JPH0663214A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make a start signal from a start switch ineffective when the start switch is actuated just after a medal is cast. CONSTITUTION:There are provided a first cast medal detecting means 126 which is disposed close to a medal sot and detects cast medals flowing down through a medal channel to output a first cast medal detection signal and a start switch 80 for outputting a start signal to rotate a rotary reel. And there is provided a start signal canceling means 134 which makes a start signal ineffective when the start signal is inputted within a predetermined time period after the first cast medal detection signal is inputted under conditions that the first cast medal detection signal from the means 126 is generated before the start signal from the switch 80 is generated.

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 improvement of a counting mechanism for inserted medals.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a slot machine of this type, an inserted medal detecting means for detecting an inserted medal inserted from a medal insertion slot and outputting an inserted medal detection signal, and an inserted medal detecting means The inserted medal counting means for counting the number of inserted medals based on the inserted medal detection signal, the start switch for outputting the start signal for starting the rotation of the rotating reel, and the inserted medal counting based on the start signal from this start switch There is known one provided with a count value fixing means for fixing the count value of the means.

[0003]

However, in the conventional slot machine described above, when the start switch is operated immediately after inserting the medal, the inserted medal inserted from the medal insertion slot is detected by the inserted medal detecting means. Then, there is a problem that the count value of the inserted medal counting unit is fixed before the inserted medal detection signal is output from the inserted medal detecting unit.

For example, when the player inserts three medals from the medal insertion slot and immediately after that the player operates the start switch, the third inserted medal reaches the inserted medal detecting means. However, the count value is fixed when the inserted medals are detected by the inserted medals detecting means and the number "2" is counted by the inserted medals counting means.

If the count value of the inserted medal counting means is thus determined to be "2", the game progresses under the condition of inserting two medals even though the player has inserted three medals. Will be done. In this way, even if the player has inserted three medals, if the game progresses under the condition of inserting two medals, the winning line will be reduced from five to three. It will cause a significant disadvantage to and cause trouble.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the problems of the above-mentioned conventional technique, and its purpose is to start the start switch when the start switch is operated immediately after the insertion of the medal. The start signal from the switch is made invalid.

[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. The present invention relates to a medal insertion slot (60) and medals inserted from this medal insertion slot (60).
(M) flows down the medal passage (120) and the medal slot (6
0), a first inserted medal detecting means (126) for detecting an inserted medal (M) flowing down the medal passage (120) and outputting a first inserted medal detection signal, and the first inserted medal detecting means (126). Located on the downstream side of the inserted medal detection means (126), the medal passage
The medal sorter (122) for determining whether or not the inserted medal (M) flowing down the (120) conforms to the standard, and the medal sorter (12)
After passing 2), the second inserted medal detecting means (127) for detecting the inserted medal (M) flowing down the medal passage (120) as it is and outputting the second inserted medal detection signal, and this second inserted medal Inserted medal counting means (131) for counting the number of inserted medals based on the inserted medal detection signal from the detection means (127)
And a start switch (70) for outputting a start signal for starting the rotation of the rotating reels (30-32), and before the generation of the start signal from the start switch (70), the first inserted medal detecting means (126 If the start signal is input within a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms) after the first input medal detection signal is input, the start signal is invalidated. A start signal canceling means (134) and a count value fixing means (135) for fixing the count value of the inserted medal counting means (131) based on the start delay signal from the start signal canceling means (134). It is characterized by having.

[0008]

[Operation] Therefore, according to the present invention, for example, when three medals (M) are inserted from the medal insertion slot (60) and immediately after that, the player operates the start switch (70), the start switch When the start signal is output from (70), the third inserted medal (M) is detected by the first inserted medal detecting means (126), but is detected by the second inserted medal detecting means (127). It has not been.

Therefore, in the medal counting means, 2
The count value is "2" because the medals (M) up to the first piece are detected by the second inserted medal detection means (127).
The third medal (M) is the first inserted medal detection means.
Upon detection at (126), the first inserted medal detection signal is output to the start signal canceling means (134).

The start signal canceling means (134), after inputting the first inserted medal detection signal, starts the start switch (70).
Since the start signal from is input, the start signal is invalidated. Therefore, the third inserted medal (M) flowing down the medal passage (120) within the delay time of the start signal.
However, when it is detected by the second inserted medal detecting means (127), the count value of the inserted medal counting means (131) becomes "3" based on the second inserted medal detection signal.

