JP4907157B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a take-in device for taking a game ball into a gaming machine body.

  Conventional spinning-type gaming machines (so-called pachislot machines) generally use medals as gaming media, but recently, spinning-type gaming machines using gaming balls as gaming media have also been proposed. A revolving type game machine using game balls as such a game medium pays a player in units of a specified number of game balls or a take-in device for taking game balls into the machine in a specified number of game units. It has a prize ball payout device for taking out.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 exist as the spinning cylinder type game machine including the take-in device and the prize ball payout device. In Patent Document 1, the prize ball payout device has one game ball housing portion in which a game ball is housed, and the game housing portion is housed by being tilted by being driven by an electric actuator (solenoid). The game ball is configured to be discharged downstream. The take-in device includes detection means for detecting that a predetermined number of game balls are stored in the game ball storage section, and the electric actuator receives a predetermined number of game balls in the game ball storage section by the detection means. When it is detected that it has been accommodated for a predetermined time, it can be driven.

In Patent Document 2, the take-in device includes a holder in which a plurality of game ball storage portions for storing game balls in units of five are arranged in an annular shape, and the holder is connected to a rotation shaft of a stepping motor. By rotating in the same direction around the rotation axis, the game balls stored in each of the game ball storage portions are sequentially transported to the game ball take-in position. In addition, the take-in device includes detection means for detecting the presence / absence of each of the five game balls stored in the game ball storage unit.
JP-A-1-97485 JP 2004-202225 A

  However, in the taking-in device described in Patent Document 1, only one game ball housing portion is provided, and two operations of housing the game ball and taking in the machine must be performed alternately. There was a problem that it took time to take in the ball. In addition, since the presence or absence of the game ball stored in the game ball storage unit is not detected for each game ball, the game ball is stored out of the original storage position due to the occurrence of a ball clogging or the like in the storage unit, and the specified game There may be a problem that game balls other than the number of balls are taken into the plane.

  In the take-in device described in Patent Document 2, since the holder and the game ball housing portion are rotated by the stepping motor, there has been a problem that the control relating to the take-in of the game ball becomes complicated.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and is excellent in detection accuracy of the presence or absence of a game ball stored in the game ball storage unit, and simplifies the control related to taking in the game ball. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine equipped with a take-in device capable of performing the above.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 is directed to a display device that displays a symbol variation game by varying a plurality of types of symbols, a ball tray that stores a game ball as a game medium, and the symbol variation A betting instruction means that is operated by a player when setting the number of bets for the game and instructs to take in the game balls in accordance with the number of bets, and the game balls that have flowed in from the ball tray are one bet. A take-in device to be taken into the machine in a prescribed number of game balls determined according to the number, a control means for operating the take-in device, a start operation means for starting the symbol variation game, and a game ball to the player A payout means for paying out, setting a bet number of the symbol variation game by operating the take-in instruction means, and playing the game ball according to the bet number by the operation of the take-in device in the prescribed game ball unit And then start In the gaming machine in which a prize ball is paid out when the symbol variation game is started in response to an operation of a creation means, and a symbol stopped and displayed in the game forms a predetermined award mode, the capture device includes: An inflow portion that communicates with the ball tray, and a first game ball housing portion and a second game ball housing portion that are capable of communicating with the inflow portion through which a ball inlet can communicate and that can accommodate the game balls of the prescribed number of game balls are provided. A game ball housing member; a first discharge port capable of communicating with a ball outlet of the first game ball housing portion; a second discharge port capable of communicating with the second game ball housing portion; and the first game ball housing portion. And a storage detecting means capable of detecting the presence or absence of a game ball stored in the second game ball storage portion for each game ball, and the game ball storage member from the inflow portion through communication between the ball inlet and the inflow portion. A receiving position for receiving and storing the game balls, and the ball outlet and the outlet A solenoid that swings between a discharge position through which the game ball is discharged, position detection means that detects a swing position of the game ball housing member, and a game that passes through the first discharge port and the second discharge port A detection detecting means for detecting a ball, and the gaming machine is provided with an abnormal condition canceling means for canceling an abnormal condition that has occurred with respect to the acquisition of the gaming ball , wherein the gaming ball receiving member is the first game When the ball housing portion is in the housing position, the second game ball housing portion is in the discharge position, while when the first game ball housing portion is in the discharge position, the second game ball housing portion. Is swung so that the predetermined number of game balls is a predetermined number in the game ball storage portion existing in the storage position based on the detection result of the storage detection means. During the confirmation time It is determined whether or not it is continuously detected, and if the determination result is affirmative, an acquisition preparation state indicating that preparation for acquiring a game ball into the aircraft is completed is generated, and the acquisition instruction means When the take-in preparation state is generated at the time of the operation, the solenoid is controlled based on the position of the game ball housing member detected by the position detecting means, and the game ball existing at the housing position By swinging the storage portion to the discharge position, the game ball is taken into the machine, the number of game balls detected by the take-in detection means is counted, and in the take-in preparation state, the take-in detection means A measurement monitoring time for counting the number of detected game balls is set, and the abnormal state occurs when the number of game balls counted within the measurement monitoring time is less than the prescribed number of game balls. When the abnormal state is canceled by the abnormal state canceling unit, the counted value is reset, and the paying unit pays out the same number of game balls as the number of game balls counted. The gist is to control .

The invention described in claim 2 is an award for notifying the number of winning balls given to a player based on the winning when the winning occurs during the symbol variation game in the gaming machine according to claim 1. When the abnormal condition is caused to occur, the control means displays a display indicating that the abnormal condition has occurred instead of the acquired number of balls displayed on the acquired prize ball notification means. Information is displayed on the acquired prize ball notifying unit, and when the abnormal state is canceled by the abnormal state canceling unit, the acquired ball number display is displayed again instead of the display information. The gist.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect, the take-in instruction means can instruct the maximum bet number in the symbol variation game by one operation, and The control means is configured such that a maximum bet number is instructed by operating the take-in instruction means, and when the take-in instruction means is operated, the predetermined number of game balls are added to the first game ball based on a detection result of the position detecting means. It is determined whether or not the number of game balls corresponding to the maximum bet number has been taken into the machine after taking into the machine from either the game ball containing part or the second game ball containing part. Is negative, the solenoid is controlled based on the position of the game ball housing member detected by the position detecting means each time the take-in preparation state occurs, and the other existing at the housing position The game of By swinging the storage portion so as to switch to the discharge position, the game ball is alternately taken into the machine from the first game ball storage portion and the second game ball storage portion, and the game ball detected by the intake detection means The gist is to count the number of the above.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the third aspect , the game machine includes a shortage notifying means for notifying a player of a shortage of game balls, and the control means accommodates the game ball contained in the accommodation position. The gist is to cause the shortage notifying means to execute a notification when the predetermined shortage notification time has elapsed from the time when the part is switched and the capture preparation state has not occurred.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the take-in detection means detects a game ball taken into the machine from the first discharge port. 1 intake detector and a second intake detector that detects a game ball taken into the machine from the second discharge port, and the control means operates after the take-in instruction means is operated. During the take-in process until the number of game balls corresponding to the number is taken in, the detection signal output by the first take-in detector is validated when the first game ball housing part is present at the discharge position. On the other hand, when the second game ball housing portion is present at the discharge position, the detection signal output from the second intake detector is validated, and the number of game balls is counted based on the detection signal. The gist is to do.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the game machine includes a capture information notification means for notifying information relating to the capture of a game ball, and the control means is configured to operate the capture instruction means. When the detection signal of the second take-in detector is input when the first game ball receiving part is present at the discharge position during the take-in process until the number of game balls according to the bet number is taken in And when the detection signal of the first capture detector is input when the second game ball housing portion is present at the discharge position, the capture information notification means is notified of the input of the detection signal. This is the gist.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is the game according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising capture information notification means for notifying information relating to capture of a game ball, wherein the control means includes the capture When the take-in process is not executed until the number of game balls corresponding to the number of bets is taken after the instruction means is operated, the detection state of the take-in detection means is monitored, and the detection of the take-in detection means The gist of the present invention is that when the signal is input, the capture information notification means is notified that the detection signal is input.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention is excellent in detection accuracy of the presence / absence of a game ball accommodated in the game ball accommodating portion, and can simplify the control related to taking in the game ball.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a pachinko slot machine using a pachinko ball (game ball) as a game medium as one type thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, a pachinko slot machine using a pachinko ball as a game medium is simply referred to as a “slot machine”. The slot machine has the same game characteristics as a game machine called “pachi-slot machine (rotating game machine)”, and uses a pachinko ball instead of a medal as a game medium. In addition, after the player sets the number of bets, the pachislot machine starts the symbol variation game by operating the start lever and stops the symbol by operating the stop button, and the combination of the stopped symbols is paid out of the game ball. It has a game characteristic that gives a player a medal as a game medium when an award mode that satisfies the conditions is formed. In the pachislot machine and the slot machine of the present embodiment, the symbol variation game is performed with one game unit from the start of the symbol variation game to the completion of payout of the game medium given as a prize. In the following description, “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “front (front)”, and “rear (back)” are slots installed in the game hall unless otherwise specified. When the machine is viewed from the player side (state in FIG. 1), “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “front (front)”, “rear (back)” are shown. .

  FIG. 1 schematically shows the front side of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment. The front side of the opening of the outer frame 11 that forms the outer body of the machine body is a vertical rectangle in which various game components are set. A frame (inner frame) 12 (see FIG. 3) is assembled so as to be openable and closable. The outer frame 11 is the same size as the outer frame of the pachinko gaming machine. A front frame (front door) 13 is assembled to the front side of the middle frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. On the right side of the front frame 13 is provided an upper door key 14 for locking the middle frame 12 and the front frame 13 so that they cannot be opened and closed by a locking device (not shown) provided on the back surface of the front frame 13. The middle frame 12 can be opened by rotating the key inserted into the upper door key 14 in the counterclockwise direction, and the front frame 13 is arranged to rotate the key inserted into the upper door key 14 in the clockwise direction. It can be opened by turning. In addition, a lower door key 15 is provided on the right side of the front frame 13 and below the upper door key 14, and various abnormalities are caused by rotating the key inserted into the lower door key 15 in the clockwise direction. (Error) can be canceled. Further, on the left side of the slot machine 10, when the slot machine 10 is installed in the island facility of the game hall, the card unit 16 is arranged in parallel. The card unit 16 is a device used for renting game balls, and is provided with a card insertion slot 16a for inserting a prepaid card.

