JP4033799B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is configured so that a predetermined game can be started on condition that a predetermined number of game balls are inserted, in particular, a gaming machine having a game ball input mechanism capable of inputting a plurality of game balls. It relates to gaming machines.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some gaming machines have a game ball throwing mechanism for throwing a plurality of game balls. As an example of such a gaming machine, for example, a slot machine using a gaming ball as a gaming medium can be cited. Such a slot machine has a game ball throwing mechanism capable of selectively throwing up to three times as many game balls as one unit, corresponding to the value of one medal as another game medium. There is something to prepare. (For example, Patent Document 1)
This game ball throwing mechanism is for throwing the game balls arranged in a row in the standby section in the row direction from the throwing port provided on the short side opposite to the feeding port. A total of four ball stops for every five game balls are provided, and game balls can be thrown in units of five by control of a solenoid that drives each ball stop.
[0003]
In addition, detection means for detecting the game balls corresponding to the fifth, tenth, and fifteenth game balls from the insertion port is provided, and when no game balls are detected by the detection means, it is determined that the balls are clogged or insufficient. Thus, less than a predetermined number of game balls are not thrown in.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-74390
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional game ball throwing mechanism is configured to throw the game balls in the row direction from the slot provided on the short side of the standby unit, so it takes a lot of time to throw all the game balls. As a result, for example, the interval time between games becomes long.
[0006]
In addition, a detecting means for detecting the game ball is provided for every five pieces, but it is assumed that the game ball is clogged between them, and the game ball is not always normal just because it is detected by the detection means. Since there is no guarantee of waiting, it is impossible to grasp the exact number of thrown balls unless a detection means is separately provided on the slot side to count the thrown game balls. At this time, if the game balls thrown in the row direction are detected one by one, it takes much time for the detection.
[0007]
In view of such a conventional problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can quickly insert and detect a plurality of gaming balls.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the present invention, the supply port 61 side is provided with a high inclination, and a standby unit 44 capable of waiting a plurality of game balls flowing in from the supply port 61 in a line, and the game balls in the standby unit 44 are provided. In a gaming machine provided with a game ball insertion mechanism 23 that inserts in a direction crossing the row direction through insertion ports 47 and 114 provided along the standby unit 44, the game ball insertion mechanism 23 is configured to be in the standby state. A plurality of input portions 60 a to 60 c that can simultaneously input a predetermined number of consecutive game balls waiting in the portion 44 are provided in series along the standby portion 44. Opening / closing members 46, 116, 122 for opening / closing the charging ports 47, 114 and driving means 65, 117, 131 for opening / closing the opening / closing members 46, 116, 122 correspond to the input portions 60a-60c. Restricting portions 67, 119, and 126 for stopping subsequent game balls are integrally provided on the upstream end side of the opening and closing members 46, 116, and 122, and the opening and closing is performed by driving the driving means 65, 117, and 131. When the members 46, 116, 122 are in the open state, the predetermined number of game balls waiting in the standby unit 44 corresponding to the input units 60 a to 60 c are placed on the input ports 47, 114 side by their own weight. And when the opening and closing members 46, 116, 122 are in the closed state, the restricting portions 67, 119, 126 are located outside the standby portion 44, and the front When closing member 46,116,122 is in an open state is configured such that the regulatory unit 67,119,126 to regulate the falling of the subsequent game ball inside the standby unit 44 It is a thing.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 to 12 illustrate a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine using a game ball as a game medium.
[0011]
1 to 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a gaming machine main body, which includes a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 2 and a front frame 3 pivotably attached to the front side of the outer frame 2. Inside the outer frame 2, an accessory panel unit 4 is attached to the upper side of the outer frame 2 so as to be detachable and openable, and a reel unit 6 is installed in an opening 5 on the lower side of the accessory panel unit 4. It is attached in a fitting manner so as to be detachable.
[0012]
On the upper side of the accessory panel portion 4, there is an effect display means 7 such as a liquid crystal display means, and a planar or three-dimensional design related to the game theme is given. In addition, as the effect display means 7, for example, display means such as a dot type, a drum type, and a belt type may be used.
[0013]
The reel unit 6 constitutes a variable display means 8. A plurality of, for example, three symbol display reels 9 in the left-right direction, a rotation driving means 10 such as a stepping motor that rotationally drives each symbol display reel 9, and a symbol display reel 9. A reel rotation position detecting means 11 (see FIG. 10) for detecting the rotation position of the lamp, a lamp 12 for illuminating the symbol display reel 9 from the inside, and the like are integrally provided as a unit.
[0014]
Each symbol display reel 9 includes a drive pulley 13, a driven pulley 14, and an endless display belt 15 wound around each of the pulleys 13, 14, and “7”, “BAR”, A plurality of types of game symbols such as “cherry”, “bell”, and “plum” are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. Each symbol display reel 9 displays three game symbols in the vertical direction so that the player can see them.
[0015]
In the front frame 3, a window hole 16 is formed on the upper side corresponding to the accessory panel portion 4 and the reel unit 6, and an upper tray cover 17 and a lower plate cover 18 that project forward are formed on the lower side. Each of the covers 17 and 18 is provided with an upper dish 19 and a lower dish 20 that are open on the upper side. A game operation unit 21 is provided on the upper and front sides of the upper plate cover 17. Further, on the back side of the front frame 3, a game ball throwing mechanism 23 (FIG. 4 and the like) for throwing a game ball in a plurality of predetermined numbers, for example, five, into the mounting wall portion 22 on the rear side of the upper plate cover 17. Is attached detachably. The attachment wall portion 22 may be formed integrally with the front frame 3 or may be constituted by a separately attached iron plate or the like.
[0016]
In the front frame 3, for example, speakers 24 are provided on both the left and right sides above the window hole 16, and lamps 25 are provided between the speakers 24 and on the side of the window hole 16. The speaker 24 and the lamp 25 are adapted to produce effects by sound and light in relation to the gaming state and the like.
[0017]
A print panel 26 is attached to the front frame 3 from the back side corresponding to the window hole 16. The print panel unit 26 is made of colorless or colored transparent or translucent synthetic resin or the like, and is printed with frame lines, design images, and the like of each symbol display reel 9.
[0018]
Also, around the symbol display reel 9, the number of game balls thrown in is displayed, and the thrown ball number display unit 27 showing the effective line in the symbol matching game by the symbol display reel 9, a credit for displaying the credit number of the game balls. A display unit 28, a winning combination number display unit 29 for displaying the number of small bonus games or a bonus game that will be described later, a payout number display unit 30 for displaying the number of game balls to be paid out, and a game ball input A waiting ball number display unit 31 for displaying the waiting state of the game balls of the mechanism 23 is provided.
[0019]
Incidentally, in the embodiment, a predetermined number (for example, 5) of game balls is taken as 1 unit, and when 1 unit of game balls is inserted, the central horizontal line becomes an effective line, and 2 units (10) of game balls are obtained. When thrown, 3 lines including the upper and lower horizontal lines become effective lines, and when 3 units (15 pieces) of game balls are thrown, 5 lines including diagonal lines rising right and falling right are effective lines. However, the thrown-in ball number display unit 27 is configured such that, for example, a lamp on the back side is turned on in accordance with the effective line. That is, the throwing ball number display unit 27 is configured to display the throwing ball number in units of a predetermined number (five). The throwing ball number display unit 27 may be configured with, for example, 7 segments, and the throwing ball number may be displayed by the unit number or the actual throwing ball number.
[0020]
The number of credits of the game ball is, for example, 250 at the maximum, but the credit display unit 28 may display the credit number in units of a predetermined number (5), or the actual credit You may display by a number. Similarly, the payout ball number display unit 30 may display the payout ball number in units, or may display the actual payout ball number.
[0021]
In the symbol matching game using the symbol display reel 9, when the game symbol is stopped in an effective mode on the active line, the upper plate 19 is used to pay out a number of game balls corresponding to the mode. The paid-out game balls are supplied to a game ball insertion mechanism 23 communicated with the opposite side. When there is a margin in the number of credits, the number of credits is added by the number of payouts without actually paying out game balls to the upper plate 19.
[0022]
Incidentally, the number of game balls to be paid out in the normal gaming state is, for example, 75 in the form of three “7” or “BAR” on the active line, 50 in the form of three “Bell”, left The number of “cherries” stopped on the reel is 10 per effective line. In addition, a mode in which three “plums” are arranged is a replay mode in which a game ball is not paid out, but can be replayed without throwing a game ball.
