to the game or the operation of the second operation unit 6b, the notification by the notification means 9 is whether or not there is one or more units of the game medium B in the receiving unit 1. Can be informed. Therefore, the player 8 can know in advance whether the game medium B is excessive or insufficient.
[0013]
[Means 4 for Solving the Problems]
The means 4 for solving the problem is the gaming machine described in any one of the means 1 to 3, and includes a quantity setting means 7 for setting a quantity for taking in the game medium B by the taking-in means 3.
[0014]
According to the means 4, since the quantity setting means 7 sets the quantity to be taken in the game medium B, the take-in means 3 takes in the game medium B with the quantity as an upper limit (that is, the upper limit number). The upper limit number may be set for the capturing means 3 as indicated by a solid line, or may be set for the lower substrate 4 as indicated by a two-dot chain line. If there are many quantities to be automatically taken in, it takes time to pay out at the time of settlement. However, by setting a quantity that can be taken in, payment at the time of settlement can be completed quickly.
[0015]
[Means 5 for Solving the Problems]
Means 5 for solving the problem is the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 4,
An upper circuit board 6 for controlling the game by connecting the first operation unit 6a and the second operation unit 6b;
A lower board 4 for controlling the taking-in of the game medium B by the taking-in means 3 and receiving the signal from the upper board 6;
When the second operation unit 6b is operated, the upper board 6 sends a take-in signal to the lower board 4 to take in the game medium B, and when receiving the take-in signal, the take-in of the game medium B has already been completed. In this case, the lower substrate 4 is configured to send a completion signal to the upper substrate 6.
[0016]
The terms described in the means 5 are interpreted as follows. The same interpretation applies to terms used in the claims and the detailed description of the invention.
(1) The “upper board” is a board that controls the lower board, the accessory device, and the like as well as the game, and corresponds to, for example, a main control board (also referred to as a game control board).
(2) “Lower board” can be installed in a gaming machine such as a take-in / out control board, a sub-control board (also referred to as an effect control board), a symbol control board, a lamp control board, a sound control board, etc. Applicable to the board. One or more intermediate boards (for example, relay boards) configured to transmit signals from the upper board to the lower board may be interposed between the upper board and the lower board.
[0017]
According to the means 5, the take-in of the game medium B by the take-in means 3 is controlled on the lower board 4 side, and is made independent of the game managed by the upper board 6 side. According to this configuration, the game and the game medium B can be taken in simultaneously. Also, the state of taking in the game medium B can be grasped also on the upper board 6 side by handshaking between a take-in signal transmitted from the upper board 6 to the lower board 4 and a completion signal transmitted from the lower board 4 to the upper board 6. Can do. Therefore, the present invention can be realized even with a conventional gaming machine.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Embodiment 1]
Embodiment 1 is an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine that can be played using a pachinko ball corresponding to a game medium B or a game ball. The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0019]
First, an example of the appearance of the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. In the slot machine 10 of this example, display windows 62, 66, and 70 {display unit} each capable of displaying one or more symbols in a state where the reels 64, 68, and 72 are stationary, a plurality of (in this example, five) An active line lamp 56 that can notify whether or not each active line 58 can be won, a credit display 74 that can display the number of credits, a game number display 76 that can display the number of digested games in the bonus game, A unit number display 78 that can display the number of units paid out, a bet button 50, 52, 54 for setting the number of units to be multiplied in one game, a start lever 48 that starts rotating the reels 64, 68, 72, The reels 64, 68, and 72 are provided with stop buttons 44, 20, and 18 that can individually stop the reels 64, 68, 72. The reel 64 can be seen from the display window 62, and similarly the reels 68 and 72 can be seen from the display windows 66 and 70, respectively. For example, a 7-segment element is used for the credit display 74, the game number display 76, and the unit number display 78, but a CRT or a liquid crystal display may be used. Among these, the start lever 48 corresponds to the first operation unit 6a, and the bet buttons 50, 52, and 54 correspond to the second operation unit 6b. The configuration for rotating / stopping the reels 64, 68, and 72 is a well-known technique, and therefore illustration and description thereof are omitted. The bet buttons 50, 52, 54, the start lever 48, the stop buttons 44, 20, 18, etc. all have contact switches that can transmit signals to a main control board 110 (see FIG. 4) described later.