Next, the configuration of the front side of the front frame 13 will be described with reference to FIG.
An upper panel 17 is provided on the front upper portion of the front frame 13, and the upper panel 17 includes a combination of symbols forming a prize mode and the number of prize balls to be paid out when winning the combination of the symbols. It is written. In addition, below the upper panel 17, there is provided an effect indicator 18 that displays various effects according to the gaming state. The effect display 18 is configured by a liquid crystal display, for example. In addition, on both the left and right sides of the effect indicator 18, speaker ports 20 are provided for emitting various effect sound sounds output from a speaker 19 (shown in FIG. 2) mounted on the back side of the front frame 13. It has been. Further, on the left and right of the upper panel 17 and on the left and right of the speaker opening 20, there are provided an upper right lamp R1, a left upper lamp R2, a frame right lamp R3, and a frame left lamp R4 that emit various effect effect lights. .

  A lower panel 21 is provided at the front center of the front frame 13, and a transparent window 23 through which a symbol display device 22 as a display device mounted on the middle frame 12 can be seen is provided on the lower panel 21. It has been. The see-through window 23 is made of a glass plate. The symbol display device 22 includes a left reel 22L around which a translucent belt-like reel sheet on which various symbols are printed is wound around the outer periphery, a middle reel 22C, and a right reel 22R (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 3). Each reel 22L, 22C, 22R is configured to rotate and stop in the vertical direction independently by a corresponding stepping motor (not shown), and each reel 22L, 22C, 22R rotates. By doing so, various symbols are displayed in the see-through window 23 while continuously changing. And when rotation of each reel 22L, 22C, 22R stops, in the see-through window 23, three consecutive symbols out of a plurality of symbols printed on the reel sheet of each reel 22L, 22C, 22R are the upper stage, It is displayed at the middle and lower positions. For this reason, the see-through window 23 is formed in such a size that three symbols can be displayed on each reel 22L, 22C, 22R. In the slot machine 10, a plurality of (five in this embodiment) winning lines L 1, L 2, L 3, L 4, and L 5 are formed in the display area of the symbol that can be seen through the see-through window 23.

  The lower panel 21 is provided with a plurality of display LEDs for displaying (notifying) various game information. Specifically, on the left side of the see-through window 23, a digital display LED 24, a take-in ball number display LED 25, a take-in display LED 26, a re-game display LED 27, and a game start display LED 28 are displayed. And a weight display LED 29. Further, on the right side of the see-through window 23, an insufficient intake display 30a and an acquired ball number display LED 30b are provided as insufficient notification means.

  The digital display LED 24 is composed of a 7-segment LED and displays the number of payout balls in a bonus game (big bonus or regular bonus). The take-in ball number display LED 25 is composed of three LEDs, and 1 BET (5 balls in the present embodiment) according to the number of game balls taken into the plane in order to set the bet number of the symbol variation game. One LED lights up every time. The take-in display LED 26 is turned on when the betting number of the symbol variation game can be set, and is turned off when the maximum betting number (MAXBET) is set or when the symbol variation game is started. The re-game display LED 27 is turned on when a replay combination (a combination that provides a state in which the next symbol variation game can be started without setting the wager number) is won in the symbol variation game. The game start display LED 28 is turned on when the symbol variation game can be started, and is turned off when the symbol variation game is started.

  The weight display LED 29 is turned on when a start operation is detected during the wait, and is turned off after the wait time has elapsed. The wait time is the shortest game time set for restricting the game from progressing too fast. When a start operation is detected during this wait time, each reel 22L , 22C, 22R are set to start. Therefore, when the symbol variation game is progressed with a sufficient time interval, the progress of the symbol variation game is not restricted at the start operation, but when the symbol variation game is progressed in a short time, the weight is changed. The progress of the symbol variation game is temporarily restricted by the time, and the reels are in a waiting state until the wait time elapses. In the slot machine 10, for example, a minimum game time of 4.1 seconds is set on the basis of the time when the reel rotation is started in the previous symbol variation game, and the reel rotation is started in the previous symbol variation game. If the current start operation is detected before 4.1 seconds elapses from the time, the reel starts rotating after the shortest game time has elapsed.

  The insufficient take-in display 30a blinks when the bet number is set, when the number of game balls to be put into the machine (to be taken in) corresponding to the bet number is insufficient. The acquired number-of-balls display LED 30b is composed of a 7-segment LED, and displays the number of prize balls given to the player based on the winning when a winning occurs during the symbol variation game. In addition, the acquired number-of-balls display LED 30b notifies when a game ball is illegally taken in, and also functions as a take-in information notification unit.

  On the lower right side of the lower panel 21, a frequency display LED 31, a ball lending button 32, a return button 33, and a ball lendable display LED 34 are provided. The frequency display LED 31 is composed of a 7-segment LED, and displays the frequency read from the prepaid card inserted into the card insertion slot 16a of the card unit 16. The ball lending button 32 is used when lending a game ball using the frequency displayed on the frequency display LED 31, that is, the frequency as the game value read from the prepaid card inserted in the card unit 16. It is a button to press. The return button 33 is a button to be pressed when returning the prepaid card being inserted into the card unit 16. The ball lending display LED 34 is turned on when a ball lending is possible.

  On the front surface of the front frame 13, just below the lower panel 21, an upper plate 35 as a ball tray for storing game balls protrudes toward the front of the machine, and below the upper plate 35, A lower plate 36 for storing game balls is provided so as to protrude toward the front of the machine. On the left side of the upper plate 35, an upper payout outlet 37 for paying out the game ball to the upper plate 35 is provided, and at the center of the lower plate 36, a game ball is discharged to the lower plate 36. A subsidue outlet 38 is provided.

  On the right side of the upper surface 35a of the upper plate 35, a 1BET button 39 is provided as take-in instruction means, and on the left side of the upper surface 35a, a MAXBET button 40 is provided as take-in instruction means. The 1BET button 39 is a button that is pressed when a bet of 1 BET (5 balls), which is the minimum bet number (one bet number), from the game balls stored in the upper plate 35 is set as a bet number of the symbol variation game. It is. The number of balls corresponding to 1 BET is the specified number of game balls. The MAXBET button 40 is used to bet the maximum number of bets allowed in one symbol variation game (3 BETs in this embodiment) from the game balls stored in the upper plate 35 as the symbol variation game bet number. It is a button to press. A 1 BET button LED 41 is built in the 1 BET button 39, and a MAX BET button LED 42 is built in the MAX BET button 40. The 1BET button LED 41 and the MAXBET button LED 42 are turned on when the button operation can be accepted, and are turned off when the operation cannot be accepted.

  On the left side of the front surface 35b of the upper plate 35, a start lever 43 is provided as a start operation means that is operated when starting the symbol variation game. In the slot machine 10, the rotation of the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R is started by operating the start lever 43 after the setting of the betting amount (after the game start display LED 28 is lit). Yes.

  Stop buttons (stop buttons) 44L, 44C, and 44R are provided at the center of the front surface 35b of the upper plate 35. The stop buttons 44L, 44C, 44R are buttons for stopping the rotating reel, and there are three stop buttons corresponding to the reels 22L, 22C, 22R. A stop button LED 45L is built in the stop button 44L, a stop button LED 45C is built in the stop button 44C, and a stop button LED 45R is built in the stop button 44R. The stop button LEDs 45L, 45C, and 45R are lit in blue when the operation of the corresponding stop buttons 44L, 44C, and 44R can be accepted, and are lit in red when the operation cannot be accepted.

  On the right side of the front surface 35b of the upper plate 35, an upper plate ball for discharging game balls stored in the upper plate 35 (including game balls that have entered the take-in device 100 shown in FIG. 2) to the lower plate 36 is removed. A button 46 is provided. Further, a lower plate ball removal lever 47 for discharging game balls stored in the lower plate 36 to the outside is provided on the front surface 36 a of the lower plate 36. A settlement switch 48 is provided at the lower left side of the front frame 13. The settlement switch 48 is a switch used when paying out the game ball when the game ball taken into the aircraft is 5 or 10 balls.

Next, the configuration of the rear side of the front frame 13 will be described with reference to FIG.
A sub control board 50 and an effect display control board 51 are mounted on the upper rear surface of the front frame 13. The sub control board 50 controls the output mode of the speaker 19 and the light emission mode of the lamps R1 to R4. The effect display control board 51 is connected to the sub control board 50 and controls the display content of the effect display 18. A ball lending operation board 52 is mounted on the rear surface of the front frame 13 and below the see-through window 23 (lower left in FIG. 2). The ball lending operation board 52 is provided with a frequency display LED 31, a ball lending button 32, a return button 33, and a ball lending available display LED 34. Also, below the ball lending operation board 52, a take-in device 100 for taking a game ball into the machine is mounted.

  A game ball payout outlet passage upper 54 communicating with an upper payout outlet 37 (shown in FIG. 1) formed in the upper plate 35 is formed on the right side in FIG. A lower game ball payout passage passage 55 is formed below the upper game ball payout passage passage 54 through which the game balls overflowed when the upper plate 35 is full flow down to the lower plate 36. . Further, on the rear surface of the front frame 13, a payout passage 56 is formed to communicate the game ball payout outlet passage lower 55 and the lower payout outlet 38 of the lower plate 36. The game balls that have passed through the game ball payout exit passage 55 (the game balls overflowing when the upper plate 35 is full) flow down the payout passage 56 and are then paid out to the lower plate 36 through the lower payout exit 38. Further, on the rear side of the front frame 13 on the left side (below the capture device 100) in FIG. 2, the game balls taken into the machine by the operation of the take-in device 100 are discharged into an out-ball tank installed in the island facility. A game ball internal discharge passage 57 is formed for this purpose. In addition, a return passage 58 that communicates an intake outlet (not shown) of the capture device 100 and the payout passage 56 is formed below the capture device 100. When the upper dish ball removal button 46 (shown in FIG. 1) of the upper dish 35 is operated, the game balls of the upper dish 35 are discharged to the return passage 58 through the intake / discharge port of the intake device 100. At the same time, it flows down the return passage 58 and is discharged to the lower plate 36 through the discharge passage 56.

Next, the configuration of the front side of the middle frame 12 will be described with reference to FIG.
A payout control board 59 for controlling the payout of lending balls and prize balls is mounted on the upper front surface of the middle frame 12. In addition, a symbol display device 22 including a left reel 22L, a middle reel 22C, and a right reel 22R is mounted at the center of the middle frame 12. Further, on the left side of the middle frame 12, there is a game ball inner payout port 60 that communicates with the game ball payout outlet passage 54 of the front frame 13, and a game ball interior that communicates with the game ball payout passage passage 55 under the front frame 13. A lower outlet 61 is provided. Further, a game ball discharge port 62 communicating with the game ball internal discharge passage 57 of the front frame 13 is formed in the lower part of the middle frame 12 so as to penetrate the inside of the middle frame 12.

