JP4954529B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that uses a game medium to play a game.

A gaming machine such as a slot machine that plays games using game media such as medals (including coins) includes a medal sorting device that can determine the authenticity of medals. In this medal sorting device, a pair of medal detection light sensors for detecting the passage of medals are arranged in parallel along the moving direction of the medals in a medal passage following a medal insertion portion into which medals are inserted. When the passage of medals is detected, the number of credits (the number of medals that electrically stores the number of medals inserted into the medal insertion unit) is incremented by counting the detection signals (for example, patents). Reference 1).
JP 2002-248210 A

  However, in the gaming machine as described above, the medal detects the medal detection light sensor by flashing the LED in a state where an unauthorized device having an LED or the like attached to the transparent celluloid plate is inserted into the medal passage from the medal insertion portion. There is a risk of fraudulent behavior that creates the same situation as it has passed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of reliably discriminating fraud especially when an unauthorized device is inserted into a game medium passage. .

According to the present invention, the above problem is solved as follows.
In a gaming machine capable of playing a game by inserting the game medium into the game medium input unit, the game medium path for guiding the game medium input into the game medium input unit into the game machine, and the game medium channel An upstream sensor and a downstream sensor arranged in parallel along the moving direction of the game medium capable of detecting the game medium to be detected in the first detection area along the moving direction of the gaming medium and outputting the first detection signal. Including a first game medium detection sensor and a game medium detected by the first game medium detection sensor in a second detection area wider than the first detection area and including the first detection area. A second game medium detection sensor capable of outputting a second detection signal having a width corresponding to the width of the second detection area and detecting the passage of the game medium but not reacting to LED point-down; and the second the game medium detection sensor Within the period of outputting one of said second detection signal, when the upstream sensor and the downstream sensor of the first game medium detection sensor respectively output a first detection signal of a single, normal game It is determined that the medium has passed, and the upstream sensor and the downstream sensor of the first game medium detection sensor are within the period during which the second game medium detection sensor outputs a single second detection signal, respectively. And a control unit that determines that an abnormality occurs when a plurality of the first detection signals are output.

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
The upstream side sensor and the downstream side sensor of the first gaming medium detection sensor each output a plurality of first detection signals during the period in which the second gaming medium detection sensor outputs a single second detection signal. Based on the above, it is possible to reliably discriminate fraud.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine (slot machine) to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine with a front door opened. In the following description, the front side of the page in FIG. 1, the lower left side in FIG. 2 is “front or front”, the rear side in FIG. 1, and the upper right side in FIG. 2 is “back or back”. The left side in FIG. 1 and the upper left in FIG. 2 are “left”, the right in FIG. 1 and the lower right in FIG. 2 are “right”.

  The gaming machine (1) uses a disk-shaped medal (including coins) as a game medium, and a medal slot (game medium slot) provided on the front right side of the front door (3) in the housing (2). By putting in (4), a game as described later is played.

  In the present embodiment, the gaming machine (1) is described as a slot machine in which the game medium is a medal (including coins). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the gaming machine (1) It may be a pachinko machine or slot machine in which the game medium is a pachinko ball.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the housing (2), there are three rotary reels (5) on the outer peripheral surface on which the identification information composed of a plurality of types of symbols, numbers, etc. is drawn, Based on the commands of the hopper unit (6) capable of storing and paying out medals, the main control board (control means) (7) for overall control of the entire game, and the main control board (7), the front door (3 ), A liquid crystal display unit (31) that can display various game information and effects, a speaker (32) that generates sound effects, a lamp (33) that enhances effect effects by light (see FIG. 1), etc. A sub-control board (8) capable of outputting a control signal and a power supply device (9) for supplying power to the main control board (7) and other electric devices are accommodated.

  As shown in FIG. 1, on the front surface of the front door (3), there is a game information display section (34) through which the game information and effects displayed on the liquid crystal display unit (31) can be seen through, and each rotary reel (5). The identification information display part (35) through which three pieces of identification information can be seen through, and the number of medals paid out and credits displayed on the middle board (3a) (see FIG. 2) provided on the back surface of the front door (3) An information display section (36) through which various information such as numbers can be seen through, the medal insertion section (4) into which medals are inserted when playing a game, and medals inserted into the medal insertion section (4) are described later. A return button (3b) that is pushed in when the medal sorting device (10) is jammed, a switch operation unit (37) in which various switches are arranged, and a tray (39) that can receive medals are provided. ing.