[0020]
The number of effective lines 58 that are effective differs depending on the number of units. For example, the bet button 52 (1 bet button) for hanging 1 unit has only one line on the middle row, and the bet button 54 (2 bet button) for hanging 2 units has 3 lines on the upper row, middle row, and lower row, 3 units. The bet button 50 (MAX bet switch) for applying is 5 horizontal and diagonal lines. The number of units applied to the normal bet button 50 is 3, but there is also a slot machine 10 configured to set the number of units to 1 in a specific game (for example, a JAC game).
[0021]
In addition, the slot machine 10 includes a liquid crystal display 12 that can produce effects using decorative symbols, a speaker 14 that sounds sound (sound, music, sound effects, etc.), an effect lamp 16 that provides display effects according to the gaming state, and a pachinko machine. A slot machine through an inflow passage 32 and a pachinko ball take-in device (hereinafter simply referred to as “take-in device”) 28 is an upper plate 40 and a lower plate 36 capable of temporarily storing balls, and pachinko balls in the upper plate 40. 10, a take-in switch 22 for instructing to take in the pachinko ball, a settlement switch 34 for instructing to return the pachinko ball remaining in the machine, a take-in lamp 24 for informing that the pachinko ball has been taken into the machine automatically, and an inflow passage 32 And return button 26 for returning pachinko balls remaining in the take-in device 28 to the lower plate 36, a return for verifying evidence balls and informing the return of pachinko balls less than one unit Pump 30, and the like ashtray to put the cigarette butts and the like. Among these, the upper plate 40 corresponds to the receiving portion 1, the inflow passage 32 corresponds to the passage 2, and the liquid crystal display 12 and the intake lamp 24 correspond to the notification means 9. Depending on the model of the slot machine 10 and the like, there are cases where the types of members (that is, switches, levers, buttons, etc.) operated by the player 8 are appropriately changed and used.
[0022]
When the rotating reels 64, 68, 72 are stopped in a specific display mode (for example, a bonus symbol or a small role symbol), a number of pachinko balls corresponding to each display mode are paid out from the payout opening 42 to the upper plate 40. . Pachinko balls lent out by the ball lending machine reach the upper plate 40 via a funnel-shaped guideway 46. However, when the upper plate 40 is full or the like, it is discharged to the lower plate 36 through the discharge port 38. When a game hall related person or the like inserts and turns a predetermined key in the open / close lock, the front door 60 having two upper and lower stages can be individually opened and closed. The intake switch 22, the settlement switch 34, the guide path 46, and the like are provided in the front door 60 on the upper stage side, for example.
[0023]
Next, a configuration example of the taking-in means 3 including the inflow passage 32 and the taking-in device 28 will be described with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 3 shows a broken section of the inflow passage 32 and the return passage 98.
[0024]
The take-in device 28 takes in pachinko balls from the upper plate 40 through the inflow passage 32. In the inflow passage 32, a proximity sensor 94b that can detect a pachinko ball P4 that is provided in the vicinity of the take-in device 28 and a pachinko ball P4 that remains on the shutter 80, and a proximity sensor 94a that can detect the pachinko ball P2 of the first unit. Etc. Each of these proximity sensors 94a and 94b transmits a signal to a take-in / out control board 120 (see FIG. 4) described later. Further, the opening / closing of the shutter 80 can be controlled by the take-in / pay-out control board 120, and is opened and closed each time the pachinko ball P for each unit is accommodated in the take-in device 28.
[0025]
In this example, as shown in the drawing, the blades and the inflow passage 32 are inclined in the accommodation direction (in this example, the right direction in the drawing), so that the pachinko balls accommodated in the blades are sequentially from the back side (flange portion 88 side). Buried. Further, the inflow passage 32 is provided with a step formed in the middle with the corners being substantially perpendicular. By this step, the pachinko sphere P can collide with the wall surface (vertical surface or inclined surface) and reduce the kinetic energy. The corner of the step is not limited to a form that is formed at a substantially right angle, but a drop occurs between the upstream and the downstream, such as a straight “Z” shape or a curved “S” shape when viewed from the side. It may be in any form.