[0023]
In addition, the three sets of “7” are in a big bonus mode, and when the big bonus mode is set in the normal gaming state, the predetermined number of game balls are paid out and a big bonus game is started. Is done. In the big bonus game, for example, a maximum of 3 sets based on the right to play a small role game of up to 30 games and a bonus-in mode (for example, a set of three “plums” on the active line) in the small role game state. The right to play the bonus game is generated. In the small role game state, the number of game balls that are the same as or different from those in the normal game state are paid out in a mode in which three “bells” are arranged and a mode in which “cherry” is stopped on the left reel. However, it is common that the probability that these small roles are aligned is set higher than in normal times.
[0024]
In the bonus game state, 75 game balls are paid out if the mode per JAC (for example, a set of three “plums” on the active line) is achieved. The bonus game is, for example, a set of 12 games or 8 JACs. Note that the big bonus game is ended by performing 30 small role games or 3 sets of bonus games.
[0025]
Incidentally, 15 game balls (equivalent to 3 medals) are inserted in the normal game state and the small role game state, and 5 game balls (equivalent to 1 medal) are inserted in the bonus game state. It is common to play games, but this is not a limitation.
[0026]
In addition, the set of three “BARs” is in a regular bonus mode, and when this regular bonus mode is set in the normal gaming state, the predetermined number of game balls are paid out, and a regular bonus game is executed. Be started. In the regular bonus game, a right to play a set of bonus games is generated. By the way, it is possible to expect about 600 game balls to be acquired by one regular bonus game and about 2000 game balls by one big bonus game.
[0027]
The lower tray 20 is configured to pay out game balls and the like overflowing from the upper tray 19.
[0028]
The operation unit 21 has a game ball return lever 33, a maximum insertion button 34, a unit insertion button 35, and a credit adjustment button 36 on the upper side of the upper plate cover 17, and a start lever 37 and left / middle on the front side of the upper plate cover 17. -The right three stop buttons 38 are provided.
[0029]
The game ball return lever 33 is for discharging the game balls in the game ball insertion mechanism 23 and the game balls of the upper plate 19 to the lower plate 20.
[0030]
The maximum throw button 34 is for throwing the maximum number of game balls that can be thrown in a predetermined number (for example, five) according to the game state and the number of standby balls waiting in the game ball throwing mechanism 23. By this operation, for example, a maximum of 15 game balls are thrown in by the game ball throwing mechanism 23 in the normal game state and the small role game state and in the bonus game state.
[0031]
The unit insertion button 35 is configured such that a predetermined number (for example, 5) of game balls are input by the game ball input mechanism 23 for each operation. In addition, even when the operation is repeated, the maximum number of balls that can be thrown in the gaming state at that time (the maximum number of throwable balls) is not thrown. In other words, the maximum throw button 34 and the unit throw button 35 have already thrown the maximum number of balls that can be thrown according to the gaming state (for example, 15 in the normal gaming state and the small role game state and 5 in the bonus game state). If it is, the operation is invalidated, and after the predetermined game based on the thrown ball and its processing is completed, it is made valid again.
[0032]
The credit checkout button 36 is for paying out the credited game balls, and as a result of the operation, the game balls for the number of credits are paid out to the upper plate 19 or the lower plate 20 by the payout means 39 (see FIG. 10). It has become. Note that the credit settlement button 36 is also used as a throw-in ball return button. If a game ball is inserted from the game ball throw-in mechanism 23 but the game has not started yet, the credit settlement button 36 is operated. In addition to the payment of credits, game balls that have already been inserted are returned. The credit settlement button 36 may be configured so that the credit settlement function and the throwing ball return function can be used properly according to the operation time or the like.
[0033]
The start lever 37 rotates the symbol display reel 9 by an operation on condition that a predetermined number of game balls that can be played are inserted. Incidentally, on the basis of the operation timing of the start lever 37, a lottery such as an internal winning combination and production is performed.
[0034]
Each stop button 38 is for individually stopping the rotation of the corresponding symbol display reel 9. Each symbol display reel 9 stops at any position from the position when the stop button 38 is operated to a position advanced by four game symbols by internal control based on the winning combination or the like. Yes.
[0035]
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, the game ball throwing mechanism 23 includes a front case 42 and a rear case 43 that are long in the lateral direction, for example, the left and right direction, and can be divided into front and rear parts. Inside, a standby portion 44 and a collection passage 45 are formed through a loading port 47 that is opened and closed by an opening and closing member 46. In the embodiment, the standby part 44 is provided on the upper side of the front case 42, the collection passage 45 is provided on the lower side of the rear case 43, and the lower side of the front case 42 is connected to the inlet 47 below the standby part 44. An inclined wall portion 48 is provided to guide the inserted game ball to the collection passage 45 side. In addition, a detecting means 49 for detecting a game ball waiting in the standby unit 44 is provided outside the cases 42 and 43.
[0036]
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the rear case 43 includes, for example, a plurality of engaging claws 50 on the upper and lower sides, and the engaging claws 50 are engaged with the engaging holes 50 a of the front case 42. The front case 42 is detachably attached in a press-fit manner. Further, for example, a plurality of engaging claws 51 on the lower side of the front case 42 are engaged with the lower edge portion of the mounting hole 52 of the mounting wall portion 22 of the front frame 3 from the front side, and on the upper side of both cases 42 and 43, for example. The front case 42 and the rear case 43 are screwed to the mounting wall portion 22 of the front frame 3 together with a plurality of mounting portions 53 and 54 in a tightened manner. The front case 42 is provided with a contact portion 130 that protrudes upward and contacts the mounting wall portion 22 of the front frame 3.
[0037]
For example, the standby unit 44 waits for 15 game balls in a line, and as shown in FIG. 6, the standby unit 44 is formed on the front case 42 side in the horizontal direction, for example, in the left-right direction. The front case 42 is mounted on the mounting wall portion 22 of the front frame 3 such that the standby portion 44 is inclined so that the supply side of the game ball is inclined high.
[0038]
7 and 8, the standby portion 44 is formed on the front wall portion 55 of the front case 42, the upper wall 56 projecting from the upper side of the front wall portion 55 to the rear side, and the rear case 43 side. Is formed between the protruding wall 57, the open / close member 46 in the closed state, the stop member 59 for stopping the leading game ball, and the like. The member 46 can be opened and closed.
[0039]
The open / close member 46 constitutes the bottom wall of the standby unit 44 in the closed state. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of opening / closing members 46 are provided in a row direction for each predetermined number (for example, five) of game balls. There are (for example, three), and each of them is independently driven to open and close in the width direction (for example, the front-rear direction) of the standby unit 44 by each driving means 65.
[0040]
In other words, the game ball throwing mechanism 23 has a plurality (for example, three) of throwing portions 60a to 60c in which a predetermined number (for example, five) of game balls can be thrown in the horizontal direction, and each of the throwing portions 60a to 60c. The standby portion 44 of 60 c is communicated between the supply port 61 and the discharge port 62 of the game ball, and each of the input portions 60 a to 60 c is configured to be able to input the game ball independently by opening and closing the opening and closing member 46. Each of the predetermined number units (for example, 5, 10, or 15) of game balls can be selectively inserted. Note that the standby unit 44 is configured to be able to wait for the maximum number of game balls that can be thrown in, for example, a normal game state.
[0041]
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, the opening / closing member 46 has, for example, a flat plate-like main body 63 and two protrusions in the longitudinal direction formed in the width direction of the standby portion 44 below the main body 63. A guide part 64, a connecting part 66 provided at one end (for example, the front side) of the main body part 63 in the width direction and connected to the driving means 65, and a restricting part 67 that stops a subsequent game ball when opened. ing. In addition, the opening / closing member 46 of each insertion part 60a-60c is arrange | positioned with a predetermined | prescribed level | step difference so that it may become lower toward the lower side. Moreover, the edge part on the opposite side to the opening direction of the main-body part 63 is comprised by the inclined shape (wedge shape) which an upper surface side becomes low in a taper shape.
[0042]
The guide portion 64 is fitted in a guide groove 68 formed in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing member 46 on the upper side of the inclined wall portion 48 so as to guide the opening / closing member 46 in the opening / closing direction. The inclined wall portions 48 of the input portions 60 a to 60 c are also formed with steps similar to the opening / closing member 46.
