JP5379780B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of performing a game by taking in or putting out game media, which prevents its control from getting too complex. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes: a game media number storage means which calculates the number of game media on condition that after the game media that were put in through a slot get in a detection state from a non-detection state, they get back in the non-detection state again; and a return control means which puts out and return the same number of game media as stored in the game media number storage means. When the return operation is made during the detection of the game media, the return control means regards the return operation as invalid and therefore does not execute the return control. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a slot machine capable of playing a game by inserting medals .

  Conventionally, this type of gaming machine is generally a gaming machine such as a slot machine capable of playing a game using medals as a gaming medium. In this type of gaming machine, a medal inserted from the medal slot is detected by a detection sensor, and a game can be played according to the number of detected medals. In addition, the number of medals detected by the detection sensor can be stored as credits, and the credits can be used in games according to the player's operation of the BET button (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-126341 A

  In a gaming machine that can store the number of inserted medals as credits as described in Patent Document 1, credits are added when a detection sensor detects the inserted medals, and a BET button is displayed. When credit is used by being operated, the credit is subtracted according to the number. Further, when the settlement button is operated, medals for credits are returned and credits are subtracted. For this reason, if the operation of the BET button or the settlement button is detected during detection of medals by the detection sensor, it is necessary to perform credit addition control and subtraction control at the same time, which complicates the control. There was a problem.

The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and provides a slot machine capable of preventing control from becoming complicated in a slot machine capable of playing a game by inserting medals. The purpose is to do.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a slot machine according to claim 1 of the present invention provides:
A slot where medals can be inserted,
A downflow passage through which medals inserted from the insertion port flow down;
Medal detection means for detecting passage of medals flowing down the flow-down passage by a plurality of sensors provided at different positions in the flow-down direction ;
Credit storage means for storing the number of credits, which is the number of medals detected by the medal detection means but not yet used in the game;
After the sensor on the most upstream side of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state to the detection state, the credit number in the credit storage means becomes 1 on condition that the sensor on the most downstream side changes from the detection state to the non-detection state. Credit addition means for adding
With
A slot machine capable of playing a game using the number of credits stored in the credit storage means as a wager number,
A settlement operation unit operated when the number of credits stored in the credit storage means is settled;
A medal payout means for paying out the medal;
When the settlement operation unit is operated, the medal paying unit pays out medal of the number of credits stored in the credit storage unit, and the number of paid out medals is stored in the credit storage unit. A settlement control means for performing settlement control to subtract from the number;
After the sensor on the most upstream side of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state to the detection state, the adjustment is performed when the adjustment operation unit is operated while the sensor on the most downstream side changes from the detection state to the non-detection state. Storage means for storing the operation of the operation unit;
With
The settlement control means includes
After the sensor on the most upstream side of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state to the detection state, the adjustment is performed when the adjustment operation unit is operated while the sensor on the most downstream side changes from the detection state to the non-detection state. Without performing the settlement control based on the operation of the operation unit,
After the sensor on the most upstream side of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state to the detection state, the sensor on the most downstream side changes from the detection state to the non-detection state, and the operation of the settlement operation unit is stored in the storage means. Sometimes the settlement control is performed based on the operation of the settlement operation unit stored in the storage means.
According to this feature, when the settlement operation unit is operated during medal detection by the medal detection unit, the settlement control based on the operation of the settlement operation unit is not performed, and the medal detection unit is not operated. When the detection state is changed to the detection state, the settlement operation is not performed until the number of credits stored in the credit storage unit is added again due to the non-detection state. It is possible to prevent the control from becoming complicated as the unit is operated.
The settlement control unit does not perform the settlement control based on the operation of the settlement operation unit when the settlement operation unit is operated during the detection of the medal by the medal detection unit. When the settlement operation unit is operated while the means is detecting the medal, the settlement control is not performed at that time, and the fact that the settlement operation unit is operated is stored. When it is memorized that the settlement operation unit has been operated after entering the detection state, it is possible to perform settlement control based on the storage.
Further, when the settlement control unit does not perform the settlement control based on the operation of the settlement operation unit when the settlement operation unit is operated during the detection of the medal by the medal detection unit, for example, The operation of the settlement operation unit is not detected during medal detection by the medal detection means, that is, the settlement control is not performed by invalidating the operation detection of the settlement operation unit during the medal detection by the medal detection means. In addition, the operation of the settlement operation unit itself is detected during the detection of medals by the medal detection means, but the settlement control based on the detection is not performed.
Further, the settlement control unit is configured not to perform the settlement control based on the operation of the settlement operation unit when the settlement operation unit is operated during the detection of the medal by the medal detection unit. However, the settlement control unit may perform the settlement control on condition that the medal detection unit does not detect the medal when the settlement operation unit is operated. Even when the medal detection means is changed from the non-detection state to the detection state, the settlement control is not performed until it becomes the non-detection state again and the credit number of the credit storage means is added. It is possible to prevent the control from becoming complicated as the settlement operation unit is operated during the detection of medals by the medal detection means. Even in this case, when the settlement operation unit is operated while the medal detection means is detecting the medal, the settlement operation unit is operated without performing settlement control at that time. When the memorizing operation unit is memorized after the medal detecting means is in a non-detection state, the settlement control can be performed based on the memorization.

A slot machine according to claim 2 of the present invention,
A slot where medals can be inserted,
A downflow passage through which medals inserted from the insertion port flow down;
Medal detection means for detecting passage of medals flowing down the flow-down passage by a plurality of sensors provided at different positions in the flow-down direction ;
Credit storage means for storing the number of credits, which is the number of medals detected by the medal detection means but not yet used in the game;
After the sensor on the most upstream side of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state to the detection state, the credit number in the credit storage means becomes 1 on condition that the sensor on the most downstream side changes from the detection state to the non-detection state. Credit addition means for adding
With
A slot machine capable of playing a game using the number of credits stored in the credit storage means as a wager number,
A betting operation unit that is operated when the number of credits stored in the credit storage means is used for the betting number of the game;
Use control means for performing use control for subtracting the credit amount stored in the credit storage means when the betting operation unit is operated, and using the subtracted credit number for the bet number of the game;
After the most upstream sensor of the medal detection means is changed from the non-detection state to the detection state, the betting operation unit is operated while the most downstream sensor is changed from the detection state to the non-detection state. Storage means for storing the operation of the operation unit;
With
The use control means includes
After the most upstream sensor of the medal detection means is changed from the non-detection state to the detection state, the betting operation unit is operated while the most downstream sensor is changed from the detection state to the non-detection state. Without performing the use control based on the operation of the operation unit,
After the most upstream sensor of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state to the detection state, the most downstream sensor changes from the detection state to the non-detection state, and the operation of the betting operation unit is stored in the storage means. The usage control based on the operation of the betting operation unit stored in the storage means is sometimes performed.
According to this feature, when the betting operation unit is operated during medal detection by the medal detection unit, use control based on the operation of the betting operation unit is not performed, and the medal detection unit is not operated. When the detection state is changed to the detection state, the use control is not performed until the credit storage means is added again until the detection state is changed to the non-detection state. It is possible to prevent the control from becoming complicated as the unit is operated.
The use control means does not perform the use control based on the operation of the betting operation section when the betting operation section is operated during the detection of the medal by the medal detection means, but the medal detection means When the betting operation unit is operated while the medal is being detected, the use control is not performed at that time, and it is memorized that the betting operation unit is operated, and the medal detection means does not detect When it is stored that the betting operation unit has been operated after entering the state, it is possible to perform use control based on the storage.
The usage control means subtracts the number of credits stored in the credit storage means and uses the subtracted credit number for the bet number of the game. For example, the usage control is stored in the credit storage means. This process corresponds to a process of subtracting the number of credits and setting the number of bets according to the subtracted credit number.
Further, when the use control unit does not perform the use control based on the operation of the betting operation unit when the betting operation unit is operated during the detection of the medal by the medal detection unit, for example, Do not detect the operation of the betting operation unit during the detection of the medal by the medal detection means, that is, do not perform the use control by invalidating the detection of the operation of the betting operation unit during the detection of the medal by the medal detection means In addition, the operation of the betting operation unit itself is detected during the detection of the medal by the medal detection unit, but the usage control based on the detection is not performed.
The use control means is configured not to perform the use control based on the operation of the betting operation section when the betting operation section is operated during the detection of the medal by the medal detection means. However, the use control means may perform the use control on condition that the medal detection means does not detect the medal when the betting operation unit is operated. Even when the medal detection means is changed from the non-detection state to the detection state, the usage control is not performed until the number of credits stored in the credit storage means is added again after entering the non-detection state. It is possible to prevent the control from becoming complicated as the betting operation unit is operated during the detection of medals by the medal detection means. Even in this case, when the betting operation unit is operated while the medal detection means is detecting the medal, the use control is not performed at that time, and the betting operation unit is operated. It is possible to store and memorize that the betting operation unit has been operated after the medal detection means is in a non-detection state, and use control can be performed based on the storage.

It is a front view of the slot machine as Example 1 to which the present invention was applied. FIG. 2 is a plan view of an upper plate provided in the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a take-in device provided in the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a take-in device provided in the slot machine of FIG. 1. It is AA sectional drawing of the taking-in apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a dispensing device provided in the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing signals exchanged between a game control board and a payout control board and a payout control board and a card unit of the slot machine of FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart showing control contents of a game control unit mounted on a game control board of the slot machine of FIG. 1. 10 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the BET process shown in FIG. 9. 10 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the BET process shown in FIG. 9. 10 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the BET process shown in FIG. 9. 10 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the BET process shown in FIG. 9. 10 is a flowchart showing detailed control contents of the BET process shown in FIG. 9. 2 is a flowchart showing control contents executed by a payout control unit mounted on a payout control board of the slot machine of FIG. 1 when power is turned on. 2 is a flowchart showing the control contents of an interrupt process that is periodically executed after power is turned on by a payout control unit mounted on the payout control board of the slot machine of FIG. 1. In the slot machine of FIG. 1, when a winning with a winning ball occurs, or when the operation of the checkout switch is accepted in a state where the number of bets has already been set or the captured ball remains, the captured ball remains. It is a timing chart which shows the operation | movement condition when operation of a start switch is received in a state. 2 is a timing chart showing an operation state when a lending process is performed by a card unit in association with detection of a ball lending switch in the slot machine of FIG. 1. In the slot machine of FIG. 1, when the operation of the 1BET switch or the MAXBET switch is accepted and the capture control (acquisition routine) is performed, or the operation of the settlement switch is accepted, and the settlement control (accounting routine) is performed. It is a timing chart which shows the operation condition in case. 3 is a timing chart showing an operation state when the connection between the card unit and the payout control board is cut off during the BET processing in the slot machine of FIG. 1. 3 is a timing chart showing an operation state when the connection between the card unit and the payout control board is cut off during the BET processing in the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a view showing signals exchanged between the game control board and the payout control board, and between the payout control board and the card unit in the modification of the slot machine of FIG. 1. It is a front view of the slot machine as Example 2 to which the present invention was applied. FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the slot machine of FIG. 23. 24 is a timing chart showing a control state of the main control unit when a insertion sensor detects a medal inserted from a medal insertion slot in the slot machine of FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  The gaming machine according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. In the slot machine 1, which is the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are juxtaposed in the horizontal direction, and three consecutive symbols out of the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are viewed from the see-through window 3 provided on the front surface of the slot machine 1. Arranged to be visible.

  The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotated by reel motors 34L, 34C, and 34R (see FIG. 7) provided correspondingly, so that the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are continuous with the see-through window 3. In addition to the display being changed, the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped so that three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window 3 as display results.

  In addition, an upper plate 12 for storing pachinko balls used for the game is provided below the fluoroscopic window 3, and further below that are pachinko balls and upper plates paid out from a payout device 200 described later. A lower plate 11 is provided for storing pachinko balls that are taken in and taken out by the take-in device 100 from 12. An outlet 11a for taking out pachinko balls stored in the lower dish 11 is formed on the bottom surface of the lower dish 11, and the outlet is removed by a sliding operation of a lever 11b provided at the front of the lower dish 11. By opening the shutter 11c that closes 11a, the pachinko balls stored in the lower plate 11 flow out into a ball box or the like (not shown) disposed below the lower plate 11, and the pachinko balls stored in the lower plate 11 Can be taken out easily.

  Further, the slot machine 1 is allowed in one game from the 1BET switch 5 and the upper plate 12 which are operated when instructing to take in the number of pachinko balls necessary to set one bet from the upper plate 12. The maximum bet number (3 in the present embodiment) is set by the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 and the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 which are operated when instructing to take in the number of pachinko balls necessary for setting. However, since the number of unit balls required for setting the minimum unit bet number (5 balls in this embodiment) is not reached, the number of already acquired balls that have not been used for setting the bet number is displayed. Captured sphere display 16 (In this embodiment, the captured sphere display 16 also functions as an error display for displaying an error code indicating the type of error when an error is detected). , Side by side When the remaining value indicator 18 that displays the remaining value of the valuable value read from the prepaid card being received is displayed in the card unit 15 and when the pachinko ball is lent within the range of the remaining value displayed on the remaining amount indicator 18 The ball lending switch 19 is operated, the return switch 20 is operated when the prepaid card being accepted is returned to the card unit 15 arranged in parallel, and the number of balls paid out to the lower plate 11 as a prize ball is displayed. The payout ball indicator 17, the pachinko ball that has been taken in from the upper plate 12 and has already been used for setting the bet amount, and the already-taken ball that has been taken in from the upper plate 12 but has not yet been used for setting the bet amount The checkout switch operated when returning to the lower plate 11 or returning the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12 and the pachinko balls in the capture device 100 described later to the lower plate 11. The ball removal lever 21 operated when the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12 are returned to the lower plate 11 via the ball removal passage 120 without passing through the take-in device 100 described later, the game A start switch 7 that is operated when starting the operation, stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R that are operated when stopping the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are provided.