[0026]
The take-in device 28 protects the rotating body 82 having a plurality of (six in this example) blades, the motor 92 that rotates the rotating body 82, and the pachinko balls P accommodated in the blades from spilling. A cover 85, a flange portion 88 formed in a disk shape, an optical sensor unit 86 that detects the rotation state of the flange portion 88, a shutter 90 that opens when returning and returns a pachinko ball P, and the like. Although not shown, the optical sensor unit 86 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit similarly to the optical sensor unit 84 described later. The rotation shaft 92 a of the motor 92 is fixed or connected to the central axis of the rotating body 82. Although it is desirable to use a motor capable of forward and reverse rotation, the motor 92 may be configured to rotate the rotating body 82 forward and backward by a power transmission mechanism that transmits power generated by the motor 92. Examples of the power transmission mechanism include a mechanism using a gear (gear), a link member, a belt, a chain, a torque converter, and the like.
[0027]
The plurality of blades provided in the rotating body 82 are formed in a shape that can accommodate the pachinko ball P (for example, a “<” shape or an “L” shape), and extend radially from the central axis. That is, a predetermined number of pachinko balls P (five corresponding to one unit in this example, but may be a number corresponding to two or more units) are accommodated for each blade, and from the accommodating port corresponding to the inflow passage 32 It is formed so that it can be conveyed to an intake port (not shown) to be taken into the machine. The cover 85 includes a plurality of sets of optical sensor units 84 each including a light emitting unit 84a and a light receiving unit 84b. In this example, each of the five sets of optical sensor units 84 includes a light emitting portion 84a on the upper side of the drawing and a light receiving portion 84b on the lower side of the drawing. Since each optical sensor unit 84 is disposed at a position corresponding to the pachinko sphere P accommodated from the inflow passage 32 (in the figure, approximately the same distance as the diameter of the pachinko sphere P), the presence or absence of the pachinko sphere at each position can be detected. .
[0028]
The flange portion 88 is subjected to detection means (for example, sticking of a detection member such as a punch or a seal) at a position corresponding to each blade provided in the rotating body 82. When the optical sensor unit 86 detects the detected means, the rotation angle of the rotating body 82 (that is, the posture of the rotating body 82) can be recognized. The shutter 90 is opened manually or electromagnetically by operating the return button 26, and the pachinko balls P remaining on the blades of the inflow passage 32 and the rotating body 82 are returned to the lower plate 36. The pachinko ball P6 is returned through the return path 98 along the arrow D2 indicated by a two-dot chain line, and a proximity sensor 96 is provided in the middle of the return path 98 to detect whether or not the pachinko ball P6 has been reliably returned.
[0029]
Next, a schematic configuration example of various substrates configured to realize a slot game by the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. A main control board 110 mainly composed of a CPU (processor) 112 includes a ROM 114 that stores a game control program and required data, and a RAM 116 that stores temporary data such as various random numbers and signals. Since the main control board 110 has the same configuration as that of a known configuration, illustration and description relating to a specific configuration are omitted. The CPU 112 executes a game control program stored in the ROM 114 to realize a game by the slot machine 10, and the game control program includes a program for realizing a procedure such as a game operation process described later. An EPROM is used for the ROM 114 and a DRAM is used for the RAM 116, but other types of memories (for example, EEPROM, SRAM, flash memory, etc.) may be arbitrarily used.
[0030]
On the main control board 110, a member operated by the player 8 (for example, the take-in switch 22, the bet buttons 50, 52, 54, the start lever 48, the settlement switch 34, the stop button 18, etc.) and a display for controlling the production. / Audio control board 130, motors 64a, 68a, 72a for individually rotating and driving the reels 64, 68, 72, detectors 64b, 68b, 72b for individually detecting the rotation state of the reels 64, 68, 72, external devices ( For example, an external centralized terminal board 132 for transmitting signals to a hall computer 140 in an amusement hall, an island computer in an island facility, etc., a take-in / out control board 120 for controlling the pay-out and take-in of pachinko balls P, etc. To do.
[0031]
The display / voice control board 130, the capture / payout control board 120, and the like are configured with the CPU as the center, like the main control board 110. The display / sound control board 130 displays the liquid crystal display 12, the display of the effective line lamp 56, the display of the credit display 74, the display of the game number display 76, the display of the unit number display 78, the beat of the speaker 14, etc. Control related to production is performed as shown in FIG. The unit number display 78 includes a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds), a gaming state (for example, whether or not a game is in progress), an operation of a button (not shown) disposed in the vicinity of the unit number display 78, and the like. The number of fetching units and the number of payout units are switched and displayed according to the conditions.
