JP4563214B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine installed and used in a game hall such as a pachinko parlor.

  A slot machine installed and used in a game hall such as a pachinko parlor can give a medal a certain value and can exchange medals earned by playing a game for various prizes. In the slot machine, various various driving devices such as a lamp device and a sound generating device which are operated based on supply of medals, a main control board and a sub-control corresponding to control these driving devices are provided in the casing. A board is provided, and when the player plays a game, these are appropriately operated to make the game full of fun.

  The housing includes a storage box that stores various drive devices, and a front door that is attached to the front side of the storage box so as to be freely opened and closed. A storage tank for storing medals is provided inside the case. The storage tank operates below when a winning combination with a payout of medals is performed by playing a game with a slot machine, and a payout medal. A medal hopper is provided to pay out the medals to the medal tray (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The medal hopper is connected to the main control board, and driving is controlled by the main control board.

  If there are no medals in the storage tank and medals are not paid out even when the medal hopper is operated, an empty error occurs, an error is displayed on the display panel, and an error sound is output. When an empty error occurs, the player calls a game hall manager to cancel the error.

  The manager of the game hall opens the front door, replenishes the storage tank with medals, operates the error stop switch, then closes the front door, and stops the error display and the error sound.

  In the slot machine, in addition to the above-mentioned empty error, an error display such as a game medal backflow error when the inserted medal flows back is displayed. If a game medal backflow error occurs, it will basically return automatically, but if it does not return, it is necessary to inspect the selector that selects whether the inserted medal is genuine or not. If there is a foreign object that causes an error, the foreign object is deleted and cleaned.

By the way, in recent years, a so-called goto action, in which a medal is inserted by a method different from a regular method, may be performed. As one of the goto acts, there is a case where an instrument used for illegally inserting a medal from the medal slot (hereinafter, referred to as “goto instrument”) is inserted. The goto device is inserted from the medal insertion slot, the photoelectric sensor for detecting the medal is erroneously operated, and the medal can be inserted without actually inserting the medal. A player who has inserted a medal using a goto device can gain profits illegally by taking out a credited medal or playing a game with the inserted medal. The fact that some players gain profits illegally through Goto acts not only causes a loss in the profits of the game hall, but also causes the players to lose interest in games because they cannot play fair games. Adding a function to prevent slotting to a slot machine is one of the major challenges for slot machine manufacturers.
JP 2004-135844 A

  When a game medal backflow error is displayed, it is possible that a goto device has been inserted from the medal slot, so it is necessary to stop the error display from anyone other than the game hall administrator. However, in the case of an empty error, there is no possibility that it will be caused by a goto action (it will not be beneficial to the person who performs the goto action), and furthermore, an empty error occurs frequently during the business hours of the playground. In addition, the operation of operating the error stop switch is troublesome for the game hall manager.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a gaming machine that can easily stop an error of an empty error by simply opening and closing the front door while maintaining security against a goto action. Objective.

The gaming machine of the present invention includes a storage tank for storing game media, an error signal output means for outputting a plurality of error signals including an empty error signal, and a notification means for receiving the plurality of error signals and notifying the state thereof. A stop operation means for stopping the output of the plurality of error signals, a storage box constituting a part of the housing and storing at least the storage tank and the stop operation means, and opening and closing on the front side of the storage box In a gaming machine having a front door that is freely attached and has a keyhole on the front surface, and can be opened by inserting a key into the keyhole and rotating the key, the front door is in a closed state Open / close detection means for detecting whether or not there is, and outputting a door closing signal when the door is closed, and outputting a door opening signal when the door is not closed; and a game medium in the storage tank Check for presence And when the error signal output means outputs the empty error signal in response to no detection by the game medium detection means, and after the door opening signal is output from the opening / closing detection means, By outputting only the empty error signal in response to the door closing signal being output, the empty error signal is output only by opening and closing the front door without requiring the operation of the stop operation means. And an error signal output stop means for stopping the error. The game medium is inserted by the player when starting the game, and examples thereof include medals, coins, and pachinko balls. Examples of the open / close detection means include a photoelectric sensor, a press-type switch, a touch sensor, and the like. Further, examples of the game medium detecting means include a photoelectric sensor, a touch sensor, a weight measuring device, and the like. Moreover, as said alerting | reporting means, LED, a speaker, LCD, etc. are mentioned. Furthermore, it is preferable that the stop operation means is provided at a position where it cannot be operated by anyone other than a game hall manager, for example, inside the housing.

Capacity detection means for detecting whether or not the capacity of the game medium in the storage tank has reached a predetermined capacity, and the error signal output stop means is responsive to arrival detection by the capacity detection means. Is preferably stopped. Examples of the capacitance detection means include a photoelectric sensor and a touch sensor. The predetermined capacity is preferably a capacity that does not cause a hopper empty error for a while, and is preferably 50% or more of the storage capacity of the storage tank.