  The number of credits is electrically stored in a memory provided on the main control board (7) such as the number of medals awarded as a prize when the game is won or the number of medals inserted into the medal insertion unit (4). The number of medals.

  The switch operation unit (37) includes a settlement switch button (40) which is operated when a medal in the credit state is settled, and a one-bet switch button which is operated when investing one credit state medal into the game one by one. (41), a MAX bet switch button (42) operated when investing the maximum number of three medals in the game, a start switch lever (43) operated when rotating each rotary reel (5), In addition, a stop switch button (44) operated to stop the rotation of each rotary reel (5) is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the front door (3), a medal that is located below the medal insertion part (4) and that can determine the authenticity of the medal inserted into the medal insertion part (4). Sorting device (10), medal shooter (20) for guiding true medals released from medal sorting device (10) into hopper unit (6), and fake medal discharged from medal sorting device (10) And a return duct (21) for guiding the to the medal tray (39) of the front door (3).

  In the game of the gaming machine (1), after the player inserts a medal into the medal insertion section (4), the number of medals bet is set by the single bet switch button (41) or the MAX bet switch button (42). The operation is started by operating the start switch lever (43) to rotate all the rotating reels (5).

  After a predetermined time has elapsed after the rotating reel (5) has rotated, the three stop switch buttons (44) are operated in sequence to stop the rotation of each rotating reel (5), and the stopped three rotating reels The combination of identification information in (5) determines the number of medals to be paid according to the presence / absence of a prize and the size of the prize. When winning, the credit number is incremented by a predetermined number of winnings. When the number of credits exceeds the limit number (for example, 50), the number of medals corresponding to the excess is paid out from the hopper unit (6) to the medal tray (39).

  3 is a rear view of the medal sorting device (10), FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the medal sorting device (10). The medal sorting device (10) includes a synthetic resin selector base (11) fixed to the back side of the front door (3), and an open / close guide plate (12) pivotally supported on the rear surface of the selector base (11). And a medal blocker (13).

  On the rear surface of the selector base (11), a substantially L-shaped medal passage (game medium passage) (14) for guiding the medal (M) inserted into the medal insertion portion (4) is formed. On the downstream side of the medal passage (14), a first medal detection sensor (first game medium detection sensor) (26) for detecting the passage of the medal (M) and a second medal detection sensor (second game medium detection sensor). ) (27) are provided in parallel. The width of the medal passage (14) is substantially equal to the diameter of the medal (M), and only the true medal (M) is guided.

  The first medal detection sensor (26) includes an upstream sensor (24) and a downstream sensor (25) arranged side by side along the movement direction of the medal (M), and follows the movement direction of the medal (M). The passage of the medal (M) is detected over the first detection area (L1) (see FIG. 5), and a first detection signal corresponding to the length of the first detection area (L1) is output.

  Upper and downstream sensors (24) and (25) are capable of receiving light emitted from upper and downstream light emitters (24a) and (25a) and upper and downstream light emitters (24a) and (25a). Each light receiver (24b) (25b) receives light emitted from each light emitter (24a) (25a). It is turned OFF when the light is emitted, and it is turned ON when the light emitted from each light emitter (24a) (25a) is blocked by the medal (M) moving in the medal passage (14).

  The second medal detection sensor (27) passes the medal (M) detected by the first medal detection sensor (26) wider than the first detection area (L1) and the first detection area (L1). The detection can be performed over the second detection area (L2) (see FIG. 5), and a second detection signal having a width corresponding to the length of the second detection area (L2) can be output. It is formed by a proximity sensor or a mechanical limit switch that reacts to the passage of (M) but does not react to the blinking of the LED attached to the unauthorized device.