Next, the configuration of the rear side of the middle frame 12 will be described with reference to FIG.
A game ball replenishment tank 63 for storing game balls replenished from an island facility where the slot machine 10 is installed is provided on the upper rear surface of the middle frame 12. In FIG. 4, a hook member 64 is extended vertically below the right side of the game ball supply tank 63, and the first game ball supply is provided so as to be connected to the game ball supply tank 63. A passage 65 and a second game ball supply passage 66 are formed. The first game ball supply passage 65 and the second game ball supply passage 66 are formed in two lines in the front-rear direction, have a curved shape from the game ball supply tank 63, and extend downward from the slot machine 10. It is installed. Further, the saddle member 64 is provided with a first payout device 67 so as to be connected to the downstream end (downstream side port) of the first game ball supply passage 65, and downstream of the second game ball supply passage 66. A second dispensing device 68 is provided so as to be connected to the end (downstream side port). The first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68 are devices for paying out game balls stored in the game ball supply tank 63 to the outside (the upper plate 35 or the lower plate 36). In the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, two (a plurality of) payout devices (a first payout device 67 and a second payout device 68) having the same configuration are provided. The first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68 are rear surfaces of the middle frame 12, and two payout devices are juxtaposed in the front-rear direction in the middle portion on the right side in FIG. 4.

  In addition, a ball removal lever 69 is provided in the first game ball supply passage 65 and the second game ball supply passage 66. Further, the ball member 64 discharges the game ball replenishment tank 63 and the game balls stored in a part of each of the game ball replenishment passages 65 and 66 to the out ball tank installed in the island facility by operating the ball removal lever 69. A ball passage 70 is formed. On the downstream side of the ball removal passage 70, a spear discharge port 70a for discharging the game ball flowing down the ball removal passage 70 is formed. In the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, each game ball supply passage 65, 66 can be removed with one ball removal lever 69.

  The game balls stored in the game ball supply tank 63 are evenly divided into two lines in the first game ball supply passage 65 and the second game ball supply passage 66, and roll to draw a curve in the left-right direction. After that, it is supplied to the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68. Then, the game balls paid out from the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68 pass from the game ball internal payout port 60 through the game ball payout passage passage 54 (shown in FIG. 2), and the upper payout port 37. It is paid out to the upper plate 35 through (shown in FIG. 1). The game balls as rental balls and the game balls as prize balls follow the same route and are paid out to the upper plate 35.

  In addition, when the upper plate 35 is filled with game balls, the game balls overflowing on the game ball internal payout opening 60 are discharged to the game ball internal payout bottom 61. Then, the overflow ball passes from the game ball internal payout outlet 61 under the game ball payout outlet passage 55 (shown in FIG. 2), passes through the payout passage 56 and passes through the payout outlet 38 (shown in FIG. 1) to the lower plate. 36 is paid out. When the ball removal lever 69 is operated, the game balls flow down the ball removal passage 70 and are discharged from the basket discharge port 70a to the out ball tank installed in the island facility.

  A main control board 76 for controlling the entire slot machine 10 is mounted on the upper rear surface of the middle frame 12 and below the game ball supply tank 63. Further, in the center of the rear surface of the middle frame 12 and to the right of the symbol display device 22 in FIG. 4, a power supply board 77 for supplying power to various components (such as various boards and effect devices) of the slot machine 10 is mounted. Has been. A card unit connection terminal board 78 to which a card unit is connected is mounted on the right side of the power supply board 77. A game ball discharge passage 79 having a game ball discharge port 62 (shown in FIG. 3) is formed below the symbol display device 22.

Next, an operation for a player to play a game (game) and operating states of various devices accompanying this operation will be described.
When starting a game, a prepaid card is inserted into the card insertion slot 16a of the corresponding card unit 16. The frequency read from the prepaid card inserted based on this is displayed on the frequency display LED 31. When the ball lending button 32 is operated in this state, a predetermined lending unit portion (2 times in this embodiment) is subtracted from the frequency read from the prepaid card and displayed on the frequency display LED 31, and the subtraction is performed. The number of game balls (50 balls) corresponding to the frequency is paid out to the upper plate 35 by the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68.

  In a state where the number of bets can be set, the 1BET button 39 and the MAXBET button 40 are lit. In this state, the operation of the 1BET button 39 and the MAXBET button 40 can be accepted. In order to set the bet amount, the 1BET button 39 or the MAXBET button 40 is pressed. When the 1BET button 39 is pressed, from the game balls stored in the upper plate 35, 1BET game balls (5 balls in this embodiment) are taken into the machine by the operation of the take-in device 100. The number of bets for 1 BET is set. On the other hand, when the MAXBET button 40 is pressed, 3 BETs corresponding to the maximum number of bets allowed in one symbol variation 1 game in this embodiment from the game balls stored in the upper plate 35. The number of game balls (15 balls in this embodiment) is taken into the plane by the operation of the take-in device 100, and the bet number for 3 BETs is set.

  In the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, five pay lines L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5 are defined as shown in FIG. When the player presses the 1BET button 39, the number of bets is set to 1BET, and the winning line L1 in the horizontal row of the middle row is activated, indicating that the winning line L1 has been activated. One LED 25 for displaying the number of balls is lit from the left. A winning line is valid when a combination of symbols displayed on the winning line is valid, and a combination of symbols displayed on the effective winning line forms a predetermined award pattern. The ball is paid out. Further, when the player continuously presses the 1BET button 39, the bet amount is set to 2BET, and the upper, middle, and lower three rows of winning lines L1, L2, and L3 are activated, and these winnings are made. Up to two LEDs 25 for displaying the number of taken-in balls indicating that the lines L1 to L3 have been activated light up. Further, when the player continuously presses the 1BET button 39 or presses the MAXBET button 40, the number of bets is set to 3BET and the top, middle, and bottom three rows of winning lines L1 to L3 are set. In addition, the two winning lines L4 and L5 on the diagonal line are validated, and all of the take-in ball number display LEDs 25 indicating that these winning lines L1 to L5 are valid are lit. When the maximum bet number is set to 3BET, the bet number exceeding the maximum bet cannot be set, so that the take-in display LED 26, the 1BET button LED 41, and the MAXBET button LED 42 are turned off.

  As described above, when the bet number of 1 BET, which is the minimum number, is set, the operation of the start lever 43 can be accepted, that is, the symbol variation game can be started. Further, the game start display LED 28 indicating that the operation of the start lever 43 can be accepted is turned on. When the start lever 43 is operated in a state in which the game start display LED 28 is lit, that is, the bet number is set to 1 BET or more and the symbol variation game can be started, each reel 22L of the symbol display device 22 is operated. , 22C and 22R rotate, and a plurality of types of symbols are displayed on the see-through window 23 so as to continuously change. Thereafter, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the rotation of the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R is started, the operations of the stop buttons 44L, 44C, and 44R can be accepted, and the operations of the stop buttons 44L, 44C, and 44R are performed. Each stop button LED 45L, 45C, 45R indicating that it can be accepted lights up in blue. If the player presses one of the stop buttons 44L, 44C, 44R while the stop button LEDs 45L, 45C, 45R are lit in blue, the corresponding stop button LEDs 45L, 45C, 45R are lit in red. At the same time, the rotation of the corresponding reels 22L, 22C, and 22R is stopped, and symbols are displayed on the upper, middle, and lower stages of the corresponding row from the perspective windows 23. If the player does not press the stop buttons 44L, 44C, 44R, the reels 22L, 22C, 22R automatically and sequentially stop when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses.

  When all the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are stopped, a combination of symbols forming a predetermined award pattern is displayed on any of the winning lines L1 to L5 activated according to the number of bets. If the player wins, the game is won, and a number of game balls corresponding to the winning mode are awarded to the player. The prize ball is paid out from the cabin by the operation of the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68. The number of awarded balls is displayed on the acquired ball number display LED 30b. In particular, when a combination of predetermined special symbols is displayed and a big win is won, etc., unlike the normal gaming state, there is a special gaming state that is advantageous to the player, that is, a large amount of winning balls can be obtained. A big bonus game or a regular bonus game is given to the player as a game value.

  Here, the big bonus refers to a special game that is performed when the symbol that activates the big bonus is displayed on any of the winning lines L1 to L5 in which the symbol is valid. When the symbol that activates the big bonus is displayed on any of the pay lines L1 to L5 where the bonus has been activated, after performing the big bonus start effect on the effect indicator 18 and each of the lamps R1 to R4, the regular bonus Is activated. Here, the regular bonus is terminated when the regular bonus end condition is satisfied. The regular bonus end condition is any of twelve games, six wins, or a big bonus end condition. The big bonus end condition is when the number of game balls paid out from the start of the operation of the big bonus exceeds 1575. If the operation of the regular bonus is terminated and the big bonus termination condition is not satisfied, the regular bonus is activated again after a predetermined time. When the big bonus end condition is satisfied during the regular bonus operation, after the big bonus end effect is performed on the effect display 18 and the lamps R1 to R4, the operation of the big bonus is ended. The regular bonus refers to a special game that is performed when a symbol that activates the regular bonus is displayed on the active line. When the symbol for which the regular bonus is to be activated is displayed on any of the pay lines L1 to L5 in which the regular bonus is valid, the regular bonus start effect is performed on the effect indicator 18 and each of the lamps R1 to R4, and then 12 times. The operation ends when the game is played or when there are six winnings. During the regular bonus, the symbol lottery can be displayed only for the combination of specific symbols, and the winning probability of a certain symbol combination among the specific symbol combinations is high.

  When the checkout switch 48 is operated in a state where the game balls are taken in, the same number of game balls as the taken game balls are paid out from the upper payout outlet 37 to the upper plate 35 by the operation of the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68. Is done. When the upper plate 35 is full, the game ball is paid out from the lower payout outlet 38 to the lower plate 36. The return from the upper plate 35 to the lower plate 36 is performed by operating the upper plate ball removal button 46.

Next, a specific configuration of the capture device 100 mounted in the slot machine of the present embodiment will be described based on FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the take-in device 100 includes a substantially rectangular base member 101 that is open on the front surface, a bowl-shaped game ball housing member 102 that is swingably disposed on the base member 101, and a base member 101. And a cover member 103 that covers and protects the opening side.

