JP4407792B2 - Medal game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a medal game device that can insert coins into a game device and lose coins or increase coins according to the game result. In particular, the present invention relates to a medal game device that provides a player with all or part of medals dropped from a medal field where medals are placed. More specifically, the present invention relates to a medal game device that allows a player to insert medals held in a medal field and to drop more medals than the inserted medals to obtain more medals.

  The conventional medal device is configured as follows. A medal placement table installed in a game center or the like and having a medal placement surface on which a large number of medals are placed, and a medal existing on a part of the medal placement surface to be pushed out to the other part side on the medal placement surface In addition, a medal pushing member that reciprocally moves along a part of the medal placement surface and a medal pushed out of the medal placement surface by the medal pushed by the medal pushing member are collected. And medal recovery means.

The conventional medal game machine has a problem that novel playability cannot be achieved because the game progresses in accordance with the movement of all medals such as medals accumulated on the field surface or medals inserted by the player. Therefore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-253842 proposes a medal game machine configured as follows.
When a medal inserted from the medal inserter passes the medal chucker, the slot of the slot device rotates, and when a predetermined combination is achieved, a ball (an irregular shape with respect to the medal) is supplied to the field where a large number of medals are accumulated. When a player drops a ball together with a medal into the medal drop groove, the ball is sent to a central lottery device that can aim for a higher payout. In the central lottery device, a physical lottery is performed using the ball, and when winning, a large amount of medals are paid out on the field from the central lottery device, not from the medal payout device that performs normal payout. . Therefore, a chance to acquire a large number of medals can be obtained by playing a game in which a player loses medals other than the conventional pusher game machine.

In addition, as another conventional medal game, medals that are not provided to the player among the medals dropped from the medal field are collected in a storage tank on the medal field and replenished to the medal field from the storage tank according to the game result. There is also something like that.
JP 2002-253842 A

  The ball of the medal game device described in the above publication does not have a special value by itself, but for the lottery in the central lottery device. Therefore, it is desired to improve the playability of the medal game while giving value to this ball (an irregular shape). Further, since the ball itself is always inserted into the medal field when a predetermined game is established, the playability of the medal game is limited for the player.

  Further, the conventional medal game device has a problem that it takes time to collect medals in the medal storage tank, and medals cannot be replenished to the game field quickly according to the game results. That is, the playability of the medal game is limited by the medal collection speed.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel medal game device in which the playability of a conventional medal game device is further improved.

  In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides a medal field for placing a plurality of medals, reciprocating means for pushing the medals on the medal field to the side of the falling space where the medals fall, and a game in the medal field. Means for the player to put a medal into the main body, means for guiding the medal inserted by the player to the medal field, control means for controlling a predetermined game executed by the medal inserted by the player, and part of the fall space Means for supplying medals falling to the player, prize storage means for storing a plurality of prizes outside the medal field, and operating means for being supplied by the player to supply the prizes to the medal field And a medal game machine.

A more specific form of the present invention is as follows. The medal game device includes a main body having a play area (also called a play field or satellite) for a plurality of players. The prize storage means is provided in common for adjacent game areas. The main body includes control means realized by a microcomputer, and this control means executes the predetermined game described above. This microcomputer also performs other controls. For example, payout of prizes, control of operation means operated by a player to pay out prizes, collection of medals falling into the fall space, and supply to the collected medal medal field are controlled. Each control is accomplished by a single chip or individual chips. For example, a control board is provided for each satellite, and a main control board is provided for overall control of all satellites.
A typical example of the predetermined game is a slot type lottery device. A player inserts a medal from the medal slot of the main body. A sensor for detecting that a medal has been inserted is provided. The inserted medals randomly fall on the front of the main unit. In the middle of the fall path, there is a prize opening that detects the passage of medals and rotates the throttle. When the medal passing is detected by the winning opening sensor, the throttle rotates. The throttle may be either a rotary drum type like a pachislot or a digital type like a pachinko. When the predetermined roles are arranged, various benefits are given to the player.