  These 1BET switch 5, MAXBET switch 6, checkout switch 10, balance display 18, ball lending switch 19, return switch 20, and upper plate 12, as shown in FIG. 3 is arranged on the upper surface of the operation table 4 formed so as to bulge forward from the lower position of 3, and the start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are arranged on the front surface of the operation table 4. It is installed. Further, the operation table 4 and the area from the operation table 4 to the lower plate 11 on the front surface of the slot machine 1 are configured by a cover panel 4a (cover member) made of a non-translucent synthetic resin material. Inside the panel 4a, various devices such as a capture device 100, which will be described later, and various ball passages such as a capture preparation ball passage 110 are disposed. That is, since the capture device 100 and the capture preparation sphere passage 110 are covered with the cover panel 4a, the capture device 100 and the capture preparation sphere passage 110 cannot be directly touched by hand from the front of the cover panel 4a. For example, fraudulent acts such as setting the number of bets by illegally detecting a ball by radio waves or the like with respect to switches in the capturing device 100 are suppressed.

  The upper plate 12 is recessed on the upper surface of the operation console 4 and has a storage portion 12a for storing the pachinko balls to be charged and a belt-like shape for rectifying the pachinko balls flowing down from the storage portion 12a toward the capturing device 100. And a rectifying unit 12b. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a downstream portion of the rectification unit 12 b, that is, a connection with a take-in preparation ball passage 110 for guiding and supplying a pachinko ball flowing in from the upper plate 12 to the take-in device 100. The outlet is formed with an outlet 121 for allowing the pachinko ball flowing down the rectifying part 12b to flow into the bulb passage 120, and the outlet 121 is interlocked according to the slide operation of the bulb lever 21. It is opened and closed by an opening / closing shutter 122 provided to do so. In the vicinity of the outlet 121, an opening / closing shutter detection switch 123 (see FIG. 7) for detecting the opening / closing shutter 122 located at the open position for opening the outlet 121 is provided.

  Further, in this embodiment, the storage portion 12a is formed on one end in the longitudinal direction of the upper plate 12, so that, for example, a ball lending machine (not shown) is arranged on the side of the slot machine 1 or the like. The lending balls lent through a supply nozzle (not shown) extended from the ball lending machine can be directly received by the upper plate 12.

  In addition, a take-in device 100 for taking in the pachinko balls supplied from the upper plate 12 is provided at the lower position of the upper plate 12 in the slot machine 1, and at an upper position of the upper plate 12. Is provided with a payout device 200 for paying out a pachinko ball supplied from a game island (not shown) on which the slot machine 1 is installed to the lower plate 11.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12 are divided into three strips in the downstream rectifying unit 12b, and as shown in FIG. The sphere flows down the take-in preparation ball passage 110 and is supplied to the take-in device 100. Further, the upper plate 12 is formed in a plate shape with an upper surface open, so that the stored pachinko balls can be taken out from above by hand and flow down the rectifying unit 12b on the downstream side. The pachinko balls that have flown into the take-in preparation ball passage 110 formed inside the operation table 4 are guided to the take-in device 100 that is also arranged inside the operation table 4. The pachinko sphere that has flowed into the preparation ball passage 110 is structured such that it cannot be seen from the outside of the cover panel 4a and cannot be taken out by hand except for a residual sphere transparent window 130 described later.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12 are divided into three strips on the downstream side and supplied to the capture device 100. Therefore, the pachinko balls from the upper plate 12 to the capture device 100 are supplied. It is possible to improve the supply speed, and thereby the pachinko ball uptake speed by the uptake apparatus 100 can also be improved.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, in the take-in device 100, three sprockets 106 for ball cutting are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction corresponding to the respective strips of the take-in preparation ball passage 110. Two notches are formed on the outer periphery of the sprocket 106, and when the sprocket 106 is rotated by driving the take-in motor 101, pachinko balls that have entered the notch are discharged downward one by one. It has become. Further, the notches of the sprockets 106 corresponding to the respective strips are arranged so that the arrangement positions in the circumferential direction are different from each other (six notches of the three sprockets 106 are arranged at intervals of 60 degrees), As the three sprockets 106 rotate synchronously, pachinko balls are discharged for each sprocket 106.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 5, pachinko balls supplied to the sprocket 106 from the two take-in preparation ball passages 110 out of the three take-in preparation ball passages 110 are discharged by the two sprockets 106 respectively. Then, they merge at the downstream side and flow down to a take-in ball guide passage 108 or a return ball guide passage 109 described later.

  In the present embodiment, the case preparation members constituting the external shape of the preparation preparation sphere passage 110 and the acquisition device 100 are all formed of a transparent synthetic resin material. The pachinko sphere flowing down in the device 100 is configured to be visible from the outside through a residual sphere transparent window 130 described later.

  Below the sprocket 106, it swings when the sorting solenoid 102 is excited or released, and the flow path of the pachinko sphere discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 106 is either the take-in ball guide passage 108 or the return ball guide passage 109. A flow path switching valve 107 for switching to one side is provided.

  The flow path switching valve 107 is composed of two flow path switching valves 107 and 107 arranged in two passages on the upstream side of the intake ball guiding path 108 and the return ball guiding path 109, respectively. The lower ends of the two flow path switching valves 107 and 107 are connected at one end to the lower end of the link member 124 whose center is pivotally supported at the tip of the telescopic shaft 102a of the sorting solenoid 102, and horizontally in the two passages. It is fixed to the extending swing shaft 107a. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the expansion and contraction shaft 102a expands and contracts by the excitation or release of the distribution solenoid 102, so that the link member 124 rotates about the center portion and the swing shaft 107a is centered. In order to rotate around, the flow path switching valves 107 and 107 swing around the swing shaft 107a. Further, since the telescopic shaft 102a of the sorting solenoid 102 is always urged in the extending direction by a coil spring (not shown) that is mounted around the telescopic shaft 102a in an unexcited state, the distal end of the telescopic shaft 102a. The flow path switching valve 107 connected to each other via the link member 124 is configured to remove the flow path of the pachinko balls taken in by the sprocket 106 when the sorting solenoid 102 is not excited (off state). It is always urged toward the position (see FIG. 3) on the side of the ball guiding passage 108.

  Further, the upper end of the link member 124 is, as shown in FIG. 4, when the flow path of the pachinko sphere is switched to the return ball guide path 109, that is, the flow path switching valves 107 and 107 are in the standing posture (standing position). When this happens, it is detected by a flow path detection switch 115 provided in the vicinity of the main body of the sorting solenoid 102. In this way, depending on the detection status of the link member 124 by the flow path detection switch 115, the flow path switching valve 107 determines whether the flow path of the pachinko sphere is on the intake ball guide path 108 side or the return ball guide path 109 side. That is, the actual flow path direction of the pachinko ball by the flow path switching valve 107 can be detected.

  Further, the pachinko sphere discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 106, that is, the captured pachinko sphere is detected by the first intake ball detection switch 104 on the upstream side disposed at substantially the same height as the sprocket 106. It has become.

  Specifically, the first take-in ball detection switch 104 is a switch that detects the passage of the pachinko sphere through a contact member 125 that is pivotally supported so as to rotate by contacting the falling pachinko sphere. As shown in FIG. 5, the contact member 125 has a horizontal shaft 125a extending in the horizontal direction over three passages, a base end fixed to the horizontal shaft 125a, and a distal end provided in the passage so as to be freely retractable. A coil spring (not shown) is composed of two protruding and retracting pieces 125b and a detecting piece 125c having a base end fixed to one end of the horizontal shaft 125a. The protruding and retracting piece 125b always protrudes into the passage. It is energized by.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the contact member 125 configured in this way is pushed by the contact with the pachinko ball and retracted from the passage, so that the tip of the detection piece 125 c is first removed. Since it is detected by the incoming ball detection switch 104, the passage state of the pachinko ball can be detected based on the detection state by the first incoming ball detection switch 104.

  Further, a second intake ball detection switch 105 is disposed below the flow path switching valve 107 and connected to the intake ball guiding passage 108, and is discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 106. Thus, the pachinko balls distributed to the take-in ball guiding passage 108 side are detected. On the other hand, a return ball detection switch 103 is arranged at a connection portion with the return ball guide passage 109, and is discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 106 and is assigned to the return ball guide passage 109 side by the flow path switching valve 107. A sphere is detected.

  As a result, the pachinko sphere taken into the take-in ball guide passage 108 is detected by two detection switches, the first take-in ball detection switch 104 on the upstream side and the second take-in ball detection switch 105 on the downstream side. Then, the pachinko ball taken into the return ball guide passage 109 side is detected by two detection switches, that is, the first take-in ball detection switch 104 on the upstream side and the return ball detection switch 103 on the downstream side. ing.

  In particular, the passage state of the pachinko sphere taken into the take-in ball guiding passage 108 side is determined based on the first take-in ball detection switch 104 arranged on the upstream side and the second take-in ball detection switch 105 arranged on the downstream side. For example, a pachinko ball discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 106 is detected by the first intake ball detection switch 104 on the upstream side, and then the second intake ball detection on the downstream side is detected. By monitoring the transit time until detection by the switch 105, it is possible to notify that there is a possibility that fraud due to radio waves or the like has been performed or that a ball clogging has occurred. By monitoring the detection order, it is possible to avoid unauthorized detection by causing the pachinko ball to flow backward.

  Further, as described above, the first take-in ball detection switch 104 is a switch that detects the passage of the pachinko sphere through the abutting member 125 that is pivotally supported so as to rotate by coming into contact with the falling pachinko sphere. On the other hand, the second take-in ball detection switch 105 is a switch that directly detects the passage of the pachinko ball, and it can be difficult to simultaneously perform an illegal act corresponding to each of the two detection switches. .

  Further, among the pachinko spheres remaining in the downstream end of the capture preparation sphere passage 110, that is, when the rotation of the sprocket 106 is stopped, the most downstream pachinko sphere is stopped. At the downstream position, a remaining sphere detection switch 113 for detecting a pachinko sphere that stops at the most downstream position is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the remaining ball detection switch 113 includes a photosensor including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit that are spaced apart on the left and right sides of the three passages. The pachinko sphere that stops at the most downstream position in any of the passages can be detected.

  Therefore, whether or not the pachinko ball is stopped at the most downstream position of any of the three passages by the remaining ball detection switch 113, that is, the pachinko ball remains in the take-in preparation ball passage 110. It is possible to detect whether or not. In this embodiment, as will be described later, after the ball removal lever 21 is operated, that is, after the ball removal operation of the pachinko ball on the upper plate 12 is performed, the remaining ball detection switch 113 detects the pachinko ball. The remaining ball notification LED 114, which will be described later, is turned on to notify the remaining ball indicating that the pachinko ball remains in the take-in preparation ball passage 110.

  Since the remaining ball detection switch 113 is disposed at a position where the pachinko ball at the most downstream position can be detected as described above, at least one pachinko ball remains in the take-in preparation ball passage 110. If so, the remaining ball notification is performed.

  Next, when the take-in device 100 takes in the pachinko balls supplied from the upper plate 12 to set the number of bets and discharges them to the game island without returning them to the player, the distribution solenoid 102 is excited. The state is stopped. In this state, since the flow path switching valve 107 is in the state (position) shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko ball discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 106 is detected by the first intake ball detection switch 104 and then taken in. After being guided to the ball guide passage 108 side and further detected by the second take-in ball detection switch 105, it flows down the take-in ball guide passage 108 to the rear side of the slot machine 1, and the inside of the game island (not shown) It is designed to be collected in the out ball tank.

  When the pachinko ball on the upper plate 12 is discharged (returned) to the lower plate 11, the sorting solenoid 102 is energized. In this state, since the flow path switching valve 107 swings against the urging force of the coil spring and enters the state shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko ball discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 106 is the first intake ball detection switch 104. Is detected by the return ball guide passage 109, and further detected by the return ball detection switch 103, then flows down the return ball guide passage 109 and is discharged from the payout opening 9 to the lower plate 11. , It is to be returned to the player. The sorting solenoid 102 is in a state where excitation is stopped except when the pachinko ball of the upper plate 12 is discharged (returned) to the lower plate 11. That is, except for the case where the pachinko balls on the upper plate 12 are discharged (returned) to the lower plate 11, the flow path switching valve 107 is in the state shown in FIG. 3, and the flow path direction of the pachinko balls discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 106 is The intake ball guide passage 108 is located on the side.