On the upper surface of the base member 101, a solenoid 104 having a shaft body (not shown) connected to the game ball housing member 102 is provided. Further, inside the base member 101, the light emission units 105a to 109a of the accommodation detection sensors 105 to 109 as the accommodation detection means that can detect the presence or absence of a game ball are arranged in a vertical row, and the light emission units 105a to 109a. A position detection sensor 110 as a position detection means for detecting the swinging position of the game ball housing member 102 is arranged on the left side of the. Note that the position detection sensor 110 is a photo sensor that detects the presence or absence of a position detection piece 110a (see FIG. 6A) described later without contact. In addition, a first discharge port 111 formed in a size that allows a game ball to pass therethrough is provided on the left side of the bottom portion of the base member 101 in FIG. 5, and a second discharge port 112 is provided on the right side of the bottom portion. It has been. A ball outlet 113 is provided between the first outlet 111 and the second outlet 112 to return the game ball accommodated in the take-in device 100 to the lower plate 36. The first discharge port 111 is provided with a first intake detection sensor 114 as an intake detection means for detecting a passed game ball, and the second discharge port 112 is provided with a second intake detection sensor 115. It has been. And the bearing part 116a, 116b which pivotally supports the closure member 124 mentioned later is formed in two places up and down on the right side surface in FIG.

  A bearing hole 117 into which a shaft body of the solenoid 104 can be inserted is formed on the upper surface of the game ball housing member 102. Further, the game ball housing member 102 is provided with a first game ball housing portion 118 and a second game ball housing portion 119 capable of housing 1 BET worth (5 balls in this embodiment) of game balls. In FIG. 5, the first game ball housing portion 118 has an upper side as a first ball inlet 118a and a lower side as a first ball outlet 118b. The second game ball housing portion 119 has a second ball inlet 119a on the upper side and a second ball outlet 119b on the lower side. The first game ball housing portion 118 and the second game ball housing portion 119 are semicircular arc shaped grooves with a width through which a game ball can pass, and the length in the longitudinal direction of the groove corresponds to the diameter of the game ball of 5 balls. is doing. The first game ball housing portion 118 is large enough to allow light from the light emitting portions 105a to 109a to pass to positions that can face the light emitting portions 105a to 109a in a state where the game ball housing member 102 is assembled to the base member 101. The light passage holes 120a to 120e formed in this way are formed. In the second game ball housing portion 119, light passage holes 121a to 121e are formed at positions that can face the light emitting portions 105a to 109a in a state where the game ball housing member 102 is assembled to the base member 101. Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, a position detection piece 110 a as a detected portion that is detected by the position detection sensor 110 protrudes above the back surface of the game ball housing member 102.

  Above the cover member 103, a game ball transport path 122 for transporting a game ball flowing in from the upper plate 35 is provided in a manner bent from the left to the lower right in the drawing, and the game ball transport path 122. Is in communication with an inlet 123 as an inflow portion through which game balls can pass. The inflow port 123 is formed at a position that can face the ball inlet of each game ball housing portion in a state where the take-in device 100 is assembled. Further, on the front side of the cover member 103 in the drawing, the light receiving portions 105b to 109b of the accommodation detection sensors 105 to 109 are provided at positions facing the light emitting portions 105a to 109a.

  The closing member 124 is formed in a flat plate shape that is L-shaped when viewed from the front. The closing member 124 is provided with a movement restricting plate 124 a that can close the ball outlet 113 when the closing member 124 is assembled to the base member 101. The closing member 124 is provided with an action portion 124d having a pair of shaft portions 124b and 124c that are pivotally supported by the bearing portions 116a and 116b when the closing member 124 is assembled to the base member 101. The closing member 124 is slidably assembled with the base member 101 by the shaft portions 124b, 124c being pivotally supported by the bearing portions 116a, 116b.

  Next, the movement of the game ball in the capture device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cover member 103 shown in FIG. 5 when a portion facing the game ball housing member 102 is removed.

  FIG. 6A shows a state where the game ball housing member 102 is swung to the right about the shaft body of the base member 101. At this time, in the game ball housing member 102, the first ball inlet 118a and the inflow port 123 of the first game ball housing portion 118 communicate with each other, and the second ball outlet 119b of the second game ball housing portion 119 and the second ball outlet 119b. 2 communicates with the outlet 112. Further, a movement restricting plate 124a is located between the first ball outlet 118b and the ball outlet 113, and communication between the first ball outlet 118b and the ball outlet 113 is prevented. That is, when the game ball storage member 102 is in the state shown in FIG. 6A, the first game ball storage unit 118 is present at the storage position for receiving and storing the game ball from the inflow port 123. The game ball housing part 119 is present at a discharge position for discharging the game ball.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the game ball flows into the first game ball housing portion 118 from the inflow port 123 via the game ball transport path 122, the game ball is collected by the movement restricting plate 124a. Since the discharge from the insertion device 100 is hindered, 1 BET is stored in the first game ball storage unit 118. At this time, since the light emitted from the light emitting units 105a to 109a of the accommodation detection sensors 105 to 109 is blocked by the five game balls, the light receiving units 105b to 109b do not detect the light. Therefore, the accommodation detection sensors 105 to 109 are each in a state where it is detected that there is a game ball in the first game ball accommodation unit 118, that is, turned on and inputs a detection signal to the main control board 76.

  FIG. 6C shows a state where the game ball housing member 102 is swung to the left from the state of FIG. 6A around the shaft body of the base member 101 by the operation of the solenoid 104. At this time, in the game ball housing member 102, the second ball inlet 119a of the second game ball housing portion 119 and the inflow port 123 communicate with each other, and the first ball outlet 118b of the first game ball housing portion 118 and the first ball outlet 118b. One discharge port 111 communicates. Further, a movement restricting plate 124a is located between the second ball outlet 119b and the ball outlet 113, and communication between the second ball outlet 119b and the ball outlet 113 is prevented. That is, when the game ball housing member 102 is in the state shown in FIG. 6C, the second game ball housing portion 119 is present at the housing position for receiving and housing the game ball from the inflow port 123. The game ball storage unit 118 exists at a discharge position for discharging the game ball.

  In the state shown in FIG. 6C, the five game balls stored in the first game ball storage unit 118 pass through the first discharge port 111 from the first ball outlet 118b as shown in FIG. 6D. And taken into the plane. At this time, the game ball stored in the first game ball storage unit 118 is detected by the first intake detection sensor 114 provided in the first discharge port 111 every time it is discharged from the first discharge port 111. . The first capture detection sensor outputs a detection signal to the main control board 76 each time a game ball is detected. On the other hand, the game balls that have passed through the inflow port 123 flow into the second game ball housing portion 119 from the second ball entrance 119a and are accommodated for 1 BET.

  The take-in device 100 discharges 1 BET of game balls when the game ball storage unit storing the game balls moves from the storage position to the discharge position, and as a result, 1 BET of game balls is taken into the plane. That's right. Accordingly, the take-in device 100 can discharge 3 BETs of game balls into the machine by performing the operation of swinging the game ball storage unit existing in the storage position three times to the discharge position. In addition, the game ball accommodated in the game ball accommodating portion existing in the accommodation position is in a standby state (acquisition ready state), and in this state, it is not taken into the cabin. When the upper tray ball removal button 46 is operated in the standby state, when the first game ball housing portion 118 is in the housing position, the movement restricting plate 124a is moved to the first ball outlet as the closing member 124 swings. It separates from between 118b and the ball outlet 113. In addition, when the upper tray ball removal button 46 is operated in the standby state, when the second game ball housing portion 119 is in the housing position, the movement restricting plate 124a is moved to the second position as the closing member 124 swings. It is separated from the space between the ball outlet 119b and the ball outlet 113. Then, when the closed state of the ball outlet 113 is released, the game ball accommodated in the game ball accommodating portion existing at the accommodation position can be returned from the return passage 58 to the lower plate 36.

Next, the control configuration (electrical configuration) of the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
Of the various boards mounted in the slot machine 10, the game state control and the game ball take-in control are executed by the main control board 76 as the control means, and the sub control board 50 performs the effect control according to the game state. In addition, the payout control board 59 executes game ball payout control based on the lending of balls and the generation of prize balls. Power is supplied to the power supply board 77 from the outside of the slot machine 10. The power supply board 77 is connected to the sub-control board 50, the payout control board 59, the main control board 76, and the card unit connection terminal board 78, and these boards 50, 76, 78 are connected via the power supply board 77. Power is supplied. The main control board 76 is connected to the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R, the sub control board 50, and the payout control board 59 that constitute the symbol display device 22. Further, various display LEDs 24 to 30 provided on the lower panel 21 are connected to the main control board 76. The 1BET button 39, the MAXBET button 40, the start lever 43, the stop buttons 44L, 44C, and 44R, and the settlement switch 48 are connected to the main control board 76. In addition, the solenoid 104 of the capture device 100 is connected to the main control board 76.

  An effect indicator 18 is connected to the sub control board 50 via an effect display control board 51. The sub-control board 50 is connected to a speaker 19 and various lamps R1 to R4.

  A first payout device 67 and a second payout device 68 are connected to the payout control board 59. In addition, a card unit connection terminal board 78 is connected to the payout control board 59, and the card unit connection terminal board 78 is connected to the ball rental operation board 52 (the LED 31 for frequency display, the ball rental button 32, the return button). 33, ball lending display LED 34) is connected. The card unit connection terminal plate 78 is connected to the card unit 16 arranged in parallel with the slot machine 10 so as to be able to send and receive various signals via a signal cable.

  The main control board 76 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 76a that can execute control operations in a predetermined procedure, a main ROM (Read Only Memory) 76b that stores a control program for the main CPU 76a, and necessary data. A main RAM (Random Access Memory) 76c capable of writing and reading data, and an I / O port (not shown) for ensuring signal consistency between the main CPU 76a and an external circuit are provided.

  The main control board 76 is provided with an initial reset circuit, a clock generation circuit, a pulse divider circuit (interrupt pulse generation circuit), and a random number generation circuit. None of these circuits are shown. The initial reset circuit gives a reset pulse to the main CPU 76a when power is taken in. The clock generation circuit provides a clock signal to the main CPU 76a. The pulse divider circuit divides the clock signal from the clock generator circuit and periodically provides an interrupt pulse to the main CPU 76a. The random number generation circuit continuously generates a certain range of random numbers at a high speed. Further, the main control board 76 is provided with an input circuit, a motor circuit, and the like (not shown).