The gaming machine of the present invention has a storage box that forms a part of the housing, and is attached to the front side of the storage box so as to be openable and closable, and has a keyhole on the front surface. In a gaming machine provided with a front door that can be opened by rotating, an error signal output means for outputting a plurality of error signals corresponding to each of a plurality of error causes, and receiving the plurality of error signals A notification means for notifying the state, a stop operation means for stopping the output of the plurality of error signals stored in the storage box, and detecting whether or not the front door is in a closed state, Open / close detection means for outputting a door closing signal when the door is in a closed state and outputting a door opening signal when the door is not in a closed state, and instructing the selection of a specific error signal from the plurality of error signals Selection means to do and before In response to the door closing signal being output after the door opening signal is output from the opening / closing detection means when the specific error signal selected by the selecting means is output from the error signal output means. By stopping only the output of the specific error signal selected by the selection means, the specific operation selected by the selection means can be performed only by opening and closing the front door without requiring the operation of the stop operation means. And an error signal output stopping means for stopping the output of the error signal. In addition, it is preferable that the selection means is provided at a position that cannot be operated by anyone other than a game hall administrator, for example, inside the housing.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, a storage tank that stores game media, a storage box that constitutes a part of the housing and stores the storage tank, a front door that is attached to the front side of the storage box so as to be openable and closable, Error signal output means for outputting a plurality of error signals including an empty error signal, notification means for receiving a plurality of error signals and notifying the state thereof, stop operation means for stopping the output of the plurality of error signals, and a front door When the error signal output means outputs an empty error signal in response to no detection by the game medium detection means, the game medium detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a game medium in the storage tank And an error signal output stopping means for stopping the output of the empty error signal in response to the closing detection after the opening detection by the opening / closing detecting means. If error is generated (output of the empty error signal), can stop the notification of the empty error just opening and closing the front door, it is possible to reduce the effort of the administrator of the game arcade. In addition, among the multiple error signals, the output of only the empty error signal, which is an error signal with a low risk of damage due to goofing (illegal) action, is stopped by opening and closing the front door, and error signals other than the empty error signal (going action) The error signal (which is highly risky of damage due to the above) cannot be stopped by opening and closing the front door, and the output is stopped by operating the stop operation means that cannot be operated by anyone other than the game hall administrator Therefore, it is possible to maintain security against the goto act.

  In addition, since there is a selection means for selecting an error signal to be stopped by the error signal output stop means from among a plurality of error signals, the manager of the game hall can send an error signal to stop the output by the error signal output stop means. By selecting an error signal that can be selected and has a low risk of damage caused by goto (for example, fraudulent) acts, such as an overflow error signal that is output in response to overflow of game media from the storage tank, The notification of the overflow error can be stopped only by opening and closing, and the labor of the game hall manager can be further reduced.

  Furthermore, it has capacity detecting means for detecting whether or not the capacity of the game medium in the storage tank has reached a predetermined capacity, and the error signal output stop means outputs an empty error signal in response to arrival detection by the capacity detecting means. Therefore, the notification of the empty error can be stopped only by setting the capacity of the game medium in the storage tank to a predetermined capacity or more, and the labor of the game hall manager can be reduced.

  FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a slot machine 10 which is an embodiment of a gaming machine using the present invention. The slot machine 10 includes a housing 13 including a storage box 11 and a front door 12. The front door 12 is attached to the front side of the storage box 11 so that it can be opened and closed. The front door 12 includes an upper door 12a and a lower door 12b, which are attached to the front side of the storage box 11 by hinges (not shown) and can be rotated. A display window 14 is provided on the upper door 12a, and a reel unit 23 (see FIG. 2) in which a first reel 15a, a second reel 15b, and a third reel 15c are rotatably incorporated is disposed at the back of the display window 14. Has been. As is well known, a plurality of types of symbols are arranged at a constant pitch on the outer circumference of the first to third reels 15a to 15c, and three symbols per reel can be observed through the display window 14 when the reels are stopped. Become. As a result, a total of five straight winning winning lines in which the symbols of the reels are combined one by one and three in the horizontal direction are set. Below the display window 14 is provided a medal payout number display section 16 for displaying the payout number of medals (game media) 20 (see FIG. 2). In the case of winning, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the payout number display device 55 (see FIG. 5) and can be visually recognized via the medal payout number display unit 16.

  Prior to the start of the game, when a single medal 20 (see FIG. 2) is inserted from the medal slot 17, one middle winning effective line is activated, and two upper and lower winning effective lines are added to the middle winning effective line. In the case of three horizontal lines and three sheets including a winning effective line, five winning effective lines including two additional winning effective lines are activated. Further, the medal 20 can be credited (stored) up to 50. For example, 4 symbols per reel can be observed from the display window 14, and in addition to the 4 winning pay lines, another prize that is folded to combine one symbol for each reel. It is also possible to set an effective line.