  Further, a return ball clogging detection switch 111 (see FIGS. 1 and 7) for detecting ball clogging in the passage is provided at a position near the lower plate 11 in the return ball guiding passage 109. For example, the lower plate 11 Since the tank is full, it can be detected that the return ball guiding passage 109 is clogged with a ball.

  The lower part of the above-described take-in device 100, take-in preparation ball passage 110, ball removal passage 120, take-in ball guide passage 108, return ball guide passage 109, and payout ball guide passage 208 is the operation table 4 and the operation table. 4 is covered with a cover panel 4a that forms the lower front surface of FIG. 4. In particular, pachinko balls that have flowed into the take-in preparation ball passage 110 and the take-in device 100 cannot be taken out. In the vicinity of the upper front position of the loading device 100, pachinko balls remaining in the loading preparation ball passage 110 (including the loading preparation ball passage 110 formed in the loading device 100), Even after the operation of the extraction lever 21 is performed and the pachinko balls of the upper plate 12 are extracted through the ball extraction passage 120, they remain in the preparation preparation ball passage 110 and enter the inside of the cover panel 4a. Residual sphere transparent window 130 as a transparent portion made of a transparent panel for viewing the pachinko balls became 認不 ability is formed.

  As described above, since the take-up preparation ball passage 110 and the case cover of the take-in device 100 are formed of a transparent resin material, the player passes through the remaining ball see-through window 130 to obtain the take-up preparation ball passage 110 (take-in. Whether or not the pachinko balls remain in the preparation preparation ball passage 110 formed in the loading device 100 can be visually confirmed from the outside of the slot machine 1. Therefore, the player can surely recognize when the pachinko ball remains in the capture preparation ball passage 110, so that the pachinko ball remains in the capture preparation ball passage 110. Regardless, the game can be terminated and the player can be prevented from suffering a disadvantage.

  Next, the pachinko balls supplied from the game island to each slot machine 1 are stored in the supply tank 204 provided at the upper back of the slot machine 1 as shown by the dotted line in FIG. The ball supply passage 210 flows down and is supplied to the dispensing device 200. The ball supply passage 210 includes three passages (not shown), and the pachinko balls flowing out from the replenishing tank 204 are supplied to the dispensing device 200 in a state of being divided into the three passages. . A supply ball detection switch 205 is provided at a predetermined height position above the payout device 200 in the ball supply passage 210 in correspondence with each line, and the pachinko supplied to the payout device 200 by the supply ball detection switch 205. Whether or not the ball is waiting is detected (see FIG. 6). In the present embodiment, the supply ball detection switch 205 is provided at a position where it can be detected that 75 balls, which is the maximum number of winning balls to be paid out by the payout device 200 due to the occurrence of winning with a prize ball, are supplied. Therefore, before requesting the payout of the maximum number of winning balls, it is detected whether or not a pachinko ball necessary for paying out the number of balls is waiting. Further, in the present embodiment, the maximum number of balls taken in by the take-in device 100 is 15, and a maximum of 15 pachinko balls are paid out by the pay-out device 200 based on the operation of the checkout switch 10. Before requesting the payout of the number of balls to be paid out based on the checkout switch 10, the supply ball detection switch 205 detects whether or not a pachinko ball necessary for paying out the number of balls is waiting. Yes. Furthermore, in this embodiment, lending of 25 balls is requested by a single lending request from the card unit 15, but even in this case, the supply is made before requesting the dispensing of the number of balls to be paid out based on the lending request. The ball detection switch 205 detects whether or not a pachinko ball necessary for paying out the number of balls is waiting.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the payout device 200 is provided with a sprocket 206 that rotates by driving of the payout motor 201 corresponding to each line of the ball supply passage 210. Also, below the sprocket 206, a payout ball detection switch 202 for detecting the passage of the pachinko ball discharged by the sprocket 206 based on payout of a prize ball or the like is provided, and is discharged by the rotation of the sprocket 206. After the pachinko ball is detected by the payout ball detection switch 202, it is discharged into a payout ball guide passage 208 extending from the lower portion of the payout device 200.

  The payout ball guide passage 208 extends to the lower plate 11, and the pachinko balls paid out from the payout device 200 flow down the payout ball guide passage 208 and are discharged from the payout port 9 to the lower plate 11. Yes. Further, a payout ball clogging detection switch 112 (see FIGS. 1 and 7) for detecting a ball clogging in the passage is provided at a position in the vicinity of the lower platen 11 in the payout ball guiding passage 208. For example, the lower plate 11 Because of the full tank, it is possible to detect whether or not the payout ball guide passage 208 is clogged with a ball.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 of the embodiment is arranged in parallel with a card unit 15 that accepts a prepaid card in which a valuable value is recorded. Upon request, pachinko balls can be lent using the valuable value recorded on the prepaid card being accepted.

  When a game is played in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, first, the number of bets is set using the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12. In order to set the bet number, the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 may be operated. In the present embodiment, the number of pachinko balls necessary to set one bet number at that time is taken in from the pachinko balls stored in the upper plate 12 and when the MAXBET switch 6 is operated, the pachinko balls are stored in the upper plate 12. The number of pachinko balls necessary to set the maximum bet number allowed in one game at that time is taken in from the pachinko balls made.

  In addition, the pachinko balls taken in by the take-in device 100 to set the bet number according to the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 in this way flow down the take-in ball guide passage 108 as described above. The inside of the slot machine 1, that is, the back side as viewed from the side facing the player in the slot machine 1, is taken into the back ball tank provided inside the gaming island (not shown) as described above.

  Next, when a predetermined number of bets are set, the winning lines L1, L2, L2 ′, L3, and L3 ′ (see FIG. 1) are enabled according to the set bets, and the operation of the start switch 7 is enabled. State, that is, a state where the game can be started. In this embodiment, the game can be started at least when 1 is set as the bet number, that is, when 5 pachinko balls are taken in. When a bet number of 2 or more is set, for example, when the maximum bet number (3) is set as the bet number, that is, when 15 pachinko balls are captured, the game can be started. You may do it.

  When the start switch 7 is operated in a state where the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate, and the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R continuously vary. If any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed.

  Then, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, one game is finished, and is determined in advance on any of the pay lines L1, L2, L2 ′, L3, L3 ′ activated according to the number of bets. When the given symbol combination is stopped as a display result of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R, a winning occurs, and a predetermined number of pachinko balls (principal balls) are paid out from the payout device 200 according to the winning. Then, it is paid out directly to the lower plate 11 through the payout ball guide passage 208 and given to the player.

  In the present embodiment, different numbers of prize balls are given according to the combination of symbols. In particular, the number of unit balls (5 balls) is required to set one bet, whereas the number of prize balls awarded in response to the occurrence of a prize is the number of unit balls (5 balls). It is possible to give pachinko balls of any number according to the winnings up to 75 balls as the upper limit, and the number of winning balls given when these winnings occur Can be set more finely according to each prize.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the slot machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the slot machine 1 is provided with a game control board 40, a payout control board 60, and an effect control board 90. The game state is mainly controlled by the game control board 40, and the payout control board 60. The pachinko balls are paid out and the pachinko balls are lent out, and the production control board 90 controls the production according to the gaming state.

  The game control board 40 includes the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, the checkout switch 10, the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, the first capture ball detection switch 104, and the second capture ball detection switch 105. The return ball detection switch 103, the return ball clogging detection switch 111, the payout ball clogging detection switch 112, the remaining ball detection switch 113, the flow path detection switch 115, the supply ball detection switch 205, and the reels 2L, 2C, A reel sensor 35 for detecting a 2R reference position, a reset switch 36 for canceling an error, and an open / close shutter detection switch 123 for detecting opening / closing of the open / close shutter 122 are connected. Is entered.

  In addition, the gaming control board 40 is connected to electrical components such as the reel motors 34L, 34C, 34R, the captured ball indicator 16, the remaining ball notification LED 114, the capture motor 101, the sorting solenoid 102, and the like. These electric components are driven based on the control of a game control unit 41 (described later) mounted on the game control board 40.

  The game control board 40 includes a CPU that performs calculations according to a predetermined procedure, a ROM that stores CPU control programs and various data tables, and a microcomputer that includes a RAM that writes and reads necessary data. 41, a switch connected to the game control board 40, a switch circuit 42 that detects a signal input from the sensor, a first motor circuit 43 that controls the drive of the reel motors 34L, 34C, and 34R, and a drive control of the take-in motor 101 The second motor circuit 44 that performs the driving, the solenoid driving circuit 45 that performs the driving control of the sorting solenoid 102, the captured ball display 16, the various displays including the remaining ball notification LED, and the display driving that performs the driving control of the various LEDs. The circuit 46 and the like are mounted, and the game control unit 41 includes switches and sensors connected to the game control board 40. Receiving a detection signal, performs various controls in accordance with the progress of the game.

  Connected to the payout control board 60 are the supply ball detection switch 205, the payout ball detection switch 202, the return ball clogging detection switch 111, and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 described above, and detection signals from these connected switches are input. It has come to be. As described above, the supply ball detection switch 205, the payout ball detection switch 202, the return ball blockage detection switch 111, and the payout ball blockage detection switch 112 are connected to both the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60. The detection signals of the supply ball detection switch 205, the supply ball detection switch 205, the payout ball detection switch 202, the return ball clogging detection switch 111, and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 are input to both the game control board 40 and the payout control board 60. It has come to be.

  Also, the payout control board 60 is connected to electrical components such as the payout motor 201 described above, and these electrical components are driven based on control by a payout control unit 61 (described later) mounted on the payout control board 60. It has become so.

  Similarly to the game control unit 41, the payout control board 60 includes a payout control unit 61 including a microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and a switch circuit that detects a signal input from a switch connected to the payout control board 60. 62, a motor circuit 63 that performs drive control of the payout motor 201, various displays including the payout ball display 17, a display drive circuit 64 that performs drive control of various LEDs, and the like. In response to a signal output from the game control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 or a detection signal from a switch connected to the payout control board 60, payout control for paying out a pachinko ball is performed. Further, the payout control board 60 is connected to the card unit 15 arranged in parallel via the connection terminal board 70, and the payout control unit 61 receives a request from a control unit (not shown) mounted on the card unit 15. Lending control for lending pachinko balls according to the situation.

  The effect control board 90 is connected to a liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1), an effect LED 52, and speakers 53 and 54 arranged on the front surface of the slot machine 1, and these electrical components are connected to the effect control board 90. It is driven based on control by a mounted effect control unit (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the game control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 indicates a value of 0 to 100 as the number of balls instructing the payout control board 60 to pay out by a settlement request or a payout request. The number signal, the payment request signal for requesting the payment of the number of pachinko balls already used for setting the number of bets and the number of captured balls, and the payout request signal for requesting the payout of prize balls are output. Then, when the payout control unit 61 detects the settlement request signal or the payout request signal, the payout control unit 61 performs payout control for paying out the number of pachinko balls indicated by the payout number signal at that time.

  On the other hand, the payout control unit 61 indicates that the pachinko ball is being paid out based on the card unit connection signal indicating that the game control board 40 is connected to the card unit 15, a payment request, or a payout request. The in-operation signal shown is output. Then, the game control unit 41 confirms the connection between the payout control board 60 and the card unit 15 based on the detection of the card unit connection signal, and the payout operation of the pachinko ball by the payout control unit 61 based on the detection of the operating signal. Confirm the start and end of.

  The card unit 15 includes a control unit equipped with a microcomputer. As shown in FIG. 8, the remaining amount indicator 18 provided in the slot machine 1 is connected to the card unit 15 via a connection terminal board 70, and the remaining amount is controlled by the microcomputer mounted on the control unit. The display 18 is driven. As shown in FIG. 8, the card unit 15 is connected to the above-mentioned ball rental switch 19 and return switch 20 provided in the slot machine 1 via a connection terminal plate 70, and detection signals of these switches are detected. Is input to the control unit.

  The card unit 15 also includes a card reader / writer that reads and writes the recorded information of the prepaid card inserted from the card insertion slot. The card reader / writer reads the recorded information read from the prepaid card as a control unit. And the record information of the prepaid card inserted is updated based on a command from the control unit.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the card unit 15 has a card unit connection signal (VL) indicating that the card unit 15 is normally connected to the payout control board 60 (the payout control unit 61) of the slot machine 1. The card unit READY signal (BRDY) indicating the start and end of the lending process by the card unit 15 and the lending request signal (BRQ) requesting the lending of the pachinko ball are output. The card unit connection signal is also a power source for communication between the control unit and the payout control board 60.

  On the other hand, the game control board 40 (game control unit 41) has a slot machine READY signal (SRDY) indicating a state in which a pachinko ball can be lent to the card unit 15, and a pachinko ball based on BRQ. A lending completion signal (EXS) indicating the start and completion of lending operation is output.

  Further, as described above, the remaining amount indicator 18, the return switch 20 and the ball lending switch 19 mounted in the slot machine 1 are connected to the card unit 15, and the remaining amount indicator 18 is output based on the control of the control unit. And the detection signal (return operation detection signal) of the return switch 20 and the detection signal (lending operation detection signal) of the ball lending switch 19 are input to the card unit 15. Then, the control unit mounted on the card unit 15 outputs the BRDY described above on the condition that the valuable value read from the prepaid card being accepted remains by detecting the ball lending switch 19. The above-mentioned BRQ is output, and the processing for requesting the lending unit for lending unit (25 balls in this embodiment) to the slot machine 1 is performed within the range of the remaining valuable value (in this embodiment, 10 times), and when the return switch 20 is detected, processing for returning the prepaid card being accepted is performed.