  Another example of the predetermined game is as follows. A plurality of gates through which the medals pass are provided at the falling end position of the inserted medals. Among these, the control means appropriately specifies the gate through which the medal should pass according to the game program. The designated gate is notified to the player by turning on the lamp. When the medal inserted from the insertion slot passes the designated gate, the control means determines that the game is successful. Each gate is provided with a sensor for detecting the arrival of a medal. Medals that pass through the gate are deposited in the medal field.

  The medals deposited on the medal field fall toward the fall space due to the collapse by the reciprocating means. Of the medals that have fallen into the fall space, medals that may be provided to the player, for example, medals that have dropped from the opening on the front side of the player are provided to the player. The player continues playing with this medal. A medal paid out to a player is called an acquired medal.

  Of the dropped medals, medals that should not be provided to the player are supplied to the medal field by the hopper according to the game result. There is a medal storage tank in the upper part of the game apparatus main body, and medals are collected from the hopper in this tank.

  A preferred example of the prize is a capsule containing medals. The number of medals stored in each capsule may be changed as appropriate. Here, the prize is distinguishable from a normal medal used by a player for a game (a normal medal that a player puts into a medal field), and it may be of the same shape or a different shape. Absent. If it has the same shape as a normal medal, it can be distinguished from a normal medal if an IC tag or the like is embedded inside and a reading means capable of reading data of the IC tag is provided in the housing. An example of an irregularly shaped prize is a capsule. Other than capsules may be used. As will be described later, the medal and the dropped capsule can be distinguished from the medal and detected by the sensor.

  In the memory of the control means, a program for executing other control contents such as a predetermined game is stored in advance. A storage area for storing various data necessary for this control and game results is set in the memory.

  If the player operates the operation means within a predetermined time after the notification of the right to operate the operation means is issued, the control means releases the stop means (eg, electromagnetic brake) of the operation means. When the player subsequently moves the operating means, one of the prizes is selected and inserted into the medal field.

  The prize storage means is provided with an agitation means for agitating the prizes stored in the prize storage means. When the player operates the operation means, the agitation means is interlocked with the agitation means. As a result, one premium is selected (selection means). Therefore, since the selected prize is put into the medal field, there is a pleasure that the player cannot predict what will be selected.

  Also, if there is a prize larger than the medal in the medal field, the shape and size of the mountain where the medal is volume changes complicated, and for the player, the medal is thrown into a good place from the slot, and this mountain is destroyed. This increases the expectation that many medals can be obtained. In addition, they are also motivated to get the prize itself.

  The control means may determine that the right to operate the operation means is invalid. For example, if the player does not operate (do not turn) the operating means (handle, etc.) within a predetermined time after notification, this right is extinguished. The control means stores the generation of the right in a flag, and checks whether the operation means has been operated by the timer after setting the flag. The predetermined time is counted by a timer, and if the operation means is operated within the predetermined time, the operation is determined to be valid and the game proceeds. Depending on the timing of the operation within the predetermined time, A means for giving a privilege to the player may be provided. For example, a time limit of 15 seconds and a bonus granting time of 10 seconds are set in advance (or determined randomly by calculation), and when the control means 10 seconds have elapsed from the start of counting, the player has made an operation input. Is detected, the privilege of giving the right to operate the operating means is given once again (as a result, the handle can be turned twice).

  This right may be exercised within a predetermined time, or the right can be saved in advance of this exercise. The central processing unit of the control means stores this right saving. Depending on this stored value, the degree of difficulty of the predetermined playability is changed, the probability of establishment of the predetermined combination is increased, the number of medals to be replenished to the medal field from the storage tank described later, and various benefits are provided. Can be given to the player side.

  The falling space is composed of a first space and a second space, and medals falling into the first space are provided as acquired medals to the player side, and medals falling into the second space are collected in the medal storage means. Is done. A sensor for detecting passage of medals is provided at the end of the second fall space. When this sensor detects the number of medals passed, this number of medals becomes the number of recovered medals. Based on the number of recovered medals, a payout rate (payout rate) for medals to the player is calculated by the control means. By subtracting the collected number from the replenished number, the number of medals supplied indirectly to the player can be calculated. The number of medals supplied to the medal field is controlled by the payout rate. When the predetermined game is established, the replenishment is executed. Depending on the payout rate, the success probability of the game can be changed, and the replenishment rate of medals can be changed.

