JPH06142275A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the operability and to increase the speed of a game by operating a start switch to throw in a credit medal. CONSTITUTION:A motor 50, for example, as a driving source for driving to rotate three rotary reels individually is connected to the output side of a central control device 30. The central control device 30 comprises a throw-in medal counting means for counting thrown-in medals according to a throw-in medal detecting signal output from a throw-in medal detecting means 40, a credit medal counting means 32 for outputting a game medal throw-in signal, and a game medal counting means 33 for counting game medals according to a game medal throw-in signal. Further, the device comprises a reel drive control means 34 for starting the drive of the motor 50 according to a start signal from a start switch and stop the drive of the motor 50 according to stop signals from stop switches 22-24.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly to a slot machine in which a credit medal can be inserted by operating a start switch for starting rotation of a rotary reel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a slot machine of this kind, a rotary reel, a drive source for rotating the rotary reel, a credit insertion switch for inserting a credit medal into the machine as a game medal, and a start for outputting a start signal. There is known a slot machine provided with a switch and reel drive control means for starting driving of the drive source based on a start signal from the start switch.

In the conventional slot machine described above, in the credit mode, a credit medal is operated by operating a credit insertion switch, and then a start switch is operated to start rotation of a rotary reel.

[0004]

However, in the above-described conventional slot machine, in order to start the game, after the credit insertion switch is operated, the credit insertion switch must be once released and the start switch must be operated. However, the switch operation is troublesome and the game cannot be started quickly.

Therefore, the slot machine according to the first to third aspects is made in view of the problems of the above-mentioned conventional technique, and the purpose thereof is to improve operability and speed up the game. There is a change. In particular, the slot machine according to claim 2 is, in addition to the above-mentioned object according to claim 1,
By leaving the credit input switch, the game can be started by the conventional procedure using the credit input switch.

The slot machine according to claim 3 is
With one operation of the start switch, credit medals equal to the maximum number of game medals can be inserted into the machine as game medals.

[0007]

The present invention is to achieve the above-mentioned object, and the contents thereof will be described below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. A slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the rotary reel (12-14) and the rotary reel (1
2-14) a drive source for rotating (for example, a motor 50), a credit insertion signal for inserting a credit medal,
Alternatively, based on a start switch (25) for selectively outputting a start signal for starting the drive of the drive source (50) and a credit insertion signal from the start switch (25), a predetermined number (for example, three cards) ) A credit medal automatic insertion means (35) for inserting the credit medal as a game medal into the machine, and a reel drive control for starting the drive of the drive source (50) based on a start signal from the start switch (25). And means (34).

According to the slot machine of claim 2, in addition to the characteristic features of claim 1, the credit insertion switch (27) for inserting a credit medal is provided separately from the start switch (25). Characterize. Claim 3
In the slot machine described above, in addition to the characteristic points described in claim 1 or 2, the credit medal automatic insertion means (35).
However, it is characterized in that a number of credit medals equal to the maximum number of game medals (for example, 3) are inserted into the machine as game medals based on the credit insertion signal from the start switch (25).

[0009]

Therefore, according to the slot machine of the first aspect, by operating the start switch (25), the credit insertion signal and the start signal are selectively output. Therefore, when the start switch (25) is operated and a credit insertion signal is output from the start switch (25), this credit insertion signal is output by the credit medal automatic insertion means (3
It is output to 5). This credit medal automatic insertion means (3
5) When a credit insertion signal is input, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of credit medals are automatically inserted into the machine as game medals. Therefore, the start switch (2
5) By one operation, a predetermined number of credit medals are automatically inserted into the machine as game medals.

On the other hand, by operating the start switch (25),
When the start signal is output from the start switch (25), this start signal is output to the reel drive control means (34). When the start signal is input, the reel drive control means (34) starts driving the drive source (50). Therefore, when the driving force of the driving source (50) is started, the rotation reel (12
Start rotation of ~ 14).