Then, after the input of the first inserted medal detection signal, the start switch (70) is operated again after a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms), and when the start signal is input, the start signal is the start signal canceling means. (1
It is output from 34) to the count value determining means (135). For this reason,
The count value of the inserted medal counting means (131) is fixed at "3".

[0012]

1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a slot machine, FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the slot machine, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the medal passage of a medal. In FIG. 2, 10 indicates a slot machine.

First, referring to FIG. 2, the slot machine described above is used.
The outline of 10 front panels will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 10 has a rectangular window portion 20 at approximately the center thereof, and three rotating reels 30 to 32 are arranged in the window portion 20. There is. The three rotating reels 30 to 32 are individually driven to rotate by a driving force of a reel driving device 33 provided inside the slot machine 10 and including, for example, three stepping motors (not shown).

On the glass surface of the window portion 20, as shown in FIG. 2, a total of five lines 21 to 25 for displaying winning lines of the three rotating reels 30 to 32 are displayed. The lines 21 to 25 are the substantially horizontal center line 21 and the upper and lower prize lines which are located above and below the center line and parallel to each other.
22 and 23, and diagonal lines of both upper and lower prize lines 22 and 23 are arranged diagonally to the right and diagonal line 24 to the right and diagonal line 25 to the lower right, which intersect in the shape of a dot.

As shown in FIG. 2, five effective line display lamps 40 to 44 arranged vertically are arranged at the right ends of the respective five lines 21 to 25. Further, on the left side of the rotary reels 30 to 32, as shown in FIG. 2, three display units 50 to 52 arranged vertically are arranged. Each display section 50 ~
In 52, for example, two-digit display of 7 segments is possible.

Of the above three display sections 50 to 52, the highest bonus related number display section 50 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the number of effective games during a large bonus or the JAC during a bonus.
The number of valid times is displayed as a 2-digit number. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the stored medal number display portion 51 in the middle stage displays, for example, the number of stored medals in a two-digit number.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the number of payout medals is displayed in a two-digit number on the payout medal number display section 52 in the lower stage. As shown in FIG. 2, a medal insertion slot 60 for the player to insert medals is arranged on the lower right side of the rotating reels 30 to 32 in FIG. In addition, below the three rotating reels 30 to 32,
As shown in FIG. 2, three stop switches 70 ... For individually stopping the rotating reels 30 to 32 are arranged corresponding to the rotating reels 30 to 32, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 2, a lever-shaped start switch 80 for outputting a start signal for starting the rotation of the rotary reels 30 to 32 is provided on the left side of the three stop switches 70. Has been. As shown in FIG. 2, a medal insertion switch 90 for inserting a stored medal is arranged above the start switch 80. The medal insertion switch 90 is composed of three insertion switches 91 to 93 arranged side by side. Of the three closing switches 91 to 93, the one closing switch 91 on the left side when facing
Is operated, 1 for inserting one stored medal
A sheet insertion signal is output. Further, when the central two-sheet insertion switch 92 is operated, a two-sheet insertion signal for inserting two stored medals is output. Further, when the right end three coin insertion switch 93 is operated, the maximum number of stored medals, that is, a three coin insertion signal for inserting three coins is output. In addition, set the medal insertion switch 90 to 3
Although it is composed of the individual closing switches 91 to 93, the closing switch may be one or may be combined with other switches.

Below the medal shooting switch 90, as shown in FIG. 2, a settlement switch 100 is arranged.
On the other hand, below the front surface of the slot machine 10, as shown in FIG. 2, a medal discharge port 110 is arranged. Next, with reference to FIG. 3, an outline of the medal passage of the inserted medals provided inside the slot machine 10 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, the medal passage 120 has its upper end at the medal slot on the front surface of the slot machine 10.
It communicates with 60 (FIG. 2), and the inside thereof inclines downward, and its lower end communicates with a hopper or the like (not shown).
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the medal passage 120 is branched from the middle thereof, and the medal passage 120 and the slot machine 10 are divided.
Is provided with a medal return path 121 that connects with the medal discharge port 110 (FIG. 2) on the front side of the. The medals flowing down the medal return path 121 are returned from the medal discharge port 110.

Further, in the medal passage 120, as shown in FIG. 3, between the branch points of the medal insertion port 60 and the medal return passage 121, there are standards such as the size and thickness of the inserted medals M. A medal sorter 122 for sorting is arranged. Then, the non-standard medals M are stopped at the medal sorter 122 or returned from the medal sorter 122 to the player through the medal return path 121.