  A medal that has fallen into the first space is distinguished from a prize. For example, when the shape of the medal and the prize are different, if the cross-sectional area of the fall passage is less than the diameter of the prize and greater than the diameter of the medal, the medal and the prize will be dropped from the medal in the process of providing the player with the medal and prize. It can be distinguished and detected. The control means accumulates and stores the number of prizes dropped, and the payout rate can be calculated by multiplying the accumulated value by the average number of prize medals. Here, the average number is the value of the prize expressed by the medal amount (number). For example, set values such as the value of 10 medals, the value of 20 medals, the value of 30 medals, the value of 40 medals, etc. for one capsule, and converted to any value by the administrator Setting means for setting whether or not to be performed is provided in the main body. By storing the set value in a storage means such as a memory in advance, for example, if one prize is set as the value of 30 medals, 30 medals are detected when the fall of the prize is detected. The payout rate is calculated assuming that it has fallen.

  As means for setting the number of medals for a prize, for example, there are setting switches (20-sheet setting switch, 30-sheet setting switch, etc.) provided in the medal game machine. In addition, the preset value set in the memory by the control means may be stored. The control means calculates a payout rate based on the installation value.

  In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides a medal field on which a plurality of medals are placed, reciprocating means for pushing the medals on the medal field toward the falling space where the medals fall, and the medal field. Means for the player to put a medal into the main body, means for guiding the medal inserted by the player to the medal field, control means for controlling a predetermined game executed by the medal inserted by the player, Means for supplying a part of a medal dropped to a player, prize storage means for storing a plurality of prizes outside the medal field, and operation for supplying the prize to the medal field operated by a player The control means controls the operation of the operation means as valid according to establishment of a predetermined game, and the operation means is operated as a result of the operation. The prize supplied to Dar field may be one which is a gaming machine configured to be supplied to the player by the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating means.

  The prize storage means is provided in common for adjacent game fields among a plurality of game fields in the medal game machine. For this reason, the path through which the prize is supplied can be switched, and the prize is supplied to the medal field on the medal field side in the direction of the path. A sensor is provided for detecting whether the passage switching member is arranged so as to supply a prize to any medal field side. Since the passage switching member is configured to be movable by the switching mechanism in accordance with whether or not the sensor is detected, the payout direction of the prize is switched by the driving means that drives the mechanism. In order to confirm the payout of the prize, a sensor for detecting the passage of the prize is provided. If the operating means is turned and no prize passes, the control means determines that an error has occurred. For example, if the error is a result of the number of prizes becoming a predetermined number or less, the prize is replenished to the storage means.

  A second invention for achieving the above object comprises a main body provided with a plurality of game areas, and each area has a medal field in which a plurality of medals are placed, and a medal falls on the medal field. A reciprocating means for pushing out to the side of the space; an insertion slot through which a player inserts a medal; an introducing means for guiding a medal inserted by the player to the medal field; and a predetermined game executed by the medal inserted by the player Control means for controlling, supply means for supplying a player with a medal that has fallen into a part of the fall space, a plurality of medal storage tanks movably provided so as to be arranged corresponding to each area, Collecting means for collecting medals that have fallen into another part of the fall space into the storage tank, and supplying medals in the storage area to the corresponding medal field in accordance with the establishment of a predetermined game Wherein the replenishing means that is medal game device thus provided.

  According to this invention, since the collection of the medals is performed in each storage tank arranged corresponding to each satellite by the movement of the storage tank, the medals are collected quickly. This is effective for quick development games. Furthermore, it is possible to deal with medal games that are performed integrally in all game fields.

  A medal game by a player is possible for each satellite. Therefore, each player can play a medal individually, and since the storage tank exists corresponding to all the satellites, it is possible to perform a unified game among a plurality of players. Each game is distinguished and controlled by the control means in accordance with a program stored in the memory.