According to the slot machine of claim 2,
When the credit input switch (27) is operated, a credit input signal is output from the credit input switch (27). As a result, the credit medal is inserted into the machine as a game medal. For this reason, the credit insertion switch
By the operation of (27), the credit medal is inserted into the machine as a game medal.

According to the slot machine of claim 3,
When the start switch (25) is operated and the credit insertion signal is output to the credit medal automatic insertion means (35), the credit medal automatic insertion means (35) is equal to the maximum number of game medals (for example, 3). The credit medal of is inserted into the machine as a game medal. Therefore, by one operation of the start switch (25), the same number of credit medals as the maximum number of game medals are automatically inserted into the machine as game medals.

[0013]

1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a slot machine, FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the slot machine, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a start switch. FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the slot machine.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 denotes a slot machine. A rectangular window portion 11 is formed in the center of the height of the slot machine 10, and a plurality of window portions 11 are formed in the window portion 11. In this embodiment, three rotating reels 12 to 14 are arranged. The three rotating reels 12 to 14 are a left rotating reel 12 and a middle rotating reel 13 in order from the left side in FIG.
And a right rotation reel 14.

On the glass surface of the window portion 11, as shown in FIG. 2, a total of five lines 15 to 19 displaying the winning lines of the three rotating reels 12 to 14 are displayed. Above line 15
~ 19 is a substantially horizontal center line 15 and upper and lower lines 16 and 17 which are located above and below and parallel to the center line.
And diagonal lines of upper and lower lines 16 and 17 on both sides, and is composed of a diagonal line 18 rising to the right and a diagonal line 19 descending to the right, intersecting in a dot pattern at the center.

As shown in FIG. 2, a medal slot 20 is provided on the lower right side of the three rotary reels 12 to 14, and a medal slot is placed on the left side of the three rotary reels 12 to 14. A 7-segment 2-digit display unit 21 for displaying the number of medals credits inserted through the mouth 20 is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, below the three rotating reels 12 to 14, the rotating reels 12 to 14 are associated with the rotating reels 12 to 14, respectively.
3 stop switches for individually stopping 14 22
~ 24 are provided respectively. The three stop switches 22 to 24 are composed of a left stop switch 22, a middle stop switch 23, and a right stop switch 24 in order from the left side in FIG.

On the left side of the three stop switches 22 to 24, as shown in FIG. 2, is a lever-shaped start switch.
25 are provided. This start switch 25 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, it can be operated in the vertical direction and is normally urged to the central position by the restoring force of a spring (not shown). Then, when the start switch 25 is moved upward from its neutral position, a credit insertion signal for inserting a credit medal is output. On the other hand, when the start switch 25 is moved downward from its neutral position, a start signal for starting the rotation of the rotary reels 12 to 14 is output. Therefore, by moving the start switch 25 in the vertical direction from its neutral position, the credit insertion signal and the start signal are selectively output from the start switch 25.

As shown in FIG. 2, a circular settlement switch 26 for settlement of credit medals is provided on the diagonally lower left side of the start switch 25. A credit insertion switch 27 for inserting a credit medal is provided above the settlement switch 26. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, on the lower front side of the slot machine 10, there is provided a medal outlet 28 which is a square hole and ejects medals to the outside.

Next, the control circuit of the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the control circuit of the slot machine 10 has, for example, a CPU as a core, and an RO
A central control unit 30 including M, RAM, I / O, etc. is mainly configured. On the input side of the central controller 30, as shown in FIG. 1, a micro switch for detecting the inserted medals inserted one by one through the medal insertion port 20 shown in FIG. 2 and outputting an inserted medal detection signal, etc. Inserted medal detection means 40
And a credit insertion switch 27 for outputting a credit insertion signal for inserting a credit medal into the slot machine 10 as a game medal, a credit insertion signal for inserting a credit medal, or rotation of the rotating reels 12 to 14. The start switch 25 for selectively outputting a start signal for starting
Three stop switches 22 to 24 which respectively output stop signals for individually stopping the rotations of 12 to 14 are connected.