  The main RAM 76c stores information necessary for the game, such as information to be displayed on the digital display LED 24, the number of bets, an internal winning flag, and the like, and is read out as necessary.

  In the main ROM 76b, in addition to the control program of the main CPU 76a, a combination of winning symbols for each gaming state (normal gaming state, bonus game state), the number of winning game balls, the corresponding internal winning flag, etc. are determined. An internal winning probability table in which an internal winning probability for each gaming state (normal gaming state, bonus game state) and each winning combination is determined as an allocation range of random numbers for internal lottery read in the internal lottery process; The operation end conditions of the big bonus game and the regular bonus game are stored.

  Further, in the main ROM 76b, for each symbol number of each reel 22L, 22C, 22R, the number of symbols of the symbol that moves from the stop operation of each reel 22L, 22C, 22R until the corresponding reel stops, A stop position table selected based on the gaming state, the winning number, the stop operation cylinder, and the stop order is stored.

  Various commands that can specify the gaming state controlled by the main CPU 76a are output from the main control board 76 to the sub control board 50 via the output buffer. The output buffer functions to allow a signal to be output from the inside of the main control board 76 to the outside, but to prevent a signal from being input from the outside to the inside of the main control board 76. Therefore, one-way communication from the main control board 76 to the sub control board 50 is ensured between the main control board 76 and the sub control board 50, and an illegal signal is sent to the main control board 76 via the command transmission path. It is possible to prevent fraudulent acts that cause an unauthorized control operation by inputting.

  From the main CPU 76a of the main control board 76 to the payout control board 59, a payout control command indicating the payout instruction of game balls and the number of payout balls at that time is output via the output buffer. On the other hand, a payout state command indicating the state of the payout control board 59 is input from the payout control board 59 to the main CPU 76a of the main control board 76 via the input buffer.

  A detection signal from the start lever 43 is input to the main CPU 76 a via an input circuit mounted on the main control board 76. The main CPU 76a receives the detection signal of the start lever 43 and outputs a rotating motor signal via the motor circuit. The spinning motor signal is input to each stepping motor (not shown) provided for each reel 22L, 22C, 22R. Thereby, each reel 22L, 22C, 22R begins to rotate.

  The main CPU 76a reads one random number from the random number generation circuit at the timing when the detection signal of the start lever 43 is input. Then, the main CPU 76a refers to the read random number and the internal winning probability table stored in the main ROM 76b, and executes an internal lottery process for determining whether or not a winning is permitted. Is determined for each winning combination, and the determination result is stored in the main RAM 76c. Thus, the internal lottery process is performed at a timing substantially equal to the timing at which the start operation is performed, and whether or not the winning combination is won is determined. Thereafter, the main CPU 76a controls the reels 22L, 22C, 22R according to the winning results for each winning combination.

  Further, stop button signals output from the stop buttons 44L, 44C, 44R are input to the main CPU 76a via an input circuit mounted on the main control board 76. The main CPU 76a receiving the stop button signal outputs a rotating motor signal for stopping the stepping motor corresponding to the stop button signal via the motor circuit.

  Further, the BET signals output from the 1BET button 39 and the MAXBET button 40 are input to the main CPU 76a via an input circuit mounted on the main control board 76. Then, the main CPU 76a controls the take-in device 100 by inputting a BET signal in a state where the game balls can be taken in, and takes in the game balls and sets the bet number. The main CPU 76a controls lighting of the display LEDs 24 to 30 in accordance with the gaming state and the payout state.

  Further, when the storage detection sensors 105 to 109 provided in the take-in device 100 detect five game balls in any of the game ball storage units, a detection signal is sent from the storage detection sensors 105 to 109 to the main control board 76. Send. The main control board 76 allows the game ball to be taken into the slot machine 10 from the take-in device 100 because the state in which five game balls are detected in the game ball housing unit by the detection signal continues for 26.268 ms or more. Control to the ready state for capture. Note that the main control board 76 is in a state in which the take-in device 100 is incapable of accepting a game ball when the accommodation detection sensors 105 to 109 detect 5 game balls in less than 26.2682 ms. To control.

  When the game ball is ready to be taken in, the BET command is transmitted to the main control board 76 when the 1BET button 39 or the MAXBET button 40 is pressed. Here, the main control board 76 receives the position detection signal, determines whether to operate the solenoid 104 in either the left or right direction, transmits a solenoid signal to the take-in device 100, and plays the game ball by the solenoid 104. The accommodation member 102 is swung, and the take-in preparation ball is taken into the slot machine 10 from the first discharge port 111 or the second discharge port 112. Then, a game ball is detected by the first capture detection sensor 114 or the second capture detection sensor 115 provided at the first discharge port 111 and the second discharge port 112 of the capture device 100, and the capture detection sensor signal is obtained. Transmit to the main control board 76. The main control board 76 sets the bet number by receiving the capture detection sensor signal. In addition, when the game balls are taken in continuously as when the MAXBET button 40 is pressed, the above process is performed a plurality of times.

  Further, the main control board 76 manages the time when it passes through the capture detection sensor by the capture detection sensor. Specifically, an error occurs if the take-in detection sensor cannot detect 5 take-in game balls even after 1876.3 ms has elapsed since the start of one game ball take-in operation.

  The sub control board 50 includes a sub CPU, sub ROM and sub RAM (not shown), a speaker driving circuit for outputting sound from each speaker 19, and light emission driving for lighting or blinking the lamps R1 to R4. Circuit is mounted. The sub-RAM stores information necessary for effects accompanying the game, such as a game state based on various commands transmitted from the main control board 76. The sub ROM stores a command table in which data that can specify the contents of various commands transmitted from the main control board 76 is stored, and each of the units corresponding to the commands transmitted from the main control board 76 is stored. A control pattern table that defines control patterns is stored. When the sub CPU receives a command from the main control board 76, the sub CPU extracts a control pattern corresponding to the gaming state specified by the received command and the effect pattern set at that time. Accordingly, the effect display 18, the speaker 19, and the lamps R1 to R4 are controlled.

  The payout control board 59 is provided with a payout CPU (not shown), a payout ROM that stores a control program, and a payout RAM that can write and write necessary data.

  The payout control board 59 includes a signal input circuit for inputting signals from various sensors connected to the payout control board 59, and a payout device drive circuit for driving the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68. Is provided. The payout control board 59 has a command input circuit for inputting control commands (payout control command, initialization request command, return request command) from the main control board 76, and a control command (payout) for the main control board 76. A command output circuit for outputting a status command. The payout control board 59 is provided with an input / output circuit for inputting / outputting signals to / from the card unit 16.

Next, the flow of control performed by the main CPU 76a will be described.
In the main control flow of the main CPU 76a, control for lending game balls from the card unit 16 to the player, rotation and stop control of the reels 22L to 22R of the symbol display device 22, and the start lever 43 are operated. Control for drawing whether the symbols displayed on the symbol display device 22 are capable of forming a predetermined award mode, control for taking in game balls into the plane, etc. It is done.

Next, the control relating to the taking-in of the game ball will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 8, when the capture process is executed, first, the main CPU 76a sets 3-unit capture request data in the main RAM 76c (step S1). The 3-unit capture request data includes data of a value set in the capture request flag. Here, the capture request flag is set to “3”. Subsequently, the main CPU 76a determines whether or not there is an ON input from the MAXBET button 40 (step S2). If the determination result in step S2 is affirmative, the main CPU 76a proceeds to step S5, and determines whether or not the capture preparation flag is set (step S5). The acquisition preparation flag is a flag that is set in an interval process that is executed at a different cycle from the main control. More specifically, for each interval process, the main CPU 76a, based on the detection results of the storage detection sensors 105 to 109, plays the game with the specified number of game balls (5 balls) in the game ball storage unit existing at the storage position. The determination as to whether or not the ball has been continuously detected for a predetermined confirmation time (26.2682 ms) is repeatedly executed. If the determination result is affirmative, a capture preparation flag is set. The state where the capture preparation flag is set corresponds to the capture preparation state.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step 2 is negative, the main CPU 76a proceeds to step S3 and sets 1-unit take-in request data in the main RAM 76c (step S3). The 1-unit capture request data includes data of a value set in the capture request flag. Here, the capture request flag is set to “1”. Since 1 unit capture request data and 3 unit capture request data are information stored in the same storage area in the main RAM 76c, in the process of step S3, 3 unit capture request data is 1 unit capture request. It will be rewritten to data. Subsequently, the main CPU 76a determines whether or not there is an ON input from the 1BET button 39 (step S4). If the determination result in step S4 is negative, the main CPU 76a ends the capture process. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S5 is affirmative, the main CPU 76a proceeds to step S5 and determines whether or not a capture preparation flag is set (step S5).

  When the determination result of step S5 is negative, the main CPU 76a proceeds to step S6, and blinks the insufficient intake display 30a (step S6). Here, the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment notifies the player of the shortage of the captured game balls by the speaker 19 in addition to the insufficient capture display LED 30a. Therefore, the main CPU 76a performs processing for setting a sub control command for outputting a control command for notification from the speaker 19 to the sub control board 50 (step S7). Then, the main CPU 76a ends the capture process.

On the other hand, if the determination result of step S5 is affirmative, the main CPU 76a turns off the take-in display LED 26 (step S8). The take-in display LED 26 is turned off when the bet number is set to the maximum, and is turned on when the bet number is not set and the take-in is possible. Subsequently, the main CPU 76a sets solenoid right shift data in the main RAM 76c (step S9). The solenoid right shift data is a control command for controlling the solenoid 104 so that the game ball housing member 102 moves in the right direction, that is, the state shown in FIG. Subsequently, the main CPU 76a sets the second acquisition detection sensor count request data and the first acquisition detection sensor abnormality monitoring request data in the main RAM 76c (step S10). The second capture detection sensor count request data is counted as the number of game balls captured based on the detection signal from the second capture detection sensor 115 with the detection signal from the second capture detection sensor 115 being valid. It is data indicating that. The first acquisition detection sensor abnormality monitoring request data is data indicating that, when a detection signal is input from the first acquisition detection sensor, information indicating an error is displayed on the acquired number-of-balls display LED 30b. It is.