  Next, various control contents executed by the game control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 of the slot machine 1 as the game progresses will be described below based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, an initial process for preparing for a game start is executed as the power is turned on (Sa1). Specifically, the connection of various devices, the operation status, and the like are confirmed, and if it is possible to return to the gaming state before the power is turned off, a recovery process is performed.

  Next, a BET process (Sa2), an internal lottery process (Sa3), a reel rotation process (Sa4), a reel stop process (Sa5), a winning determination process (Sa6), a prize ball grant process (Sa7), and a game state update process (Sa8) ) Is repeatedly executed.

  In the BET process in the step of Sa2, the process waits in a state where the bet number can be set, and when the bet number is set and the start switch 7 is operated, a process of determining the bet number is executed. Further, when a replay winning is generated in the previous game, the same bet number as in the previous game is set.

  In the internal lottery process in the step Sa3, a winning is generated based on a comparison result between a random value acquired simultaneously with the start of the game by the detection of the start switch 7 in the step Sa2 and an internal winning probability table in which the winning probability of each winning is determined. Whether or not to allow is determined, and processing for setting an internal winning flag is executed according to the result.

  In the reel rotation process in step Sa4, a process of rotating each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is executed. In this reel rotation process, the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is validated when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R rotate at a constant speed.

  In the reel stop process in the step of Sa5, the stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R by the player is detected from the time when the operation of the stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R by the player is detected or the reels 2L, 2C, 2R rotate at constant speed. The processing for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is executed in response to the fact that the automatic stop time has elapsed without detecting the operation, that is, the stop condition of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is satisfied. To do.

  In the winning determination process in step Sa6, when it is determined in step Sa5 that the rotation of all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R has been stopped, a winning is determined according to the display result derived for each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R. A process of determining whether or not it has occurred is executed.

  In the prize ball grant process in step Sa7, it is confirmed whether or not a prize ball can be paid out when the occurrence of winning is determined in step Sa6. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the supply ball detection switch 205 has been detected, that is, whether or not the pachinko ball for the winning ball has been secured, and whether or not the return ball clogging detection switch 111 has been detected, that is, the return Check whether the return ball is clogged in the ball guide passage 109 and check whether the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 is detected, that is, whether the payout ball is clogged in the payout ball guide passage 208. To do. If the prize ball can be paid out, that is, if the supply ball detection switch 205 is detected and the return ball clogging detection switch 111 and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 are not detected, the winning ball is accepted. The process of requesting the payout of the pachinko balls for the number of prize balls given in this way is performed.

  In the game state update process in step Sa8, a process for setting the game state in preparation for the next game is executed.

  10 to 12 are flowcharts showing the control contents of the BET process executed by the game control unit 41 in the step Sa2.

  In the BET process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the current game is a replay game (Sb1). If the game is a replay game, the start switch 7 is awaiting detection (Sb2). In this state, the start switch 7 is detected. Then, the game is started and the process proceeds to the internal lottery process shown in FIG. At this time, since the bet number of the previous game is set as it is in the BET counter in which the value of the bet number is stored, the game is started with the same bet number as the previous game, as shown in FIG. Shift to internal lottery processing.

  If it is not a replay game in step Sb1, the value of the BET counter is cleared (Sb3), and whether or not the card unit connection signal on is detected, that is, the card unit 15 is connected to the payout control board 60. It is confirmed whether it is connected (Sb4).

  If it is detected in step Sb4 that the card unit connection signal is on, it is checked whether the pachinko balls already used for setting the bet amount and the already-acquired balls can be settled (Sb5 to Sb7). ) Specifically, whether or not the supply ball detection switch 205 is detected in Sb5, that is, whether or not the pachinko ball can be returned based on the settlement of the pachinko ball already used for setting the betting number and the already-acquired ball. Confirming whether or not the return ball clogging detection switch 111 is detected in Sb6, that is, whether or not the return ball is clogged in the return ball guiding passage 109, and in the step of Sb7, the payout ball clogging detection switch Whether or not 112 is detected, that is, whether or not the payout ball is clogged in the payout ball guide passage 208 is confirmed.

  Then, when it is possible to settle the pachinko balls already used for setting the betting number and the already-taken balls in the steps Sb5 to Sb7, that is, the supply ball detection switch 205 is detected, and the return ball clogging detection switch 111 is detected. If the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 is not detected, it is confirmed whether or not the settlement switch 10 is detected (Sb8). If the settlement switch 10 is detected in step Sb8, the routine proceeds to a settlement routine described later.

  If it is not possible to settle the pachinko ball and the captured ball already used for setting the number of bets in the steps Sb5 to Sb7, or if the settlement switch 10 is not detected in the step Sb8, the BET counter It is confirmed whether or not the value is 3, that is, whether or not the maximum bet number is set (Sb9). If the value of the BET counter is less than 3, it is confirmed whether or not the 1BET switch 5 is detected (Sb10). If the 1BET switch 5 is not detected, it is confirmed whether the MAXBET switch 6 is detected (Sb11).

  If the 1BET switch 5 is not detected in the steps of Sb10 and Sb11 and the MAXBET switch 6 is not detected, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the BET counter is 0 (Sb12), and the value of the BET counter is 0. Then, it returns to the step of Sb4.

  If the value of the BET counter is 3 in step Sb9, or if the value of the BET counter is 1 or more in step Sb12, it is checked whether the start switch 7 is detected (Sb13). If 7 is not detected, the process returns to step Sb4. If the start switch 7 is detected in step Sb13, the process proceeds to a game start routine described later.

  If the card unit connection signal on is not detected in step Sb4, an error code indicating that the card unit 15 is not connected to the slot machine 1 is set (Sb16). That is, the error code is displayed on the captured ball display 16 to notify a connection error.

  Next, similarly to the steps Sb5 to Sb7, it is confirmed whether or not the pachinko balls already used for setting the betting number and the already-acquired balls can be settled (Sb17 to Sb19). If the pachinko balls already used for setting the betting number and the already-acquired balls can be settled in the steps Sb17 to Sb19, that is, the supply ball detection switch 205 is detected and the return ball clogging detection switch 111 is detected. If the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 is not detected, it is confirmed whether or not the settlement switch 10 is detected (Sb20). If the settlement switch 10 is detected in step Sb20, the process proceeds to a settlement routine described later.

  If it is not possible to settle the pachinko ball and the captured ball already used for setting the number of bets in the steps Sb17 to Sb19, or if the settlement switch 10 is not detected in the step Sb20, the BET counter It is confirmed whether or not the value is 0 (Sb21). If the value of the BET counter is not 0, that is, if the value of the BET counter is 1 or more, it is confirmed whether or not the start switch 7 is detected (Sb22). ). If the start switch 7 is detected in step Sb22, the process proceeds to a game start routine described later.

  Further, when the value of the BET counter is 0 in the step Sb21 or when the start switch 7 is not detected in the step Sb22, it is determined whether or not the card unit connection signal on is detected, that is, the card unit 15 (Sb23), if the card unit connecting signal on is not detected, the process returns to the step Sb16 and the card unit connecting signal on is detected. If so, the error code set in step Sb16 is cleared (Sb24). That is, the connection error notification is canceled. And it returns to the step of Sb4.

  If the settlement switch 10 is detected in step Sb8 or Sb20, the process proceeds to a settlement routine (settlement control) shown in FIG. In the settlement routine, it is checked whether or not the value of the captured ball counter in which the number of captured balls is stored is 0 (Sb25). If the value of the captured ball counter is 0, the value of the BET counter is Whether it is 0 or not is confirmed (Sb26).

  If either the value of the acquired ball counter or the value of the BET counter is not 0 in the steps of Sb25 and Sb26, the value of the ball number signal is set to (value of the acquired ball counter + value of the BET counter × 5) (Sb27), and the settlement request signal is turned on (Sb28).

  Next, the output status of the operating signal is monitored until the response waiting time (1 second in this embodiment) elapses (Sb29, Sb30). Even if the response waiting time elapses in the steps of Sb29 and Sb30, If on is not detected, that is, if the start of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payment request cannot be confirmed even after the response waiting time elapses, the payment request signal is turned off (Sb33), and the payment routine is terminated. Return to step Sb4.

  In addition, when the on-operation signal is detected in the steps of Sb29 and Sb30, that is, when the start of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the settlement request is confirmed, the values of the captured ball counter and the BET counter are set. Clear (Sb31) and monitor the output status of the operating signal (Sb32). When the off-operation signal is detected in Sb32, that is, when the completion of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the settlement request is confirmed, the settlement request signal is turned off (Sb33), and the settlement routine is terminated. Return to step Sb4.

  If the value of the captured ball counter and the value of the BET counter are both 0 in the steps Sb25 and Sb26, the rotational drive amount of the capture motor 101 is set to 100 balls (Sb34), and the sorting solenoid 102 is set. A drive signal for exciting (driving) is output to the sorting solenoid 102 to turn on the sorting solenoid 102 (Sb35), and the flow direction of the captured pachinko sphere is set to the return ball guiding passage 109 side.

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not the actual flow path direction by the flow path switching valve 107 is the return ball guiding path 109 side, that is, whether or not the flow path detection switch 115 is on (Sb36). If the actual flow path direction is on the return ball guiding passage 109 side, the take-in motor 101 is turned on and the take-in operation is started (Sb37). That is, based on the detection state of the flow path detection switch 115 that detects the flow path direction of the flow path switching valve 107, the drive of the take-in motor 101 is performed on the condition that the actual flow path direction faces the return ball guide path 109 side. To start.

  While the intake motor 101 is being driven, it is confirmed whether or not the actual flow path direction by the flow path switching valve 107 is the return ball guiding path 109 side, that is, whether or not the flow path detection switch 115 is on (Sb38). ) If the flow path direction is on the return ball guide passage 109 side, it is confirmed whether or not the drive stop condition of the take-in motor 101 is satisfied (Sb39 to Sb42). Specifically, in the step of Sb39, the detection status of the first capture ball detection switch 104 and the second capture ball detection switch 105 is checked, and the capture is performed for a specified time (for example, 3 seconds) after the last capture ball is detected. It is confirmed whether or not a ball is detected, and whether or not the return ball clogging detection switch 111 is detected in the step of Sb40, that is, whether or not the return ball is clogged in the return ball guide passage 109 is confirmed. In step Sb41, it is checked whether or not the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 is detected, that is, whether or not the payout ball is clogged in the payout ball guide passage 208. In step Sb42, the rotation drive is performed. It is confirmed whether or not the rotation for the amount, that is, 100 balls has been completed.

  Then, if none of the drive stop conditions for the take-in motor 101 is satisfied in the steps Sb39 to Sb42, the process returns to the step Sb38. Further, when any one of the drive conditions of the take-in motor 101 is established in the steps Sb39 to Sb42, that is, when the take-in ball has not been detected for a specified time since the last take-in ball was detected. When the return ball clogging detection switch 111 is detected, when the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 is detected or when the rotation for 100 balls is completed, the take-in motor 101 is turned off (Sb43). In order to release the excitation (drive) of the distribution solenoid 102, the output of the drive signal to the distribution solenoid 102 is turned off and the flow direction of the pachinko sphere taken in with the distribution solenoid 102 turned off is taken in. (Sb44), the settlement routine is terminated, and the process returns to the step Sb4.

  Further, when the flow path direction is not the return ball guide passage 109 side in the step Sb36 or Sb38, that is, the flow switching valve is switched to the return ball guide passage 109 side with the sorting solenoid 102 turned on. When the flow direction by 107 is not switched to the return ball guide passage 109 side, or while the take-in motor 101 is being driven, the sorting solenoid 102 is in the on state, and the flow direction is at the return ball guide passage 109 side. In spite of the fact, when the flow path direction by the flow path switching valve 107 faces the take-in ball guiding passage 108 side, the take-in motor 101 is turned off (Sb45), and the sorting solenoid 102 is turned off. After (Sb46), an error flag indicating an abnormal flow direction is set (Sb47). When the error flag is set, an error code capable of specifying the type of the error flag is displayed on the captured ball display 16 and the error is notified outside the gaming machine. When an error flag indicating an abnormality in the flow path direction is set, an error code indicating an abnormality in the flow path direction is displayed on the captured ball indicator 16, so that the abnormality in the flow path direction is notified outside the gaming machine. Become so. Next, an error process is executed to disable the various switches for detecting the player's operation and disable the progress of the game (Sb48). The error processing is canceled when the reset switch 36 is detected in a state where the flow path detection switch 115 is off, that is, in a state where the flow path direction by the flow path switching valve 107 coincides with the driving state of the sorting solenoid 102, and the settlement routine is performed. To return to step Sb4.

  When the 1BET switch 5 is detected in the step of Sb9, the value of the take-in ball counter that stores the take-in ball number that is not yet taken out of the number of balls to be taken in (5-take-in) (Sb14). In other words, the value of the taken-in ball counter is updated to a value obtained by subtracting the taken-in number of balls that have already been taken in from the requested number of taken balls instructed by the operation of the 1BET switch 5 but have not yet been used for setting the betting number. To do. And it transfers to the acquisition routine (intake control) shown in FIG.