[0043]
The drive means 65 is constituted by, for example, a solenoid, and there are three corresponding to the input portions 60a to 60c. The attachment means 65 is integrally extended from the front case 42 to the front side corresponding to the longitudinal center of each opening / closing member 46. The part 65a is detachably attached with a screw or the like. The drive means 65 includes a drive shaft 69 that is advanced and retracted in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing member 46, and the tip of the drive shaft 69 is connected to the connecting portion 66 of the opening / closing member 46. The driving means 65 is housed inside the upper plate cover 17 on the front side of the mounting wall portion 22 of the front frame 3, that is, on the lower side of the upper plate 19.
[0044]
The restricting portion 67 is provided at the upper end of each opening / closing member 46 so as to protrude to the opposite side (rear side) and upper side of the opening direction, and the opening / closing member 46 is driven to the front side to be in the open state. In some cases, it is located at the approximate center in the width direction of the standby unit 44 so as to prevent the subsequent game ball from rolling down. That is, the lower side and the middle throwing parts 60 a and 60 b regulate the game balls waiting on the upper throwing parts 60 b and 60 c, and the upper throwing part 60 c has the upper plate 19 via the supply port 61. The game balls supplied from are regulated. Further, the restricting portion 67 is positioned outside the standby portion 44 (on the collection passage 45 side) when the opening / closing member 46 is in the closed state. In addition, since the regulation part 67 presses down and regulates the lower part side of the succeeding game ball, it does not move the game ball to the upper side or moves it only slightly.
[0045]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper wall 56 is provided on the upper side of the opening / closing member 46 with a slightly larger interval than that of one game ball, and is waited from the front wall portion 55 of the front case 42. It protrudes to the rear side to the extent that it covers from above. In addition, the upper wall 56 of each input part 60a-60c is continuously formed with the level | step difference so that the level | step difference of each opening / closing member 46 may be followed.
[0046]
As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the protruding wall 57 is spaced from the rear wall portion 72 to the front wall portion 55 of the front case 42 between the upper wall portion 70 and the lower wall portion 71 of the rear case 43. It protrudes to the front side until it becomes slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the tip of the game ball presses the approximate center of the game ball in the vertical direction. The projecting walls 57 of the input portions 60 a to 60 c are provided with steps corresponding to the opening and closing members 46. Further, in the rear case 43, vertical reinforcing ribs 73 are formed between the protruding wall 57 and the upper wall portion 70 corresponding to the stepped portion of the protruding wall 57.
[0047]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 to 9, the collection passage 45 is formed between the protruding wall 57 and the lower wall portion 71 of the rear case 43, and is a game that is introduced from the standby portion 44 through the insertion port 47. The balls are collected from the lower collection port 74, for example, on the back side. The collection passage 45 is provided continuously along substantially the entire length of the standby unit 44 of all the input units 60a to 60c.
[0048]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the stop member 59 includes a barrel portion 76 that is held up and down by a lift guide portion 75 formed corresponding to the discharge port 62 of the standby portion 44, and a lower portion from the barrel portion 76. A claw portion 77 that protrudes to the side is integrally provided, and is biased downward by, for example, a coil spring 78. Normally, the discharge port 62 is closed by the claw portion 77, and the return ball port 79 communicating with the lower plate 20 is connected. The game ball stops entering.
[0049]
This stop member 59 is configured to open the discharge port 62 when driven upward by the operation of the game ball return lever 33. In this case, the game ball of the standby unit 44 (via the supply unit). And the like supplied from the upper plate 19) pass through the lower side of the claw portion 77 and are returned to the lower plate 20 through the return ball port 79.
[0050]
The elevating guide part 75 includes a main body part 80 on the front case 42 side and a lid part 81 on the rear case 43 side, and the main body part 80 is closed by the lid part 81 in a state where the stop member 59 is accommodated from the back side. It has come to come off. The stop member 59 may be driven by mechanically transmitting the movement of the game ball return lever 33 to the stop member 59 or may be electrically driven by a solenoid or the like.
[0051]
The detecting means 49 detects the game balls that are waiting on the standby unit 44, and as shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, a plurality (for example, 15) of the game balls that can wait on the standby unit 44 are provided. It has been. Each detecting means 49 is constituted by, for example, a photosensor, and includes a light emitting unit 82 provided on one side of the standby unit 44 in the width direction and a light receiving unit 83 provided on the other side. In the embodiment, for example, the light emitting unit 82 is provided on the rear substrate 84 on the back side of the rear case 43, and the light receiving unit 83 is provided on the front substrate 85 on the front side of the front case 42.
[0052]
The light emitting unit 82 and the light receiving unit 83 are provided to detect the upper side of the game ball, that is, the side opposite to the insertion port 47 (injection direction). The light emitting unit 82 and the light receiving unit 83 are provided on the respective substrates 84 and 85 in the row direction of the game balls, but a predetermined number (for example, 5) corresponding to the opening / closing members 46 of the input units 60a to 60c. A level difference is provided for each.
[0053]
Light emission from the light emitting part 82 reaches the light receiving part 83 on the front wall part 55 of the front case 42 and the rear wall part 72 of the rear case 43 corresponding to the light receiving part 83 and the light emitting part 82 of each detecting means 49. A through hole 86 is formed in this manner, and a fitting portion 87 into which the light receiving portion 83 or the light emitting portion 82 is fitted is provided in a cylindrical shape projecting to the outside around the through hole 86.
[0054]
For example, the upper side of the front substrate 85 is detachably attached to the front case 42 with a screw or the like via the boss portion 88, and the positioning protrusion 90 of the front case 42 is positioned in the middle positioning hole 89 of the attachment portion 53. Is fitted. The front substrate 85 is also used as a substrate for driving the driving means 65 of the opening / closing member 46.
[0055]
For example, the lower side of the rear substrate 84 is detachably attached to the rear case 43 via a boss portion 91 with screws or the like, and the positioning projection of the rear case 43 is inserted into the positioning hole 92 in the middle of the attachment portion 54. 93 is fitted.
[0056]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the control system of the slot machine. As shown in FIG. 10, this control system includes a main control board 94 that mainly performs control related to the gaming state and an effect control board 95 that performs control related to effects as separate boards, and from the main control board 94 side. The control command can be transmitted to the effect control board 95 side by one-way communication.
[0057]
The main control board 94 includes a waiting ball number judging means 96, a throwing control means 97, a throwing ball counting means 98, a game start permitting means 99, a lottery means 100, a symbol variation control means 101, a stop symbol judging means 102, and a payout control means 103. The game state transition means 104, the control command transmission means 105, etc. are provided, and are constituted by a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. Each of these means is realized by causing the CPU to execute a control program stored in advance on the ROM.
[0058]
The waiting ball number determining means 96 determines whether or not a predetermined number of gaming balls are waiting in the gaming ball throwing mechanism 23 based on the detection signal of the gaming balls from the detecting means 49. Is transmitted to the input control means 97. In the embodiment, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number (5) of game balls are waiting for each of the input portions 60a to 60c of the game ball input mechanism 23, and if a predetermined number of game balls are waiting, A standby completion signal is transmitted for each of the input units 60a to 60c.
[0059]
In addition, the waiting ball number determination unit 96 displays the waiting state of the game ball to the waiting unit 44 on the waiting ball number display unit 31 based on the detection signal of the game ball from the detection unit 49. . In the waiting ball number display unit 31, for example, when there are throwing parts 60a to 60c having a waiting ball number less than a predetermined number, the throwing parts 60a to 60c (for example, in the case of a plurality of lower throwing parts 60a to 60c) 60c) may be displayed, or the number of standby balls of a predetermined throwing portion 60a to 60c, for example, the lowermost throwing portion 60a or the upper throwing portion 60c may be fixedly displayed. Anyway. In addition, when a predetermined number of game balls are waiting in the standby units 44 of all the input units 60a to 60c, it may be displayed in a predetermined manner.
[0060]
In the embodiment, the waiting ball number display unit 31 is configured by a predetermined number (five) of lamps, and the waiting ball number is displayed by lighting thereof. For example, the waiting ball number is displayed by 7 segments or the like. You may do it. Furthermore, you may make it display all the waiting ball numbers about all the insertion parts 60a-60c.