To the output side of the central control unit 30, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, a motor 50 as a drive source for individually rotating and driving the three rotary reels 12 to 14 is connected. On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
Based on the inserted medal detection signal output from the inserted medal detecting means 40, the inserted medal counting means 31 for counting the number of inserted medals, and the counted value of the inserted medal counting means 31 is the maximum number of game medals, for example, during a normal game. When the number of "3" cards is exceeded, it is determined to be in the credit mode, and the number of inserted medals that have been inserted beyond "3" sheets is counted as a credit medal, and in the credit mode, the credit insertion switch 27 (FIG. 2) is used. The credit medal counting means 32 for subtracting "1" from the counted number of credit medals and outputting the game medal inserting signal based on the credit inserting signal from A game medal counting means 33 for counting the number of game medals based on the start, and a start signal from the start switch 25. Based on this, the drive of the motor 50 is started and the stop switches 22-24
And reel drive control means 34 for stopping the drive of the motor 50 based on the stop signal from.

The maximum number of game medals is, for example, "3" during the normal game, but may be "1" during the bonus game or other numbers. The maximum value of the number of credit medals is, for example, 50
The number is set to one, but other numbers may be set. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the central control device 30 receives, for example, the maximum number of game medals, that is, the number of credits equal to “3” during the normal game, based on the credit input signal from the start switch 25. A credit medal automatic insertion means 35 for inserting a medal as a game medal into the machine is provided. Note that the credit medal automatic insertion means 35 is configured to insert a number of credit medals equal to the maximum number of game medals into the machine as game medals based on the credit insertion signal from the start switch 25. Each time the credit insertion signal is input once, one credit medal may be inserted into the machine as a game medal.

Next, the slot machine in this embodiment
The operation of 10 will be described below based on the flow shown in FIG. First, in step 60, as shown in FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not there is a credit medal.
As shown in FIG. 1, this determination is performed by the central controller 30, and the presence or absence of a credit medal is determined by the count value of the credit medal counting means 32. That is, if the count value of the credit medal counting means 32 is “1” or more, it is determined that the credit medal is “present”,
If it is less than “1”, it is determined to be “none”.

If it is determined in step 60 that there is a credit medal, the process proceeds to step 61, as shown in FIG. In step 61, it is determined whether or not the start switch 25 has been operated upward. As shown in FIG. 1, this determination is performed by the central controller 30, and when the start switch 25 is operated upward, the start switch 25 outputs a credit insertion signal.

When it is determined in step 61 that the start switch 25 has been operated upward, the process proceeds to step 62 as shown in FIG. In this step 62, it is determined whether or not the number of game medals has reached MAX, that is, the maximum number of game medals. This determination is made in the central controller 30, and it is determined by the count value of the game medal counting means 33 whether or not the number of game medals reaches the maximum number of game medals, for example, "3" during the normal game. .

When it is determined in step 62 that the number of game medals has not reached MAX, the process proceeds to step 63 as shown in FIG. In this step 63, credit medals are inserted as game medals until the number of game medals reaches MAX, that is, the maximum number of game medals. When the start switch 25 is operated upward, a credit insertion signal is output from the start switch 25 to the credit medal automatic insertion means 35 of the central controller 30, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the credit medal automatic insertion means 35 receives the credit insertion signal from the start switch 25, and the maximum number of game medals,
For example, in a normal game, "3" credit medals are inserted into the machine as game medals. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the credit medal automatic insertion means 35 receives the credit insertion signal from the start switch 25,
The credit insertion signal is output to the credit medal counting means 32 three times. The credit medal counting means 32 subtracts "1" from the count value each time the credit insertion signal from the credit medal automatic insertion means 35 is inputted once, and at the same time, gives the game medal counting means 33 a game medal insertion signal. Output. The game medal counting means 33 adds "1" to the count value every time the game medal insertion signal is input. As a result, "3" is subtracted from the count value of the credit medal counting means 32, and "3" is added to the count value of the game medal counting means 33.