  If the MAXBET switch 6 is detected in step Sb10, the value of the fetched ball counter is updated to (15-BET counter value × 5-taken ball already counted ball value) (Sb15). . That is, the value of the take-in ball counter is the number of balls already taken from the take-in request ball number instructed by the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 and used for setting the bet number, and the number of bets already taken in but still bet It is updated to a value obtained by subtracting the number of captured balls that are not used for setting. And it transfers to the acquisition routine (intake control) shown in FIG.

  In the take-in routine, first, 3 is set in the retry counter for storing the retry count of the take-in operation (Sb49). A rotational drive amount necessary for taking in the number of balls set to the counter is set (Sb50). In this state, the sorting solenoid 102 is in the off state, and the flow path direction by the flow path switching valve 107 is in the state facing the intake ball guiding path 108 side.

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not the actual flow path direction by the flow path switching valve 107 is on the intake ball guiding path 108 side, that is, whether or not the flow path detection switch 115 is in an off state (Sb51). If the actual flow path direction is based on the take-in ball guiding passage 108 side, the take-in motor 101 is turned on and the take-in operation is started (Sb52). That is, based on the detection state of the flow path detection switch 115 that detects the flow path direction of the flow path switching valve 107, the condition of the intake motor 101 is determined on the condition that the actual flow path direction faces the intake ball guide passage 108 side. Start driving.

  While the intake motor 101 is being driven, it is confirmed whether or not the actual flow path direction by the flow path switching valve 107 is on the intake ball guiding path 108 side, that is, whether or not the flow path detection switch 115 is in the off state Sb53), if the flow path direction is on the intake ball guiding passage 108 side, the detection status of the first intake ball detection switch 104 and the second intake ball detection switch 105 is checked, and whether or not the intake ball is detected. (Sb54).

  When a captured ball is detected in step Sb54, the value of the captured ball counter is decremented by 1, and the value of the captured ball counter is incremented by 1 (Sb55). That is, it is confirmed whether or not the number of balls necessary for setting one bet is reached (Sb56), and if the value of the taken-in ball counter is less than 5, the process returns to Sb53. If the value of the captured ball counter is 5 in step Sb56, the value of the BET counter is incremented by 1 and the value of the captured ball counter is cleared (Sb57), and the process returns to step Sb53.

  If no take-in ball is detected in step Sb54, it is checked whether the take-in motor 101 is on, that is, whether the take-in motor 101 is still being driven (Sb58). If 101 is on, it is confirmed whether or not the rotation for the rotational drive amount, that is, the value of the take-in ball counter has been completed (Sb59), and if the rotation for the rotational drive amount has not been completed, Sb53 Returning to the step, if the rotation for the rotational drive amount has been completed, the take-in motor 101 is turned off (Sb60), and the process returns to Sb53.

  If the take-in motor 101 is not on in step Sb58, the take-in motor 101 is turned off, and the pachinko ball taken in by the rotation of the take-in motor 101 is detected by the second take-in ball detection switch 105. It is confirmed whether or not a detection waiting time which is a time required for detection has passed (Sb61). If the detection waiting time has not passed, the process returns to the step of Sb53.

  If the detection waiting time has elapsed in step Sb61, whether or not the value of the take-in ball counter is 0, that is, whether or not all the balls requested by the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 have been taken in. (Sb62), if the value of the take-in ball counter is not 0, it is checked whether the value of the retry counter is 0, that is, whether the take-in operation has been performed for the number of retries (Sb63). If the retry counter value is not 0, the retry counter value is decremented by 1 (Sb64), and the process returns to Sb50.

  If the value of the take-in ball counter is 0 in step Sb62, the retry counter value is cleared (Sb65), the take-in routine is terminated, and the process returns to step Sb4. If the value of the retry counter is 0 in step Sb63, the value of the take-in ball counter is cleared (Sb66), the take-in routine is terminated, and the process returns to step Sb4.

  Further, in the step Sb51 or Sb53, when the flow path direction is not on the intake ball guiding path 108 side, that is, the sorting solenoid 102 is in the off state, and the flow path direction is on the intake ball guiding path 108 side. In spite of this, when the flow path direction by the flow path switching valve 107 faces the return ball guide passage 109 or when the take-in motor 101 is driven, the sorting solenoid 102 is in the off state, and the flow path If the direction of the flow path by the flow path switching valve 107 faces the return ball guide path 109 side even though the direction is the intake ball guide path 108 side, the intake motor 101 is turned off (Sb67). After clearing the values of the retry counter and the take-in ball counter (Sb68), an error flag indicating an abnormality in the flow path direction is set (Sb69). When the error flag is set, an error code capable of specifying the type of the error flag is displayed on the captured ball display 16 and the error is notified outside the gaming machine. When an error flag indicating an abnormality in the flow path direction is set, an error code indicating an abnormality in the flow path direction is displayed on the captured ball indicator 16, so that the abnormality in the flow path direction is notified outside the gaming machine. Become so. Next, an error process is executed to disable the various switches that detect the player's operation and disable the progress of the game (Sb70). The error processing is canceled when the reset switch 36 is detected in a state where the flow path detection switch 115 is turned off, that is, in a state where the flow path direction by the flow path switching valve 107 coincides with the driving state of the sorting solenoid 102 and is taken in. The routine is terminated and the process returns to step Sb4.

  If the start switch 7 is detected in step Sb13 or Sb22, the process proceeds to the game start routine shown in FIG. In the game start routine, the value of the BET counter is determined as the number of bets (Sb71), whether or not the value of the captured ball counter is 0 (Sb72), and if the value of the captured ball counter is 0, That is, if there are no pachinko balls that have been taken in but are not yet used for setting the bet amount, the game is started and the process proceeds to the internal lottery process shown in FIG.

  If the value of the acquired ball counter is not 0 in step Sb72, the value of the ball count signal is updated to the value of the acquired ball counter (Sb73), and the settlement request signal is turned on (Sb74). .

  Next, the output status of the in-operation signal is monitored (Sb75). When the on-state of the in-operation signal is detected, that is, when the start of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the settlement request is confirmed, The counter value is cleared (Sb76), and the output status of the operating signal is monitored (Sb77). If an off-operation signal is detected in Sb77, that is, if the completion of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the settlement request is confirmed, the settlement request signal is turned off (Sb78), and the game is started. The internal lottery process shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the BET process, when the settlement switch 10 is effectively received, the process proceeds to the settlement routine, and when the number of bets of 1 or more has already been set or the value of the captured ball counter is not 0, If pachinko balls that have been taken in but have not yet been used to set the bet amount remain, a payment request is made for the already taken ball, and the pachinko ball used to set the bet number and the After performing control to pay out the finished ball and return it to the player, the settlement routine is terminated. On the other hand, if the number of bets is not set in the settlement routine and the value of the captured ball counter is 0, the flow direction of the pachinko ball captured by the capture device 100 is returned to the return ball. After the take-in motor 101 is driven in the state of being on the guide passage 109 side, control for returning the pachinko balls in the take-in device 100 is performed, and then the settlement routine is terminated.

  In addition, when the operation of the 1BET switch 5 is effectively accepted, the number of balls required for setting the bet number (5 balls) has already been captured but has not yet been used for setting the bet number. The number of balls obtained by subtracting the number of finished balls (the value of the taken-in ball counter), that is, the number of balls necessary to set the bet number at that time is set in the taken-in ball counter and the process proceeds to the taking-in routine. The taking-in operation of the operation amount for taking in the pachinko balls corresponding to the value of the take-in ball counter is obtained by subtracting the take-in ball detected by the first take-in ball detection switch 104 and the second take-in ball detection switch 105. Repeat until one of the following conditions is met: the value of the ball counter becomes 0, or the value of the retry counter that is subtracted every time the take-in operation is performed is 0. When the above is established, the capture routine ends.

  When the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is accepted effectively, the number of balls (BET counter) that has already been taken in and used for setting the number of bets from the number of balls (15 balls) required to set the maximum bet number. Value x 5) and the number of balls that have already been captured but have not yet been used to set the number of bets (the value of the captured ball counter), that is, the maximum number of bets at that time. The number of balls required for setting is set in the take-in ball counter, the process proceeds to the take-in routine, and the take-in operation for taking in the pachinko balls for the value of the take-in ball counter is set to the first take-in ball detection switch. The value of the take-in ball counter subtracted by the detection of the take-in ball by 104 and the second take-in ball detection switch 105 becomes 0, or the value of the retry counter subtracted every time the take-in operation is performed is 0. Or any of the following conditions are met Repeatedly done, that one of the conditions are satisfied, taking routine is terminated.

  Further, when the operation of the start switch 7 is effectively accepted except for the replay game, the process proceeds to a game start routine. At this time, if the value of the captured ball counter is not 0, that is, although it has been captured, When pachinko balls that are not used for setting remain, a settlement request is made for the captured balls, and the game is started after the captured balls are paid out based on this request. That is, when the operation of the start switch 7 is effectively accepted, the game is started after returning the captured ball to the player.

  Further, the operation of the settlement switch 10 is effectively accepted on condition that the supply ball detection switch 205 is detected and the return ball clogging detection switch 111 and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 are not detected, and the process proceeds to the settlement routine. It will be. That is, in the state where the supply ball detection switch 205 is not detected, or the return ball clogging detection switch 111 and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 are detected, the operation of the settlement switch 10 is invalidated. If the supply ball detection switch 205 is detected and the return ball clogging detection switch 111 and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 are not detected, the card unit connected signal on is not detected, that is, the card unit 15. Even when is not normally connected, the operation of the settlement switch 10 is valid.

  Further, the operations of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 are effectively accepted on the condition that the value of the BET counter is less than 3, that is, the maximum bet number has not been set yet, and the process proceeds to the take-in routine. That is, in the state where the maximum bet number is set, the operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is invalidated. Further, even when the value of the BET counter is less than 3, if the card unit connecting signal on is not detected, that is, if the card unit 15 is not normally connected, the operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is performed. Is invalidated.

  The operation of the start switch 7 is effectively accepted on condition that the value of the BET counter is 1 or more, that is, a bet number of 1 or more is set, and the game starts. That is, if the number of bets is 0, the game start condition is not satisfied, and the operation of the start switch 7 is invalidated. If the value of the BET counter is 1 or more, the operation of the start switch 7 is enabled even when the card unit connection signal on is not detected, that is, even when the card unit 15 is not normally connected.

  Further, when the operation of the settlement switch 10 is effectively accepted and the process proceeds to the settlement routine, the 1BET switch 5, until the settlement routine ends, that is, until the settlement control based on the operation of the settlement switch 10 ends. The acceptance of each operation of the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the settlement switch 10 is invalidated. Similarly, when the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is effectively accepted and the process shifts to the capture routine, the capture is performed until the capture routine ends, that is, based on the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6. Until the control is completed, the acceptance of each operation of the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the settlement switch 10 is invalidated. Further, when the operation of the start switch 7 is effectively accepted, the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the checkout switch 10 are finished until the game started based on the operation is completed and the BET processing of the next game is started. The reception of each operation is invalid. Also, if the card unit connection in-progress signal is no longer detected during the checkout routine or capture routine, that is, if the connection with the card unit 15 is broken, the current settlement routine or capture routine ends. Even then, the acceptance of each operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is invalidated. Also, even when the card unit connection signal on is not detected during the game execution, the operation of each of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is continued when the BET processing of the next game is started after the game ends. The reception is invalid.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the main control contents executed by the payout control unit 61 mounted on the payout control board 60 when the power is turned on.

  The payout control unit 61 executes initial processing for preparing for payout when the power is turned on (Sc1). Specifically, the connection and operation status of various devices are checked, and if it can be restored to the state before the power is turned off, a restoration process is performed. Then, after executing the initial process, the interrupt is permitted (Sc2), and the process proceeds to the loop process.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the control content of the interrupt process that is periodically executed after the payout control unit 61 permits the interrupt.

  In the interrupt process, a switch detection process (Sd1), a connection confirmation process (Sd2), a main board communication process (Sd3), a lending control process (Sd4), a payout control process (Sd5), and a motor control process (Sd6) are sequentially executed. To do.

  In the switch detection process in the step of Sd1, a process of acquiring detection states of various switches and detection states of signals from the game control board 40 is executed. In the connection confirmation process in the step of Sd2, it is confirmed whether or not the card unit 15 is connected based on the detection status of the VL, and a process of updating the on / off of the card unit connection signal is executed. In the main board communication process in the step of Sd3, when a process of exchanging signals with the game control board 40 according to the detection state of the signal acquired in the step of Sd1, especially when a settlement request signal or a payout request signal is received, Processing for storing the value of the ball number signal in a payout ball counter in which the number of balls to be paid out by the payout device 200 is stored is executed. In the lending control process in the step of Sd3, a process of exchanging signals with the card unit 15, particularly a process of storing the number of lending units in the above-described payout counter when a BRQ is turned on, that is, when a lending request is received. . In the payout control process in step Sd4, a process for setting the drive state of the payout motor 201 based on the number of balls stored in the payout counter in steps Sd2 and Sd3 is performed. In the motor control process of Sd5, a process of performing output control of the drive signal of the payout motor 201 based on the drive state of the payout motor 201 set in the step of Sd4 is executed.