[0061]
When the throw buttons 34 and 35 are operated, the throw control means 97 throws a game ball according to the type of the throw buttons 34 and 35 operated, a waiting completion signal from the waiting ball number judging means 96, a game state, and the like. The mechanism 23 controls the opening and closing members of the input portions 60a to 60c on condition that a predetermined number (for example, five) of game balls are waiting in the standby portion 44 (there is a standby completion signal). The driving means 65 is driven so that 46 is in an open state, and a plurality of game balls are thrown in a predetermined number of units.
[0062]
Accordingly, the insertion control means 97 drives the opening / closing member 46 to the open state regardless of the operation of the insertion buttons 34 and 35 for the input sections 60a to 60c for which there is no standby completion signal from the waiting ball number determination means 96. It is supposed not to let you.
[0063]
In other words, the throwing control means 97, when there is an operation signal for the maximum throwing button 34, sets the maximum number of waiting completion signals on condition that the throwing ball number does not exceed the maximum throwable ball number in the gaming state at that time. The number of throwing units 60a to 60c is controlled so that the opening / closing member 46 is driven to the open state, and when the unit throw button 35 is operated, the throwing number is the maximum throwing amount in the gaming state at that time. On the condition that the number of possible balls is not exceeded, the opening / closing member 46 is controlled so as to be driven to an open state with respect to one input unit 60a to 60c having a standby completion signal.
[0064]
For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, when 15 game balls are waiting in the standby unit 44, a standby completion signal is transmitted from the standby ball number determination means 96 to all the input units 60a to 60c. In this state, when there is a signal indicating that the maximum insertion button 34 has been operated, the open / close members 46 of all the input portions 60a to 60c are driven to open, and 15 game balls are input.
[0065]
Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, when there is a signal indicating that the unit insertion button 35 has been operated in the same state as described above, any one of the input units 60a to 60c (for example, the lower input unit) The opening / closing member 46 of 60a) is driven to open, and five game balls are inserted.
[0066]
Also, as shown in FIG. 12, when only 12 game balls are waiting in the standby unit 44, a standby completion signal for the upper insertion unit 60c is not transmitted from the standby ball number determining means 96, so in this state When there is a signal indicating that the maximum input button 34 has been operated, the open / close members 46 of the lower and intermediate input portions 60a and 60b to which the standby completion signal has been transmitted are driven to the open state. Insert game balls.
[0067]
In the bonus game state, since the maximum number of balls that can be thrown is set to a predetermined number (for example, five), a signal indicating that the maximum throw button 34 has been operated in a state where 10 or more game balls are waiting. Even in such a case, only the opening / closing member 46 of one of the input portions 60a to 60c is driven to input a predetermined number (5) of game balls.
[0068]
Furthermore, when the operation of the input buttons 34 and 35 is newly performed in a state where game balls less than the maximum number of balls that can be inserted (for example, 5 or 10) have already been inserted, The game ball throwing mechanism 23 is controlled to throw a new game ball on the condition that the sum of the numbers does not exceed the maximum throwable ball number (for example, 15). Therefore, when the maximum input button 34 is operated in this state, even if there is a standby completion signal for all the input units 60a-60c, the opening / closing member 46 is opened for one or two input units 60a-60c. It is driven to the state, and game balls are thrown by the difference (5 or 10) between the maximum throwable ball number and the already thrown ball number.
[0069]
When there is a game ball credit in the credit means 106, the insertion control means 97 preferentially inserts from the credited game ball, and does not insert the game ball from the game ball insertion mechanism 23. It has become. Further, when the number of credits is insufficient, all the credits are inserted and the insufficient amount is inserted from the game ball insertion mechanism 23.
[0070]
The throwing ball counting means 98 counts game balls thrown based on a signal from the detecting means 49 when the throwing control means 97 drives the driving means 65 of the opening / closing member 46. A signal is transmitted to the game start permission means 99 side. The throwing ball counting means 98 has, for example, a detection signal from the detection means 49 before the driving means 65 of the opening / closing member 46 is driven, and the game ball is thrown when the detection signal is interrupted after being driven. As a result, the number of thrown balls is counted. Incidentally, even when a game ball is thrown in by credited game balls, the thrown ball counting means 98 counts the thrown balls by that amount.
[0071]
Note that the throwing ball counting means 98 has a predetermined number (five) each time the opening / closing member 46 of one throwing unit 60a-60c is driven to open while a predetermined number (five) of game balls are waiting. ) May be configured to count the throwing balls.
[0072]
The throwing ball counting means 98 lights up the throwing ball number display section 27 according to the number of thrown balls when counting the thrown balls. For example, when a predetermined number (5) of throwing balls is counted, a portion of 1 indicating one unit, and when counting twice as many (10) throwing balls as the predetermined number, 1 and 2 portions are counted as a predetermined number of 3 When double (15) thrown balls are counted, the parts 1, 2 and 3 are turned on.
[0073]
The game start permission means 99 permits the start of a predetermined game when a predetermined number (5) of game balls are inserted based on the input ball number signal from the input ball counting means 98. A permission signal, a throwing ball number signal, and the like are transmitted to the lottery means 100 side.
[0074]
In the normal game state and the small role game state, the game start permission means 99 is configured to permit the start of the game on condition that three times (15) of game balls are inserted. Also good.
[0075]
Incidentally, in this embodiment, based on the fact that the start of the game is permitted, the operation of the start lever is validated, and the symbol display reel 9 can be rotated by the operation.
[0076]
The lottery means 100 is based on the operation timing when there is a signal that the start lever 37 has been operated on condition that there is a start permission signal and a throw-in ball number signal from the game start permission means 99. A winning combination lottery is performed by random lottery or the like in accordance with the number of inserted balls, game state, etc., and the established combination signal, the inserted ball number signal, etc. are transmitted to the symbol variation control means 101 side.
[0077]
For example, in the normal game state, a lottery such as a big bonus, a regular bonus, a bell, a cherry, a replay (plum), or a lose is performed. Also, in the small role game state during the big bonus game, a lottery such as bell, cherry, bonus-in (plum), lose is performed. Further, in the bonus game state, lottery such as winning per JAC (plum) or losing is performed.
[0078]
In addition, in the normal game state and the small role game state, the start of the game is permitted even if the number of thrown balls is 5 or 10, but it is 10 more than 5 and 15 more than 10 The lottery probability of the lottery means 100 is set so that the payout rate is higher.
[0079]
The symbol fluctuation control means 101 starts rotation of each symbol display reel 9 when receiving a winning combination signal, a thrown ball number signal, etc. from the lottery means 100 etc., and when the stop button 38 is operated, The rotation driving means 65 is controlled so that the corresponding symbol display reel 9 is stopped in a predetermined stop mode according to the winning combination, the number of thrown balls, the operation order of the stop button 38, and the like.
[0080]
The symbol variation display means 8 always monitors the rotational position of each symbol display reel 9 based on the reel rotation position signal from the reel rotation position detection means 49 and receives a signal indicating that the stop button 38 has been operated. Furthermore, the symbol display reel 9 corresponding to the stop button 38 is stopped at any position from the position at the time of operation of the stop button 38 to a position advanced by four symbols based on a preset reel control table. It is supposed to let you.
[0081]
The reel control table defines a final stop position for each rotation position when the stop button 38 is operated for each symbol display reel 9 for each winning combination, the number of thrown balls, and the operation order of the stop button 38. When the stop button 38 is operated within the range in which the winning combination can be drawn (up to 4 symbols before), the symbol display reels 9 are stopped in a manner in which the winning combinations are arranged in principle. Yes.
[0082]
If the stop button 38 is operated at a position where the winning combination cannot be drawn, the winning combination will naturally be missed. In this case, the bonus flags of the big bonus and the regular bonus are aligned. However, the small role flags such as bell, cherry, and replay disappear in that game.
[0083]
The stop symbol determination means 102 is a game that is stopped and displayed on the active line according to the game state based on the reel rotation position signal from the reel rotation position detection means 49 when all the symbol display reels 9 are stopped. It is used to determine whether or not the symbol mode is an effective mode, and the determination signal is transmitted to the payout control unit 103, the game state transition unit 104, and the like.
[0084]
For example, in the normal gaming state, whether or not the mode of the game symbol stopped on the active line is one of a big bonus mode, a regular bonus mode, a small role mode such as a bell or cherry, or a replay mode. If it is a combination game state, it is determined whether it is either a small combination mode or a bonus-in mode, and if it is a bonus game state, it is determined whether it is a JAC winning mode.