Subsequently, the main CPU 76a determines whether the solenoid 104 is stopped in the left direction (step S11). More specifically, when the solenoid 104 is stopped in the left direction, as shown in FIG. 6C, the game ball housing member 102 exists in the left direction. At this time, the position detection sensor 110 Detects the position detection piece 110 a provided on the game ball housing member 102. That is, when the position detection sensor 110 detects the position detection piece 110a, the main CPU 76a determines that the solenoid 104 is stopped in the left direction. On the other hand, when the solenoid 104 is stopped in the right direction, as shown in FIG. 6A, the game ball housing member 102 is present in the right direction. At this time, the position detection sensor 110 is operated by the game ball. The position detection piece 110a provided in the housing member 102 is not detected. That is, when the position detection sensor 110 has not detected the position detection piece 110a, the main CPU 76a determines that the solenoid 104 has stopped in the right direction.

When the determination result in step S11 is negative, the main CPU 76a sets solenoid left shift data in the main RAM 76c (step S12). The solenoid left shift data is a control command for controlling the solenoid 104 so that the game ball housing member 102 moves leftward, that is, in the state of FIG. Subsequently, the main CPU 76a sets the first acquisition detection sensor count request data and the second acquisition detection sensor abnormality monitoring request data in the main RAM 76c (step S13). The first capture detection sensor count request data is counted as the number of game balls captured based on the detection signal from the first capture detection sensor 114 with the detection signal from the first capture detection sensor 114 being valid. It is data indicating that. The second acquisition detection sensor abnormality monitoring request data is data indicating that, when a detection signal is input from the second acquisition detection sensor, information indicating an error is displayed on the acquired ball number display LED 30b. It is. That is, the main CPU 76a controls the solenoid 104 to move to the right side when the game ball housing member 102 is on the left side, and moves the solenoid 104 to move to the left side when the game ball housing member 102 is on the right side. To control. Subsequently, the main CPU 76a proceeds to step S14. Since the solenoid right shift data and the solenoid left shift data are information stored in the same storage area in the main RAM 76c, the solenoid right shift data is rewritten to the solenoid left shift data in the process of step S12. . Further, since the second acquisition detection sensor count request data and the first acquisition detection sensor count request data are information stored in the same storage area in the main RAM 76c, the second acquisition detection is performed in the process of step S13. The sensor count request data is rewritten to the first acquisition detection sensor count request data. Further, the first acquisition detection sensor abnormality monitoring request data and the second acquisition detection sensor abnormality monitoring request data are information stored in the same storage area in the main RAM 76c. The capture detection sensor abnormality monitoring request data is rewritten to the second capture detection sensor abnormality monitoring request data.

  On the other hand, the main CPU 76a that has proceeded to step S14 sets “2” to the value of the solenoid control count stored in the main RAM 76c (step S14). The number of times of solenoid control indicates the maximum number of times that the solenoid 104 is operated in one take-in operation (take-in operation for 1 BET). Subsequently, the main CPU 76a sets the abnormality request monitoring data set in step S10 or step S13 as an abnormality monitoring request flag in the main RAM 76c (step S15). That is, when the game ball housing member 102 is detected in the left direction, the first intake detection sensor abnormality detection monitoring request data is set, while when the game ball housing member 102 is detected in the right direction, the second take The detection sensor abnormality detection monitoring request data is set.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 76a clears the captured ball count data stored in the main RAM 76c (step S16). The number-of-taken-ball count data is a value obtained by counting the number of game balls detected by a valid take-in detection sensor. In this case, since the data counted when the previous capture process is executed remains, the value is cleared. Subsequently, the main CPU 76a sets the solenoid operating time in the main RAM 76c (step S17). The solenoid operation time represents the maximum time during which the solenoid 104 is operated by one control, and when the solenoid operation time has elapsed, the solenoid 104 is turned off. The value of this solenoid operation time is set longer than the time required until the number of detection signals from the valid capture detection sensor is counted as the specified number of game balls if the capture process is performed normally. Has been.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9, the main CPU 76a sets solenoid output data in the main RAM 76c (step S18). Subsequently, the main CPU 76a sets a take-in game ball count time in the main RAM 76c, and then the time is counted (step S19). The acquisition game ball count time is a time during which the input of the detection signal from the acquisition detection sensor in which the main CPU 76a is valid is counted as the acquisition ball count data while this time continues. . Subsequently, the main CPU 76a determines whether or not the solenoid operation time set in step S17 has ended (step S20).

  If the determination result of step S20 is affirmative, the main CPU 76a turns off the solenoid 104 (step S21). Subsequently, the main CPU 76a decrements the solenoid control count stored in the main RAM 76c by 1 (step S22), and proceeds to step S23.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of step S20 is negative, the main CPU 76a proceeds to step S23 without performing the processing of step S21 and step S22, and determines whether or not the captured game ball count time has expired (step S21). S23).

  When the determination result of step S23 is negative, the main CPU 76a proceeds to step S24 and determines whether or not the detection signal from the first capture detection sensor 114 is counted (step S24). That is, the main CPU 76a determines which of the second acquisition detection sensor count request data and the first acquisition detection sensor count request data is stored in the main RAM 76c, and the input of the detection signal is valid. Judgment detection sensor is determined.

  If the determination result in step S24 is affirmative, that is, if the input of the detection signal from the first capture detection sensor 114 is valid, the process proceeds to step S27 (shown in FIG. 10), and the main CPU 76a It is determined whether or not the 1 capture detection sensor 114 is turned on and a detection signal is input (step S27). If the determination result in step S27 is affirmative, that is, if a detection signal is input, the main CPU 76a adds 1 to the number of captured balls stored in the main RAM 76c (step S28), and proceeds to step S29. To do. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S27 is negative, the main CPU 76a performs the process from step S20 again.

  If the determination result in step S24 is negative, that is, if the input of the detection signal from the second capture detection sensor 115 is valid, the process proceeds to step S25, and the main CPU 76a performs the second capture detection sensor 115. Is turned on and it is determined whether or not a detection signal is input (step S25). If the determination result in step S25 is affirmative, that is, if a detection signal is input, the main CPU 76a adds 1 to the number of captured balls stored in the main RAM 76c (step S26), and proceeds to step S29. (Shown in FIG. 10). On the other hand, when the determination result of step S25 is negative, the main CPU 76a performs the process from step S20 again.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 76a checks the value of the number-of-taken-ball count data stored in the main RAM 76c, and determines whether or not the number of taken-in balls has been confirmed as the prescribed number of game balls (step S29). When the determination result of step S29 is negative, the main CPU 76a performs the process from step S20 again. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S29 is affirmative, that is, if it is confirmed that five game balls have been taken into the aircraft, the main CPU 76a turns off the solenoid 104 (step S30). Subsequently, the main CPU 76a determines whether it is time to start monitoring the abnormality of the capture detection sensor (step S31). If the determination result of step S31 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S33. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S31 is negative, the process proceeds to step S32, and the main CPU 76a determines whether or not five game balls have been passed (step S32). If the determination result in step S32 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S33. If the determination result is negative, the determination in step S31 is performed again. In step S33, an intake sensor abnormality monitoring flag for controlling to perform abnormality monitoring is set for one of the intake detection sensors (114 or 115) counting the number of captured balls. That is, the other capture detection sensor that has not counted the number of captured balls has already started to be monitored for abnormality in step S15. Therefore, by performing the process in step S33, the first capture detection sensor 114 and the second capture sensor Both the intake detection sensors 115 perform abnormality monitoring.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 76a adds 1 to the unit value stored in the main RAM 76c (step S34). Subsequently, the main CPU 76a determines whether or not the unit value stored in the main RAM 76c has become 3 (step S35). That is, the main CPU 76a determines whether or not the same number of game balls as the maximum bet number have been taken into the plane. If the determination result of step S35 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S44 (shown in FIG. 11), and the main CPU 76a turns off the take-in display LED 26 (step S44). Subsequently, the main CPU 76a clears the value of the capture request flag stored in the main RAM 76c (step S45), and ends the capture process.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of step S35 is negative, the main CPU 76a subtracts 1 from the value of the capture request flag stored in the main RAM 76c (step S36). Subsequently, the main CPU 76a determines whether or not to end the capture operation, that is, whether or not the value of the capture request flag stored in the main RAM 76c is 0 (step S37). If the determination result of step S37 is affirmative, the main CPU 76a ends the capture process. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S37 is negative, the main CPU 76a sets a capture preparation flag monitoring time in the main RAM 76c (step S38). The take-in preparation flag monitoring time is when the MAXBET button 40 is operated, and the take-in preparation flag is set during the continuation of this time after the first number of game balls are taken into the plane. It is time to always monitor whether or not. Subsequently, the main CPU 76a determines whether or not a capture preparation flag is set in the main RAM 76c (step S39). If the determination result of step S39 is affirmative, the main CPU 76a performs the process from step S9 again (shown in FIG. 8). On the other hand, if the determination result of step S39 is negative, the main CPU 76a repeats the determination of step S39 until the capture preparation flag monitoring time elapses (step S40). On the other hand, if the capture preparation flag monitoring time has elapsed and the capture preparation flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S41 (shown in FIG. 11), and the main CPU 76a blinks the capture shortage display 30a. (Step S41). Subsequently, the main CPU 76a sets an acquisition shortage output request for outputting a control command for performing notification by the speaker 19 to the sub-control board 50 in the main RAM 76c (step S42), and sets the set control command to the sub-control board 50. Sub-control command setting to be output to the control board 50 is performed (step S43). Subsequently, the main CPU 76a clears the value of the capture request flag stored in the main RAM 76c (step S45), and ends the capture process.

  Next, when the determination result in step S23 is affirmative, that is, a gaming machine having a prescribed number of gaming balls is stored in the plane even though a gaming ball containing unit contains a prescribed number of gaming balls. The flow of control related to error processing when it is not detected that the data has been taken in will be sequentially described.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the main CPU 76a determines whether or not the number of solenoid controls stored in the main RAM 76c is “0” (step S46). Normally, when the take-in game count time determined in step S23 has ended, the solenoid operation time that has been started before that time has also ended, and the number of times of solenoid control is subtracted through the processing of step S22. . For this reason, when the determination in step S46 is performed for the first time, the value of the number of solenoid controls is “1”, the determination result in step S46 is negative, and the main CPU 76a starts from step S17 (shown in FIG. 8). Repeat the process. On the other hand, when the determination in step S46 is performed for the second time, the value of the solenoid control number is “0”, the determination result in step S46 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S47, and the main CPU 76a performs the following series of operations. Perform error handling.

  The main CPU 76a retreats the acquired ball number display indicating the number of game balls acquired by the player as the winning ball displayed on the acquired ball number display LED 30b (step S47). Subsequently, the main CPU 76a sets “E3” which is an error display in the main RAM 76c, and outputs it to the acquired number-of-balls display LED 30b (step S48). Here, in the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, the lamps R1 to R4 are also notified of an error. The main CPU 76a sets an error number in order to create a control command for notification by each of the lamps R1 to R4 (step S49). Then, the set data is set as a control command to be output to the sub control board 50 (step S50), the sub control command is set and the control command is output to the sub control board 50 (step S51).