[0032]
The take-in / out control board 120 mainly composed of the CPU 122 includes a ROM 124 that stores an apparatus control program, required data, and a RAM 126 that stores temporary data such as various random numbers and signals. The device control program controls the take-in device 28 that takes in the pachinko ball P as described above, and the payout device 134 that pays out the pachinko ball P as a prize ball or a rented ball. And programs for implementing procedures such as import processing. Further, the card unit 100 (so-called CR unit), the frequency display board 102 and the like are connected to the take-in / out control board 120 via the interface board 104.
[0033]
For example, the card unit 100 is arranged between the slot machines 10 and can input / output balance information and valuable value information recorded on a recording medium (for example, a magnetic card, an IC card, etc.). The pachinko ball P can be lent out for the number corresponding to the amount desired by the person 8. Since the specific configuration and operation of the card unit 100 are the same as the well-known configuration, illustration and description are omitted. The frequency display board 102 performs control to display the balance information and the like described above on a display unit such as a 7-segment element with a frequency (for example, one unit unit).
[0034]
Next, a procedure for realizing the present invention in the slot machine 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the acquisition / payout process realized by the acquisition / payout control board 120 and the procedure of the game operation process realized by the main control board 110. Between FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the processing continues through connectors J2, J4 and J6. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the capture process realized by the capture / dispensing control board 120. FIG. 8 shows display examples of the unit number display 78 and the liquid crystal display 12. The main control board 110 corresponds to the upper board 6, and the take-in / out control board 120 corresponds to the lower board 4.
[0035]
First, in FIG. 5, an acquisition process is executed unconditionally to acquire the pachinko balls P stored in the upper plate 40 [step S10]. That is, the take-in process is executed regardless of whether or not the player 8 has operated the take-in switch 22 regardless of whether or not the slot game is performed by rotating the reels 64, 68 and 72. A specific procedure of the capture process will be described with reference to FIG.
[0036]
The take-in process shown in FIG. 7 is executed even when based on the take-in signal received from the main control board 110 when the player 8 operates the take-in switch 22.
In the taking-in process, first, it is determined whether or not at least one unit of pachinko ball P is present in the inflow passage 32 [step S50]. For example, if a detection signal is received from the proximity sensor 94b shown in FIG. 3, it is determined that it exists (YES), and if it does not receive the detection signal, it is determined that it does not exist (NO). If there is at least one unit of pachinko sphere P (YES), the take-in device 28 is driven to take in the pachinko sphere P [step S52]. The specific procedure for realizing the uptake of one unit of pachinko sphere P is as follows. That is, the shutter 80 is opened and the pachinko ball P is received from the receiving port into the blade, and after the shutter is closed, the rotating body 82 is rotated, and the rotation is continued after detecting that the specified number exists as the evidence ball. Then, it is finally taken into the machine through the take-in port (see FIG. 3).
[0037]
When the pachinko ball P for one unit has been successfully captured in this way (YES in step S54), the number of captures corresponding to one unit is increased [step S56], and the number of captures and captures after the increase are performed. Is notified [step S58]. Notifications such as the number of captures and the completion of capture are displayed, for example, on the unit number display 78 as shown in FIG. 8 (A) or on the liquid crystal display 12 as shown in FIG. 8 (B). In this example, “3” is displayed as the number of captures, and it is desirable to display when one or more units have been captured. In addition, notification may be realized by displaying the take-in lamp 24 (lighting, blinking, or the like) or making sound (especially sound) from the speaker 14. If notification is simultaneously performed using two or more devices, the recognition rate is improved. Steps S50 to S56 described above are repeated in a range where the number of captures does not exceed the upper limit number (for example, 3) (that is, the number of captures> the upper limit number) [Step S60]. The upper limit number is stored in a storage unit such as the ROM 124 or the RAM 126 in the take-in / out control board 120. When the number of captures reaches the upper limit (NO in step S60), the capture process is finished.