[0085]
When the replay mode is stopped and displayed on the active line in the normal game state, the stop symbol determination unit 102 transmits a signal to that effect to the game start permission unit 99 side. Based on the signal, the game start permission means 99 transmits a start permission signal for the next game to the lottery means 100 side without inserting a game ball. In this case, the input control means 97 controls the input buttons 34 and 35 not to be effective until the next game and its processing are completed.
[0086]
Based on the determination result of the stop symbol determination unit 102, the payout control unit 103 determines that a predetermined number of game balls according to the mode when the mode of the game symbol stopped and displayed on the active line is an effective combination To pay out.
[0087]
The payout control means 103 includes a credit means 106. When there is a margin in the number of credits (for example, a maximum of 250), in principle, the credit amount is added by the payout number, and when the credit number overflows, The payout means 39 is controlled so as to pay out the game ball to the upper plate 19 or the lower plate 20. Further, the payout control means 103 displays the number of game balls paid out (including the number added to the credit number) on the payout ball number display unit 30. Further, the credit means 106 decrements the number of credits by that amount when the insertion control means 97 performs a game ball insertion process by credit.
[0088]
The game state transition means 104 is for shifting the game state among the normal game state, the small role game state, and the bonus game state based on the determination result of the stop symbol determination means 102 and the like.
[0089]
For example, if the big bonus mode is stopped and displayed on the active line in the normal gaming state, the gaming state is shifted to the small role game state, and the regular bonus mode is displayed on the active line in the normal gaming state. Is stopped and displayed, the gaming state is shifted to the bonus game state. When the bonus-in mode is stopped and displayed on the active line in the small role game state, the gaming state is changed to the bonus game state. If the bonus-in mode is not stopped and displayed on the active line in the 30th game in the small role game state, the gaming state is shifted to the normal gaming state, and in the bonus game state, the bonus of 12 games If the game is digested or the mode per JAC is stopped 8 times on the active line, the number of remaining bonus games set and Depending on the over the number of arm, so as to transfer the gaming state to the normal game state or small prize game state.
[0090]
Note that the game state transition means 104 determines the number of small-distance game digest games (or the number of remaining games) in the small-game state, the number of winnings per JAC (or the number of remaining bonus games) in the bonus game state, etc. A winning number display section 29 is displayed.
[0091]
The control command transmission means 105 is for transmitting a control command to the effect control board 95 by one-way communication, and transmits a game ball insertion command based on the insertion of the game ball by operating the insertion buttons 34 and 35. A function, a function of transmitting a predetermined rotation start command corresponding to the winning combination based on the operation of the start lever 37, a function of transmitting a stop button operation command corresponding to each of the stop buttons 38 based on the operation of the stop button 38, stop A function of transmitting a stop symbol command based on the determination result of the symbol determination means 102, a function of transmitting a gaming state command based on the gaming state, and the like are provided.
[0092]
The effect control board 95 includes control command analysis means 107, effect display control means 108, lamp control means 109, sound control means 110, and the like, and is configured by a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like.
[0093]
The control command analysis means 107 is for receiving a control command from the main control board 94 side and analyzing its contents.
[0094]
The effect display control means 108 controls the display of the effect display means 7, and displays an image related to the game symbol variation display by the symbol display reel 9 based on the rotation start command, for example, depending on the game state. The effect image is displayed on the effect display means 7.
[0095]
The lamp control means 109 performs light emission control of the lamps 12 and 25 and the like. The lamp control means 109 controls the lamps 12 and 25 based on a game ball insertion command, a rotation start command, a stop button operation command, a stop symbol command, a game state command, and the like. Lights up, blinks, etc. in a predetermined pattern.
[0096]
The sound control means 110 is for controlling the sound output from the speaker 24, and based on a game ball throwing command, a rotation start command, a stop button operation command, a stop symbol command, a game state command, etc. A predetermined sound effect, music sound, and the like are output from.
[0097]
Next, the operation of the slot machine configured as described above will be described. At the start of the game, the player inserts a game ball by operating the maximum input button 34 or the unit input button 35 while the game ball is normally waiting in the standby unit 44 of the game ball input mechanism 23. Can do. Incidentally, the game ball can be made to wait on the standby unit 44 through the supply port 61 only by supplying the game ball to the upper plate 19.
[0098]
The insertion control means 97 confirms the number of game balls credited by the credit means 106 when a game ball is inserted. If there is a game ball credit, the insertion control means 97 preferentially performs internal processing from the credited game ball. In the following, a case where there is no credited game ball will be described.
[0099]
When the throw buttons 34 and 35 are operated, the throw control means 97 determines a predetermined game ball according to the presence / absence of a standby completion signal from the waiting ball number determination means 96, the type of the throw buttons 34 and 35 that have been operated, and the like. The game ball throwing mechanism 23 is controlled so as to be thrown in the number unit. In other words, the insertion control means 97 has the gaming ball insertion mechanism 23 so that the opening / closing member 46 of the insertion units 60a-60c is driven on condition that a predetermined number of game balls are waiting in the insertion units 60a-60c. To control the number of game balls in a predetermined number unit.
[0100]
For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, if 15 game balls are waiting in the standby unit 44, the number of standby ball number determination means 96 is based on the fact that all the detection means 49 detect the game balls. Since the standby completion signal is transmitted to all the insertion ports 47, if the maximum insertion button 34 is operated in that state, the insertion control means 97 opens the open / close members 46 of all the insertion units 60a-60c, Fifteen game balls are thrown from the slot 47.
[0101]
When the opening / closing member 46 is driven to the open state and the game ball is inserted in a state where the upper restricting portion 67 of the opening / closing member 46 restricts the subsequent game ball, the detection means 49 provided for each game ball The throwing ball counting means 98 counts the thrown balls based on the fact that the detection signal of the second shot is interrupted. For example, when all the opening / closing members 46 are driven to the open state, the detection signals of all 15 game balls are temporarily interrupted, so that 15 thrown balls are counted.
[0102]
When the counting by the throwing ball counting means 98 is completed, the throwing control means 97 drives the open / close member 46 which has been opened to the game ball throwing mechanism 23 to the closed state, and again by the game ball supplied from the upper plate 19. The waiting unit 44 waits for 15 game balls.
[0103]
If the throwing ball counting means 98 counts the thrown balls of the maximum throwable ball number for each gaming state, the operation of each throwing button 34, 35 until the game based on the thrown ball and its processing are completed. Is invalid.
[0104]
Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, when the unit insertion button 35 is operated in a state where 15 game balls are waiting in the standby unit 44, the insertion control means 97 has one of the input units 60a. The opening / closing member 46 of ˜60c (for example, the lower-side insertion portion 60a) is opened, and five game balls are inserted from the lower insertion port 47. Then, since the restricting portion 67 of the opening / closing member 46 restricts the subsequent game balls, the detection signal of the game balls for the five game balls is interrupted, and the throwing ball counting means 98 counts the number of throwing balls as five.
[0105]
When the counting by the throwing ball counting means 98 is completed, the game ball throwing mechanism 23 drives the one opening / closing member 46 which has been opened to the closed state, adds the game balls supplied from the upper plate 19 and waits again. The unit 44 waits for 15 game balls.
[0106]
Also, as shown in FIG. 12, when only 12 game balls are waiting in the standby unit 44, the standby ball number determination unit 96 determines whether the upper input unit 60c is based on the detection signal from the detection unit 49. Since the waiting completion signal is not transmitted, if the maximum closing button 34 is operated in this state, the closing control means 97 opens only the open / close members 46 of the lower and intermediate closing portions 60a and 60b having the waiting completion signal. The game ball throwing mechanism 23 is controlled so as to be driven, and ten game balls are thrown. Incidentally, when all the waiting balls are less than the predetermined number (5), the insertion control means 97 does not operate the game ball insertion mechanism 23 regardless of which of the operation buttons 34 and 35 is operated.
[0107]
When only 12 game balls are on standby as described above, the standby ball number display unit 31 is controlled by the standby ball number determination unit 96 so that, for example, a predetermined number of game balls are not on standby. In order to display the number of standby balls (2) of the input unit 60c, two lamps are lit and displayed. Thereby, it is possible to check the number of game balls that the player lacks.
