JP2005288140A - Game machine operating device and game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine operating device which enables the eviction of the vicious persons which attempt to forcibly recognize the operation of the lever. <P>SOLUTION: A recessed part 43a2 in which the start lever 4 is positioned on the optical path of the light emitted from a light emitting part at the neutral position thereof to keep the light emitted from a light emitting part 51 from being reflected to a photodetecting part 52 and a spherical part 43a1 in which the start lever 4 is positioned on the optical path of the light emitted from the light emitting part 51 being inclined exceeding the prescribed angle circumferentially from the neutral position to reflect the light emitted from the light emitting part 51 are formed at the end part of the start lever 4. The photodetecting part 52 receives the light reflected on the spherical part 43a1 being emitted from the light emitting part 51 synchronizing the emission of the light emitting part 51 to demodulate it, thereby detecting the actual operation of the start lever 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine operating device that outputs an operation signal by a tilting operation of a lever, and a gaming machine using the gaming machine operating device.

  Conventionally, there is a slot machine as a gaming machine using this type of gaming machine operating device (for example, Patent Document 1). In a conventional general slot machine, after a coin is inserted into the insertion slot or a storage coin insertion switch is operated, the player tilts the lever constituting the gaming machine operating device. When the start switch detects this operation, the reels start to rotate all at once and the game is started. When a stop button arranged corresponding to each reel is operated, the rotation of each reel is stopped, and coins are paid out according to the winning content.

A conventional gaming machine operating device is attached to a slot machine main body so that a lever can be tilted up and down with a predetermined position as a fulcrum. The lever is fitted with a spring for biasing the lever to the neutral position, and is disposed on the end opposite to the lever to emit light toward the end, and the end of the end And a light receiving portion that receives the reflected light at the end of the light emitted from the light emitting portion.
JP 2000-51432 A

  However, since the above-described gaming machine operating device detects whether or not the lever is operated only by light reception by the light receiving unit or non-light reception, a light emitting element is inserted through a gap around the lever by an unauthorized person, and the light emission is performed. When the element blinks in the vicinity of the light receiving unit, it may be erroneously recognized that the lever has been operated. For this reason, in a slot machine, a predetermined winning combination is determined by operating a lever. Therefore, when there is a certain period in the process of drawing the predetermined winning combination, the inserted light emitting element is By blinking at a specific timing so as to synchronize with the certain period and erroneously recognizing the lever operation, there is a possibility that only a specific combination (for example, BB, RB, etc.) is targeted.

  Similarly, even when radio waves are emitted from the vicinity of the lever, the operation of the lever may be erroneously recognized due to the influence of the light receiver, so that the radio waves are synchronized with a certain period. There is a possibility that only a specific combination (for example, BB, RB, etc.) is aimed by being fired at a specific timing and misrecognizing the operation of the lever.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a gaming machine operating device and a gaming machine that can have a structure capable of eliminating an unauthorized person who forcibly recognizes a lever operation. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a lever (for example, start lever 4) in which an operation end is supported so as to be tiltable in the circumferential direction around the center of swing, and urges the lever to a neutral position. Urging means (e.g., compression coil spring 38) to be operated, and a light emitting unit (e.g., light emitting unit 51) that is disposed on the end opposite to the lever operation end and emits light toward this end And a light receiving portion (for example, a light receiving portion 52) that receives light reflected from the end portion of the light emitted from the light emitting portion, and is disposed at the end of the lever. Is located on the optical path of the emitted light from the light emitting portion at the neutral position, and the non-reflecting portion (for example, the recess 43a2) that does not reflect the emitted light from the light emitting portion to the light receiving portion, and the lever is predetermined in the circumferential direction from the neutral position On the optical path of the emitted light from the light emitting part when tilted more than the angle And a reflection part (for example, a spherical part 43a1) that reflects the light emitted from the light emitting part to the light receiving part. The light receiving part is emitted from the light emitting part and reflected in synchronization with the light emission of the light emitting part. It is characterized in that it is detected that the lever is operated by receiving and demodulating the light reflected by the unit.