  Next, the main CPU 76a repeats the determination of whether or not the error has been canceled (step S52). The error is released by inserting an error release key into the lower door key 15 and turning it. When the error is released and the determination result in step S52 is affirmative, the main CPU 76a sets an output request at the end of error display in the main RAM 76c (step S53), executes sub control command setting, and executes sub control. A control command is transmitted to the substrate 50 (step S54). Then, the main CPU 76a displays again the acquired number-of-acquisition display that has been saved on the 7-segment LED (step S55).

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S56 (shown in FIG. 11), and the main CPU 76a determines whether there is a game ball that has been confirmed to be taken in (step S56). That is, the main CPU 76a examines the value of the fetched ball number count data stored in the main RAM 76c and determines whether or not this is not zero. If the determination result in step S56 is affirmative, that is, if it has been confirmed that one or more game balls have been taken in, the main CPU 76a sets the value of the taken-in ball count data in the main RAM 76c as a payout number (step S57). ). Subsequently, the main CPU 76a controls the first payout device 67 and the second payout device 68 via the payout control board 59 so that the payout number of game balls stored in the main RAM 76c are paid back (step S58). Subsequently, the main CPU 76a clears the value of the number of refunds stored in the main RAM 76c (step S59), then clears the value of the take-in request flag (step S60), and ends the take-in process.

  Control when the 1BET button 39 and the MAXBET button 40 are operated will be described based on the flow of control related to the capture processing described above. In this case, it is assumed that the control is performed from the time when the game ball housing member 102 of the capture device 100 exists in the right direction.

  When the 1BET button 39 is operated, the determination result of step S2 is negative and the determination result of step S4 is affirmative, so that one unit capture request data is set. Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, when five game balls are accommodated in the first game ball accommodating unit 118, the acquisition preparation flag is set in another process, and the determination result in step S5 is affirmative. Become. Next, since the game ball housing member 102 exists in the right direction, the determination result in step S11 is negative, and data for swinging the game ball housing member 102 in the left direction is set in the main RAM 76c. At this time, since the game ball is taken into the machine from the first discharge port 111, when a detection signal is inputted from the first take-in detection sensor 114, the main CPU 76a validates this and counts the number of taken-in balls. Count as data. On the other hand, when a detection signal is input from the second take-in detection sensor 115, the main CPU 76a displays information for notifying an error on the acquired number of balls display LED 30b.

  When the game ball is normally taken into the plane and the detection signal from the first take-in detection sensor 114 is input five times, the determination result in step S29 is affirmative, and the main CPU 76a operates the solenoid 104. Turn off. At this time, since the five game balls have been taken in and no game balls have been taken in, the main CPU 76a sets a take-in sensor abnormality monitoring request flag in step S33. In this state, when a detection signal is input from either the first acquisition detection sensor 114 or the second acquisition detection sensor 115, the main CPU 76a displays information for notifying the acquired ball number display LED 30b of an error. To do.

  Next, in the determination in step S35, since only one unit is set at this time, the determination result is negative, and the value of the capture request flag set in step S36 is subtracted from “1” to “0”. Is done. Then, in the determination in step S37, the determination result is affirmed because the value of the capture request flag is 0, and the capture process is terminated. If the 1BET button 39 is pressed again after the acquisition process is completed, the acquisition process starts with one unit set, and the acquisition process when the 1BET button 39 is pressed for the third time is started. Since 3 units are set at the end, the determination result in step S35 is affirmative, and the capture processing is terminated after the capture enable LED 26 is turned off.

  On the other hand, when the MAXBET button 40 is operated, the determination result in step S2 is affirmative, so that the 3 unit capture request data in step S1 remains set. Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, when five game balls are accommodated in the first game ball accommodating unit 118, the acquisition preparation flag is set in another process, and the determination result in step S5 is affirmative. Become. Next, since the game ball housing member 102 exists in the right direction, the determination result in step S11 is negative, and data for swinging the game ball housing member 102 in the left direction is set in the main RAM 76c. At this time, since the game ball is taken into the machine from the first discharge port 111, when a detection signal is inputted from the first take-in detection sensor 114, the main CPU 76a validates this and counts the number of taken-in balls. Count as data. On the other hand, when a detection signal is input from the second take-in detection sensor 115, the main CPU 76a displays information for notifying an error on the acquired number of balls display LED 30b.

  When the game ball is normally taken into the plane and the detection signal from the first take-in detection sensor 114 is input five times, the determination result in step S29 is affirmative, and the main CPU 76a operates the solenoid 104. Turn off. At this time, since the five game balls have been taken in and no game balls have been taken in, the main CPU 76a sets a take-in sensor abnormality monitoring request flag in step S33. In this state, when a detection signal is input from either the first acquisition detection sensor 114 or the second acquisition detection sensor 115, the main CPU 76a displays information for notifying the acquired ball number display LED 30b of an error. To do.

  Next, in the determination in step S35, since only one unit is set at this time, the determination result is negative, and the value of the capture request flag set in step S36 is subtracted from “3” to “2”. Is done. In the determination in step S37, the determination result is negative because the value of the capture request flag is 2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6 (d), since the game balls flow into the second game ball housing portion 119, when five game balls are housed in the second game ball housing portion 119. The acquisition preparation flag is set in another process, and the determination result of step S39 becomes affirmative.

  Therefore, the main CPU 76a performs the processing from step S9 again, and the determination in step S11 is affirmative because the game ball housing member 102 is present in the left direction, and the main RAM 76c is in step S9. The data for swinging the game ball housing member 102 to the right is still set. At this time, since the game ball is taken into the machine from the second discharge port 112, when a detection signal is inputted from the second take-in detection sensor 115, the main CPU 76a validates this and counts the number of taken-in balls. Count as data. On the other hand, when there is an input of a detection signal from the first take-in detection sensor 114, the main CPU 76a displays information notifying an error on the acquired ball number display LED 30b. Further, the number-of-taken-ball count data for which “5” is set in the process of step S16 is set to “0”.

  When the game ball is normally taken into the plane and the detection signal from the second take-in detection sensor 115 is input five times, the determination result in step S29 is affirmative, and the main CPU 76a operates the solenoid 104. Turn off. At this time, since the five game balls have been taken in and no game balls have been taken in, the main CPU 76a sets a take-in sensor abnormality monitoring request flag in step S33. In this state, when a detection signal is input from either the first acquisition detection sensor 114 or the second acquisition detection sensor 115, the main CPU 76a displays information for notifying the acquired ball number display LED 30b of an error. To do.

  Next, in the determination in step S35, since only 2 units are set at this time, the determination result is negative, and the value of the capture request flag set in step S36 is subtracted from “2” to “1”. Is done. Then, in the determination in step S37, the determination result is negative because the value of the capture request flag is 1. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6B, the game balls flow into the first game ball housing portion 118, and therefore, when 5 game balls are housed in the second game ball housing portion 119. The acquisition preparation flag is set in another process, and the determination result of step S39 becomes affirmative.

  Therefore, the main CPU 76a performs the processing from step S9 again, and the determination in step S11 is negative because the game ball housing member 102 exists in the right direction, and the main RAM 76c stores the game ball in the main RAM 76c. Data for swinging the member 102 in the left direction is set. At this time, since the game ball is taken into the machine from the first discharge port 111, when a detection signal is inputted from the first take-in detection sensor 114, the main CPU 76a validates this and counts the number of taken-in balls. Count as data. On the other hand, when a detection signal is input from the second take-in detection sensor 115, the main CPU 76a displays information for notifying an error on the acquired number of balls display LED 30b. Further, the number-of-taken-ball count data for which “5” is set in the process of step S16 is set to “0”.

  When the game ball is normally taken into the plane and the detection signal from the first take-in detection sensor 114 is input five times, the determination result in step S29 is affirmative, and the main CPU 76a operates the solenoid 104. Turn off. At this time, since the five game balls have been taken in and no game balls have been taken in, the main CPU 76a sets a take-in sensor abnormality monitoring request flag in step S33. In this state, when a detection signal is input from either the first acquisition detection sensor 114 or the second acquisition detection sensor 115, the main CPU 76a displays information for notifying the acquired ball number display LED 30b of an error. To do. Next, in the determination in step S35, since 3 units are set, the determination result is affirmative, and the capturing process is terminated after the capturing enable display LED 26 blinks.

According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Since the storage detection sensors 105 to 109 detect the game balls stored in the first game ball storage unit 118 and the second game ball storage unit 119 for each game ball, the game balls having the specified number of game balls are surely obtained. Can be taken into the aircraft. In addition, five game balls can be taken into the plane at a time only by controlling the solenoid 104 to be turned on and off, and the game balls are compared with the case where a take-in device that takes in each game ball is adopted. The control relating to the loading of is simplified.

  (2) When the maximum bet number is set by operating the MAXBET button 40, the game balls are taken in when the MAXBET button 40 is operated, that is, the sixth and subsequent balls are taken in. In the process, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls corresponding to the maximum bet number has been taken into the plane. If the result of the judgment is negative, the game ball housing member is set each time the take-in preparation flag is set. The solenoid 104 is controlled so that the 102 swings. For this reason, even when the sixth and subsequent balls are taken in, the game balls are actually taken into the machine after confirming that the game balls have been accommodated in the game ball containing portion. It can be taken into the aircraft. In addition, since the game ball is taken into the aircraft from one game ball housing portion and at the same time the game ball is housed in the other game ball housing portion, the take-in operation can be performed efficiently and in a short time. Become.

  (3) Even if the capture monitoring flag monitoring time is over, if the capture preparation flag is not set, the lack of capture display 30a is blinked to notify the lack of game balls. Therefore, the player can easily recognize the shortage of game balls from the blinking of the intake shortage display 30a.

  (4) A game ball taken into the machine from the first outlet 111 is detected by the first take-in detection sensor 114, and a game ball taken into the machine from the second outlet 112 is taken as the second take-up detection sensor. 115. Therefore, when the game ball housing member 102 is swung by the operation of the solenoid 104 based on the position of the game ball housing member 102 detected by the position detection sensor 110, the intake corresponding to the discharge port through which the game ball is discharged is taken. When the game ball is detected by the detection sensor, it can be confirmed that the game ball housing member 102 is normally swung.