  Next, the operation state of the slot machine 1 based on the control of the game control unit 41 and the payout control unit 61 described above will be described based on the timing charts of FIGS.

  FIG. 17 shows a state in which a captured ball remains when a winning with a winning ball occurs, or when the operation of the checkout switch 10 is accepted in a state where the number of bets has already been set or the captured ball remains. 6 is a timing chart showing an operation state when an operation of the start switch 7 is accepted.

  When a winning combination with a winning ball occurs, or when the operation of the checkout switch 10 is accepted when the bet number has already been set or the captured ball remains, the start switch 7 with the captured ball remaining When the operation is received, the game control unit 41 uses the value of the ball number signal to request the payout by the payout request (the number of prize balls) or the number of balls to request the payout by the checkout request (the checkout switch 10 If operated, the total number of balls already taken in and used for setting the number of bets and the number of balls already taken but not used for setting the number of bets yet, the start switch 7 is operated. If it has been made, it is updated to a value indicating the number of balls that have already been taken in but have not yet been used for setting the number of bets (ta1), and the payout request signal or the settlement request signal is turned on (ta2). When the payout control unit 61 detects that the payout request signal or the checkout request signal is on, the game control unit 41 is notified of the start of the pachinko ball payout operation based on the payout request or the checkout request with the operation signal on (ta3). ). Then, the payout operation for paying out the number of pachinko balls indicated by the ball number signal is started (ta4), and when the payout operation is completed (ta5), the payout operation of the pachinko ball based on the payout request or the settlement request is made with the in-operation signal turned off. Is notified to the game control unit 41 (ta6). Next, when the game control unit 41 detects the off-operation signal, it confirms the end of the payout operation and sets the payout request signal or the settlement request signal to off.

  FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing an operation state when a lending process is performed by the card unit 15 when the ball lending switch 19 is detected.

  When the operation of the ball lending switch 19 is detected, the control unit of the card unit 15 turns on BRDY and notifies the payout control unit 61 of the start of lending processing (tb1). Further, BRQ is turned on to request the lending of pachinko balls of the number of lending units (tb2). When the payout control unit 61 detects that BRQ is on, it checks whether VL is on, that is, whether it is normally connected to the card unit 15, and on condition that VL is on. With EX set to on, the card unit 15 is notified of the start of a pachinko ball lending operation based on BRQ (tb3). Then, a lending operation for lending a pachinko ball of the number of lending units is started (tb4), and when the lending operation is completed (tb6), the end of the lending operation of the pachinko ball based on BRQ is notified to the card unit 15 with EXS off. (Tb7). Even if BRQ is detected to be on, if VL is not on, EXS is not turned on, and pachinko ball lending operation based on BRQ is not performed. Further, the payout control unit 61 can perform a lending operation by detecting BRQ on regardless of whether the game control unit 41 is in the BET process. On the other hand, when the control unit of the card unit 15 turns BRQ on, if it detects that EXS is on, it confirms that the lending operation has started, turns BRQ off (tb5), detects EXS on, When off is detected, it is confirmed that the lending operation has been completed, and if the specified number of lending requests are not completed within the range of the remaining valuable value, BRQ is turned on again and lending of pachinko balls of the number of lending units is requested. (Tb8). Also, when it is confirmed that the lending operation has been completed by detecting the EXS off, if the valuable value required for the lending request does not remain or if the specified number of lending requests have been completed, lending BRDY as off The end of the process is notified to the payout control unit 61 (tb9).

  In FIG. 19, when the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is accepted and the capture control (acquisition routine) is performed, the operation of the settlement switch 10 is accepted, and the settlement control (accounting routine) is performed. 6 is a timing chart showing an operation state in the case of failure.

  When the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is effectively accepted (tc1), the game control unit 41 invalidates the acceptance of the operations of the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, and the settlement switch 10. Further, if the bet number of 1 or more is set and the acceptance of the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, the acceptance of the operation of the start switch 7 is also invalidated. When the take-in control based on the acceptance of the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is completed (tc2), the acceptance of the operation of the settlement switch 10 is enabled and the maximum bet number is not yet set. In other words, if the number of captured pachinko balls is less than the 15 balls necessary to set the maximum bet number, the acceptance of the operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is validated. In addition, when the take-in control based on the acceptance of the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 ends (tc2), if the number of bets of 1 or more is set, the acceptance of the operation of the start switch 7 is also accepted. To enable.

  Further, when the operation of the settlement switch 10 is effectively accepted (tc1), the game control unit 41 invalidates the acceptance of the operation of the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, and the settlement switch 10. Further, if the bet number of 1 or more is set and the acceptance of the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, the acceptance of the operation of the start switch 7 is also invalidated. When the settlement control based on the acceptance of the operation of the settlement switch 10 is finished (tc2), the acceptance of the operation of the settlement switch 10 is validated and the maximum bet number has not yet been set, that is, taken in If the number of pachinko balls is less than the 15 balls required to set the maximum bet number, the acceptance of the operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is validated. Further, when the settlement control based on the acceptance of the operation of the settlement switch 10 is completed (tc2), if the number of bets of one or more is set, the acceptance of the operation of the start switch 7 is also validated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the capture control is performed based on the reception of the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6, or the settlement control is performed based on the reception of the operation of the settlement switch 10, these captures are performed. Until the control and settlement control are completed, the acceptance of each operation of the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the settlement switch 10, and the start switch 7 is invalidated.

  20 and 21 are timing charts showing an operation state when the connection between the card unit 15 and the payout control board 60 is cut off during the BET process.

  As shown in FIG. 20, when the connection between the card unit 15 and the payout control board 60 is cut off and VL cannot be detected (td1), the payout control unit 61 prohibits the loan control and connects the card unit. The game control unit 41 is notified that the middle signal is off and the card unit 15 is not connected. When the game control unit 41 detects that the card unit connection signal is off and confirms that it is not connected to the card unit 15, the operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is invalidated, and the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET Taking-in control based on acceptance of the operation of the switch 6 is prohibited. Then, an error code indicating that the card unit 15 is not connected to the slot machine 1 is displayed on the captured ball display 16 to notify the connection error.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 21, when the game control unit 41 detects the off of the card unit connection signal during the capture control and the settlement control (te1), At the time when the control and the settlement control are completed (te2), the reception of the operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 which are invalidated along with the execution of the capture control and the settlement control is continuously invalidated. While taking-in control based on acceptance of the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is prohibited, an error code indicating that the card unit 15 is not connected to the slot machine 1 is displayed on the taken-in ball display 16 to indicate a connection error. Inform.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 20, when the connection between the card unit 15 and the payout control board 60 is restored and VL is detected ON (td2), the payout control unit 61 permits the prohibited loan control. Then, the game unit 41 is notified that the card unit connection signal is turned on and connected to the card unit 15. When the game control unit 41 detects that the card unit connection signal is on and confirms that the card unit 15 is connected, the game control unit 41 validates the detection of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 and permits the capture control. Then, the notification of the connection error is canceled.

  In the state where one or more bets are already set, the connection between the card unit 15 and the payout control board 60 is disconnected, and the game control unit 41 detects the card unit connection signal off and Even if it is confirmed that the connection is not established, the operation of the start switch 7 is still accepted, and even when the operation of the start switch 7 is accepted in this state, the game is effectively started. That is, if the bet number of 1 or more is already set and the game start condition is satisfied, the operation of the start switch 7 is always accepted regardless of the connection state between the card unit 15 and the payout control board 60. It is possible to effectively start the game based on the above. In addition, even if the connection between the card unit 15 and the payout control board 60 is broken and the game control unit 41 detects that the card unit connection signal is off and confirms that the card unit 15 is not connected to the checkout switch, The acceptance of the operation 10 is effective, and the settlement control is effectively performed even when the operation of the settlement switch 10 is accepted in such a state. That is, regardless of the connection state between the card unit 15 and the payout control board 60, it is possible to always perform the payment control based on the reception of the operation of the payment switch 10.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is received (detected), the process proceeds to the capture routine (capture control), and the capture routine ends. Until the reception of each operation of the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the settlement switch 10 is invalidated, these operations are controlled so as not to be received until the capture routine is completed. That is, when each of these operations is performed during the execution of the capture control, the control based on each of these operations is not performed, and with each of these operations being received during the execution of the capture control, Since the take-in control is not interrupted or a plurality of controls are not performed repeatedly, the control of the game control unit 41 can be simplified, and the control of the game control unit 41 becomes complicated. Can be prevented.

  When the operation of the settlement switch 10 is received (detected), the operation proceeds to the settlement routine (settlement control), and each operation of the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the settlement switch 10 is completed until the settlement routine is completed. These operations are controlled so as not to be accepted until the acceptance of is canceled and the settlement routine ends. In other words, when each of these operations is performed during the settlement control, the control based on each of these operations is not performed. The game control unit 41 can be simplified, and the control of the game control unit 41 can be prevented from becoming complicated. .

  In this embodiment, the detection of each operation of the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the adjustment switch 10 is invalidated during the execution of the acquisition control and the adjustment control. Even if each of these operations is performed during the execution of the control, the control based on each of these operations is not performed. However, the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, and the start are started during the execution of the capture control and the settlement control. Each operation of the switch 7 and the settlement switch 10 is detected, but control based on detection of these operations may not be performed, and each operation of the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the settlement switch 10 may be performed. When this occurs, the control based on each of these operations may be performed on condition that the capture control and the settlement control are not performed. Even in these cases, in response to accepting these operations during execution of acquisition control or settlement control, the acquisition control or settlement control being executed is interrupted, or multiple controls are performed in duplicate. Therefore, the control of the game control unit 41 can be simplified, and the control of the game control unit 41 can be prevented from becoming complicated.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the capture control is performed based on the reception of the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6, or the settlement control is performed based on the reception of the operation of the settlement switch 10, these capture control is performed. Until the payment control is completed, the acceptance of each operation of the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the payment switch 10, and the start switch 7 is invalidated. Until the operation is completed, when each operation of the 1BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the checkout switch 10, and the start switch 7 is received, the received operation is stored, and the fetch control and the checkout control being executed are stored. If reception of the operation is stored at the time of completion, control according to the stored operation may be performed at that time. Even when the acquisition control or the settlement control is not executed, new control is not executed. Therefore, as each operation is performed during the execution of the capture control or the settlement control, It is possible to prevent the control from becoming complicated.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is operated, the acquisition request by the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 regardless of whether pachinko balls are stored in the upper plate 12 or not. The number of pachinko balls to be taken in is the same as in the past. As a result, the game can be performed quickly and the game can proceed smoothly. If the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the amount of motion is not captured after the capture operation is completed, the capture operation corresponding to the shortage is performed again and the capture operation is retried. If the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the amount of motion is not captured even if the number of times reaches a predetermined number (in this embodiment, the first capture operation is also counted by the retry counter, 2 times), Since the capture control ends, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the capture operation is performed endlessly.

  In this embodiment, when the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is operated, regardless of whether pachinko balls are stored in the upper plate 12, the take-in device 100 uses the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch. The number of balls corresponding to the operation of 6 (if 1 BET switch 5 is operated, the number of balls necessary to set the bet number at that time, if the MAX BET switch 6 is operated, at that time The number of balls required to set the maximum bet number) is taken in at once, but the number of pachinko balls is taken in at a predetermined number (for example, one ball). Are repeated, and the number of balls to be captured is captured according to the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6, or a predetermined number of times (for example, 1BET switch 5 or M XBET it may be terminated intake control on condition that enough times to capture the number of balls to be fetched in response to the operation of the switch 6) has been performed.

  In addition, when the operation of the 1BET switch 5 is effectively accepted, the number of balls required for setting one bet (5 balls) has already been taken in, but is less than the number of unit balls (5 balls). Set the number of balls that have not been used to set the number of bets yet (subtracted ball counter value) and set the number of balls in the captured ball counter. When the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is effectively accepted, the number of balls required to set the maximum bet number (15 balls) has already been captured. Number of balls used to set the number of bets (BET counter value x 5) and the number of balls that have already been captured but have not yet been used to set the number of bets (value of the captured ball counter) Set the number of balls subtracted in the capture ball counter, At down, and it performs the operation amount of the capture operation for capturing the value amount of pachinko balls of the take ball counter. In other words, when the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 is accepted effectively, only the number of balls necessary for setting the number of bets corresponding to the operation of the 1BET switch 5 or the MAXBET switch 6 at that time is acquired. Thus, pachinko balls can be taken up more quickly.

  In addition, since the number of captured balls that have been captured by the capturing device 100 but have not yet been used for setting the betting number because they are less than the unit number of balls is displayed on the captured ball display 16, The number of balls already included can be easily confirmed from the outside.

  In addition, if the number of bets of 1 or more is set and the game start condition is satisfied, and an operation of the start switch 7 is accepted, if the captured ball remains, Since the game is started after the pachinko balls corresponding to the number of completed balls are paid out by the payout device 200 and returned to the player, it is taken in by the take-in device 100, but is less than the number of unit balls It is possible to prevent the game from starting in a state where the captured balls that have not yet been used for setting the betting amount remain.