  According to the present invention, when the lever is tilted by a predetermined angle or more in the circumferential direction from the neutral position, the light receiving unit emits the light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected by the reflecting unit in synchronization with the light emission of the light emitting unit. By receiving and demodulating the light, the gaming machine operating device and the gaming machine can have a structure that can eliminate an unauthorized person who forcibly recognizes the lever operation. In other words, even if the light receiving unit receives light from the light emitting unit, the operation of the lever is not detected unless the light is demodulated. Therefore, the gaming machine operating device and the gaming machine are more appropriately fraudulent than conventional devices. The structure can be eliminated.

  In the above invention, when the light receiving unit receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected by the reflecting unit, when the light receiving unit does not synchronize with the light emission of the light emitting unit, the state determining unit for determining that the state is abnormal ( For example, a control circuit) may be provided. In this case, even if the light emitting element inserted from the gap around the lever by the fraudulent person emits light in the vicinity of the light receiving portion disposed on the end portion opposite to the lever, the timing of the light emission is It does not synchronize with the light emission timing of the light emission part arrange | positioned at the part side. Then, the state determining unit detects that the light receiving unit does not synchronize with the light emission of the light emitting unit, and determines that the current state is abnormal, so that the gaming machine operating device and the gaming machine accurately identify the fraudster. Can be determined.

  In the above-mentioned invention, the lever whose operation end is supported so as to be tiltable in the circumferential direction around the swing center, the urging means for urging the lever to the neutral position, and the side opposite to the operation end of the lever A light emitting portion arranged on the side of the light emitting portion for emitting light, a light receiving portion arranged on the side of the end portion for receiving light emitted from the light emitting portion, and an end opposite to the operation end portion of the lever The lever is located between the light emitting part and the light receiving part at the neutral position, shields the light emitted from the light emitting part toward the light receiving part, and emits light when the lever is tilted by a predetermined angle or more in the circumferential direction. And a light-receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light-emitting unit toward the light-receiving unit. The light-receiving unit receives light emitted from the light-emitting unit in synchronization with light emission from the light-emitting unit and demodulates the light. By doing so, it may be detected that the lever has been operated. In addition, when the light receiving unit is receiving light emitted from the light emitting unit, a state determining unit that determines that the state is abnormal may be provided when the light receiving unit does not synchronize with the light emission of the light emitting unit.

  In the above-mentioned invention, the lever whose operation end is supported so as to be tiltable in the circumferential direction around the swing center, the urging means for urging the lever to the neutral position, and the side opposite to the operation end of the lever A light emitting part arranged on the side of the light emitting part to emit light toward the end part, and a light receiving part arranged on the side of the end part to receive reflected light at the end part of the light emitted from the light emitting part The light emitting unit emits light including an arbitrarily generated bit string, and the light receiving unit receives light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected by the reflecting unit, and the light includes a specific bit string. If it is, it may be determined that the lever has been operated. The light receiving unit includes a specific bit string in the light continuously received a predetermined number of times after the light that has been received from the light emitting part and reflected by the reflection unit is continuously received a predetermined number of times. If not included, it may be determined that the lever has been operated.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to have a structure that can eliminate an unauthorized person who forcibly recognizes the lever operation.

[First Embodiment]
Next, a description will be given of a first embodiment in which a gaming machine operating device according to the present invention is applied to a start device for starting a game in a slot machine.

  FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

  Three reels 11a, 11b, and 11c are rotatably provided behind the front panel 1a of the slot machine 1. A plurality of types of symbols are drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 11a to 11c, and three of them are observed through the display windows 12a, 12b, and 12c. The symbols drawn on the reel bands are illuminated on the display windows 12a to 12c by turning on the back lamps provided behind the reels 11a to 11c. Each of the reels 11a to 11c is rotated by the driving of the stepping motor, whereby the symbols drawn on the reel band are variably displayed on the display windows 12a to 12c. A plurality of winning lines 1La to 1Le are written in the display windows 12a, 12b, and 12c, and are activated when a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 19 or the BET switches 13a to 13c are operated.