[0108]
In addition, if the number of game balls that have already been thrown (the number of balls already thrown in) is less than the maximum number of balls that can be thrown (for example, 5 or 10) and the throw buttons 34 and 35 are operated, throw control means In 97, a new game ball is thrown on condition that the sum of the number of already thrown balls does not exceed the maximum throwable ball number. For example, when the maximum input button 34 is operated in this state, even if there is a standby completion signal for all the input units 60a-60c, the opening / closing member 46 is opened for one or two input units 60a-60c. It is driven to the state, and game balls are thrown in by the difference (5 or 10) between the maximum throwable ball number and the already thrown ball number.
[0109]
When the throwing ball counting means 98 counts the throwing balls based on the signal from the detection means 49 and transmits the throwing ball number signal to the game start permission means 99, the game start permission means 99 is a predetermined number or an integral multiple thereof ( Based on the insertion of five, ten, or fifteen) game balls, a game start permission signal, a throw ball number signal, and the like are transmitted to the lottery means 100. The throwing ball counting means 98 displays the throwing ball number on the throwing ball number display unit 27 in a predetermined number unit based on the counted throwing ball number.
[0110]
The lottery means 100 validates the operation of the start lever 37 on condition that the start permission signal is received, and when there is an operation, the lottery means 100 draws the winning combination according to the operation timing, the game state, the number of thrown balls, etc. Is performed by random lottery or the like, and the winning combination signal, the throwing ball number signal, and the like are transmitted to the symbol variation control means 101. For example, during a normal game, a big bonus, a regular bonus, a bell, a cherry, a replay, a lose, etc. are drawn.
[0111]
The symbol variation control means 101 controls the rotation driving means 10 to rotate the symbol display reel 9 on condition that the winning combination signal, the throwing ball number signal, etc. are received. The symbol variation control means 101 monitors the rotation position of each symbol display reel 9 based on the reel rotation position signal from the reel rotation position detection means 11, and if there is an operation of the stop button 38 during the rotation of the symbol display reel 9, Corresponding to the operated stop button 38 based on a reel control table determined in advance according to the rotational position of the symbol display reel 9 at the time of operation, the winning combination, the number of thrown balls, the operation order of the stop button 38, etc. The symbol display reel 9 to be stopped is stopped.
[0112]
If the stop button 38 is operated within the range in which the winning combination can be drawn (within 4 symbols), when all of the symbol display reels 9 are stopped, the effective mode of the game symbol corresponding to the winning combination is Is displayed on the active line. Also, if a winning combination is missed, if it is a bonus flag for big bonus and regular bonus, it will be carried over to the subsequent game until its mode is displayed, but small role flags such as bell, cherry, replay, etc. Delete with.
[0113]
If all of the symbol display reels 9 are stopped, the stop symbol determination means 102 displays the game symbol stopped and displayed on the active line according to the gaming state based on the reel rotation position signal from the reel rotation position detection means 49. It is determined whether or not the mode is an effective mode, and the determination signal is transmitted to the payout unit 39, the game state transition unit 104, and the like.
[0114]
For example, in the case of the normal game state, the stop symbol determining means 102 is any one of a big bonus mode, a regular bonus mode, a small bonus mode such as a bell and cherry, and a replay mode. It is determined whether or not.
[0115]
When the replay mode is stopped and displayed on the active line in the normal game state, the stop symbol determination means 102 transmits a signal to that effect to the game start permission means 99, and the game start permission means 99 Based on the signal, a start permission signal for the next game is transmitted to the lottery means 100 side without a game ball being inserted.
[0116]
Based on the determination signal from the stop symbol determination unit 102, the payout control unit 103, when the game symbols stopped and displayed on the active line is an effective combination, a predetermined number of game balls according to the mode Pay out. At this time, if there is a margin in the credit number of the credit means 106, the credit number is added by the payout number, and the payout means 39 is controlled so as to pay out the overflow amount to the upper plate 19 or the lower plate 20. Further, when the game ball is paid out, the payout control means 103 displays the payout number (including the amount added to the credit number) on the payout ball number display unit 30.
[0117]
When the game state transition means 104 receives the determination signal of the stop symbol determination means 102, the game state transition means transitions between the normal game state, the small role game state, and the bonus game state based on the determination. .
[0118]
For example, when the big bonus mode is stopped and displayed on the active line in the normal gaming state, the gaming state is shifted to the small role game state. In the small role game state, the game state transition means 104 counts the number of digested games and displays the number of digested games (or the number of remaining games) on the winning combination winning number display unit 29.
[0119]
In the small role game state, the lottery state of the winning combination by the lottery means 100 is different from the normal game state, and for example, a bell, cherry, bonus-in, lose, etc. are drawn. As a result of the lottery, when the winning of the bell, cherry, and lose is won, the same control as in the normal gaming state is performed.
[0120]
When the bonus-in is won by the lottery means 100 lottery in the small role game state, the rotation variation control means rotates so that the bonus-in mode is stopped and displayed on the active line based on the reel control table. The drive means 10 is controlled. If the bonus-in mode is stopped and displayed on the active line, the stop symbol determination means 102 transmits a signal indicating that to the gaming state transition means 104, and the gaming state transition means 104 indicates the gaming state based on the signal. Transition to the bonus game state. If 30 small-games are consumed and the bonus-in mode is not stopped and displayed in the game, the game is shifted to the normal game state even if the 3 bonus games are not consumed.
[0121]
In the bonus game state, since the maximum number of balls that can be thrown is set to a predetermined number (5), the throwing control means 97 is the maximum when 10 or more game balls are waiting in the game ball throwing mechanism 23. Even when the throw button 34 is operated, only the opening / closing member 46 of one throwing portion 60a to 60c (for example, the throwing portion 60a on the lower side) is driven to the open state, and a predetermined number (5) of game balls are drawn. throw into.
[0122]
In the bonus game state, the lottery means 100 performs a lottery for JAC. If the lottery result is per JAC, the rotation variation control means controls the rotation driving means 10 so that the per-JAC mode is stopped and displayed on the effective line based on the reel control table.
[0123]
When the JAC hit mode is stopped and displayed on the active line, the stop symbol determination means 102 transmits a signal to that effect to the payout control means 103, and the payout control means 103 has 75 gaming balls based on the signal. The payout means 39 is controlled so as to pay out.
[0124]
Also, in the bonus game state, the game state transition means 104 counts the number of bonus game digested games and the number of winnings per JAC, etc., and ends the bonus game by digesting 12 bonus games or winning 8 times per JAC. Let At that time, if it is the first or second bonus game state and there is a remaining small role game number, the game shifts to the small role game state again and digests the third bonus game state or small role game for 30 games. Sometimes it is shifted to the normal gaming state.
[0125]
As described above, when the big bonus mode is displayed on the active line in the normal gaming state and the big bonus game is started, for example, about 2000 game balls can be expected to be acquired.
[0126]
In addition, when the regular bonus mode is stopped and displayed on the active line in the normal gaming state, the gaming state transition means 104 shifts the gaming state to the bonus game state. This bonus game state is limited to one time, and the game is shifted to the normal game state after the bonus game of 12 games is digested or eight times per JAC.
[0127]
As described above, when the regular bonus mode is stopped and displayed on the active line in the normal gaming state and the regular bonus is started, for example, about 600 game balls can be expected to be acquired.
[0128]
Further, when a game ball is thrown by operating the throw buttons 34 and 35 (or when the throw ball counting means 98 counts the throw balls), when the start lever 37 is operated, and when the stop button 38 is operated. When all of the symbol display reels 9 are stopped, or when the game state is shifted by the game state shift means 104, the control command transmission means 105 has a game ball insertion command, rotation start command, stop button operation command, stop Control commands such as symbol commands and game state commands are transmitted to the effect control board 95 as needed.
[0129]
On the production control board 95 side, the control command received by the control command analysis unit 107 is analyzed, and in accordance with the command, the production display control unit 108, the lamp control unit 109, and the voice control unit 110 are the production display unit 7 and the lamp, respectively. 12, 25, the production by the speaker 24 and the like are controlled.
[0130]
For example, the effect display control means 108 draws the contents of the effect by random lottery based on the winning combination by the lottery means 100, and displays an image or the like on the effect display means 7 based on the lottery result. A predetermined image or the like according to the game state is displayed on the effect display means 7.
[0131]
Further, the lamp control means 109, for example, blinks the lamps 12 and 25 when a game ball is paid out based on a stop symbol command, or sets the lamps 12 and 25 in a predetermined pattern according to the gaming state. It is designed to blink.