  In this embodiment, the return ball clogging detection switch 111 for detecting the clogging of the return ball guidance passage 109 and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 for detecting the ball clogging of the dispensing ball guidance passage 208 are not detected. In addition, the operation of the settlement switch 10 is effectively accepted, and the routine proceeds to a settlement routine (settlement control). That is, in the state where the return ball clogging detection switch 111 and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 are detected, the operation of the checkout switch 10 is invalidated, regardless of whether the lower plate 11 is full. Pachinko balls are not returned to the lower plate 11, and it is possible to prevent the pachinko balls from being clogged in the return ball guide passage 109 or the capture device 100.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the card based on the output status of the card unit connection confirmation signal (VL) output from the card unit 15 when the lending request is detected from the card unit 15, that is, when BRQ is turned on. It is determined whether or not the unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are connected, and the pachinko balls are rented on condition that the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are normally connected. It is possible to prevent the pachinko balls from being rented although the slot machine 1 is not normally connected.

  When the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are not connected, the acceptance of the operation of the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is invalidated, and the take-in control is prohibited. That is, since it becomes impossible to set the bet amount for newly playing a game, the connection between the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 can be secured when the game is played.

  Further, when the connection with the card unit 15 is disconnected during execution of the capture control and the VL cannot be detected, after the capture control during the execution is completed, the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 Since the acceptance of the operation of (2) is invalidated and the take-in control for newly setting the bet number is prohibited, the connection with the card unit 15 is disconnected during the take-in control and the take-in is performed. It is possible to prevent the control from becoming complicated due to the control being interrupted in the middle.

  Further, in this embodiment, when a bet number of 1 or more is already set and the game start condition is satisfied, whether or not the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are normally connected is determined. Therefore, since it is possible to play the game for that amount, the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are connected even though the number of pachinko balls necessary for starting the game has already been captured. Can be prevented from being interrupted and the game cannot be started.

  Further, in this embodiment, the settlement control can be performed by always accepting the operation of the settlement switch 10 regardless of whether the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are normally connected or not. It is possible to prevent the player from suffering a disadvantage because the ball or the pachinko ball remaining in the capture device 100 cannot be returned.

  Further, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are not connected, an error code indicating that fact is displayed on the captured ball indicator 16 and a connection error is notified. Thus, it can be easily recognized from the outside that the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are not connected.

  In this embodiment, the connection error is taken in and displayed by displaying an error code on the already-displayed ball display 16, but other notification means, for example, the liquid crystal display 51, the effect effect LED 52, and the speakers 53 and 54. You may alert | report using the audio | voice output from.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the game control unit 41 determines winning, the return ball clogging detection switch 111 that detects the clogging of the return ball guidance passage 109 and the ball clogging of the payout ball guidance passage 208 are detected. On the condition that the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 is not detected, the payout control unit 61 is requested to pay out a winning ball according to the winning. In other words, in a state where the return ball clogging detection switch 111 and the payout ball clogging detection switch 112 are detected, the payout of the award ball is not requested even if the winning is determined, and the lower plate 11 is in a full state. Nevertheless, the pachinko balls are not paid out to the lower plate 11, and the pachinko balls can be prevented from being clogged in the payout ball guide passage 208 and the payout device 200.

  In this embodiment, when the winning is determined, the game control unit 41 confirms whether or not the prize ball can be paid out. If the prize ball can be paid out, the game control unit 41 gives a prize to the payout control unit 61. The ball payout request is made, but when the payout control unit 61 receives the prize ball payout request, it confirms whether or not the prize ball can be paid out and the prize ball can be paid out. If there is, a prize ball payout control may be performed.

  In this embodiment, the game control board 40 for controlling the game and the payout control board 60 for controlling the payout and lending are provided separately, and the card unit 15 and the payout control board 60 provide the connection terminal board 70. The VL output from the card unit 15 is input only to the payout control board 60, and whether or not the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are connected is mounted on the payout control board 60. The payout control unit 61 determines, a card unit connecting signal indicating the determination result is output to the game control board 40, and the game control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 receives the card unit from the payout control board 60. 1BET switch 5 and MAXBET switch 6 by detecting the off of the card unit connection signal indicating that 15 is not connected. To disable the acceptance of the operation, so as to prohibit the capture control. For this reason, the game control board 40 that controls the game does not need to be directly connected to the card unit 15 outside the slot machine 1, so that an illegal signal is input from the outside to the game control board 40 and affects the game control. It can prevent giving.

  In this embodiment, the payout control unit 61 mounted on the payout control board 60 determines whether or not the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are connected, and a card unit connecting signal indicating the determination result is a game. A card unit connection signal (VL) indicating that the card unit 15 is normally connected is output to the control board 40 as shown in FIG. The payout control board 60 branches and inputs to both the payout control board 60 and the game control board 40, and the payout control part 61 mounted on the payout control board 60 and the game control part 41 mounted on the game control board 40 are provided. It is determined whether or not the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are connected, and the payout control unit 61 determines whether the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are connected. If the game control unit 41 determines that the card unit 15 and the slot machine 1 are not connected, the 1BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 are lent out. It is possible to invalidate the acceptance of the operation and prohibit the take-in control. By doing so, the control load of the game control means can be distributed and reduced, and the game control unit 41 and the payout control unit In both cases, it is possible to reliably determine whether the card unit 15 is connected. In this case, the two card unit connection signals indicating that the card unit 15 is normally connected are separately output from the card unit 15, and one signal is input to the game control board 40. May be input to the payout control board 60.

  The gaming machine according to the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. In the slot machine 301 which is the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. The reels 302L, 302C, 302R are juxtaposed in the horizontal direction, and three consecutive symbols out of the symbols arranged on the reels 302L, 302C, 302R are viewed from a see-through window 303 provided on the front surface of the slot machine 301. Arranged to be visible.

  The reels 302L, 302C, and 302R are rotated by reel motors 334L, 334C, and 334R (see FIG. 24) provided in correspondence with each other, so that the symbols of the reels 302L, 302C, and 302R are continuous with the see-through window 3. In addition, the three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window 303 as display results by stopping the rotation of the reels 302L, 302C, and 302R.

  Further, in the slot machine 301 of this embodiment, the number of medals stored in a main control unit 341 (see FIG. 24), which will be described later, as credits (medals stored internally as the value owned by the player) is displayed. A display 312, a medal slot 304 through which medals can be inserted, a one-BET switch 305 operated when setting a bet number using credits, and a maximum bet number (3 in this embodiment) using credits. The MAXBET switch 306 to be set, the start switch 307 operated when starting the game, the settlement switch 310 operated when returning the medal number stored as credits, and the rotation of the reels 302L, 302C, 302R. Stop switches 308L, 308C, and 308R that are operated to stop each are provided. It is.

  Further, in the slot machine 301 of the present embodiment, an intake side flow path (not shown) or a medal payout hole 309 (see FIG. 23) for guiding medals inserted from the medal insertion port 304 to a hopper tank (not shown). ) Is provided with a medal selector (not shown) for distribution to any one of the discharge side flow paths (not shown). Unauthorized medals with different diameters and thicknesses are sorted by the medal selector and returned from the medal payout holes 309.

  The medal selector is provided with a flow path switching solenoid 336 (see FIG. 24) for selectively switching the flow path of the flowing medal to either the intake side flow path or the discharge side flow path. . In the normal state, the flow path switching solenoid 336 is excited, and the medal flowing down in this state flows down the intake side flow path, is detected by the closing sensor 331 (see FIG. 24), and is stored in the hopper tank. It is like that. When the medal cannot be inserted, the excitation of the flow path switching solenoid 336 is released, the flow path is switched to the discharge side flow path, and returned from the medal payout hole 309.

  When a game is played in the slot machine 301 of the present embodiment, first, medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 304 or a bet number is set using credits. In order to use credit, the MAX BET switch 306 or the single BET switch 305 may be operated. When a predetermined number of bets are set, the winning lines L1, L2, L2 ′, L3, and L3 ′ (see FIG. 23) become valid according to the set bets, and the operation of the start switch 307 is valid. That is, the game can be started. The predetermined number of bets may be at least one bet number.

  When the start switch 307 is operated while the game can be started, the reels 302L, 302C, and 302R rotate, and the symbols of the reels 302L, 302C, and 302R continuously vary. If any one of the stop switches 308L, 308C, 308R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 302L, 302C, 302R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed.

  Then, when all the reels 302L, 302C, 302R are stopped, one game is completed, and is determined in advance on one of the pay lines L1, L2, L2 ′, L3, L3 ′ activated according to the number of bets. When the given symbol combination is stopped as a display result of each reel 302L, 302C, 302R, a winning occurs, and a predetermined number of medals are given to the player and added to the credit Is done. Further, when the credit reaches the upper limit number (50 in this embodiment), medals are paid out directly from the medal payout hole 309 (see FIG. 23).

  FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the slot machine 301. As shown in FIG. 24, the slot machine 301 is provided with a game control board 340 and an effect control board 390. The game state is mainly controlled by the game control board 340, and the effect control board 390 responds to the game state. The production is controlled.

  The game control board 340 is connected to the one-BET switch 305, the MAXBET switch 306, the start switch 307, the settlement switch 310, and the stop switches 308L, 308C, and 308R described above, and the medals to be paid out from the medal payout hole 309. A payout sensor 333 to be detected, a reel sensor 335 for detecting a reference position of the reels 302L, 302C, and 302R, and a closing sensor 331 are connected, and detection signals from these connected switches and sensors are input. .

  The game control board 340 is connected to the reel motors 334L, 334C, and 334R described above, and a hopper motor 332 for paying out medals stored in the hopper tank from the medal payout hole 9, as described above. A flow path switching solenoid 336 and a credit display 312 are connected, and these electric components are driven based on the control of a main control unit 341 described later mounted on the game control board 340.

  The game control board 340 includes a CPU that performs calculations in a predetermined procedure, a ROM that stores CPU control programs and various data tables, a main control unit 341 that includes a RAM that writes and reads necessary data, and a game control board. A switch circuit 342 to which detection signals from switches, sensors, and the like are input, a motor circuit 343 that controls driving of the reel motors 334L, 334C, and 334R, and a display driving circuit 344 that controls driving of various displays and LEDs. A solenoid drive circuit 345 for controlling the drive of the flow path switching solenoid 336 is mounted, and the main control unit 341 receives the detection signals from the switches and sensors connected to the game control board 340, and the progress of the game Various controls are performed according to the conditions.

  Further, the main control unit 341 performs a process of setting the bet amount in response to the insertion sensor 331 detecting the insertion of medals. Further, when the insertion of a medal is further detected in the state where the maximum bet number (3 in this embodiment) is set, a process of adding to the credit is performed. Then, when the credit reaches the upper limit (50 in this embodiment), no more medals can be inserted. Further, when the one-sheet BET switch 305 is operated in a state where credits remain and the maximum bet number is not set, a process of subtracting one credit and adding one bet is performed. Also, if the MAXBET switch 306 is operated in a state where credits remain and the maximum bet number is not set, the credits necessary to set the maximum bet number at that time are subtracted and subtracted within the remaining range. A process of adding the amount to the bet amount is performed. In addition, when the settlement switch 310 is operated, the hopper motor 332 is driven to perform a process of paying out medals for the number of medals stored as credits, and a process of subtracting credits every time a medal is paid out. Do.

  The effect control board 390 is connected to a liquid crystal display 351 (see FIG. 24), an effect LED 352, speakers 353 and 354, and a reel lamp 355 disposed on the front surface of the slot machine 301. It is driven based on control by a sub-control unit (not shown) mounted on the control board 390.

  FIG. 25 is a timing chart showing the control status of the main control unit 341 when the insertion sensor 331 detects a medal inserted through the medal insertion slot 304.

  When the input sensor 331 changes from off (non-detection state) to on (detection state) (tf1), the main control unit 341 invalidates the acceptance of the single BET switch 305, the MAXBET switch 306, and the settlement switch 310. To. Furthermore, if the bet number of 1 or more is set and the acceptance of the operation of the start switch 307 is valid, the acceptance of the operation of the start switch 307 is also invalidated. Thereafter, when the insertion sensor 331 changes from the on state (detected state) to the off state (non-detected state) (tf2), if the bet number is less than the maximum bet number, the bet number is incremented by 1, and the maximum bet number is already If set, add 1 credit. Then, the acceptance of the operation of the settlement switch 310 is validated, and if the maximum bet number has not yet been set and the credit remains, the acceptance of the operation of the single BET switch 305 and the MAXBET switch 306 is accepted. To enable. Further, when the insertion sensor 331 changes from the on state (detection state) to the off state (non-detection state) (tf2), if the bet number of 1 or more is set, the start switch 307 Enable acceptance of operations.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 304 and the insertion sensor 331 changes from off (non-detection state) to an on state (detection state), the insertion sensor 331 is subsequently turned on ( Each operation of the single BET switch 305, the MAXBET switch 306, the checkout switch 310, and the start switch 307 is a period from the detection state) to the off state (non-detection state), that is, until the medal detection is completed. The reception is disabled.