  The true medal (M) inserted into the medal insertion unit (4) enters the medal passage (14) and is detected by the first and second medal detection sensors (26) and (27), and then the medal passage ( Guided by the medal chute (20) from the outlet (14a) of 14) and discharged into the hopper unit (6).

  The medal blocker (13) includes a solenoid (15) disposed on the front surface of the selector base (11), and a block pin (16) that can be moved into and out of the medal passage (14) following the operation of the solenoid (15). Is included.

  When the solenoid (15) is in the OFF (demagnetization) state, the block pin (16) is held at a protruding position that protrudes from the passage surface of the medal passage (14) by the urging force of a spring (not shown). The medal (M) inserted in the insertion portion (4) is blocked from passing, and when the solenoid (15) is in the ON (excited) state, the medal passage (14) is immersed against the biasing force of the spring. The medal (M) is allowed to pass by being held at the immersion position.

  The solenoid (15) is OFF-controlled when the gaming machine (1) is not in operation, when the number of credits reaches a limit, and when an error occurs in the gaming machine (1), and the gaming machine (1) ) Is ON and is controlled when a game is possible.

  The open / close guide plate (12) is pivotally attached to the selector base (11) by a pin (18) and urged toward the rear surface of the selector base (11) by a torsion spring (19). The medal (M) inserted into the medal insertion portion (4) is held in the closed position (solid line position shown in FIG. 4) where the rear side of the medal passage (14) is closed so that it does not fall from the medal passage (14). When the return button (3b) is pushed in, the medal passage (14) is swung to the open position (imaginary line position shown in FIG. 4) against the urging force of the torsion spring (19). The medal (M) jammed in the medal passage (14) is dropped from the medal passage (14).

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control circuit according to the present embodiment. The main control board (7) controls the entire game in a centralized manner, a CPU capable of executing control operations in a predetermined procedure, a ROM storing a CPU operation program, writing of necessary data and Based on the RAM that can be read, the detection signals output from the first and second medal detection sensors (26) and (27), the determination circuit unit that determines whether or not the normal medal has passed, and the determination circuit unit is normal A counter that counts the number of medals inserted into the medal insertion unit (4) when it is determined that the medal has passed is included.

  When the counter receives the first and second detection signals, the insertion medal counter can count up to the upper limit “3” using the first three medals (M) inserted in the medal insertion unit (4) as insertion medals. When the insertion medal counter counts and stores the upper limit “3”, when the first and second detection signals are received, the medal (M) inserted into the medal insertion unit (4) is used as a credit. It is divided into a credit counter that counts up to “50”. The count value of each counter is the sum of the insertion medal counter and the credit count.

  On the input port of the main control board (7), there are a settlement switch button (40), a single bet switch button (41), a MAX bet switch button (42), a start switch lever (43), a stop switch button (44), The first and second medal detection sensors (26) and (27) are connected, and the output port includes a hopper unit (6), a sub control board (8), and an external centralized management computer (50 installed in the gaming machine store). ), The solenoid (15) is connected. Further, the rotary reel motor (5a), the liquid crystal display unit (31), the speaker (32), and the lamp (33) for rotating the rotary reel (5) are connected to the output port of the sub control board (8). The

  The main control board (7) transmits a command to the sub control board (8) when an operation signal of the start switch lever (43) or the stop switch button (44) is received. When an operation signal for the single bet switch button (41) or the MAX bet switch button (42) is received, the counter is decremented according to the number of bets. In addition, when the settlement signal of the settlement switch button (40) is received, the hopper unit (6) can receive a number of medals corresponding to the number of credits stored in the memory from the hopper unit (6). Send a control signal. When a medal is discharged from the hopper unit (6), a discharge signal based on a sensor for detecting the discharge of the medal is transmitted to the main control board (7). Based on the discharge signal, the main control board (7) The counter value is decremented.

  The sub-control board (8) sends a control signal to the rotation control signal and stop control signal of the rotary reel motor (5a), and the control signal to the speaker (32) and lamp (33) based on the command of the main control board (7). Send.