[0132]
For example, the sound control unit 110 generates a production sound from the speaker 24 in accordance with the production by the production display unit 7, or generates a predetermined music from the speaker 24 during the big bonus game, for example, according to the gaming state. It has become.
[0133]
As described above, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a plurality of game balls arranged in a row in the standby unit 44 are inserted into the insertion port 47 provided on the long side of the standby unit 44 corresponding to the plurality of game balls. Therefore, the game ball throwing mechanism 23 for throwing in the direction crossing the row direction is provided, so that a plurality of game balls can be thrown almost simultaneously.
[0134]
Further, since a plurality of detecting means 49 for detecting the game balls waiting in the standby unit 44 are provided for each game ball, the number of the waiting game balls can be detected quickly and reliably, and the counting of the thrown balls is also performed substantially simultaneously. It can be done quickly and reliably. In addition, an abnormality such as a clogged game ball in the standby unit 44 can be reliably detected.
[0135]
Therefore, the insertion and detection of a plurality of game balls can be performed much faster than those exemplified in the prior art, and the interval time between games, the operation of the input buttons 34 and 35, and the start of the game are required. Time can be significantly reduced.
[0136]
A waiting ball number determining unit 96 for determining whether or not a predetermined number of gaming balls are waiting in the waiting unit 44 based on an output from the detecting unit 49 that detects the gaming balls waiting in the waiting unit 44; Since it is provided with an insertion control means 97 for operating the game ball insertion mechanism 23 on condition that a predetermined number of game balls are waiting, for example, a game is played based on the input of a predetermined number of game balls. When possible, it is possible to prevent a less than a predetermined number of game balls from being thrown in advance.
[0137]
The game ball throwing mechanism 23 includes a plurality of throwing portions 60 a to 60 c for throwing a predetermined number of gaming balls in series, and each of the throwing portions 60 a to 60 c is arranged in a row in the standby portion 44. The game balls are configured to be input in a direction intersecting the row direction from the input port 47 provided on the long side of the standby unit 44 corresponding to a predetermined number of game balls. It is possible to quickly and surely add in units of pieces.
[0138]
Since the opening / closing member 46 for opening / closing the insertion port 47 and the driving means 65 for driving the opening / closing member 46 to open / close are provided, the game ball is not erroneously inserted from the insertion port 47 even if there is vibration or the like. .
[0139]
The insertion port 47 is provided below the standby unit 44, and the opening / closing member 46 is driven to open / close in the width direction of the standby unit 44 by the driving means 65. In addition, the required drive dimension of the opening / closing member 46 can be reduced.
[0140]
The standby unit 44 is provided in an inclined shape so that the supply side of the game ball is high, and the opening / closing member 46 is provided with a regulation unit 67 for stopping the subsequent game ball when it is in the open state. Can be reliably inserted, and the number of inserted balls can be reliably detected and counted.
[0141]
FIG. 13 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention. The game ball throwing mechanism 23 of this embodiment has a plurality of game balls arranged in a row in the standby unit 44 and is inserted into the slot 114 provided on the long side of the standby unit 44 corresponding to the plurality of game balls. From, it is thrown sideways that intersects the column direction.
[0142]
The standby unit 44 is provided on the front case 42 side, and for example, the rear side is a loading port 114 that opens over substantially the entire length. A bottom surface 115 is formed in an inclined shape so that the inlet 114 side is lowered. On the rear case 43 side, an opening / closing member 116 for opening and closing the insertion port 114 is provided so as to be movable up and down, and the opening / closing member 116 is driven between a closed state and an open state by a driving means 117.
[0143]
As in the first embodiment, for example, a plurality (three) of the opening / closing members 116 are provided for each of the input portions 60a to 60c into which a predetermined number (5) of game balls can be input. The driving means 117 is attached to, for example, a mounting portion 118 that protrudes upward from the rear case 43.
[0144]
At the upper end of each open / close member 116, a restricting portion 119 is provided to stop the subsequent game ball when raised to the open state, as in the first embodiment. In addition, the opening / closing member 116 is formed with a notch 120 corresponding to each detecting means 49 so as to allow light emitted from the light emitting portion 82 to pass therethrough. In the present embodiment, the lower side of the game ball waiting by the detection means 49 is detected. Others are configured in substantially the same manner as the first embodiment, for example.
[0145]
The game ball throwing mechanism 23 of the present invention may be configured in this way. In this embodiment, the opening and closing member 116 is opened and closed in the vertical direction, and the driving means 117 is disposed above the opening and closing member 116, so that the entire width (for example, the dimension in the front and rear direction) of the game ball insertion mechanism 23 is compact. Can be.
[0146]
FIG. 14 illustrates a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, an insertion port 114 is provided on the lateral side (for example, the rear side) of the standby unit 44, and an opening / closing member 122 that opens and closes the insertion port 114 is, for example, an upper rotating shaft 125. It is designed to open and close around.
[0147]
That is, the opening / closing member 122 is provided at a horizontal bar-shaped pressing portion 123 that presses the approximate center of the game ball in the vertical direction, and is connected to the driving shaft 69 of the driving means 131, for example, at the approximate center in the longitudinal direction of the pressing portion 123. And a fan-shaped connecting portion 124, which is inserted by the vicinity of the center of the fan and is rotated by a vertical driving means 131 around a rotation shaft 125 which is fixed to the rear case 43 near the upper side of the inlet 114. It is designed to be driven.
[0148]
For example, the upper end of the driving means 131 is attached to the attachment portion 118 of the rear case 43 so as to be rotatable around the rotation shaft 132.
[0149]
The opening / closing member 122 of the present embodiment is also provided in plural (three) for each of the input portions 60a to 60c into which a predetermined number (5) of game balls can be inserted. The end portion is provided with a restricting portion 126 that stops the subsequent game ball when it is in the open state.
[0150]
In this embodiment, the light emitting unit 82 and the light receiving unit 83 of the detection unit 49 are provided on the upper substrate 133 and the lower substrate 134 mounted on the front case 42 above and below the standby unit 44, for example. The part 82 and the light receiving part 83 are configured to detect the opposite side of the game ball insertion port 114 (injection direction).
[0151]
The game ball throwing mechanism 23 may be configured in this way, and in this case as well, it is possible to achieve substantially the same effect as the other embodiments.
[0152]
FIG. 15 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The detection means 49 of this embodiment includes a standby ball detection means 127 that detects a game ball that has been waited by the standby section 44, and a throw-in ball detection means 128 that detects a game ball thrown from the slot 47. . The standby ball detection means 127 is configured in substantially the same manner as the detection means 49 of the first embodiment.
[0153]
The throwing ball detection means 128 is configured by, for example, a proximity switch, and is provided in a plurality (for example, fifteen) for each game ball waiting in the waiting unit 44. When the opening / closing member 46 is opened, the throwing port is opened. A plurality of game balls thrown from 47 are detected for each game ball.
[0154]
The throwing ball counting means 98 may be configured to count the throwing balls based on the detection signal of the throwing ball detection means 128, but for example, compared with the detection signal from the waiting ball number detection means 127, An error signal may be output when a contradiction occurs between the detection signals. In that case, an abnormality, a failure, an illegal act, or the like of the game ball throwing mechanism 23 can be detected at an early stage.
[0155]
FIG. 16 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, in order to keep the opening / closing member 46 once driven open until the number of thrown balls is less than the maximum throwable number of balls and the game is started, the throw control means 97 controls the game ball throwing mechanism 23.
[0156]
For example, when the unit throw button 35 is operated while 15 game balls are waiting in the waiting unit 44 of the game ball throwing mechanism 23, the throw control unit 97 controls the lower throwing unit 60a. The opening / closing member 46 is driven to the open state. At this time, if the opening / closing member 46 is returned to the closed state after the game ball is normally inserted, it is necessary to wait for the game ball in the input unit 60a, and the game ball cannot be input during that time. .
[0157]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, after the predetermined number of game balls are thrown from the throwing unit 60a on the lower side, for example, based on the operation of the unit throw button 35, if the thrown number is less than the maximum thrown number, throw control is performed. The means 97 keeps the opening / closing member 46 of the insertion portion 60a open (b), and when the unit insertion button 35 is operated again, for example, the opening / closing member 46 of the intermediate insertion portion 60b is opened. To a predetermined number of game balls (c).