However, if "2" game medals have already been inserted, "1" credit medals are inserted into the machine as game medals. On the other hand, if "1" game medals have already been inserted,
"2" credit medals are inserted into the machine as game medals. After that, as shown in FIG. 4, the process proceeds from step 63 to steps 64-66.
This is a step for starting the rotation of the reels 12-14.

First, in step 64, as shown in FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not there is a game medal. As shown in FIG. 1, this determination is performed by the central control device 30, and it is determined by the count value of the game medal counting means 33 whether or not there is a game medal. That is, if the count value of the game medal counting means 33 is "1" or more, it is determined that the game medal is "present", and if it is less than "1", it is determined that "no". Further, in the previous step 63, when the game medals have already been inserted up to MAX and the maximum number of game medals, it is determined in the present step 64 that there are game medals.

When it is determined in step 64 that there is a game medal, as shown in FIG.
Proceed to 65. In step 65, it is determined whether the start switch 25 has been operated downward. As shown in FIG. 1, this determination is performed by the central controller 30, and when the start switch 25 is operated downward, the start signal is output from the start switch 25.

When it is determined in step 65 that the start switch 25 has been operated downward, the process proceeds to step 66, as shown in FIG. In this step 66, the rotation of the rotary reels 12 to 14 is started. That is, when the start switch 25 is operated downward, a start signal is output from the start switch 25 to the reel drive control means 34, as shown in FIG. Reel drive control means
When the start signal is input from the start switch 25, the 34 starts driving the motor 50. For this reason, the motor
The driving force of 50 starts the rotation of the three rotating reels 12 to 14.

After the processing of step 66 is completed, the loop is exited as shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in the previous step 60 that there is no credit medal, the process proceeds directly to step 64 as shown in FIG. If it is determined in the previous step 61 that the start switch 25 has not been operated upward, the process proceeds to steps 67 to 69 as shown in FIG.
Steps 69 to 69 are steps for enabling the operation of the credit input switch 27.

First, when the routine proceeds from step 61 to step 67, in this step 67, as shown in FIG. 4, it is judged whether or not the credit insertion switch 27 is turned on. This determination is made by the central controller 30 as shown in FIG.
Done in. When it is determined in step 67 that the credit insertion switch 27 is turned on, the process proceeds to step 68 as shown in FIG. In this step 68, it is determined whether or not the number of game medals has reached MAX, that is, the maximum number of game medals. This determination is made in the central controller 30, and it is determined by the count value of the game medal counting means 33 whether or not the number of game medals reaches the maximum number of game medals, for example, "3" during the normal game. .

When it is determined in step 68 that the number of game medals has reached MAX, the process proceeds to step 64 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, step 68
In, when it is determined that the number of game medals has not reached MAX, the process proceeds to step 69 as shown in FIG.
In this step 69, only one credit medal is transferred to the game medal. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, when the credit medal counting means 32 receives a credit insertion signal from the credit insertion switch 27, the credit medal counting means 32 subtracts “1” from the count value and the game medal counting means 33 inserts a game medal. Output a signal. When the game medal insertion signal is input, the game medal counting means 33 adds "1" to the count value.

If it is determined in step 67 that the credit insertion switch 27 is not turned on, the process directly proceeds to step 64 as shown in FIG. Further, also in the case where it is determined in the previous step 62 that the number of game medals has reached MAX, as shown in FIG.
Similarly, the process proceeds to step 64. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no game medal in the previous step 64, the loop is exited as shown in FIG.

If it is not determined in step 65 that the start switch 25 has not been operated downward, the loop is exited as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, by operating the start switch 25 upward, three credit medals, which is equal to the maximum number of game medals, are inserted, but the operation is performed by one operation. The number of credit medals that can be inserted is not particularly limited to this, and the same effect can be obtained even if the number of credit medals is “1” or “2” or an arbitrary number by one operation.