  The lower door 12b of the front door 12 is provided with a start lever 18 for rotating the first to third reels 15a to 15c, and the first to third reels 15a to 15c are rotated by the operation of the start lever 18. To do. By operating these stop buttons 19a, 19b, 19c provided on the lower door 12b of the front door 12, the first to third reels 15a-15c corresponding to each button are individually stopped. That is, the operation of the stop buttons 19a to 19c is a reel stop operation. The stop buttons 19a to 19c are configured as push-type buttons that are operated by being pressed. The operation panel above the stop buttons 19a to 19c is provided with various operation buttons such as a 1 bet button, a MAX bet button, and a payout button that are operated when a game is performed with the medal 20 being credited. . Since the functions of these operation buttons are well known, the details thereof are omitted.

  A medal tray 21 is provided at the lower part of the lower door 12b, and a payout medal is paid out from the payout slot 22 when a winning combination accompanied by paying out medals is won in the game. A key hole 12c for inserting a key (not shown) is formed on the front surface of the lower door 12b. By inserting the key into the key hole 12c and rotating the key counterclockwise, the front door 12 is opened. Open.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the storage box 11 is formed with a partition plate 11a for partitioning the interior of the storage box 11 into two upper and lower parts at a substantially central portion. The upper storage part 11b and the lower storage part 11c are partitioned. A reel unit 23 in which the first to third reels 15a to 15c are rotatably assembled is assembled to the upper storage portion 11b.

  The reel unit 23 includes a stepping motor and a back lamp (not shown) corresponding to the first to third reels 15a to 15c, and a photo sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation angle of the first to third reels 15a to 15c. Etc., and the drive is controlled by a CPU 50a of the main control board 50 described later. Three back lamps are arranged in the vertical direction inside the first to third reels 15a to 15c. As a result of playing the game, three winning symbols are arranged on the winning line, and a big bonus (BB ) Or when a regular bonus (RB) is won, the winning picture stopped and displayed on the display window 14 is turned on / off / flashing in a predetermined pattern, and the player has won the BB or RB. Is notified. In addition, the notification by the illumination of the back lamp may be performed such as notification that a winning combination other than BB or RB has been won, notification indicating the possibility of winning a specific winning combination, or the like.

  A door detection switch (opening / closing detecting means) 24 for detecting opening / closing of the lower door 12b of the front door 12 is attached to the lower right end of the front surface of the storage box 11. The door detection switch 24 includes a disc-shaped main body 24a, and a columnar moving section 24b that is movable between an on position housed inside the main body 24a and an off position protruding outside. It is connected. The moving part 24b is urged toward the off position by a spring (not shown). The main body 24 a is embedded in the storage box 11, and only the moving part 24 b protrudes from the front surface of the storage box 11. When the lower door 12b is opened, the moving part 24b is located at the off position, and when the lower door 12b is closed, the moving part 24b is located at the on position (see FIG. 1). When the moving unit 24b is in the off position, a door opening signal indicating that the lower door 12b is opened is output from the door detection switch 24 to the CPU 50a (open detection), and when the moving unit 24b is in the on position. The CPU 50a outputs a door closing signal indicating that the lower door 12b is closed (closed detection).

  As shown in FIG.2 and FIG.3, the power supply box 25 is provided in the inside of the lower accommodating part 11c. On the front face of the power supply box 25, a power switch 26 for switching on / off of the main power supply, a key cylinder 27, a setting change switch 28, and an error stop for stopping the output of a plurality of error signals to be described later and stopping error notification. A switch (stop operation means) 29 and a selection switch (selection means) 30 for selecting an error signal for stopping the output in response to closing detection after opening detection by the door detection switch 24 among a plurality of error signals are provided. ing. The power switch 26, the setting change switch 28, the error stop switch 29, and the selection switch 30 are composed of push-type buttons that are operated by being pressed. By pressing the power switch 26, the power of the slot machine 10 is turned on / off.

  The slot machine 10 is capable of selecting a plurality of setting values (for example, setting values “1” to “6”) provided so that the winning probabilities for the loser and the plurality of types of winning combinations are different from each other. The setting change switch 28 is operated when changing which of the plurality of setting values is selected, and changes the setting value by operating the setting change switch 28.

  The key cylinder 27 is provided with a rotatable rotating portion 27a. In the present embodiment, when the main unit power of the slot machine 10 is turned on by operating the power switch 26 after the turning unit 27a is turned to the ON position, the setting change by the setting change switch 28 is validated. The setting value is changed by operating the setting change switch 28 in the state.

  The error stop switch (stop operation means) 29 stops the output of error signals of seven types (plurality), which will be described in detail later, and stops error notification. When the error stop switch 29 is operated, an error signal is output. Is stopped.