  On the lower left side of the display windows 12a to 12c, a credit / payment changeover switch (C / P switch) 14 for switching the credit / payout of coins is provided. A start lever 4 for starting display of fluctuation in the display windows 12a to 12c is provided on the right side of the C / P switch 14, and further, change display on the display windows 12a, 12b, and 12c is stopped on the right side. Stop buttons 15a, 15b, 15c are provided. In addition, a sound transmission hole 16 for outputting sound generated from a speaker to the outside and a coin tray 18 for storing coins paid out from a coin payout opening 17 are provided at the lower front portion of the slot machine 1.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of the start device 2 including the start lever 4.

  The start device 2 includes a body 3 attached to the front panel 1a, a start lever 4 operated by a player, and a light emitting unit 51 and a light receiving unit 52 that detect the operation of the start lever 4 and output an operation signal. Prepare. The light emitting unit 51 and the light receiving unit 52 constitute a start switch 5 (see FIG. 5). When the start lever 4 is operated by the player, this lever operation is detected by the start switch 5, an operation signal is output, and the display windows 12a to 12c are displayed in a variable manner.

  The body 3 has a front receiving hole 3a at the front end face and a rear receiving hole 3b at the rear end face. An outer peripheral male screw portion 3c is formed on the outer peripheral surface from the front end portion to the center portion, and a flange 3d is formed along the peripheral edge portion of the front end surface. The outer peripheral male screw portion 3 c is for attaching the body 3 to the slot machine 1 by being screwed into a female screw hole formed in the front panel 1 a of the slot machine 1. The flange 3d abuts on the peripheral edge of the female screw hole formed in the front panel 1a of the slot machine 1, thereby restricting the screwing amount of the body 3 with respect to the front panel 1a and positioning the body 3 and the slot machine 1. Is to do.

  The start lever 4 is operated by the operator. The start lever 4 has a thick shaft portion 4a with a circular cross section at the front end side and a thin shaft portion 4b with a circular cross section with a smaller diameter than the thick shaft portion 4a at the rear end side, and a light guide member 43 on the rear end surface of the thin shaft portion 4b. Is installed and configured. The front housing hole 3a of the body 3 is for housing the thick shaft portion 4a of the start lever 4, and has a larger inner diameter than the thick shaft portion 4a. The rear housing hole 3b is for housing the thin shaft portion 4b of the start lever 4, and has a larger inner diameter than the thin shaft portion 4b.

  The thick shaft portion 4a is provided with a knob 4c attached to a tip portion of the thick shaft portion 4a, which is picked up by a player when the lever is operated, and a rubber cover 36 is externally fitted thereto. The rubber cover 36 is for alleviating the impact force generated by the collision between the thick shaft portion 4a and the inner surface of the front receiving hole 3a during the lever operation. In the thin shaft portion 4b, a bushing 37 for externally supporting the start lever 4 on the body 3 is fitted on the front end portion, and a compression coil spring 38 for urging the start lever 4 to the neutral position is on the rear end side. Is externally fitted. A screw hole 4e for screwing the light guiding member 43 is formed on the rear end surface of the thin shaft portion 4b.

  The front housing hole 3a and the rear housing hole 3b communicate with each other through a lever insertion hole 3e through which the thin shaft portion 4b of the start lever 4 is inserted, and a bushing holding surface 3f in which the bushing 37 is fitted and held. . The lever insertion hole 3e has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the thin shaft portion 4b of the start lever 4, and the bushing holding surface 3f is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the bushing 37 that is fitted on the thin shaft portion 4b of the start lever 4. It has a spherical shape that rubs.