  FIG. 7 shows a time chart of each detection signal in a normal state. When the medal (M) inserted into the medal insertion unit (4) enters and passes through the first and second detection ranges (L1) and (L2) of the first and second medal detection sensors (26) and (27), 2 Signal (A) for switching the medal detection sensor (27) from OFF to ON, Signal (B) for switching the upstream sensor (24) of the first medal detection sensor (26) from OFF to ON, downstream sensor (25) Is a signal for switching from OFF to ON (C), a signal for switching the upstream sensor (24) (D), a signal for switching the downstream sensor (25) from OFF to ON (E), a second medal detection sensor (27) is output in the order of the signal (F) for switching from ON to OFF. That is, the period during which the second medal detection sensor (27) outputs the second detection signal for a predetermined time and the second medal detection sensor (27) outputs the second detection signal (signal (A) ( F), the first medal detection sensor (26) outputs a first detection signal corresponding to the second detection signal, specifically, one first detection signal for one second detection signal. To do.

  As described above, the first and second medal detection sensors (26) and (27) are in the proper order (the order described above), and the second medal detection sensor (27) outputs the second detection signal. Within a period of time, a predetermined time or less (time (t1) between signals (A) and (B), time (t2) between signals (B) and (D), and between signals (C) and (E) The first medal detection sensor 26 (time t3), the time (t4) between the signals (E) and (F), and the time (t5) between the signals (A) and (F) are less than a predetermined time, respectively. ) Outputs a first detection signal corresponding to the second detection signal, it is determined that the medal has passed normally. If it is determined to be normal, the main control board (7) increments the counter when the second medal detection sensor (27) is switched from ON to OFF.

  8 to 11 show time charts of detection signals at the time of abnormality. In FIG. 8, the output order of the signals of the first and second medal detection sensors (26) and (27) is the same as in the normal case shown in FIG. 7, but the time (t11) between the signals (A) and (B) is the same. ) And the time (t41) between the signals (E) and (F) are not less than a predetermined time, and the time (t51) between the signals (A) and (F) is not less than the predetermined time, that is, the second medal sensor (27 ) Continuously output the second detection signal for a predetermined time or more, it is determined to be abnormal. In this state, for example, the second medal detection sensor (27) is inserted into the medal passage (14) so that the second medal detection sensor (27) is switched from OFF to ON, and the LED attached to the fraudulent instrument is blinked to blink the first medal. There is a possibility that fraudulent acts such as malfunctioning of the detection sensor (26) are performed.

  FIG. 9 shows that the second medal detection sensor (27) and the first medal detection sensor (26) are switched from OFF to ON in the order of the downstream sensors (24) and (25), and then the first medal detection sensor. The upstream sensor (24) of (26), the second medal detection sensor (27), and the downstream sensor (25) of the first medal detection sensor (26) are switched from ON to OFF in this order. In this case, the outputs of the signals (E) and (F) are not in the proper order, and after the second medal detection sensor (27) has finished outputting the second detection signal, that is, the second medal detection sensor (27 ) Does not output the second detection signal, it is determined that there is an abnormality based on the fact that the first medal detection sensor (26) outputs the first detection signal.

  FIG. 10 shows that when the second medal detection sensor (27) is OFF and the second detection signal is not output, the first medal detection sensor (26) outputs the first detection signal. Judge as abnormal. In this state, the first medal detection sensor (27) is inserted into the medal passage (14) so that the second medal detection sensor (27) does not switch from OFF to ON, and the LED attached to the fraudulent instrument is blinked. There is a possibility that an illegal act such as a malfunction of the medal detection sensor (26) may be performed.

  FIG. 11 shows that the first medal detection sensor (26) outputs a plurality of (three) first detection signals within a period in which the second medal detection sensor (27) is ON and the second detection signal is output. is doing. In this case, the output time of the second detection signal is longer than a predetermined time, the detection signals are not output in an appropriate order, and the first medal is within the period in which the second detection signal is output. That the detection sensor (26) has output a number of first detection signals that do not correspond to the second detection signals, specifically, for example, one second detection signal within a period during which the second detection signals are output. On the other hand, it is determined that there is an abnormality based on the output of a plurality (three) of the first detection signals. In this state, for example, the first medal is inserted by inserting an unauthorized instrument into the medal passage (14) so that the second medal detection sensor (27) is turned from OFF to ON, and the LED attached to the unauthorized instrument is blinked. There is a possibility that fraudulent acts such as malfunctioning of the detection sensor (26) are performed.