  The selection switch (selection means) 30 includes a medal backflow error signal (error display (hereinafter abbreviated): “E1”), an empty error signal (“E2”), and a payout medal jam error as seven types (plural) of error signals. Signal (“E3”), hopper payout switch error signal (“E4”), overflow error signal (“E5”), inserted medal retention error signal (“E6”), and CPU error signal (“EE”) The CPU 50a (see FIG. 5) selects an error signal for stopping the output in response to the closing detection after the opening detection by the door detection switch 24. For example, the selection switch 30 is operated several times during 5 seconds. Make a selection depending on how you did it. For example, a medal backflow error signal is selected when operated once, an empty error signal is selected when operated twice, a payout medal clogged error signal is selected when operated three times, and a hopper payout switch error signal is selected when operated four times. The overflow error signal is selected when operated five times, the inserted medal staying error signal is selected when operated six times, and the CPU error signal is selected when operated seven times. In the present embodiment, a mode in which an empty error signal and an overflow error signal are selected will be described. That is, the game hall manager operates the selection switch 30 twice during 5 seconds, and after 5 seconds, operates the selection switch 30 five times during 5 seconds.

  A storage tank 31 for storing the medal 20 inserted from the medal insertion slot 17 is provided below the power supply box 25 of the lower storage portion 11c. The storage tank 31 is formed in a size that can store approximately 1500 medals 20. Below the storage tank 31 is provided a medal hopper 32 that operates when a game is played in the slot machine 10 and a winning combination with payout of the medal 20 is won, and pays out the medal 20 to the medal tray 21. . The medal hopper 32 is connected to a main control board 50 to be described later, and the drive is controlled by the main control board 50.

  The storage tank 31 is provided with a medal outlet 31 a for sending the medal 20 to the payout opening 22. When a winning combination with a payout of the medal 20 is won by playing a game, the medal hopper 32 is driven, and the number of medals 20 corresponding to the type of the winning combination is sent out from the medal exit 31a to the payout port 22. The medal tray 21 is paid out.

  At the medal exit 31a, a payout detection sensor 33 (see FIG. 5) for detecting the medal 20 is provided. The payout detection sensor 33 is connected to the CPU 50a of the main control board 50, and sends a payout detection signal to the CPU 50a in response to detecting the medal 20.

  On the right side surface of the storage tank 31, there is provided a square cylindrical medal discharge section 34 for discharging the overflowed medal 20 to the outside when the stored medal 20 reaches a predetermined amount or more. An overflow storage tank 35 for storing the medal 20 discharged from the medal discharge unit 34 is provided on the right side of the storage tank 31 of the lower storage unit 11c. The overflow storage tank 35 is formed in a size that can store approximately 500 medals 20.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a reflective photosensor 36 that is a non-contact detector is provided on the right outer wall surface of the storage tank 31. The reflection type photosensor 36 includes a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit, and the light receiving unit receives reflected light emitted from the light projecting unit and reflected by the medal 20 or the inner wall surface of the overflow storage tank 35. The reflective photosensor 36 is connected to the CPU 50 a of the main control board 50.

  The overflow storage tank 35 is arranged so that the medal 20 discharged from the medal discharge unit 34 does not hit the light emitted from the reflective photosensor 36 during the fall. On the left side surface of the overflow storage tank 35, a light passage hole 35a for passing light emitted from the reflective photosensor 36 is formed. When the capacity of the medal 20 stored in the overflow storage tank 35 reaches a predetermined capacity (for example, the capacity of 400 medals 20 that is 80% of the storable capacity of the overflow storage tank 35), the light passage hole 35a is reached. In addition, the light passing therethrough is formed at a position where it is reflected by the medal 20. The diameter of the light passage hole 35a is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the medal 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a medal selector 41 and a medal guide member 42 are provided on the back of the lower door 12 b below the medal slot 17. A passage cover 43 is attached to the medal selector 41.

  The medal selector 41 selects whether or not the medal 20 inserted from the medal insertion slot 17 is a genuine one based on the size of the medal 20, and the regular medal includes the medal selector 41 and the medal guide member 42. It is sent to the storage tank 31 through. The medal selector 41 is provided with a passage detection sensor 44, and the passage detection sensor 44 detects the passage when a regular medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 17. The passage detection sensor 44 is connected to the CPU 50a and sends a passage detection signal to the CPU 50a in response to detecting the medal 20.

  The passage detection sensor 44 includes a first medal sensor 44a and a second medal sensor 44b. The first and second medal sensors 44a and 44b are, for example, reflective photoelectric sensors that are integrally provided with a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit. The first and second medal sensors 44a and 44b are arranged with a first medal sensor 44a on the upstream side and a second medal sensor 44b on the downstream side in the traveling direction of the medal 20.

  When the medal 20 passes the first medal sensor 44a and the second medal sensor 44b (in a state where the medal 20 blocks the light path of the light projecting portion of the first medal sensor 44a and the second medal sensor 44b), The light projected from the light projecting unit of the sensor is not received by the light receiving unit, and each sensor is turned off. Thereby, the detection of the medal 20 is started. Further, when the medal 20 has not passed through the first medal sensor 44a or the second medal sensor 44b (the medal 20 does not block the light path of the light projecting portion of the first medal sensor 44a or the second medal sensor 44b). ), The light projected from the light projecting unit of each sensor is received by the light receiving unit, and each sensor is turned on. That is, the detection of the medal 20 is started when the first and second medal sensors 44a and 44b are turned from on to off, and one medal 20 is detected when the first and second medal sensors 44a and 44b are turned from off to on.