  In the bushing 37, an internal fitting hole 37a into which the thin shaft portion 4b of the start lever 4 is fitted is formed from one end surface to the other end surface. Further, the outer peripheral surface of the bushing 37 has a spherical shape centered on one point O on the axis CL of the start lever 4. The bushing 37 is held by the bushing holding surface 3f, and on the bushing holding surface 3f in accordance with the tilting operation of the start lever 4 between the neutral state shown in FIG. 3A and the tilted state shown in FIG. 3B. The outer peripheral surface slides and rotates in the entire circumferential direction around a point O on the axis CL of the start lever 4 as the center of oscillation. In FIG. 3, the same parts as those in FIG. Accordingly, the start lever 4 is tiltable in the entire circumferential direction about the center point O.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the compression coil spring 38 includes a flange sleeve 39 that is externally fitted to the center portion of the thin shaft portion 4b and a flange sleeve 40 that is externally fitted to the rear end portion of the thin shaft portion 4b. It is fitted in a compressed state. In the flanged sleeve 39 and the flanged sleeve 40, the sleeve portion of the flanged sleeve 39 and the flanged portion of the flanged sleeve 40 are opposed to each other with the compression coil spring 38 interposed therebetween, and the start lever 4 is tilted. The expansion and contraction operation of the compression coil spring 38 is guided. When the start lever 4 is tilted as shown in FIG. 3B, the flanged sleeve 39 is pressed from the bottom surface of the rear housing hole 3b to move the thin shaft portion 4b to the rear end side, and the compression coil spring 38 is It is compressed along with this.

  By this compression, the compression coil spring 38 exerts an elastic force that presses the flanged sleeve 39 against the bottom surface side of the rear receiving hole 3b, and causes the flanged sleeve 39 to act against a tilt of the thin shaft portion 4b. As shown in FIG. 3A, the start lever 4 is held in the neutral position.

  The light guiding member 43 selectively guides the light emitted from the light emitting portion 51 to the light receiving portion 52 according to the tilting state of the start lever 4, and as shown in FIG. 4, the outer diameter of the thin shaft portion 4b. It comprises a disc body 43a having a larger outer diameter and a male screw portion 43b projecting from the back surface of the disc body 43a. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIGS. 2 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The light guiding member 43 constitutes the rear end surface of the start lever 4 by the male screw portion 43b being screwed to the female screw portion 4e on the rear end surface of the thin shaft portion 4b.

  On the surface of the disk body 43a, a spherical surface portion 43a1 having a spherical shape and a recessed portion 43a2 are provided.

  The spherical portion 43a1 has a spherical shape with a radius R around the center point O of the swinging operation of the start lever 4 in a state where the light guiding member 43 is screwed to the thin shaft portion 4b. Is the normal of this sphere. As shown in FIG. 4B, the spherical portion 43a1 is positioned on the optical path of the light emitted from the light emitting portion 51 when the start lever 4 is tilted by a predetermined angle or more, and emits the light emitted from the light emitting portion 51. A reflecting part that reflects to the light receiving part 52 is configured. The reflected light is reflected at the intersection of the spherical surface having the radius R and the axis CL with the incident angle and the reflection angle being equal.

  The concave portion 43a2 has a substantially hexagonal shape in plan view surrounded by the spherical surface portion 43a1, and has a shape into which the tip of a hexagon wrench can be fitted. In the neutral state of the start lever 4 shown in FIG. 4A, the recess 43a2 is positioned on the optical path of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 51, and does not reflect the light emitted from the light emitting unit 51 to the light receiving unit 52. Is configured.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the light emitting unit 51 and the light receiving unit 52 are installed in a case 7 attached to the rear end of the body 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the light emitting unit 51 causes the emitted light to enter the light guiding member 43 at a predetermined angle. The light receiving unit 52 receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit 51 and reflected by the light guiding member 43 and outputs an operation signal.

  FIG. 5 shows a circuit configuration including a control unit for controlling the game processing operation in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment and a peripheral device electrically connected thereto.

  The control unit includes a microcomputer as a main component, and is added to a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 70 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 72, and a RAM (Read / Write Memory) 73.

  The CPU 71 includes a clock pulse generation circuit 74 and a frequency divider 75 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 76 for generating a random number within a certain range, and a random number sampling circuit 77 for extracting an arbitrary random number from the generated random numbers. Is connected. The ROM 72 stores game processing procedures executed in the slot machine 1 as a sequence program and various tables. The RAM 73 is used as a temporary storage means when executing a game operation.