  When it is determined that the main control board (7) is abnormal, the solenoid (15) is controlled to be OFF and the block pin (16) is moved to the protruding position to block the passage of the medal (M). At the same time, an error signal is transmitted to the sub-control board (8) and the external centralized management computer (50) installed in the amusement store. Based on the error signal, the sub-control board (8) indicates that an error has occurred in at least one of the liquid crystal display unit (31), the speaker (32) and the lamp (33) provided in the gaming machine (1). A control signal that operates so as to be notified is transmitted. For example, the liquid crystal display unit (31) displays an error, the speaker (32) generates a sound effect different from that during the game, and the lamp (33) is different from that during the game. Lights up or flashes. Also, the external centralized management computer (50) informs the staff of the amusement store that it is in an abnormal state based on the error signal. Based on this notification, an attendant at the amusement store can easily find out that there is a risk of fraudulent activity.

It is a front view of a gaming machine to which the present invention is applied. It is a perspective view of the gaming machine with the front door opened. It is a rear view of a medal sorting device. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which follows the IV-IV line in FIG. It is a schematic diagram of a medal sorting device. It is a block diagram of a control circuit. It is a time chart figure of each detection signal at the time of normal. It is a time chart figure of each detection signal at the time of abnormality. It is a time chart figure of each detection signal at the time of abnormality. It is a time chart figure of each detection signal at the time of abnormality. It is a time chart figure of each detection signal at the time of abnormality.

(1) Pachislot machines
(2) Housing
(3) Front door
(3a) Central board
(3b) Return button
(4) Medal slot (game media slot)
(5) Rotating reel
(5a) Rotary reel motor
(6) Hopper unit
(7) Main control board (control means)
(8) Sub control board
(9) Power supply
(10) Medal sorting device
(11) Selector base
(12) Open / close guide plate
(13) Medal blocker
(14) Medal passage (game media passage)
(14a) Exit
(15) Solenoid
(16) Block pin
(18) Pin
(19) Torsion spring
(20) Medal Shoot
(21) Return duct
(24) Upstream sensor
(24a) Upstream light emitter
(24b) Upstream receiver
(25) Downstream sensor
(25a) Downstream light emitter
(25b) Downstream receiver
(26) First medal detection sensor (first game medium detection sensor)
(27) Second medal detection sensor (second game medium detection sensor)
(31) Liquid crystal display unit
(32) Speaker
(33) Lamp
(34) Game information display section
(35) Identification information display
(36) Information display section
(37) Switch operation section
(39) Medal tray
(40) Checkout switch button
(41) Single bet switch button
(42) MAX bet switch button
(43) Start switch lever
(44) Stop switch button
(M) Medals (game media)
(L1) First detection area
(L2) Second detection area

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine that allows gaming by inserting gaming media into the gaming media slot,
A game medium path for guiding the game medium input to the game medium input unit into the gaming machine;
An upstream sensor arranged side by side in the direction of movement of the game medium capable of detecting the game medium guided by the game medium path in a first detection region along the direction of movement of the game medium and outputting a first detection signal And a first game medium detection sensor including a downstream sensor;
The game medium detected by the first game medium detection sensor is detected in a second detection area that is wider than the first detection area and includes the first detection area, and the width of the second detection area is increased. A second game medium detection sensor capable of outputting a second detection signal having a corresponding width and detecting the passage of the game medium but not reacting to the reduction of the LED;
Within the period in which the second game medium detection sensor outputs a single second detection signal, each of the upstream sensor and the downstream sensor of the first game medium detection sensor has a single first detection. When the signal is output, it is determined that the normal game medium has passed, and the upstream of the first game medium detection sensor is within a period during which the second game medium detection sensor outputs a single second detection signal. A gaming machine comprising: a control unit that determines that an abnormality is detected when each of the side sensor and the downstream sensor outputs a plurality of the first detection signals.

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