  More specifically, the arrangement of the first and second medal sensors 44a and 44b will be described. The first and second medal sensors 44a and 44b always include the first and second medal sensors when the medal 20 passes the medal selector 41. The medal sensors 44a and 44b are arranged so that the medal 20 can be sequentially detected. Further, the medal 20 is continuously inserted (from the medal insertion slot 17 so that a plurality of medals 20 pass in succession). Even when the first medal sensor 44a, 44b is turned on after the first and second medal sensors 44a, 44b are sequentially detected, the first and second medal sensors 44a, 44b are always turned on. It is arranged at a position where the next medal 20 can be detected, that is, the first and second medal sensors 44a and 44b are two or more medals at a time. Therefore, the detection of the medal 20 is not performed in the order of the first medal sensor 44a and the second medal sensor 44b within a predetermined time required for the passage of the medal 20. If the order is reversed, it indicates that the medal 20 is flowing backward, and therefore it can be determined that a medal backward flow error has occurred.

  When an illegal medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 17, the medal selector 41 discharges the illegal medal to the outside. The illegal medals discharged from the medal selector 41 are discharged to the payout chute 45 from the notch 43 a formed in the passage cover 43. In addition, when the number of stored medals has reached the upper limit of 50, or while playing a game (the start lever 18 is operated to rotate the first to third reels 15a to 15c). Until all the first to third reels 15a to 15c are stopped), even when a regular medal is inserted from the medal slot 17, the medal selector 41 pays out the medal 20. It is discharged to the chute 45. The medal 20 discharged to the payout chute 45 is paid out from the payout opening 22.

  Two speakers (notification means) 46 are provided at the lower end of the back surface of the lower door 12b to make the game full of interest by generating sound during the game. The speaker 46 is connected to the CPU 50a of the main control board 50.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main control board 50 is housed in a board housing case 51, and the board housing case 51 is disposed on the back surface inside the upper housing portion 11b. This protects the main control board 50 from being touched by anyone.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the operation of the slot machine 10 is basically controlled by the main control board 50. In addition to the CPU 50a, the main control board 50 is provided with a ROM 50b, an electronic lottery unit 50c, and a winning combination determining unit 50d. The ROM 50b stores, for example, a control program such as a game execution program executed by the CPU 50a, control data necessary for executing these programs, and the like.

  The passage detection sensor 44 detects the medal 20 inserted from the medal insertion slot 17, and sends a passage detection signal to the CPU 50a. The CPU 50a counts the number of 1 to 3 medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 17 based on the passage detection signal from the passage detection sensor 44, and determines the number of valid winning lines. The number of credits is counted by another credit medal counter (not shown).

  In a predetermined time required for passing the medal 20, the medal 20 is not detected in the order of the first medal sensor 44a and the second medal sensor 44b, and the detection order is reversed. Since the medal 20 is flowing backward in the downward direction, the passage detection sensor 44 sends a passage error signal to the CPU 50a. In response to this, the CPU 50a outputs a medal backflow error signal to the payout number display device 55 and the speaker 46, and displays an error display (“E1”) indicating a medal backflow error on the payout number display device 55. At the same time, a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 46.

  The CPU 50a constantly monitors the slot machine 10 and outputs a payout medal clog error signal to the payout number display device 55 and the speaker 46 when the medal 20 is jammed and is not paid out from the medal exit 31a. An error display (“E3”) indicating a medal clogging error is displayed at 55 and a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 46. When the payout switch is turned on other than during the medal payout, the CPU 50a outputs a hopper payout switch error signal to the payout number display device 55 and the speaker 46, and the payout number display device 55 indicates a hopper payout switch error. The error display ("E4") is displayed and a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 46. When the medal 20 stays in the passage detection sensor 44, the CPU 50a outputs an inserted medal staying error signal to the payout number display device 55 and the speaker 46, and an error display indicating that there is an inserted medal staying error on the payout number display device 55. ("E6") is displayed and a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 46. When a problem related to the main board occurs, the CPU 50a outputs a CPU error signal to the payout number display device 55 and the speaker 46, and displays an error display (“EE”) indicating a CPU error on the payout number display device 55. ) And a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 46.

  To stop the output of the plurality of error signals, the error stop switch 29 is operated. When the error stop switch 29 is operated, an error stop signal is input to the CPU 50a, and in response to this, the CPU 50a stops outputting the error signal and stops error notification.

  In addition to the above-described seven types of error signals, when a problem related to the main board that requires setting to be changed (changed) occurs, the CPU 50a sends a CPU error signal to the payout number display device 55 and the speaker 46. Is displayed on the payout number display device 55, and an error display (“EC”) indicating a CPU error is displayed, and a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 46. In this case, even if the error stop switch 29 is operated, the output of the error signal cannot be stopped, and in response to changing the setting, the CPU 50a stops outputting the error signal and notifies the error. To stop.