Further, the medal passage 120 and the medal return passage 121
As shown in FIG. 3, a flow path switching device 123 for switching the flow direction of the inserted medals M flowing down the medal passage 120 is arranged at the branch point of and. As shown in FIG. 3, the flow path switching device 123 includes an open / close valve 124 for opening / closing the medal return path 121.
The opening / closing valve 124 is always kept closed with the medal return path 121 closed, and when the opening / closing valve 124 is excited.
It is composed of a solenoid 125 that rotates 4 downward and opens the medal return path 121.

For the solenoid 125, for example, when the start switch 80 is operated, or when the total number of medals M inserted from the medal insertion port 60 is a prescribed number, for example, the maximum number of game medals (eg, 3) is the maximum number of stored medals. (Eg 50
When the number of added medals exceeds 53 (for example, 53), the medals M that are excited and inserted thereafter are returned to the medal return path 121.
Will be returned to the player through.

The structure of the flow path switching device 123 is not limited to that of the embodiment shown in the drawings. Also, the medal passage
As shown in FIG. 3, a first inserted medal detecting means 126 is arranged on the 120 between the medal inserting opening 60 and the medal sorter 122, close to the medal inserting opening 60. The first inserted medal detecting means 126 is composed of, for example, a photo sensor or the like, detects the inserted medals M inserted from the medal insertion slot 60 one by one, and outputs a first inserted medal detection signal. That is, since the first inserted medal detecting means 126 is arranged on the upstream side of the medal sorter 122, it is determined whether the medal M detected by the first inserted medal detecting means 126 conforms to the standard. Regardless, all inserted medals M inserted from the medal insertion opening 60 are detected.

The first inserted medal detecting means 126
Is not limited to non-contact type sensors such as photo sensors,
A contact type micro switch or the like may be used. Further, in the medal passage 120, as shown in FIG. 3, a second inserted medal detecting means 127 is arranged downstream of the flow path switching device 123. The second inserted medal detecting means 127 is composed of, for example, a photo sensor, similarly to the above-mentioned first inserted medal detecting means 126, and passes through the branch point between the medal passage 120 and the medal return passage 121 and keeps the medal passage 120 as it is. The inserted medals M flowing down, that is, the inserted medals M conforming to the standard that have passed through the medal sorter 122 are detected one by one, and a second inserted medal detection signal is output.

The second inserted medal detecting means 127
Is not limited to non-contact type sensors such as photo sensors,
A contact type micro switch or the like may be used. Also,
As shown in FIG. 3, there is a space equal to or longer than the diameter of one medal M between the second inserted medal detection means 127 and the flow path switching device 123, and the flow path switching device 123 is provided. The inserted medals M that are returned to the player through the medal return path 121 when the player enters the open state are the second inserted medals detecting means 127.
It is not detected by.

Next, referring to FIG. 1, the slot machine 10
The control circuit will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the control circuit of the slot machine 10 is mainly composed of a central control unit 130 composed of a CPU. On the input side of the central controller 130, as shown in FIG. 1, a start switch 80 (FIG. 2) and first and second inserted medal detecting means.
126 and 127 (FIG. 3) and the medal shooting switch 90 (FIG. 2) are connected to each other.

Further, on the output side of the central control unit 130, as shown in FIG. 1, the flow path switching unit 123 (FIG. 3) and the three rotary drums 30 to 32 are individually driven to rotate. Reel drive device composed of a stepping motor, etc.
33 and each is connected. Central control unit 130
As shown in FIG. 1, the inserted medal counting means 131 for counting the number of inserted medals based on the inserted medal detection signal from the second inserted medal detecting means 127, and the count value of the inserted medal counting means 131 is the maximum game. Number of medals, eg "3
When the number of inserted medals is exceeded, the accumulated medal counting means 132 for counting the number of inserted medals based on the second inserted medal detection signal from the second inserted medal detecting means 127, and the medal inserting switch 9
Based on the input signal from 0, the stored medal counting means 132
The accumulated medal subtracting means 133 for subtracting the counted value counted in the above and adding the subtracted counted value to the counted value of the inserted medal counting means 131, and before the start signal from the start switch 80 is generated, On condition that the first inserted medal detection signal from the inserted medal detecting means 126 is generated,
A predetermined time (for example, 5
When the start signal is input within 00 ms), the start signal canceling means 13 for invalidating the start signal
4, and based on the start signal from the start signal canceling means 134, the count value fixing means 135 for fixing the count value of the inserted medal counting means 131, and based on the start signal from the start signal canceling means 134, reel drive Reel drive control means 136 for operating the device 33,
Based on the start signal from the start signal canceling means 134, the solenoid 125 of the flow path switching device 123 is excited to open the medal return path 121.
And a game control means 138 for controlling the entire game such as determination of a game result and payout of medals.