[0038]
In addition, when the proximity sensor 94b cannot detect the pachinko sphere P and there is no pachinko sphere P in the inflow passage 32, or the proximity sensor 94b can detect the pachinko sphere P but the proximity sensor 94a can detect the pachinko sphere P. If the number of pachinko spheres P is less than one unit (NO in step S50), neither can be captured, and the capture process is terminated at that time. Also, when the pachinko sphere P for one unit cannot be normally captured for some reason (YES in step S54), the capturing process is terminated at that time. As a cause that cannot be taken in normally, for example, a case where an object including the pachinko sphere P is clogged and the rotating body 82 cannot be rotated is applicable.
[0039]
When the take-in process is completed, returning to FIG. 5, when the player 8 operates the checkout switch 34 (YES in step S30), the main control board 110 transmits a checkout signal to the take-in / out control board 120 [ Step S32]. The take-in / out control board 120 that has received the settlement signal (YES in step S12) returns the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the number of take-in (that is, the return number) [step S14]. The number of returns is determined by multiplying the number of captures by the number per unit. When the take-in / dispensing control board 120 transmits a return signal including a return number to the dispensing device 134, the dispensing device 134 returns the designated number of pachinko balls to the lower plate 36. If there are any remaining credits (YES in step S16), pachinko balls are returned corresponding to the number of remaining credits [step S17]. In this case, similarly to the number of returns described above, the number obtained by multiplying the number of credits by the number per unit is returned.
[0040]
Further, when the player 8 operates a predetermined operation section (for example, the bet buttons 50, 52, 54) (YES in step S34), when the credit remains (YES in step S36), the credit is deducted from the credit [step S38]. . Turning to FIG. 6, when there is no shortage of credits (NO in step S40), after setting the internal state to be playable [step S46], a game process is executed to realize a slot game [ Step S48], the game operation process is finished.
[0041]
On the other hand, when there is no remaining credit (NO in step S36), or when it is insufficient even if it is deducted from the credit (NO in step S40), it is necessary to newly acquire the required number of pachinko balls (that is, the required number). Therefore, the main control board 110 transmits the take-in signal including the required number to the take-in / out control board 120 [step S42]. The capture / dispensing control board 120 that has received the capture signal (YES in step S18), if the requested number is less than or equal to the captured number already captured (capture number ≧ request number; YES in step S20). Immediately, a completion signal is transmitted to the main control board 110 [Step S26], the number of requests is reduced from the number of fetches in preparation for the next and subsequent processes [Step S28], and the fetch / payout process is finished.
[0042]
On the other hand, when the number of captures is less than the requested number (captured number <requested number; NO in step S20), the above-described capturing process is repeatedly executed until the pachinko ball P is completely captured (NO in step S24). [Step S22]. When the pachinko ball P has been taken in (YES in step S24), a completion signal is transmitted to the main control board 110 [step S26], and the number of requests is reduced from the number of fetches in preparation for the next processing [ Step S28], the take-in / out process is finished.
[0043]
The main control board 110 that has received the completion signal from the take-in / out control board 120 (YES in step S44) sets the internal state to “playable” [step S46] and performs a game process to realize the slot game. Is executed [step S48], and the game operation process is terminated. In FIG. 5, when the player 8 is not operating the bet buttons 50, 52, 54, etc. (NO in step S34), there is no need to perform anything, and the game operation process is finished as it is.
[0044]
According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
(A1) If the pachinko ball P is present in the inflow passage 32, the take-in device 28 moves the pachinko ball P from the inflow passage 32 through the inflow passage 32 into the plane regardless of whether the take-in device 28 is playing or not. It was set as the structure taken in {refer step S10 of FIG. 3, FIG. 5}. Further, the take-in device 28 is configured to take the pachinko ball P into the machine from the inflow passage 32 through the inflow passage 32 regardless of whether or not the bet buttons 50, 52, 54 are operated {step S10 in FIGS. See}. Thus, as soon as the take-in of the pachinko ball P (so-called “look ahead”) is completed and the bet buttons 50, 52, 54 are operated, the internal state is set to be playable {state setting means 5; step S46 of FIG. reference}. Since the game can be started at an early stage without waiting for the pachinko ball P to be taken in, no extra waiting time is generated in the game, and the player 8 can concentrate on the game comfortably. Even if there is a shortage of credit, if the number of pachinko balls P taken in beforehand is less than the number, the game can be started at an early stage. Therefore, even a slot machine 10 that does not have a credit function can start a game early. In other words, since it is no longer necessary to actively provide the credit function in the slot machine 10, the cost can be kept low. In the normal slot machine 10, since the capacity of the program area is limited to several kilobytes (for example, 4 kilobytes) according to the standard, the part of the program area that has realized the credit function can be used for improving the game performance. Furthermore, the capture device 28 does not require the inflow passage 32 long enough to detect the presence of the pachinko sphere P, and the aircraft can be kept compact.