  The start signal sensor 52 inputs a game start signal indicating that the start lever 18 is operated to the CPU 50a when the start lever 18 is operated after 1 to 3 medals are inserted. In response to the game start signal, the CPU 50a rotates the first to third reels 15a to 15c based on a program for executing the game stored in the ROM 50b and starts game processing.

  The drive and stop control of the reel unit 23 in which the first to third reels 15 a to 15 c are rotatably incorporated are performed by the CPU 50 a and the reel drive controller 53. The first to third reels 15a to 15c are respectively attached to the drive shafts of the individual stepping motors, and the CPU 50a controls the first to third reels 15a to 15c by controlling the driving of each stepping motor. Do.

  When the stop buttons 19a to 19c are operated, the stop button sensors 54a, 54b, and 54c input a stop signal indicating that the stop buttons 19a to 19c are operated to the CPU 50a. The start lever 18 is operated to start the rotation of the first to third reels 15a to 15c, and when these rotations reach a steady speed, the CPU 50a validates the operation of the stop buttons 19a to 19c. Thereafter, when the stop buttons 19a to 19c are operated, stop control of the first to third reels 15a to 15c corresponding to the stop buttons 19a to 19c is started.

  In response to the game start signal sent from the start signal sensor 52, the CPU 50a operates the electronic lottery unit 50c. The electronic lottery unit 50c includes a random number generator and a random value sampling circuit, and draws one random value every time a game is started. The random value selected by lottery is input to the winning combination determining unit 50d. In the winning combination determination unit 50d, it is determined according to the input value what type of winning combination is awarded in the currently executed game.

  The winning combination deciding unit 50d determines whether the random value lottery selected by the electronic lottery unit 50c is lost or a plurality of types of winning combinations with reference to a winning table stored in the ROM 50b. In addition to the first to sixth winning tables for the normal mode, the ROM 50b is provided with a winning table used for games in the BB mode, games in the RB mode, and the like in the BB mode and the RB mode. The combination determining unit 50d refers to the corresponding winning table to make a winning determination.

  The medal hopper 32 pays out a prescribed number of payout medals to the medal tray 21 according to the type of winning combination, or adds the prescribed number to the credit counter. The payout table in which the number of payout medals is determined for each type of winning combination is stored in the ROM 50b, and the CPU 50a reads this and sends a corresponding electric signal to the medal hopper 32 to drive the medal hopper 32.

  The CPU 50a drives the medal hopper 32 to pay out the medals 20 corresponding to the number of payout medals, and displays the number of payout medals (for example, 15) on the payout number display device (notification means) 55.

  The payout detection sensor 33 is connected to the CPU 50a of the main control board 50, and sends a payout detection signal to the CPU 50a in response to detecting the medal 20 paid out from the medal outlet 31a by driving the medal hopper 32. The CPU 50a compares the number of payout medals described above with the number of medals 20 detected by the payout detection sensor 33, and if the number of payout detection sensors 33 is small (for example, 15 payout medals and the number of detected medals). 10), it is determined that an empty error in which the medal 20 is not stored in the storage tank 31 has occurred, and an empty error signal is output to the payout number display device 55 and the speaker 46, and the payout number display device 55 In addition, an error display (“E2”) indicating an empty error is displayed and a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 46. In this embodiment, the game medium detection means for detecting the presence / absence of the medal 20 in the storage tank 31 includes a payout detection sensor 33 and a CPU 50a. The CPU 50a outputs an error signal including an empty error signal. It also functions as a signal output means.

  When an empty error occurs, the game hall manager inserts a key into the keyhole 12c and rotates the key counterclockwise to open the lower door 12b of the front door 12, and inserts a medal into the storage tank 31. 20 is replenished, the lower door 12b is closed, and the key is removed from the key hole 12c. When the lower door 12b is opened, a door open signal is output from the door detection switch 24 to the CPU 50a (open detection). When the lower door 12b is closed, a door close signal is output from the door detection switch 24 to the CPU 50a (closed detection). In response to the door closing signal being input after the door opening signal is input, the CPU 50a stops outputting the empty error signal to the payout number display device 55 and the speaker 46, and “ “E2” display is stopped and the warning sound from the speaker 46 is stopped. In the present embodiment, the CPU 50a also functions as an error signal output stop unit that stops the output of the empty error signal.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the CPU 50a monitors the output level of the light receiving unit of the reflective photosensor 36 at a predetermined interval, and when the output level exceeds a preset predetermined level, that is, FIG. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the light is reflected by the medal 20, it is determined that the capacity of the medal 20 stored in the overflow storage tank 35 has reached 400 (predetermined capacity). In response to this, the CPU 50a outputs an overflow error signal to the payout number display device 55 and the speaker 46, displays an error display (“E5”) indicating an overflow error on the payout number display device 55, and A warning sound is emitted from the speaker 46. In this embodiment, the overflow detection means for detecting that the medal 20 has overflowed from the storage tank 31 is composed of an overflow storage tank 35, a reflective photosensor 36, and a CPU 50a.