Next, the operation of the slot machine 10 having the above configuration will be described. When three medals M are inserted from the medal insertion slot 60 (FIG. 2) on the front surface of the slot machine 10, each medal M is taken into the slot machine 10 through the medal insertion slot 60, as shown in FIG. To
Flow down the medal passage 120. As for the inserted medals M flowing down the medal passage 120, as shown in FIG. 3, first, three inserted medals M are individually detected by the first inserted medal detecting means 126.

3 which have passed the first inserted medal detecting means 126
As shown in FIG. 3, the inserted medals M are then sorted by a medal sorter 122 such as size and thickness of the inserted medals M. At this time, if the inserted medals M comply with the standard, as shown in FIG. 3, after passing through the medal sorter 122, the second inserted medals detection means 127 detects each one and detects the second inserted medals. The means 127 outputs the second inserted medal detection signal.

The second inserted medal detection signal from the second inserted medal detecting means 127 is output to the inserted medal counting means 131 as shown in FIG.
Each time the input medal detection signal is input, the count value is incremented by "1". That is, the inserted medal counting means
Since the initial value of 131 is "0", the inserted medal counting means 1
The count value of 31 becomes "3" which is the maximum number of game medals.

After that, when another medal M is inserted into the medal insertion slot 60, the stored medal counting means 132 is set to the second
Each time the second inserted medal detection signal from the inserted medal detecting means 127 is input, the count value is incremented by "1". That is, since the initial value of the inserted medal counting means 131 is "0", the counted value of the stored medal counting means 132 is "1".

At this time, the inserted medal counting means 131
Since the count value of is 3 which is the maximum number of game medals, the count value of the inserted medal counting means 131 does not change. After that, when the start switch 80 (FIG. 2) on the front surface of the slot machine 10 is operated, the start signal is output from the start switch 80. As shown in FIG. 1, the start signal from the start switch 80 is output to the count value fixing means 135 via the start signal canceling means 134, and the count value fixing means 135 further outputs the count value fixing signal. To be done.

The count value fixing signal from the count value fixing means 135 is output to the inserted medal counting means 131 as shown in FIG. 1, and the inserted medal counting means 131 means the count value "3". The signal is output to the game control means 138. When the game control means 138 inputs a signal indicating the count value “3”, the game control means 138 advances the game under the condition of inserting three medals.

That is, all the five active line display lamps 40 to 44 (FIG. 2) on the front surface of the slot machine 10 are turned on,
All five lines 21-25 are valid. At the same time, the start signal from the start switch 80 is sent to the reel drive control means 136 via the start signal canceling means 134 and the count value determining means 135, as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, when the reel drive control means 136 receives the start signal from the start switch 80, the reel drive device 33 is operated and the three rotary reels are rotated.
The rotation of 30 to 32 is started. In addition, the start switch
As shown in FIG. 1, the start signal from 80 passes through the start signal canceling means 134 and is passed through the flow path switching control means 1
It is output to 37.

As shown in FIG. 1, when the start signal is input from the start switch 80, the flow path switching control means 137 energizes the solenoid 125 (FIG. 3) of the flow path switching device 123 to cause the medal return path 121 to flow. Let it open. When the medal return path 121 is opened, thereafter, the inserted medals M inserted in the medal insertion slot 60 are returned to the player from the medal passage 120 through the medal return path 121.

Next, the case where the start switch 80 is operated immediately after the third medal M is inserted from the medal insertion slot 60 will be described. Normally, it takes, for example, 200 to 400 ms until the medal M inserted from the medal insertion slot 60 flows down the medal passage 120, passes the medal sorter 122, and is detected by the second inserted medal detecting means 127.

Therefore, in general, the third medal M
When the start switch 80 is operated within, for example, 200 to 400 ms after the insertion of the
When 131 counts “2”, the count value is fixed. However, as shown in FIG. 3, the third medal M is detected by the first inserted medal detection means 126 immediately after being inserted into the medal insertion opening 60, and the first inserted medal detection means 126 makes the first insertion. The medal detection signal is output.

After that, a start signal is generated from the start switch 80. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 1, the start signal canceling means 134 receives the first inserted medal detection signal first, so that the start signal is output within a predetermined time after the input of the first inserted medal detection signal. When input, the start signal is invalidated.