On the other hand, FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention, which is an explanatory diagram of the start switch of the slot machine. As shown in FIG. 5, the feature of the present embodiment is that the start switch 25 can be operated in all directions to insert an arbitrary number of credit medals.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the start switch 25 can be operated not only in the up and down direction but also in the left and right directions and is normally biased to the center position by the restoring force of a spring (not shown). Has been done. And start switch 25
However, when it is moved upward from its neutral position, a signal for inserting three credit medals for inserting the number of credit medals equal to the maximum number of game medals, for example, "3" credit medals during the normal game is output. Also, start switch 25
However, when it is moved leftward from the neutral position in the figure, a two-credit-medal insertion signal for inserting "2" credit medals is output.
Further, when the start switch 25 is moved rightward in the figure from its neutral position, a one credit medal insertion signal for inserting "1" credit medal is output. Also, start switch 25
Is moved downward from its neutral position, the spinning reel
A start signal for starting rotation of 12 to 14 is output.

Therefore, the start switch 25 is moved in the vertical and horizontal directions centering on its neutral position, whereby a signal for inserting three credit medals, a signal for inserting two credit medals, and a signal for inserting one credit medal. , And a start signal are selectively output from the start switch 25. Although not shown, the three credit medal insertion signal, the two credit medal insertion signal, and the one credit medal insertion signal are output to the credit medal automatic insertion means of the central controller. The automatic credit medal insertion means receives three credit medals when a three credit medal insertion signal is input, two credit medals when two credit medal insertion signals are input, and one credit medal when one credit medal insertion signal is input. The respective credit medals are put into the machine as game medals.

When the game medals have already been thrown, the credit medals are thrown as the game medals up to the maximum number of game medals, for example, "3" during the normal game. That is, when "2" game medals have already been inserted, the credit medal automatic insertion means inputs "3 credit medal insertion signal" or "2 credit medal insertion signal" from the start switch 25. Only 1 ”credit medals are inserted into the machine as game medals. On the other hand, if "1" game medals have already been inserted, the credit medal automatic insertion means will input "2" credit medals even if an input signal of three credit medals is input from the start switch 25. Only the game medal is put in the machine.

[0039]

Since the present invention is constituted as described above, it has the following effects. Claim 1
According to the described slot machine, it is possible to provide a slot machine that can insert a credit medal easily and quickly by operating the switch of the start switch and has excellent operability.

In addition to this, according to the slot machine of the second aspect, by leaving the credit insertion medal, the player is not confused, and it is possible to provide a slot machine with further excellent operability. According to the slot machine of claim 3, it is possible to insert the same number of credit medals as the maximum number of game medals by operating the start switch once. Therefore, it is possible to provide a slot machine which can be performed even more efficiently and has excellent operability.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention, which is a block diagram of a slot machine.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the slot machine.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a start switch of the same slot machine.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the slot machine.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention, which is an explanatory diagram of the start switch of the slot machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Slot machine 11 Window 12-14 Spinning reel 15-19 Award line 20 Medal slot 21 Display 22-24 Stop switch 25 Start switch 26 Settlement switch 27 Credit slot switch 28 Medal slot 30 Central control unit 31 Counting medals Means 32 Credit medal counting means 33 Game medal counting means 34 Reel drive control means 35 Credit medal automatic insertion means 40 Inserted medal detection means 50 Motor as drive source

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A start for selectively outputting a rotating reel, a drive source for rotating the rotating reel, a credit insertion signal for inserting a credit medal, or a start signal for starting driving of the drive source. A switch, a credit medal automatic insertion means for inserting a predetermined number of credit medals into the machine as a game medal based on a credit insertion signal from the start switch, and a start signal of the drive source based on a start signal from the start switch. A slot machine comprising a reel drive control means for starting driving. 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein a credit insertion switch for inserting a credit medal is provided separately from the start switch. 3. The credit medal automatic insertion means is based on a credit insertion signal from a start switch,
The slot machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a number of credit medals equal to the maximum number of game medals are inserted into the machine as game medals.