  The number of medals in each storage tank is different so that the number of medals in each of the plurality of storage tanks becomes N times in order. N is a natural number of 2 or more, and is preferably 2. The storage tank rotates along the game field. For example, it is assumed that a predetermined game is successful in a certain satellite and a certain number of medals are obtained. After that, it is possible for the player to make a double medals challenge by betting the number of medals obtained through the re-challenge program. As a result of this re-challenge, if the player fails in a predetermined game using medals, instead of losing the medal acquisition right, if the player succeeds, double medals can be obtained. When the re-challenge is successful, the control means allows the satellite to reach another storage tank in which double medals are stored, and releases the medal storage means of the storage tank, thereby Can be refilled in the satellite medal field at once. Whether to acquire the acquired medals as they are or to double the number of acquired medals depends on the player's choice. This selection means (example: button) is provided in the game apparatus main body.

  Corresponding to each satellite, there is means for collecting the dropped medal in the storage tank. For example, it is means for lifting medals to a storage tank at the top of the game apparatus body. As this means, those described in the aforementioned patent documents can be used. Depending on the game result, the medal can be directly supplied from the collecting means to the medal field. On the other hand, in order to store medals in the storage tank, the collecting means supplies medals to the storage tank without supplying medals to the medal field. Means for switching between these two supply paths is provided in the middle of the recovery means. The premium storing means and the operating means are composed of a similar mechanism used in, for example, a known capsule vending machine.

  Next, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the whole medal game machine, and FIG. 2 is a plan view thereof. The medal game machine main body 10 is formed in a regular hexagon shape, and there are a plurality (six locations) of satellites 12. Each satellite corresponds to each player, and the player plays a medal game for each satellite. Reference numeral 14 is an effect area located at the top of the main body. In front of the satellite, there is a game board 16 facing the player and a medal field 18 protruding to the player side at the lower end of the game board.

  Reference numeral 20 denotes a storage container for storing prizes, in which a plurality of prizes 22 are accommodated. Reference numeral 24 denotes a handle. By rotating the handle, a prize can be put into the medal field from the container. Reference numeral 26 denotes a tray for falling from the medal field and supplying medals to the player side. The prize is also provided to the player through the tray.

  Reference numeral 28 denotes a storage tank for storing medals supplied to the medal field. This storage tank has a shape similar to that of a sake barrel, and there are several minutes of satellites. The main body 10 includes a rotation mechanism that rotates the storage tank 28. A given storage tank is stopped in response to a specific satellite. The number of medals in each storage tank is 25 → 50 → 100 → 200 → 400 → 800.

  When the storage tank locking means (for example, the outer layer raising / lowering means) is opened, the medal in the storage tank 28 falls from the tank, and the medal in the tank is led to the medal field through the opening where the entrance is widened. The medal in the storage tank is supplied to the medal field via This path is shaped to drop the falling medal in a hurry. Reference numeral 32 is a slot for a medal inserted by a player, and the medal inserted from here drops down on the front of the game board. An operation button 32b is operated by the player. This is pressed when necessary, such as when determining the contents of a game.

FIG. 3 is a game board in front of the game field. In this game board, a nail-shaped member 34 is formed, and the medal inserted through the medal insertion slot 32 (FIG. 1) collides with the nail protrusion as far as it falls, so that the medal dropping path is irregular. Can be changed. Reference numeral 36 denotes a digital display for displaying a lottery result, and reference numeral 38 denotes a start chucker (winning opening).
When the falling medal passes this chucker, an internal lottery is performed by the control device, and the lottery result is displayed on the digital display. The chat Ca has a sensor for detecting the passage of the medals.

  Reference numerals 40A to 40H denote medal gates provided in the vicinity of the end point of the medal dropping path, and there are provided a plurality of medal gates in the illustrated example. Each gate has a sensor 42 for detecting the passage of medals. The medal that reaches the gate falls and accumulates in the medal field after passing through the gate. Reference numeral 44 is a table constituting a medal field. This table is pressed against the flat plate 48 by a spring 46 which is an elastic means. The bottom surface of the slat plate is formed in a rectangular wave shape, and the slat plate is pressed against the plane of the apparatus by the spring so that medals do not enter the gaps in the bottom surface of the table.