[0158]
If the throwing ball number is still less than the maximum throwable ball number, the opening and closing members 46 of the lower and middle throwing portions 60a and 60b are kept open (c), and the unit throwing button 35 is operated again. When there is, for example, the opening / closing member of the throwing-in portion 60c on the upper side is driven to open a predetermined number of game balls (d).
[0159]
In this way, even when the unit insertion button 35 is continuously operated, the game ball can be quickly inserted. In addition, you may change suitably the order of the insertion parts 60a-60c which open | release the opening-and-closing member 46. FIG.
[0160]
When the number of thrown balls reaches the maximum throwable number of balls, no more game balls can be thrown in, so all the opening / closing members 46 are returned to the closed state (e), and all the throwing units 60a-60c are returned. The game ball is placed on standby to prepare for the next game. Even if the number of balls that can be thrown is less than the maximum, when the game is started, all the opening and closing members 46 are returned to the closed state (e), and all the throwing units 60a to 60c are made to wait for the game balls. Prepare for the next game.
[0161]
In the control of the present embodiment, the case where the unit insertion button 35 is operated has been described. However, the maximum insertion button 34 is operated in a state where the number of standby balls is less than the maximum number of balls that can be inserted, and the maximum number of balls that can be inserted. The same control is possible when less than less than game balls are inserted.
[0162]
As described above, in this embodiment, the opening / closing member 46 once driven to open is held in the open state until the number of inserted balls is less than the maximum possible number of balls and the game is started. Therefore, the game ball can be quickly inserted when the input buttons 34 and 35 are operated next time.
[0163]
As mentioned above, although each embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.
[0164]
The game ball throwing mechanism 23 of the embodiment includes three throwing portions 60a to 60c capable of throwing five game balls as a predetermined number, but the predetermined number may be at least plural, and is limited to five. It may not be provided, and may include one, two, or four or more input portions 60a to 60c.
[0165]
For example, in a gaming machine configured to be able to start a game on condition that the same predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are always inserted, the game ball insertion mechanism 23 has 15 games. You may provide only one input part 60a-60c which can input a ball | bowl. In other words, in the embodiment, the gaming machine insertion mechanism 23 includes the three opening / closing members 46, 116, and 122 corresponding to the insertion portions 60a to 60c, but the gaming ball insertion mechanism 23 has, for example, 15 games. It may be provided with only one opening / closing member 46, 116, 122 corresponding to the sphere.
[0166]
In the embodiment, the value corresponding to a medal, which is another game medium of the slot machine, is exemplified as a case where a predetermined number of game balls is set to five. May be set.
[0167]
The game ball throwing mechanism 23 exemplified in each embodiment is configured to throw game balls through throwing ports 47 and 114 formed on the lower side or the lateral side of the row-like standby portion 44. If it is possible to throw the game balls waiting in 44 at the same time or quickly, the game balls may be thrown upward, obliquely, etc. intersecting the row direction of the game balls.
[0168]
In the embodiment, the belt type using the display belt 15 is illustrated as the symbol display reel 9 of the variation display means 8, but a drum type symbol display reel 9 can also be used. In addition to using the mechanical symbol display reel 9, for example, the fluctuation display means 8 may be constituted by a liquid crystal display means, and the symbol display reel 9 may be variably displayed by the liquid crystal image.
[0169]
Further, in the embodiment, three symbol display reels 9 are provided, but two or four or more may be provided. In addition, the setting of the effective line with respect to the number of inserted balls can be changed as appropriate, and a maximum of 3 lines, 7 lines, etc. may be effective.
[0170]
Moreover, although the game ball insertion mechanism 23 of the embodiment includes a plurality of input units 60a to 60c in series, for example, the input unit 60a to 60c includes a plurality of input units 60a to 60c in parallel. Alternatively, the game balls may be supplied from the upper plate 19 in order.
[0171]
In the embodiment, the game ball waiting in the standby unit 44 is detected by the non-contact detection unit 49 (standby ball detection unit 127), but it is detected for each game ball by the contact type switch. May be. The same applies to the throwing ball detection means 128.
[0172]
In the embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine using a game ball as a game medium is illustrated, but the game machine of the present invention includes a game ball throwing mechanism 23 for throwing a plurality of game balls. In addition to the slot machine, for example, a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball, a sparrow ball game machine, or a game machine in which a game ball is encapsulated can be applied.
[0174]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention provides a standby unit 44 that is provided with a high slope on the supply port 61 side and can wait for a plurality of game balls flowing in from the supply port 61 in a line, and the game balls in the standby unit 44 are In a gaming machine including a game ball throwing mechanism 23 that throws in a direction crossing the row direction via throwing ports 47 and 114 provided along the standby unit 44, the game ball throwing mechanism 23 is provided in the standby unit 44. A plurality of input portions 60 a to 60 c that can simultaneously input a predetermined number of consecutive game balls waiting at a time are provided in series along the standby portion 44. Opening / closing members 46, 116, 122 for opening / closing the inlets 47, 114 and driving means 65, 117, 131 for opening / closing the opening / closing members 46, 116, 122 are provided corresponding to the respective input portions 60a-60c. The upstream and downstream ends of the opening / closing members 46, 116, and 122 are integrally provided with restricting portions 67, 119, and 126 that stop the subsequent game balls, and the opening / closing members 46, 116, and 122 are driven by driving means 65, 117, and 131. When is opened, a predetermined number of game balls waiting in the standby unit 44 corresponding to the input units 60a to 60c flow down to the input ports 47 and 114 substantially simultaneously due to their own weight. Further, when the opening / closing members 46, 116, 122 are in the closed state, the restriction portions 67, 119, 126 are located outside the standby portion 44, and when the opening / closing members 46, 116, 122 are in the open state, Part 67,119,126 is configured to regulate the stream of subsequent game ball in the standby unit 44 Therefore, the game balls can be thrown in quickly and reliably in a plurality of predetermined number units.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine main body showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the gaming machine main body showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the gaming machine main body showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the game ball throwing mechanism showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the game ball throwing mechanism showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a rear view when the rear cover of the game ball throwing mechanism showing the first embodiment of the present invention is removed.
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the game ball throwing mechanism showing the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the opening / closing member is closed.
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the game ball throwing mechanism showing the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the opening / closing member is in an open state.
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the game ball throwing mechanism showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a control system showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of control of the opening / closing member when the game ball is inserted, showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of control of the opening / closing member when the game ball is inserted, showing the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of a game ball throwing mechanism showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of a game ball throwing mechanism showing a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of a game ball throwing mechanism showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of control of the opening / closing member when a game ball is thrown according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
23 game ball throwing mechanism
44 Standby section
46 Opening and closing member
47 slot
49 Detection means
60a-60c input part
65 Drive means
67 Regulatory Department
96 Waiting ball number judging means
97 Input control means
98 Throwing ball counting means
99 Game start permission means
114 slot
116 Opening and closing member
117 Driving means
119 Regulatory Department
122 Opening and closing member
126 Regulatory Department
131 Driving means

Claims (1)

A standby part (44) provided with a high inclination on the supply port (61) side and capable of waiting a plurality of game balls flowing in from the supply port (61) in a line, and in the standby part (44) In a gaming machine equipped with a game ball throwing mechanism (23) for throwing a game ball in a direction crossing the row direction through a slot (47) (114) provided along the standby section (44) The game ball throwing mechanism (23) has the throwing units (60a) to (60c) capable of throwing a predetermined number of consecutive game balls waiting in the waiting unit (44) substantially simultaneously. 44), and a plurality of open / close members (46), (116), and (122) that open and close the inlets (47) and (114), and open and close the open / close members (46), (116), and (122). Driving means (65) (117) (131) for driving Restricting portions (67), (119), and (126) that are provided corresponding to the portions (60a) to (60c) and stop subsequent game balls on the upstream end side of the opening / closing members (46), (116), and (122). When the opening and closing members (46), (116), and (122) are opened by driving of the driving means (65), (117), and (131), the input portions (60a) to (60c) are provided. The predetermined number of game balls waiting in the waiting portion (44) correspondingly to the loading portion (47) (114) are caused to flow substantially simultaneously to the insertion port (47) (114) by the dead weight, and the opening / closing member When the (46), (116), and (122) are in the closed state, the restricting portions (67), (119), and (126) are located outside the standby portion (44), and the opening / closing members (46), (116), and (122) ) Is open, the restricting portion (67 (119) (126) is a game machine, characterized in that it is configured to regulate the stream of subsequent game balls within said standby unit (44).

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