The above predetermined time is set to, for example, 500 ms, and during this set time, the medal M inserted from the medal insertion slot 60 flows down the medal passage 120 and passes through the medal sorter 122, and then the second inserted medal. The time until the detection by the detection means 127 is set to be longer than, for example, 200 to 400 ms. Therefore, the medal M inserted into the third coin is
The time until it is detected by the inserted medal detection means 127 is sufficiently secured.

That is, during 200 to 400 ms, the third inserted medal M is the second inserted medal detecting means 127.
And the first inserted medal detection signal is output. Three
The first inserted medal detection signal of the inserted medal M is output to the inserted medal counting means 131 as shown in FIG. 1, and the count value becomes "3". After 500 ms, when the start switch 80 is operated again, the start signal is output again from the start switch 80, and the start signal cancel means 134 outputs the start signal as it is.

Therefore, the start signal canceling means 13
The start signal output from 4 is, as shown in Fig. 1,
It is sent to the count value fixing means 135. Count value determination means 135
As shown in FIG. 1, the start signal canceling means 13
When the start signal from 4 is input, the count value confirmation signal is output. The output count value determination signal is sent to the inserted medal counting means 131 as shown in FIG. 1, and the count value is determined to be "3".

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the inserted medal counting means 131 outputs a signal indicating the count value "3" to the game control means 138, and the game is played under the condition of inserting three medals. Be advanced. On the other hand, the start signal output from the start signal canceling means 134 is sent to the reel drive control means 136 as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, when the start signal is input to the reel drive control means 136, the reel drive device 33 is actuated and the rotation of the three rotary reels 30 to 32 is started. Further, the start signal is output to the flow path switching control means 137 as shown in FIG. Flow path switching control means 137
As shown in FIG. 1, when a start signal is input, the solenoid 125 (FIG. 3) of the flow path switching device 123 is excited to switch the flow path. Since the flow path switching device 123 is switched based on the start signal from the start switch 80 operated the second time, the flow time of the medal M inserted in the third coin can be sufficiently secured.

[0046]

Since the present invention is constituted as described above, it has the following effects. According to the present invention, when the start switch is operated immediately after the insertion of medals, the start signal from the start switch is invalidated, so that the medals inserted by the player can be surely counted, and the player is safe. It is possible to provide a highly reliable slot machine in which the player can enjoy the game with all his heart.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a slot machine.

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

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a medal passage of an inserted medal.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Slot machine 20 Window 21 Center line 22 Prize line 23 Lower prize line 24 Rightward diagonal line 25 Right downward diagonal line 30-32 Spinning reel 33 Reel drive device 40-44 Effective line indicator lamp 50 Bonus related count indicator 51 Stored medal number display part 52 Dispensed medal number display part 60 Medal insertion slot 70 Stop switch 80 Start switch 90 Medal insertion switch 91 1 insertion switch 92 2 insertion switch 93 3 insertion switch 100 Clearing switch 110 Medal outlet 120 Medal passage 121 medal return path 122 medal sorter 123 flow path switching device 124 open / close valve 125 solenoid 126 first inserted medal detection means 127 second inserted medal detection means 130 central control device 131 inserted medal counting means 132 accumulated medal counting means 133 accumulated medal subtraction Means 134 Start signal canceling means 135 Count value confirming means 136 Reel drive control Stage 137 the channel switching control means 138 game control means

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A medal insertion slot, a medal passage through which medals inserted from this medal insertion slot flow down, and an insertion medal that is arranged in proximity to the medal insertion slot and flows down the medal passage, First inserted medal detecting means for outputting a 1 inserted medal detection signal, and medal selection for determining whether or not an inserted medal that is located downstream of the first inserted medal detecting means and flows down a medal passage conforms to a standard. Machine,
After passing through the medal sorter, second inserted medal detecting means for detecting an inserted medal flowing down the medal passage as it is and outputting a second inserted medal detection signal, and detection of an inserted medal from the second inserted medal detecting means. Inserted medal counting means for counting the number of inserted medals based on the signal, a start switch for outputting a start signal for starting rotation of the rotating reel, and detection of the first inserted medal before the start signal is generated from the start switch. If a start signal is input within a predetermined time after the input of the first inserted medal detection signal on condition that the first inserted medal detection signal from the means is generated, the start signal is invalidated. Based on the canceling means and the start signal from this start signal canceling means, the count value of the inserted medal counting means is determined. Slot machine is characterized in that a cell number determination means.