  Reference numeral 50 denotes a plurality of comb-shaped actuators that reciprocate and rotate about the shaft 52. When the medal inserted from the insertion slot contacts this actuator, the falling direction of the medal is irregularly changed. Reference numeral 30 denotes a passage for supplying medals released from the medal storage tank described above to the medal field at once. In this passage, the medal falls while coming into contact with the corrugated protrusion, and is released toward the medal field. This passage is called a zigzag chute.

  FIG. 4 is a mechanism diagram for explaining the relationship between the collection of medals into the storage tank 28 and the replenishment of medals from the storage tank to the medal field. The plurality of storage tanks rotate around the center line of the apparatus main body, stop at a position corresponding to a specific satellite, and when the outer case 54 is lifted by means described later, medals are discharged into the medal discharge port 56 in the tank. Is done. This discharge port is formed in a funnel-like shape. All released medals are inserted into this outlet. The medal is dropped and replenished in the medal field while exercising the zigzag chute 30. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the zigzag chute 30 is provided at each of the left and right ends of the game board.

  Reference numeral 60 denotes a chute connected to the second drop space, and the medal dropped into the chute reaches the payout hopper 64 through the count hopper 62. The medals in the payout hopper are pumped up to the medal sorting mechanism 68 (sorting means) by the lift device 66. The medal distribution mechanism guides the medal in the payout hopper 64 to the storage tank 28, and a medal dropping hole 70 and a solenoid 72 (opening / closing means) for opening and closing the dropping hole are provided in the middle. When the drop hole of the medal is closed by the solenoid, the medal moves toward the storage tank 28. On the other hand, when the drop hole 70 is opened, the medal falls from the drop hole 70 to the medal discharge port 56 through the medal transport chute 74. The control unit to be described later controls the solenoid according to the result of lottery of the throttle (establishment of a predetermined game) to control the closing and opening of the drop hole. Whether the medal falls to the discharge port through the drop hole or whether the medal falls from the reservoir to the discharge port depends on the game result. There is a sensor for detecting the passage of medals at the base end of the medal distribution mechanism. The control unit monitors the number of medals discharged to the discharge port by the sensor output and the number of medals supplied into the storage tank.

  The count hopper 62 includes a sensor that detects the number of medals sent to the payout hopper 64. The number of medals detected by this sensor is accumulated and stored, and by using this value, the number of medals (or payout rate) acquired by the player is indirectly calculated by the microcomputer. The count hopper collects spilled medals from the second space (falling hole) located on both sides of the medal field.

  Reference numeral 80 denotes a chute for providing a player with medals spilled in the first space (the earning medal drop hole) in front of the medal field. The medal falls in the chute and reaches the tray 26. It should be noted that the capsule as the prize also falls on this chute and arrives at the tray. Note that the capsule does not fall into the drop hole facing the first space.

  A near empty sensor 82 is provided in the dispensing hopper 64. When the number of medals in the hopper decreases, this sensor reacts to restrict the driving of the medal lifting device 66 so that the medals in the hopper are not loaded into the storage tank 28. The amount of medals for the shortage should be loaded from the hoppers of different satellites into the storage tank where medals are lacking. When the number of medals decreases, a problem that medals to be paid out in the medal field are insufficient is prevented. Reference numeral 81 denotes a cash box, which stores medals overflowing from the payout hopper.

FIG. 5 is a mechanism diagram for explaining the storage tank in more detail. Reference numerals 90 and 92 are a rotation pulley and a motor for rotating the storage tank around the center of the game body. The reservoir consists of an outer layer 96 and inner layer 98 Prefecture, the outer layer is lifted by the outer layer lifting means 100, inclined surface medals that have been accommodated in the inner layer between the inner layer 98 and outer layer 96 to expose the inner layer 98 It falls along the line 102 and is put into the chute 30 that runs through the receiving port 56 (FIG. 4). Reference numeral 101 denotes a sensor for detecting that the outer layer 96 is in a fully lowered position. If the medal storage tank 28 is rotated in a state where the outer layer is not lowered, the outer layer may be buffered with other parts and damaged.