  Major actuators whose operations are controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 70 include stepping motors 81a to 81c for rotating the reels 11a to 11c, a hopper 82a for storing coins, a speaker 83a, and a back lamp 84a. These are driven by a motor drive circuit 81, a hopper drive circuit 82, a speaker drive circuit 83, and a lamp drive circuit 84, respectively. These drive circuits 81 to 84 are connected to the CPU 71 via an I / O port of the microcomputer.

  As main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 70 to generate a control signal, a coin sensor 91 for detecting a coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 19 and rotation of the reels 11a to 11c are detected. There is a photo sensor 92, the start switch 5 and the C / P switch 14 described above.

  The input signal generating means includes a reel position detection circuit 93, a reel stop signal circuit 94, and a payout completion signal circuit 95. The reel position detection circuit 93 receives the output pulse signal from the photo sensor 92 and detects the rotational position of each reel 11a to 11c. The reel stop signal circuit 94 generates a signal for stopping the corresponding reels 11a to 11c when the stop buttons 15a to 15c are operated. The payout completion signal circuit 95 outputs a signal notifying completion of coin payout to the CPU 71 when the number of coins to be paid out by the hopper 82a counted by the coin detector 95a reaches predetermined payout number data.

  Next, a gaming operation in the slot machine 1 will be described.

  A player first inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 19 or operates the BET switch 14. Thereby, a detection signal is output from the coin sensor 91, or an operation signal is output from the BET switches 13a to 13c.

  In the start device 2, when the start lever 4 is not tilted by the player, as shown in FIG. 3A, the flanged sleeve 39 is inserted into the rear receiving hole 3b by the urging force of the compression coil spring 38. Located on the bottom side, the start lever 4 is located in the neutral position. In this state, as shown in FIG. 4A, the concave portion 43 a 2 of the light guiding member 43 is located on the optical path of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 51, and the light emitted from the light emitting unit 51 is received by the light receiving unit 52. Is not received. For this reason, no operation signal is output from the light receiving unit 52.

  From this state, when the start lever 4 is tilted more than a predetermined angle in any one direction by the player, the bushing 37 fitted on the thin shaft portion 4b of the start lever 4 rotates and the compression coil spring 38 is moved. The start lever 4 is tilted as shown in FIG. In this state, as shown in FIG. 4B, the spherical surface portion 43a1 of the light guiding member 43 is positioned on the optical path of the light emitted from the light emitting portion 51, and the light emitted from the light emitting portion 51 is spherical. The light is reflected by 43a1 and received by the light receiving unit 52. For this reason, an operation signal is output from the light receiving unit 52.

  After that, when the player releases the hand from the knob 4c of the start lever 4 and the tilting operation is released, the hooked sleeve 39 is accommodated in the rear side as shown in FIG. 3 (a) by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 38. The bushing 37 rotates while moving to the bottom surface side of the hole 3b. Accordingly, the start lever 4 returns to the neutral position, and the concave portion 43a2 of the light guiding member 43 is positioned on the optical path of the emitted light from the light emitting portion 51, as shown in FIG. For this reason, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 51 is not received by the light receiving unit 52, and no operation signal is output from the light receiving unit 52.

  When the operation of the start lever 4 is detected by the start switch 5, a winning mode is determined by random number lottery of the CPU 71, and a variable display corresponding to the winning mode is made on each of the display windows 12a to 12c. Thereafter, when the stop buttons 15a to 15c are operated, the reel stop signal circuit 94 outputs a signal, and the rotation of the reels 11a to 11c is stopped by the CPU 71. Thereby, the variable display in the display windows 12a to 12c is stopped, and coins are paid out according to the winning contents.