  When an overflow error occurs, the game hall manager opens the lower door 12b of the front door 12, removes the medal 20 from the overflow storage tank 35, and closes the lower door 12b. When the medal 20 is removed from the overflow storage tank 35, the output level of the light receiving unit of the reflective photosensor 36 becomes lower than a predetermined level set in advance, so that the CPU 50a reaches the capacity of the stored medal 20 to 400 sheets. Although it is determined that it is not, the output of the overflow error signal to the payout number display device 55 and the speaker 46 continues. When the lower door 12b is opened, a door open signal is output from the door detection switch 24 to the CPU 50a (open detection). When the lower door 12b is closed, a door close signal is output from the door detection switch 24 to the CPU 50a (closed detection). In response to the door closing signal being input after the door opening signal is input, the CPU 50a stops outputting the overflow error signal to the payout number display device 55 and the speaker 46, and “ "E5" display is stopped and the warning sound from the speaker 46 is stopped.

  The operation of the slot machine 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When an empty error occurs, the CPU 50a outputs an empty error signal to the payout number display device 55 and the speaker 46, and displays an error display (“E2”) indicating an empty error on the payout number display device 55. A warning sound is emitted from the speaker 46. Further, when an overflow error occurs, the CPU 50a outputs an overflow error signal to the payout number display device 55 and the speaker 46, and an error display (“E5”) indicating an overflow error is displayed on the payout number display device 55. And a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 46. When an empty error occurs, the game hall administrator opens the lower door 12b of the front door 12, replenishes the stop tank 31 with the medal 20, closes the lower door 12b, and generates an overflow error. Opens the lower door 12b, removes the medal 20 from the overflow storage tank 35, and closes the lower door 12b. When the CPU 50a closes after opening the lower door 12b, the CPU 50a stops the error display (“E2” and “E5”) of the payout number display device 55 and stops the warning sound from the speaker 46. Even when the error stop switch 29 is operated, the CPU 50 a stops the error display (“E2” and “E5”) of the payout number display device 55 and stops the warning sound from the speaker 46.

  A medal backflow error (“E1”), a payout medal clogging error (“E3”), a hopper payout switch error (“E4”), an inserted medal retention error (“E6”), and a CPU error (“EE”) occur. Then, the CPU 50a outputs an error signal corresponding to the payout number display device 55 and the speaker 46, displays an error display corresponding to the payout number display device 55, and emits a warning sound from the speaker 46. To stop the output of the plurality of error signals, the error stop switch 29 is operated. The manager of the game hall opens the lower door 12b of the front door 12, performs a process corresponding to each error, and operates the error stop switch 29. When the error stop switch 29 is operated, the CPU 50a stops the error display of the payout number display device 55 and stops the warning sound from the speaker 46. Then, the manager of the game hall closes the lower door 12b.

  As described above, when an empty error and an overflow error, which are low-risk errors due to a goto (injustice) act, occur, the lower door 12b is simply opened and then closed, and "E2" While the “E5” display is stopped, the warning sound from the speaker 46 can be stopped, the error stop switch 29 need not be operated, and the labor of the game hall manager can be reduced.

  Further, the medal backflow error (“E1”), the payout medal clogging error (“E3”), the hopper payout switch error (“E4”), and the inserted medal retention error (“E6”), which are errors with a high risk of damage due to goto )), When a CPU error (“EE”) occurs, the opening and closing of the lower door 12b does not stop the error display of the payout number display device 55 and the warning sound from the speaker 46. Since the error stop switch 29 that cannot be operated by an administrator other than the administrator is operated to stop the error display and the warning sound, it is possible to maintain security against the goto action.

  7 and 8 show another embodiment. Constituent members similar to those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof is simplified. As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, a reflective photosensor 60 that is a non-contact detector is provided on the left inner wall surface of the lower storage portion 11 c of the storage box 11. The reflection type photosensor 60 includes a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit, and the light receiving unit receives reflected light emitted from the light projecting unit and reflected by the medal 20 or the inner wall surface of the storage tank 31. The reflective photosensor 60 is connected to the CPU 50a of the main control board 50 (see FIG. 8).

  The storage tank 31 is arranged so that the medal 20 sent through the medal selector 41 and the medal guide member 42 does not hit the light emitted from the reflective photosensor 60 during the fall. On the left side surface of the storage tank 31, a light passage hole 31 b for passing light emitted from the reflective photosensor 60 is formed. When the capacity of the medal 20 stored in the storage tank 31 reaches a predetermined capacity (for example, the capacity of 1200 medals 20 that is 80% of the storable capacity of the storage tank 31), The light passing therethrough is formed at a position where it is reflected by the medal 20. The diameter of the light passage hole 31b is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the medal 20.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the CPU 50a monitors the output level of the light receiving unit of the reflective photosensor 60 at a predetermined interval, and when the output level exceeds a preset predetermined level, that is, FIG. As shown in FIG. 7B, when the light is reflected by the medal 20, it is determined that the capacity of the stored medal 20 has reached 1200 (predetermined capacity). In response to this, the CPU 50a stops outputting the empty error signal to the payout number display device 55 and the speaker 46, stops the “E2” display on the payout number display device 55, and outputs a warning sound from the speaker 46. Stop. In the present embodiment, the capacity detection means for detecting whether or not the capacity of the medal 20 in the storage tank 31 has reached 1200 (predetermined capacity) includes the storage tank 31, the CPU 50 a, and the reflective photosensor 60. Composed.