  As described above, in the slot machine 301 of the present embodiment, when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 304 and the insertion sensor 331 changes from off (non-detection state) to on (detection state), the insertion sensor thereafter. One period until 331 changes from the on state (detected state) to the off state (non-detected state), that is, until the detection of medals is completed and the setting of the bet number or credit addition is completed. The acceptance of each operation of the BET switch 305, the MAXBET switch 306, the settlement switch 310, and the start switch 307 is invalidated. That is, when each of these operations is performed during detection of a medal by the insertion sensor 331, control based on each of these operations is not performed, and the insertion sensor 331 is switched from off (non-detection state) to on (detection). Each state of the single BET switch 305, the MAXBET switch 306, the settlement switch 310, and the start switch 307 until the bet number setting or credit addition is completed. Since the control based on the operation is not performed, it is possible to prevent the control of the main control unit 341 from becoming complicated due to accepting each operation during the detection of the medal by the insertion sensor 331.

  In this embodiment, during the detection of the medal by the insertion sensor 331, the detection of each operation of the single BET switch 305, the MAXBET switch 306, the settlement switch 310, and the start switch 307 is invalidated. Even if these operations are performed during the detection of medals, control based on these operations is not performed. However, during the detection of medals by the insertion sensor 331, the single BET switch 305, the MAX BET switch 306, Although each operation of the settlement switch 310 and the start switch 307 is detected, the control based on the detection of these operations may not be performed, or the one-sheet BET switch 305, the MAXBET switch 306, the settlement switch 310, the start switch 307 When each of the above operations is performed, the closing sensor 331 Control based on each of these operations may be performed on the condition that no medal is detected. Even in these cases, when the insertion sensor 331 changes from off (non-detection state) to on (detection state), Control is performed based on each operation of the single BET switch 305, the MAXBET switch 306, the settlement switch 310, and the start switch 307 until the bet number is set again or credit addition is completed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the control of the main control unit 341 from becoming complicated as a result of accepting these operations during detection of medals by the insertion sensor 331.

  Further, the closing sensor 331 is not limited to one configured by a single sensor, and may be configured by a plurality of sensors provided in the flow direction, for example. After the most upstream sensor changes from off to on, when the most downstream sensor changes from on to off, the bet number or credit is added, and the most upstream sensor is turned off. After the change from ON to ON until the most downstream sensor changes from ON to OFF, reception of each operation of the single BET switch 305, MAXBET switch 306, checkout switch 310, and start switch 307 is invalidated. You can do that.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the input sensor 331 changes from off (non-detection state) to an on state (detection state), the input sensor 331 is subsequently changed from an on state (detection state) to an off state (non-detection state). ), The acceptance of each operation of the single BET switch 305, the MAXBET switch 306, the checkout switch 310, and the start switch 307 is invalidated, but the input sensor 331 is changed from off to on. When the operations of the single BET switch 305, the MAXBET switch 306, the checkout switch 310, and the start switch 307 are accepted during the period until it is turned off again, the accepted operations are stored, and the closing sensor 331 If the acceptance of the operation is stored at the time of turning off, the control corresponding to the stored operation is performed. May also be performed when the, even in this case, it is possible to prevent the control of the main control unit 341 with the to accept respective operation becomes complicated during the detection of the medal by insertion sensor 331.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention has been described based on drawing, this invention is not limited to this Example, Even if there is a change or addition in the range which does not deviate from the main point of this invention, it is in this invention. Needless to say, it is included.

  For example, in the first embodiment, the game control board 40 for controlling the game and the payout control board 60 for controlling the payout and the lending are separately provided. However, all the controls are performed on the game control board 40 side. May be. Alternatively, the take-out control board 60 side may control take-in, or a board for take-in control may be provided separately so that the board controls the take-in.

  In the first embodiment, the payout control board 60 and the card unit 15 are connected via the connection terminal board 70, but the game control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 pays out in addition to the game control. The game control board 40 and the card unit 15 may be connected directly or via the connection terminal board 70 or the like.

  Further, in the first embodiment, a card unit 15 that accepts a prepaid card storing a valuable value as a storage medium and causes a gaming machine to lend a pachinko ball using the valuable value read from the accepted prepaid card is provided. Although it is applied as a lending device, for example, it accepts money, and a storage medium provided in the device with a valuable value based on the received money amount (for example, a recording medium enclosed so that a player cannot take it out) It is also possible to apply a lending device that allows a gaming machine to lend a pachinko ball using a valuable value stored in a memory (a built-in lending device such as a RAM) and stored in a storage medium in the device.

  In the second embodiment, the game control board 340 that controls the game controls the payout of medals. However, the payout control board that controls the payout of medals as in the first embodiment is used as the game control board. 340 may be provided separately.

  Also, in the slot machine 301 of the second embodiment, similarly to the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, it is connected to the card unit 15 so that the slot machine 301 can lend medals in response to a request from the card unit 15. Also good.

  In the first and second embodiments, a slot machine is used as a gaming machine. However, any gaming machine that plays a game by taking in a game medium by a take-in device can be applied regardless of the type. For example, the present invention can be applied to a sparrow ball game machine, an arrangement ball game machine, or the like that plays a game by driving a predetermined number of game media into the game area. In this case, in order to receive a game medium for driving into the game area prior to the game, any game medium may be captured by the capture device. Note that the game medium to be driven into the game area may be a game medium taken in by the take-in device, or may be a drive-in game medium prepared separately from the game medium taken in by the take-in device. Furthermore, the game media to be driven into the game area and the game media to be captured by the capture device may be different types of game media (for example, medals and game balls). Further, in the sparrow ball game machine and the arrange ball game machine, the game execution operation unit corresponds to, for example, a handle for driving a game medium into the game area, and the control for executing the game is, for example, the above-described control. This corresponds to control for driving a game medium toward the game area by operating the handle.

  Each element in the embodiment corresponds to the present invention as follows.

The slot machine according to claim 1 of the present invention includes:
An insertion slot (medal insertion slot 304) where a medal can be inserted;
A flow-down passage (take-in flow path) through which the medal inserted from the input port flows down;
Medal detection means (insertion sensor 331) for detecting the passage of medals flowing down the flow-down passage by a plurality of sensors provided at different positions in the flow-down direction ;
Credit storage means (main control unit 41) for storing the number of credits, which is the number of medals detected by the medal detection means but not yet used in the game;
After the sensor on the most upstream side of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state (off) to the detection state (on), the credit storage is performed on the condition that the sensor on the most downstream side changes from the detection state to the non-detection state. Credit addition means (main control unit 341) for adding 1 to the credit number of the means;
With
A slot machine capable of playing a game using the number of credits stored in the credit storage means as a wager number,
A settlement operation unit (settlement switch 310) operated when the number of credits stored in the credit storage means is settled;
A medal payout means (hopper motor 332) for paying out the medal;
When the settlement operation unit is operated, the medal paying unit pays out medal of the number of credits stored in the credit storage unit, and the number of paid out medals is stored in the credit storage unit. Settlement control means (main control unit 341) for performing settlement control to subtract from the number;
After the sensor on the most upstream side of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state to the detection state, the adjustment is performed when the adjustment operation unit is operated while the sensor on the most downstream side changes from the detection state to the non-detection state. Storage means for storing the operation of the operation unit;
With
The settlement control means includes
After the sensor on the most upstream side of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state to the detection state, the adjustment is performed when the adjustment operation unit is operated while the sensor on the most downstream side changes from the detection state to the non-detection state. Without performing the settlement control based on the operation of the operation unit,
After the sensor on the most upstream side of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state to the detection state, the sensor on the most downstream side changes from the detection state to the non-detection state, and the operation of the settlement operation unit is stored in the storage means. Sometimes the settlement control is performed based on the operation of the settlement operation unit stored in the storage means.

A slot machine according to claim 2 of the present invention,
An insertion slot (medal insertion slot 304) where a medal can be inserted;
A flow-down passage (take-in flow path) through which the medal inserted from the input port flows down;
Medal detection means (insertion sensor 331) for detecting the passage of medals flowing down the flow-down passage by a plurality of sensors provided at different positions in the flow-down direction ;
Credit storage means (main control unit 41) for storing the number of credits, which is the number of medals detected by the medal detection means but not yet used in the game;
After the sensor on the most upstream side of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state (off) to the detection state (on), the credit storage is performed on the condition that the sensor on the most downstream side changes from the detection state to the non-detection state. Credit addition means (main control unit 341) for adding 1 to the credit number of the means;
With
A slot machine capable of playing a game using the number of credits stored in the credit storage means as a wager number,
A betting operation unit (one-BET switch 305, MAXBET switch 306) that is operated when the credit amount stored in the credit storage means is used as the betting number of the game;
When the betting operation unit is operated, usage control means (main control unit 341) that performs usage control that subtracts the number of credits stored in the credit storage means and uses the subtracted credit number for the number of bets in the game. )When,
After the most upstream sensor of the medal detection means is changed from the non-detection state to the detection state, the betting operation unit is operated while the most downstream sensor is changed from the detection state to the non-detection state. Storage means for storing the operation of the operation unit;
With
The use control means includes
After the most upstream sensor of the medal detection means is changed from the non-detection state to the detection state, the betting operation unit is operated while the most downstream sensor is changed from the detection state to the non-detection state. Without performing the use control based on the operation of the operation unit,
After the most upstream sensor of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state to the detection state, the most downstream sensor changes from the detection state to the non-detection state, and the operation of the betting operation unit is stored in the storage means. The usage control based on the operation of the betting operation unit stored in the storage means is sometimes performed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 2L, 2C, 2R Reel 5 1BET switch 6 MAXBET switch 7 Start switch 10 Settlement switch 11 Lower plate 12 Upper plate 15 Card unit 16 Captured ball indicator 40 Game control board 41 Game control unit 100 Capture device 104 First take-in ball detection switch 105 Second take-in ball detection switch 200 Dispensing device 301 Slot machine 305 Single BET switch 306 MAXBET switch 310 Settling switch 331 Insertion sensor 332 Hopper motor 341 Main controller

Claims (2)

A slot where medals can be inserted,
A downflow passage through which medals inserted from the insertion port flow down;
Medal detection means for detecting passage of medals flowing down the flow-down passage by a plurality of sensors provided at different positions in the flow-down direction ;
Credit storage means for storing the number of credits, which is the number of medals detected by the medal detection means but not yet used in the game;
After the sensor on the most upstream side of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state to the detection state, the credit number in the credit storage means becomes 1 on condition that the sensor on the most downstream side changes from the detection state to the non-detection state. Credit addition means for adding
With
A slot machine capable of playing a game using the number of credits stored in the credit storage means as a wager number,
A settlement operation unit operated when the number of credits stored in the credit storage means is settled;
A medal payout means for paying out the medal;
When the settlement operation unit is operated, the medal paying unit pays out medal of the number of credits stored in the credit storage unit, and the number of paid out medals is stored in the credit storage unit. A settlement control means for performing settlement control to subtract from the number;
After the sensor on the most upstream side of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state to the detection state, the adjustment is performed when the adjustment operation unit is operated while the sensor on the most downstream side changes from the detection state to the non-detection state. Storage means for storing the operation of the operation unit;
With
The settlement control means includes
After the sensor on the most upstream side of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state to the detection state, the adjustment is performed when the adjustment operation unit is operated while the sensor on the most downstream side changes from the detection state to the non-detection state. Without performing the settlement control based on the operation of the operation unit,
After the sensor on the most upstream side of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state to the detection state, the sensor on the most downstream side changes from the detection state to the non-detection state, and the operation of the settlement operation unit is stored in the storage means. A slot machine characterized by performing the settlement control based on an operation of the settlement operation unit stored in the storage means. A slot where medals can be inserted,
A downflow passage through which medals inserted from the insertion port flow down;
Medal detection means for detecting passage of medals flowing down the flow-down passage by a plurality of sensors provided at different positions in the flow-down direction ;
Credit storage means for storing the number of credits, which is the number of medals detected by the medal detection means but not yet used in the game;
After the sensor on the most upstream side of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state to the detection state, the credit number in the credit storage means becomes 1 on condition that the sensor on the most downstream side changes from the detection state to the non-detection state. Credit addition means for adding
With
A slot machine capable of playing a game using the number of credits stored in the credit storage means as a wager number,
A betting operation unit that is operated when the number of credits stored in the credit storage means is used for the betting number of the game;
Use control means for performing use control for subtracting the credit amount stored in the credit storage means when the betting operation unit is operated, and using the subtracted credit number for the bet number of the game;
After the most upstream sensor of the medal detection means is changed from the non-detection state to the detection state, the betting operation unit is operated while the most downstream sensor is changed from the detection state to the non-detection state. Storage means for storing the operation of the operation unit;
With
The use control means includes
After the most upstream sensor of the medal detection means is changed from the non-detection state to the detection state, the betting operation unit is operated while the most downstream sensor is changed from the detection state to the non-detection state. Without performing the use control based on the operation of the operation unit,
After the most upstream sensor of the medal detection means changes from the non-detection state to the detection state, the most downstream sensor changes from the detection state to the non-detection state, and the operation of the betting operation unit is stored in the storage means. The slot machine characterized in that the use control based on the operation of the betting operation unit stored in the storage means is sometimes performed.

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