  In the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, as described above, the start lever 4 can be tilted in the entire circumferential direction around the swing center O, and the player can move in any direction. When the start lever 4 is tilted more than a predetermined angle, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 51 is reflected by the spherical portion 43a1 and received by the light receiving portion 52, and the lever operation of the start lever 4 is detected by the start switch 5. . Accordingly, the start lever 4 can be tilted in the entire circumferential direction, and the player can insert a coin into the coin insertion slot 19, operate the BET switches 13a to 13c, operate the start lever 4, and operate the stop buttons 15a to 15c. Can be performed in any direction according to the movement of each arm.

  In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the concave portion 43a2 of the light guide member 43 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the tool for screwing the light guide member 43 to the rear end surface of the start lever 4. A work can be performed by fitting a tool into the recess 43a2 and screwing the light guide member 43 to the rear end face of the start lever 4. For this reason, parts such as bolts for screwing the light guide member 43 to the start lever 4 are not required, and accordingly, the number of parts of the start device 2 can be reduced, and the number of manufacturing steps can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the outer diameter of the disc body 43a constituting the light guiding member 43 is made larger than the outer diameter of the thin shaft portion 4b of the start lever 4 has been described. However, the start lever 4 accompanying the lever operation is described. The present invention is not limited to this as long as the area of the spherical surface portion 43a1 can be taken so that the light reflected by the spherical surface portion 43a1 can be detected by the light receiving portion 52 during the tilting operation. That is, the size of the outer diameter of the disc body 43a may be changed as appropriate. For example, even if the outer diameter of the disc body 43a is equal to the outer diameter of the thin shaft portion 4b of the start lever 4, the start lever 4 It may be smaller than the outer diameter of the thin shaft portion 4b.

  In the present embodiment, the flanged sleeve 40 is locked by the disc body 43 a of the light guide member 43 having an outer diameter larger than that of the thin shaft portion 4 b, and the biased sleeve 40 is moved by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 38. Although the case where the movement to the rear end side of the thin shaft portion 4b is regulated has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the outer diameter of the disc body 43a is equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the thin shaft portion 4b of the start lever 4, the outer periphery of the rear end portion of the thin shaft portion 4b of the start lever 4 is used. A locking member such as an E-ring is fitted into a ring-shaped groove formed on the surface, and the flanged sleeve 40 is locked by this locking member, so that the flanged sleeve 40 is on the rear end side of the thin shaft portion 4b. You may restrict to move to.

  In the present embodiment, the light guiding member 43 is attached to the rear end surface of the thin shaft portion 4b of the start lever 4, and the spherical surface portion 43a1 and the concave portion 43a2 are provided on one end surface of the disc body 43a constituting the light guiding member 43. Although the case has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the spherical surface portion 43a1 constituting the reflective portion and the concave portion 43a2 constituting the non-reflective portion may be formed on the rear end surface of the thin shaft portion 4b itself of the start lever 4.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment in which the gaming machine operating device according to the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described.

  The configuration of the slot machine according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment except for the configuration of the start device 2.

  The start device 2a of this embodiment is shown in FIG. In the figure, parts that are the same as or correspond to those in FIG. The flanged sleeve 40 of the first embodiment is not externally fitted to the thin shaft portion 4 b of the start lever 4, and the compression coil spring 38 is interposed between the disk body 43 c constituting the light guiding member 43 and the flanged sleeve 39. Is fitted. The disc body 43c is formed with a spherical portion 43c1 and a concave portion 43c2 similar to those of the first embodiment, but a guide wall 43c3 having a predetermined height is erected in a cylindrical shape on the periphery of the spherical portion 43c1. . The guide wall 43c3 is opposed to the sleeve portion of the flanged sleeve 39 with the light guide member 43 screwed to the thin shaft portion 4b of the start lever 4, with the compression coil spring 38 interposed therebetween, and the start lever 4 The expansion and contraction operation of the compression coil spring 38 accompanying the tilting operation is guided.

  Also with the slot machine according to the second embodiment, the player can operate the start lever 4 in a free direction according to a series of movements of the respective arms. In addition, parts such as bolts for screwing the light guide member 43 to the start lever 4 are not required, and accordingly, the number of parts of the start device 2a can be reduced, and the number of manufacturing steps can be reduced.