[0045]
(A2) The liquid crystal display 12, the take-in lamp 24, and the like notify whether or not the take-in of the pachinko sphere P is completed. Since the take-in device 28 can take in the pachinko ball P prior to the game or the operation of the bet buttons 50, 52, 54, the notification by the liquid crystal display 12, the take-in lamp 24, etc. is one or more units in the inflow passage 32. Whether or not the pachinko sphere P exists can be notified. Therefore, the player 8 can know in advance whether the pachinko balls P are excessive or insufficient.
[0046]
(A3) The main control board 110 is configured to connect the start lever 48 and the bet buttons 50, 52, and 54 to control the game {see FIG. 4}. The take-in / pay-out control board 120 is configured to control taking-in of the pachinko sphere P by the take-in device 28 and to receive signals from the main control board 110 {see FIGS. 4 to 7} . That is, the take-in / payout control board 120 side controls the take-in of the pachinko balls P by the take-in device 28 and is independent of the game controlled by the main control board 110 side. For this reason, the game and the pachinko ball P can be taken in parallel.
When the bet buttons 50, 52, and 54 are operated, the main control board 110 sends a take-in signal to the take-in / pay-out control board 120 to take in the pachinko balls P (see step S42 in FIG. 6), If the capture of the pachinko sphere P has already been completed when the capture signal is received, the capture / dispensing control board 120 sends a completion signal to the main control board 110 {see step S26 in FIG. 6}. . The acquisition status of the pachinko sphere P is determined by a handshake between a capture signal transmitted from the main control board 110 to the capture / payout control board 120 and a completion signal transmitted from the capture / payout control board 120 to the main control board 110. This can also be grasped on the main control board 110 side. Therefore, the present invention can be realized even with a conventional gaming machine.
[0047]
[Embodiment 2]
The second embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to the slot machine 10 as in the first embodiment, and the credit function is realized by a board other than the main control board 110. The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration and the like of the slot machine 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and in the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described for the sake of simplicity of illustration and description. Therefore, the same elements as those used in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0048]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing the connection configuration of the control board and the like. For the sake of clarity, illustration of the elements shown in FIG. 4 is omitted except for the main control board 110, the take-in / pay-out control board 120, the take-in device 28, and the pay-out device 134. In other words, a function display device 150 is newly provided for the first embodiment.
[0049]
The function display device 150 is connected to one or both of the main control board 110 and the take-in / out control board 120. The function display device 150 receives a signal from the main control board 110 and displays a game status display section 152, a setting section 154 for setting an upper limit number stored in the RAM 126 of the take-in / payout control board 120, An upper limit number display unit 156 that displays the current upper limit number set by the setting unit 154, an acquisition number display unit 158 that displays the acquisition number (unit number) that has been acquired, and the like. A light emitter (for example, a lamp or LED) is used for the status display unit 152 and the capture number display unit 158, and a light emitter (for example, a 7-segment element) is used for the upper limit number display unit 156. The setting unit 154 corresponds to the quantity setting means 7 and includes an increase button (indicated by Δ) and a decrease button (indicated by Δ). In this example, “START” indicating that the game has started is lit on the status display section 152, the upper limit number display section 156 displays that the upper limit number “5” is set, and the number of captures On the display unit 158, two lamps and the like are lit corresponding to the number of captures “2”.
The function display device 150 may be provided inside the slot machine 10, or may be provided on the front side of the slot machine 10, and may be configured to display schematically on the liquid crystal display 12. In either case, the player 8 can recognize each display content. In addition, the status display unit 152 of this example can display “Replay” indicating that the game is being replayed, “WAIT” indicating that the game is waiting before the game is started, and the like.