  FIG. 6 is a mechanism diagram of the raising / lowering mechanism of the storage tank, (1) is a front view thereof, and (2) is a side view thereof. The elevating mechanism includes a protrusion 104, which abuts against a receiving portion 176 (FIG. 5) on the back surface of the outer layer. This protrusion moves up and down along the game machine by the pinion gear 108, the rack gear 110, and the motor.

  Reference numeral 112 denotes a sensor plate, reference numeral 114 denotes a first sensor that reacts to the sensor plate, and reference numeral 116 denotes a second sensor. The first sensor detects that the protrusion is at the lower end, and the second sensor detects that the protrusion is at the upper end. When the control means raises the protrusion until the second sensor reacts, the outer layer of the medal storage tank is lifted. On the other hand, when the control means lowers the protrusion until the first sensor reacts, the space between the outer layer and the inner layer of the medal storage tank is closed. The protrusion releases the medals from the storage tank at the position of the second sensor, and replenishes the medals into the storage tank at the position of the first sensor.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the prize storage device. The prize storage device includes a main body case 120, a prize storage space 122 in the main body case, a prize transport disk 124 at the lower end of the space, a handle 126 that rotates the transport disk, and a rotation of the handle. And a transmission gear 128 for transmitting to the position. The disk has a plurality of spherical cutouts 130, and a free capsule can be placed in the cutouts. Reference numeral 132 denotes a capsule dispensing direction changing chute. This chute faces one of the notches in the disk, and the capsule falls onto the chute when facing the notch. The chute faces one of the adjacent satellites, and the capsule is put into the satellite from the satellite opening 134 in the direction in which the chute is facing.

  FIG. 8 is a detailed view of this direction change chute. Reference numeral 136 denotes a rotation motor for the payout change chute. By rotating this motor, the direction in which the chute is facing is set. Reference numeral 138 denotes a position sensor for detecting the direction of the chute, and two sensors are provided for the left and right. The chute takes either the left or right direction. Reference numeral 140 denotes a sensor for detecting that the capsule has dropped from the disk 124 (FIG. 8) to the chute 132.

  FIG. 9 is a detailed mechanism diagram of the handle 126 (FIG. 7). This handle is provided with a forward / reverse rotation protection mechanism and is configured to perform only forward rotation. Reference numeral 142 denotes a reverse prevention limiter. Reference numeral 144 denotes a fixed position sensor for detecting a fixed position of the handle. Reference numeral 146 is an electromagnetic brake for the handle. The control means releases the electromagnetic brake when the predetermined roles are aligned in the throttle, and allows the handle to rotate. When the handle rotates, the rotation is transmitted to the capsule transport disk 124 via the transmission gear 148. The rotation of the handle is detected by a handle position sensor.

  FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining the operating mechanism of the pusher that reciprocates in the medal field 18. Reference numeral 160 denotes a pusher, and the transmission arm 164 reciprocates as the motor 162 rotates. A reciprocating plate 166 connected to the transmitting arm reciprocates in the medal field by the reciprocating motion of the transmitting arm. The medal field is provided with a plurality of protrusions 168 facing the upper part of the apparatus main body. When the reciprocating plate reciprocates in the medal field, the mountain formed by the accumulation of a plurality of medals is appropriately collapsed, and as a result, the medal falls into the opening on the player side of the medal field 18.