  In this way, when an empty error occurs, only “1200” (predetermined capacity) medals 20 are stored in the storage tank 31, and the “E2” display on the payout number display device 55 is stopped and the speaker 46 is stopped. Can be stopped, there is no need to operate a stop switch for stopping them, and the labor of the game hall manager can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the storage tank 31 is formed in a size capable of storing 1500 medals 20, and the CPU 50a has a storage capacity of the storage tank 31 equal to or greater than the capacity of 1200 medals 20. In response to this, the output of the empty error signal to the payout number display device 55 and the speaker 46 is stopped, but the size of the storage tank 31 can be changed as appropriate, and the payout number display device 55 and The capacity that triggers the output of the empty error signal to the speaker 46 is also changed as appropriate, but the storage tank 31 is small in size (for example, only about 100 medals 20 can be stored). In this case, since an empty error frequently occurs, the size of the storage tank 31 is 1000 or more meda It is preferably a size capable of storing 20.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the slot machine which implemented this invention. It is a perspective view showing the slot machine in a state where the front door is opened. It is a perspective view which shows the board | substrate storage case and the main control board which were attached to the inside of a storage box and a storage box. It is side surface sectional drawing which shows a medal, a storage tank, an overflow storage tank, and a reflection type photosensor. It is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration inside the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of control. It is side surface sectional drawing which shows the medal, the storage tank, and reflection type photosensor of embodiment which provided the reflection type photosensor which irradiates light toward a storage tank. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration inside the slot machine of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

Explanation of symbols

10 Slot machines (gaming machines)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Storage box 12 Front door 12a Upper door 12b Lower door 12c Keyhole 13 Case 20 Medal (game medium)
24 Door detection switch (open / close detection means)
24a body part 24b moving part 29 error stop switch (stop operation means)
30 selection switch (selection means)
Reference Signs List 31 storage tank 31a medal outlet 31b light passage hole 33 payout detection sensor 34 medal discharge section 35 overflow storage tank 35a light passage hole 36 reflective photosensor 46 speaker (notification means)
50 Main control board 50a CPU
55 Payout number display device (notification means)
60 Reflective photo sensor

Claims (3)

A storage tank for storing game media; an error signal output means for outputting a plurality of error signals including an empty error signal; a notification means for receiving the plurality of error signals and informing the state thereof; and a plurality of error signals. Stop operation means for stopping output, a storage box that constitutes a part of the housing and stores at least the storage tank and the stop operation means, and is attached to the front side of the storage box so as to be openable and closable. In a gaming machine with a front hole that has a keyhole and can be opened by inserting the key into this keyhole and rotating the key,
Open / close detection means for detecting whether or not the front door is in a closed state, outputting a door close signal when the front door is in a closed state, and outputting a door open signal when the door is not in a closed state; ,
Game medium detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a game medium in the storage tank;
When the error signal output means outputs the empty error signal in response to no detection by the game medium detection means, the door close signal is output after the door open signal is output from the open / close detection means. In response to the error, only the output of the empty error signal is stopped, so that the output of the empty error signal can be stopped only by opening and closing the front door without requiring the operation of the stop operation means. And a signal output stop means. Capacity detecting means for detecting whether or not the capacity of the game medium in the storage tank has reached a predetermined capacity;
The error signal output stop means, the gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the stopping the output of the empty error signal in response to the arrival detection by the capacitance sensing means. A storage box that forms a part of the housing, and is attached to the front side of the storage box so as to be openable and closable, and has a key hole on the front surface, and can be opened by inserting a key into this key hole and turning the key. In a gaming machine with a front door
Error signal output means for outputting a plurality of error signals corresponding to each of a plurality of error causes;
Informing means for receiving the plurality of error signals and informing the state thereof;
Stop operation means stored in the storage box and stopping the output of the plurality of error signals;
Open / close detection means for detecting whether or not the front door is in a closed state, outputting a door close signal when the front door is in a closed state, and outputting a door open signal when the door is not in a closed state; ,
Selecting means for instructing selection of a specific error signal from the plurality of error signals;
When the specific error signal selected by the selection means is outputted from the error signal output means, the door closing signal is outputted after the door opening signal is outputted from the opening / closing detection means. Thus, by stopping only the output of the specific error signal selected by the selection means, the specific selected by the selection means can be performed only by opening and closing the front door without requiring the operation of the stop operation means. An error signal output stop means for enabling the output of the error signal to be stopped.

Images