[0050]
According to the second embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
(B1) It is configured to set the quantity (that is, the upper limit number) for taking in the pachinko spheres P by operating the setting unit 154 {see FIG. 9}. With this setting, the capturing device 28 captures the pachinko ball P within a range not exceeding the set upper limit number {see FIG. 7}. If there is a large quantity automatically taken out, it will take time to pay out at the time of settlement. However, by setting an upper limit number that can be taken in, payment at the time of settlement can be quickly completed.
(B2) Since other requirements, configurations, operations, operation results, and the like are the same as in the first embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained {the above-described matters (a1) to (a3) )}.
[0051]
[Other Embodiments]
In the slot machine 10 (game machine) described above, the structure, shape, size, material, arrangement, operating conditions, and the like of other parts are not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the following embodiments can be implemented.
(C1) In the first and second embodiments, the present invention is applied to the slot machine 10. Instead of this form, it is a gaming machine other than a pachinko machine (for example, a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball game machine, a video game machine, etc.), and takes a game medium B as a unit and plays a game. The present invention can be similarly applied to those configured to do so. Even in the other game machines, the game can be started at an early stage without waiting for the game medium B to be taken in. Moreover, since the taking-in means 3 does not require a passage long enough to detect the presence of the game medium B, the machine body can be kept compact.
[0052]
(C2) In the first and second embodiments, when the player 8 operates one of the bet buttons 50, 52, and 54 (YES in step S34 in FIG. 5), The take-in signal is transmitted to the payout control board 120 (step S42 in FIG. 6). Instead of this form, a configuration may be adopted in which the capture signal is transmitted when the player 8 operates another operation unit. The other operation unit corresponds to the intake switch 22 or the like. Even in this case, when the pachinko ball P has been taken in beforehand, the slot game can be started early.
[0053]
(C3) In the first and second embodiments, the bet buttons 50, 52, and 54 are provided with the function of the take-in switch 22, but the bet buttons 50, 52, and 54 may have only a function for placing a bet. In this case, the player 8 needs to operate one of the bet buttons 50, 52, and 54 after pressing the take-in switch 22. However, since the pachinko ball P is captured in advance, the bet buttons 50, 52, 54 can be operated immediately, and the slot game can be started early.
[0054]
(C4) In the uptake process of the pachinko sphere P shown in FIG. 7 (step S54), it may be determined by examining whether or not the normal pachinko sphere P is to be taken up. A configuration example for determining whether or not the pachinko sphere P is normal will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 10 to 12 show cross-sectional views when an inspection is performed on one pachinko ball P for easy understanding.
[First configuration example]
In the example shown in FIG. 10A, the light emitting section 160 and the light receiving section 162 (reflectance detecting means) are provided in the inflow passage 32, and the light emitted from the light emitting section 160 reflects the pachinko sphere P on the inflow passage 32. The light receiving unit 162 receives the reflected light. In the example shown in FIG. 10B, the light emitting unit 160 and the light receiving unit 162 are provided in the cover 85, and the light emitted from the light emitting unit 160 reflects the pachinko sphere P accommodated in the blade 164 and receives the reflected light. The unit 162 is configured to receive light. In any configuration, based on the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit 160 and the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 162, it is determined that the light reflectance is within the allowable range, and is normal when it is outside the allowable range. Determine. Since the pachinko sphere P and the foreign matter often have different light reflectivities, even if the shape or the like is similar, if the reflectivity is different, contamination of the foreign matter can be found. If it is found in advance that foreign matter is mixed in when the pachinko sphere P is taken in (NO in step S54 in FIG. 7), it is discharged as shown by the two-dot chain line shown in FIG. The slot machine 10 is stopped through the board 110 or an abnormal signal is sent to the hall computer 140 or the like to prompt the game staff to take action. In this way, foreign objects can be removed smoothly and the game can be performed normally.