  (5) When the first game ball storage unit 118 is at the discharge position, the number of game balls is counted based on the detection signal of the first intake detection sensor 114. Further, when the second game ball housing portion 119 is at the discharge position, the number of game balls is counted based on the detection signal of the second intake detection sensor 115. Accordingly, the number of game balls taken in from a route different from the intended route for taking in game balls is not counted, and the number of game balls taken in can be accurately counted. It is also possible to prevent setting of the number of bets due to fraud.

  (6) The following control is performed during the taking-in process from when the 1BET button 39 or the MAXBET button 40 is operated until the number of game balls according to the number of bets is taken. That is, when the detection signal of the second take-in detection sensor 115 is input when the first game ball storage unit 118 exists at the discharge position, and when the second game ball storage unit 119 exists at the discharge position, When the detection signal of the first intake detection sensor 114 is input, the fact that the detection signal has been input is displayed on the acquired ball number display LED 30b. Therefore, during the game ball take-in process, an operation different from the intended game ball take-in operation is performed, and it can be determined that a problem has occurred.

  (7) The detection signal input from the first acquisition detection sensor 114 and the second acquisition detection sensor 115 is constantly monitored except during the acquisition process. If there is an input, the fact that the detection signal has been input is indicated. The acquired number of balls display LED 30b is displayed. For this reason, it is possible to determine a problem that the game ball is taken into the plane even though the 1BET button 39 or the MAXBET button 40 is not operated. It is also possible to determine fraudulent acts using radio waves.

  (8) Since the position detection piece 110a does not contact the position detection sensor 110, even if the capture device 100 is used for a long period of time, the position detection piece 110a contacts the position detection sensor 110 to detect the position. It is possible to prevent the sensor 110 from being defective.

  (9) Although a specified number of game balls are detected in the first game ball storage unit 118 or the second game ball storage unit 119, a specified number of game balls are taken into the plane. If there is no game ball, the same number of game balls as the number of game balls taken in is returned to the player and the count value is reset. Therefore, in order to play a game, the player needs to operate the 1BET button 39 or the MAXBET button 40 again to take the game ball into the plane, and as a result, the game ball necessary for the game to be executed The number can be accurately taken into the machine.

In addition, you may change embodiment as follows.
In the present embodiment, the take-in device 100 is disposed on the back side of the front frame 13 so that the game ball housing member 102 extends vertically, but may be disposed so that the game ball housing member 102 is inclined. Good.

  ・ When the specified number of game balls has not been detected in the game ball housing section, the shortage-intake display 30b is blinked. Which game ball storage section has this shortage? May be changed to a configuration capable of notification.

  ・ Although the prescribed number of game balls is set to five, any number of prescribed game balls can be set by changing the length of the game ball housing part and increasing / decreasing the number of accommodation detection sensors as required. It is.

  The game ball housing member 102 is configured to move by swinging the game ball housing member 102. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game ball housing member 102 may be changed to move in parallel.

Although the main control board 76 performs control related to the capture process, the main control board 76 may be changed to provide a separate control board for the capture process.
The take-in device 100 may be disposed in various gaming machines that play games using game balls as game media.

Next, a technical idea that can be grasped from the above-described embodiment and changes in the aspect will be described below.
(A) The position detecting means is a non-contact type photosensor, and the game ball housing member is provided with a detected portion that is detected by the position detecting means. 8. The gaming machine according to any one of items 7.

  (B) A payout means for paying out a game ball to the player is provided, and the control means sets a measurement monitoring time for counting the number of game balls detected by the capture detection means in the capture preparation state When the number of game balls counted within the measurement monitoring time is less than the specified number of game balls, the counted value is reset and the same number of game balls as the number of counted game balls are paid out. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a payout means is controlled.

The front view of the slot machine of embodiment. Similarly, the front view which shows the back side of the front frame of a slot machine. Similarly, the front view which shows the front side of the inner frame of a slot machine. Similarly, the front view which shows the back side of the inner frame of a slot machine. It is a disassembled perspective view of a taking-in apparatus. (A), (b), (c), (d) is an operation | movement figure of a taking-in apparatus. The block diagram which shows the control structure of the slot machine of this embodiment. The flowchart which shows an acquisition process. Similarly, the flowchart which shows an acquisition process. Similarly, the flowchart which shows an acquisition process. Similarly, the flowchart which shows an acquisition process.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Taking-in apparatus, 102 ... Game ball accommodating member, 104 ... Solenoid, 105-109 ... Accommodation detection sensor, 110 ... Position detection sensor, 111 ... 1st discharge port, 112 ... 2nd discharge port, 114 ... 1st taking Intrusion detection sensor, 115 ... second ingestion detection sensor, 118 ... first game ball housing portion, 118a ... first ball inlet, 118b ... first ball outlet, 119 ... second game ball housing portion, 119a ... second ball Inlet, 119b ... second ball outlet, 123 ... inlet.

Claims (7)

A display device that displays a symbol variation game by varying a plurality of types of symbols, a ball tray that stores a game ball as a game medium, and a player operated when setting the bet number of the symbol variation game, The instructing means for instructing the ingestion of game balls in accordance with the number of bets, and the game balls inflowed from the ball tray in the specified number of game balls determined corresponding to one bet number. A take-in device, a control means for operating the take-in device, a start operation means for starting the symbol variation game, and a payout means for paying out a game ball to the player , The number of bets for the symbol variation game is set by an operation, and after the game balls corresponding to the number of bets are taken into the plane by the operation of the take-in device, the operation of the start operation means is triggered. Opened the symbol variation game In the allowed, the game machine prize balls are paid out when the symbols stopped and displayed in the game to form a predetermined prize mode,
The take-in device includes an inflow portion communicating with the ball tray, a first game ball accommodating portion and a second game in which a ball inlet can be communicated with the inflow portion and the predetermined number of game balls can be accommodated. A game ball housing member provided with a ball housing portion, a first discharge port capable of communicating with the ball outlet of the first game ball housing portion, a second discharge port capable of communicating with the second game ball housing portion, An accommodation detecting means capable of detecting, for each game ball, presence / absence of a game ball accommodated in the first game ball accommodating portion and the second game ball accommodating portion, the game ball accommodating member, and the ball inlet and the inflow portion. A solenoid that swings between a storage position that communicates and receives and stores the game ball from the inflow portion, and a discharge position where the ball outlet and the discharge port communicate to discharge the game ball; and the game A position detecting means for detecting a swing position of the ball housing member, and the first discharge port and the second discharge port. And a take-detecting means for detecting a game ball which,
The gaming machine is provided with an abnormal state canceling means for canceling an abnormal state that has occurred with respect to the taking-in of the game ball,
The game ball housing member is configured such that when the first game ball housing portion is present at the housing position, the second game ball housing portion is present at the discharge position, while the first game ball housing portion is disposed at the discharge position. Swings so that the second game ball housing portion is in the housing position,
Based on the detection result of the accommodation detection means, the control means determines whether or not the specified number of game balls are continuously detected for a predetermined confirmation time in the game ball accommodation portion existing at the accommodation position. If the determination result is affirmative, an acquisition preparation state indicating that preparation for taking in a game ball into the aircraft is completed is generated, and the acquisition preparation state is set when the acquisition instruction means is operated. Is generated, the solenoid is controlled based on the position of the game ball housing member detected by the position detection means, and the game ball housing portion existing at the housing position is swung to the discharge position. The game ball is taken into the aircraft by moving, and the number of game balls detected by the take-in detection means is counted ,
A measurement monitoring time for counting the number of game balls detected by the capture detection means in the acquisition preparation state is set, and the number of game balls counted within the measurement monitoring time is less than the specified number of game balls. In some cases, the abnormal state occurs.
When the abnormal state is canceled by the abnormal state canceling unit, the counted value is reset, and the paying unit is controlled so as to pay out the same number of game balls as the number of counted game balls. To play. In the event that a winning occurs during the symbol variation game, a winning ball notification means for notifying the number of winning balls to be awarded to the player based on the winning is provided,
When the control means causes the abnormal state to occur, instead of displaying the number of acquired balls displayed on the acquired prize ball notification means, display information indicating that the abnormal condition has occurred is displayed on the acquired prize ball. Displayed on the notification means,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein when the abnormal state is canceled by the abnormal state canceling unit, the acquired number of balls display is displayed again instead of the display information . The take-in instruction means can instruct the maximum bet number in the symbol variation game by one operation,
The control means is configured such that a maximum bet number is instructed by operating the take-in instruction means, and when the take-in instruction means is operated, the predetermined number of game balls are played based on a detection result of the position detection means. It is determined whether or not the number of game balls corresponding to the maximum bet number has been taken into the machine after taking into the machine from either the game ball containing part or the second game ball containing part. If the result is negative, each time the take-in preparation state occurs, the solenoid is controlled based on the position of the game ball housing member detected by the position detecting means, and is present at the housing position. By swinging the other game ball housing portion so as to switch to the discharge position, the game balls are alternately taken into the machine from the first game ball housing portion and the second game ball housing portion, and the take-in detection means Detected The gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein counting the number of game balls. Insufficient notifying means for notifying the player of the lack of game balls,
When the predetermined shortage notification time has elapsed from the time when the game ball storage unit existing at the storage position has been switched, the control means may notify the shortage notification means when the take-in preparation state has not occurred. The game machine according to claim 3 , wherein notification is executed. The intake detection means includes a first intake detector that detects a game ball taken into the machine from the first outlet and a second take that detects the game ball taken into the machine from the second outlet. With a built-in detector,
The control means includes the first game ball housing portion at the discharge position during the take-in process from the operation of the take-in instruction means until the number of game balls according to the number of bets is taken in. While the detection signal output from the first intake detector is valid, the detection signal output from the second intake detector when the second game ball housing portion is present at the discharge position The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the number of gaming balls is counted based on the detection signal. Provided with a take-in information notifying means for notifying information relating to taking in game balls
When the first game ball storage unit is present at the discharge position during the take-in process from when the take-in instruction unit is operated until the number of game balls according to the number of bets is taken in, When the detection signal of the second capture detector is input, and when the detection signal of the first capture detector is input when the second game ball housing portion is present at the discharge position, the detection signal The gaming machine according to claim 5 , wherein the take-in information notifying means is notified of the fact that the command is input. Provided with a take-in information notifying means for notifying information relating to taking in game balls
The control means monitors the detection state of the take-in detection means when the take-in process is not executed until the number of game balls according to the bet number is taken in after the take-in instruction means is operated. When the detection signal of the capture detection means is input, the capture information notification means is notified that the detection signal is input. Gaming machine.

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