  Reference numeral 170 denotes a sensor that detects the rotational position of the motor. With this sensor, it is possible to know the position of the table relative to the medal field. For example, the control unit may be provided with a shutter in the sorting device 132 so that the capsule is inserted into the medal field when the table is at the most retracted position with respect to the player. By doing in this way, it can prevent that a capsule hits the corner of a table and is damaged.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the chute 180 connected to the player's side tray 26 (FIG. 1). This chute is configured so that a medal dropped from the medal field and the capsule 22 can be sorted and the number of capsules passing can be detected. This chute is Y-shaped, and at the end, the medal passes through the partition plate 182 and reaches the tray 26 outside the end. The capsule cannot pass through the partition plate, and reaches the tray on the player side through the lateral opening 186 according to the inclination of the partition plate. Reference numeral 188 denotes a capsule count sensor, which is composed of an optical sensor with an actuator. When the capsule comes into contact with the actuator 190, the actuator is pushed along the capsule, the optical sensor is turned on, and the passage of the capsule is optically detected. This detection result is stored in the control means. The number of medals provided to the player can be calculated by multiplying the cumulative number of passing capsules and the average number of medals in the capsule. This calculation may be performed by a control means or may be performed by a person. The average number of medals stored in the capsule is set as appropriate by the administrator of the medal game device, and is preset and stored in the memory of the main control unit.

  FIG. 12 is a control block diagram of the game apparatus, which is constituted by a microcomputer or the like in order to constitute the control means described above.

  The control system includes a main control unit 200 that performs overall control of a plurality of satellites, and a satellite control unit 202 that controls each satellite. A satellite control unit is provided for each satellite. Each satellite control unit is centrally controlled by the main control unit.

  The main control unit calculates and outputs control signals to a motor 206 that rotates a plurality of medal storage tanks and a motor 208 that moves up and down a protrusion that moves up and down the outer layer of the medal storage tanks via the I / O interface 204. The main control unit also executes various game programs of the medal game device, and controls the motor based on the execution result, or controls each satellite control unit. The rotational position of the motor is constantly monitored by an encoder.

  Next, the configuration of each satellite control unit will be described. Each satellite control unit controls the digital display panel unit 222 of each satellite via the I / O 220. The eight sensor outputs 224 of the medal gate and the sensor output 226 of the start chucker are input to each satellite control unit 202. The sensor output 228 of the medal inserted from the medal slot and the sensor output 231 for detecting that the capsule has been paid out from the chute are input to each satellite control unit. The main control unit and each satellite control unit are connected by communication, and each satellite control unit receives a control command from the main control unit and controls the payout hopper 64 (FIG. 4) of each satellite (230). Each satellite control unit or main control unit calculates a payout rate from the medal count value and the capsule count value (230).

  A control signal is output from each satellite control unit to the electromagnetic brake 234 of the capsule dispensing mechanism via the I / O 232. Further, a control signal is output to the motor 236 that rotates the capsule dispensing direction changing chute. The output 238 of the direction sensor of the direction chute is input to each satellite control unit. Outputs of a sensor 240 for detecting passage of the capsule in the direction chute and a position sensor 242 of the handle are also supplied to each satellite control unit. The satellite control unit is shared by two adjacent satellites. Since the capsule storage device is shared by adjacent satellites, a competitive psychology acts on the dispensing of capsules between adjacent players, and the playability is improved.

  Next, the capsule dispensing operation will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing this process. When the medal game starts in each satellite, the satellite control unit detects the insertion of a medal (S10), and then determines whether or not a medal has entered the center chucker from the sensor output (S12). If the passage of medals is permitted, the internal lottery is executed by the game program (S14).

  The satellite control unit determines whether or not a capsule hit (predetermined combination) has been established, and when the capsule hit is determined, capsule payout control is executed. This control is performed by each satellite control unit.

  When the satellite control unit detects the formation of the winning combination per capsule, it is determined from the sensor output whether the switching chute is facing the satellite hitting the capsule. If this is affirmed, the electromagnetic brake is controlled to be released until the capsule is dispensed (S18), and the handle is allowed to rotate. If this is denied, the switching chute is rotated in the direction of the corresponding satellite (S20).