[0055]
[Second configuration example]
In the example shown in FIG. 11A, the inflow passage 32 is provided with a weight sensor 166 (weight detection means) that can measure the weight of the pachinko sphere P on the inflow passage 32. In the example shown in FIG. 11B, the blade 164 includes a weight sensor 166 capable of measuring the weight of the pachinko ball P accommodated in the blade 164. The weight sensor 166 may measure for each pachinko sphere P or may measure the pachinko sphere P for each unit. If the weight of the pachinko sphere P measured by the weight sensor 166 is within the allowable range, it is determined as normal, and if it is outside the allowable range, it is determined as abnormal. Since the pachinko sphere P and the foreign matter may have different weights, even if the shape, reflectance, and the like are similar, if the weight is different, contamination of the foreign matter can be detected. In addition, when it is found in advance that foreign matter is mixed when the pachinko sphere P is taken in (NO in step S54 in FIG. 7), the same measures as those in the first configuration example described above may be performed.
[0056]
[Third configuration example]
In the example shown in FIG. 12A, the inflow passage 32 is provided with a hardness sensor 168 (hardness detection means) capable of measuring the hardness of the pachinko sphere P (object) on the inflow passage 32. In the example shown in FIG. 12B, the cover 85 is provided with a hardness sensor 168 capable of measuring the hardness of the pachinko ball P or the like accommodated in the blade 164. The hardness sensor 168 includes a pressure sensor, and obtains pressure by applying an indenter 168a to the pachinko ball P or the like with a constant load. The take-in / out control board 120 calculates the hardness of the pachinko sphere P from the obtained pressure. The pachinko sphere P and foreign matter may have different hardness. If the hardness measured by the hardness sensor 168 is within the allowable range, it is determined as normal, and if it is outside the allowable range, it is determined as abnormal. Even if the shape, weight, and the like are similar, if the hardness is different, it is possible to detect the inclusion of foreign matter. In addition, when it is found in advance that foreign matter is mixed when the pachinko sphere P is taken in (NO in step S54 in FIG. 7), the same measures as those in the first configuration example described above may be performed.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, when the game medium has been taken in, the state setting means enables the internal state to be played as soon as the second operation unit is operated, so that the game can be played early without waiting for the game medium to be taken in. It is ready to start. Moreover, since the taking-in means does not require a passage long enough to detect the presence of the game medium, the aircraft can be kept compact.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the outline of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the appearance of the slot machine.
FIG. 3 is a side view showing a configuration example of an inflow passage and an intake device.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a connection example of a control board and the like.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an import / withdrawal process and a game operation process.
6 is a flowchart showing a procedure following FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an import process.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating display examples of a unit number display and a liquid crystal display.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing a connection example (part) of a control board and the like.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example for measuring reflectance.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example for measuring weight.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example for measuring hardness.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 reception department
2 passage
3 means of taking
4 Subordinate board
5 State setting means
6 Upper board
6a 1st operation part
6b 2nd operation part
7 Quantity setting means
8 players
9 Notification means
B game media
R annular member
10 Slot machines (gaming machines)
12 Liquid crystal display (notification means)
14 Speaker (notification means)
22 Take-in switch (second operation part)
24 Take-in lamp (notification means)
28 Take-in device (take-in means)
32 Inflow passage (passage)
34 Checkout switch
40 upper plate (receiving part)
48 Start lever (first operation part)
50, 52, 54 Bet button (second operation part)
64, 68, 72 reel (annular member)
110 Main control board (upper board, status setting means)
120 Loading / dispensing control board (lower board)
150 Function display device
154 Setting part (quantity setting means)
156 Upper limit number display section (notification means)
158 Capture number display (notification means)
160 Light emitting part (reflectance detection means)
162 Light-receiving part (reflectance detection means)
166 Weight sensor (weight detection means)
168 Hardness sensor (hardness detection means)
P (P2, P4, P6) Pachinko balls (game media, game balls)

Claims (2)

A slot machine configured to start a game with a predetermined number of pachinko balls as a unit when the start lever is operated after the internal state becomes playable,
A plate that accepts pachinko balls,
A bet button operated to request the capture of a pachinko ball;
Even if the credit function for automatically taking pachinko balls up to a preset upper limit number is not selected , the pachinko balls are made to flow sequentially from the upper plate through the inflow passage regardless of whether or not the bet button is operated. A capture device to capture;
A slot machine comprising: a control unit that controls the internal state to be playable when the uptake of the pachinko ball by the uptake device is completed and the bet button is operated. The slot machine according to claim 1, further comprising a display for displaying whether or not the pachinko ball has been taken in by the take-in device.

Images