  Next, the satellite control unit determines whether or not the handle has been rotated from the handle position sensor (S22). If this is affirmed, it is determined based on the sensor output whether or not the capsule is inserted into the switching chute. (S24). If this determination is permitted, the capsule has been released to the medal field, so this processing routine is terminated and the process returns. Next, if a negative determination is made in S22, the elapse of a predetermined time is determined (S26), the electromagnetic brake is turned on after the elapse of the predetermined time (S28), and the process returns. As a result, the capsule acquisition right expires.

  When the capsule is not released in S24, the accumulated value of the rotation of the handle is examined from the position sensor of the handle, and when this is less than the predetermined number, the process returns to S24. When this value reaches a predetermined value, an error display (service request display) is made on the assumption that the prize in the prize storage tank has become empty or that the capsule transport mechanism has been adversely affected (S30). Thereafter, the handle is locked (S32), and the process returns.

  The number of prizes supplied to the player can be detected from a sensor (188 in FIG. 11) in the chute. Each satellite control unit gives a privilege to the player according to the number of prizes. Each time a prize is acquired by a player, a right to challenge a privilege game may be given. This right may be exercised immediately or saved. The content of the privilege game is changed according to the number of rights saved. The greater the number of rights, the higher the probability of winning in the privilege game and the greater the number of medals earned. The probability of winning is the probability of internal lottery, that is, the probability of establishment of a specific combination in slot lottery.

  Next, payout of medals from the storage tank to the medal field will be described. The satellite control unit detects that the medal has passed the center chucker, performs internal lottery, and displays this on the digital display unit when a predetermined combination is achieved. When the predetermined combination is a combination corresponding to inserting a medal from the storage tank to the satellite, the main control unit receives the combination formation flag of the satellite control unit and moves the storage tank storing the corresponding number of sheets to the satellite Let Next, the outer tank of the storage tank is lifted, and the medals in the storage tank are discharged to the medal field of the satellite.

Next, the satellite control unit drives the satellite medal hopper to replenish the storage tank while counting a prescribed number of medals. When the satellite control unit receives the control signal from the satellite medal hopper empty sensor, the replenishment of medals to the storage tank is stopped. When the main control unit receives a medal shortage signal from the satellite control unit, the satellite control unit replenishes another satellite, for example, an adjacent satellite by moving the storage tank and counting the insufficient number of medals.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the novel medal game device which can improve the playability of the conventional medal game device can be provided.

It is a front view of the medal game device concerning the present invention. FIG. It is a front view of the game board of a medal game device. It is a side view for demonstrating the mechanism which supplies the medal to the medal field of a medal game device. It is explanatory drawing of the rotation mechanism of a medal storage tank. It is explanatory drawing of the mechanism which opens a medal storage tank. It is a perspective view of a prize storage device. It is detail drawing of the prize storage apparatus bottom part for demonstrating a prize direction switching chute. It is a perspective view of the handle | steering-wheel for rotating the prize conveyance disk of a prize storage device, and its attachment mechanism. It is a top view explaining a medal field and a reciprocating mechanism. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a chute that conveys an acquired medal to a player and that conveys a medal and a prize separately. It is a control block diagram of a medal game device. It is an operation | movement flowchart regarding sending out of prizes.

Claims (4)

And the medal field for placing a plurality of medals, a medal on the medal field, and reciprocating means for the medal pushing on the side of the falling space to fall, the inlet a player turns on the medal, the player the game control means for controlling a predetermined game to be executed, the medals that have fallen in a portion of the falling space but the introduction means for guiding the inserted medals in the medal field, by the medals the player has turned It comprises a providing means for providing the shielding side, the prize storage means to be stored a plurality of prize out the medals field, and a operation means for being operated by the player to supply the prize to the medal field Medal game machine. It consists body with a plurality of game areas, the gaming machine of claim 1, wherein provided in common for play area adjacent the front Kikei article storage means. The prize storage means, the so said prize medals field of one of the adjacent play area is supplied, it comprises means for switching the passage for guiding the prize to the medal field according to claim 2, wherein the medal game machine . The prize storage means includes means for selecting one prize from the plurality of prizes upon detection of the predetermined game, and detection means for detecting payout of the selected prize to the game field. The medal game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .

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