  Furthermore, according to the start device 2a according to the second embodiment, the compression coil spring 38 is fitted between the disc body 43c constituting the light guiding member 43 and the flanged sleeve 39, so that As described above, it is not necessary to externally fit the flanged sleeve 40 to the thin shaft portion 4b of the start lever 4, so that the number of parts can be reduced and the number of assembly steps can be reduced, so that the manufacturing cost of the start device 2a can be further reduced. .

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the flanged sleeve 39 is externally fitted to the thin shaft portion 4b of the start lever 4 has been described. However, the tilted start lever 4 can be biased to the neutral position by the compression coil spring 38. In this case, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the flanged sleeve 39 may not be fitted on the thin shaft portion 4b of the start lever 4 and may directly receive one end of the compression coil spring 38 on the bottom surface of the rear housing hole 3b. Further, the recesses 43a2 and 43c2 of the disk bodies 43a and 43c constituting the light guide member 43 do not necessarily have a substantially hexagonal shape in plan view, and the light guide member 43 is screwed to the thin shaft portion 4b of the start lever 4. It may be changed appropriately according to the shape of the tool to be performed. Further, the outer shapes of the disc bodies 43a and 43c may be a shape corresponding to the shape of a tool for screwing the light guide member 43 to the thin shaft portion 4b of the start lever 4, for example, a substantially hexagonal shape in plan view. In this case, the shape of the recesses 43a2 and 43c2 can be circular in a plan view.

  Further, the shape of the concave portion constituting the non-reflective portion is not limited to that corresponding to the shape of the tool. For example, the light guide member 43 shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7A and the front view of FIG. It is good also as such a structure. The light guiding member 43 has a concave portion 43d2 formed in the spherical surface portion 43d1, and has substantially the same configuration as the light guiding member 43 of the first embodiment except for the shape of the concave portion 43d2. In the figure, parts that are the same as or correspond to those in FIG. The concave portion 43d2 provided in the disk body 43d has a hexagonal hole 43d3 shape corresponding to the shape of a hexagon wrench on the bottom side of the recess, and a tapered surface 43d4 is formed on the opening portion side so as to gradually increase in diameter toward the opening end. ing. According to this configuration, the area of the non-reflective portion is increased by the amount of the opening side being enlarged compared to the bottom side, and the operating timing of the start switch 5 is adjusted by adjusting the range in which the non-reflective portion functions by this area Can be adjusted.

  In addition, the non-reflecting portion does not necessarily need to be configured by providing the concave portions 43a2 and 43c2 on the surface of the disc body 43a as long as the light emitted from the light emitting portion 51 is not reflected by the light receiving portion 52. For example, a part of the surface of the disk bodies 43a and 43c may be configured by applying a substance that does not easily reflect the light emitted from the light emitting unit 51, and fine unevenness may be formed on a part of the surface of the disk bodies 43a and 43c. A non-reflective portion may be formed by providing a plurality and performing irregular reflection.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the non-reflective portion may be formed by coating the rear end surface 4b1 of the thin shaft portion 4b constituting the start lever 4 with nonreflective coating. The rear end surface 4b1 of the thin shaft portion 4b is located on the optical path of the light emitted from the light emitting portion 51 as shown in FIG. 9A in the neutral state of the start lever 4, and emits the light emitted from the light emitting portion 51. A non-reflecting portion that does not reflect on the light receiving portion 52 is configured.

  A light reflection cap 43e is attached to the rear end of the thin shaft portion 4b. The light reflection cap 43e includes an insertion hole 43e2 at the center of the outer peripheral surface 43e1. The rear end surface 4b1 of the thin shaft portion 4b is inserted through the insertion hole 43e2, and the rear end surface 4b1 is surrounded by the outer peripheral surface 43e1 and is exposed to the outside of the light reflecting cap 43e as shown in FIG. The outer peripheral surface 43e1 has a spherical shape with a predetermined radius centered on the center point of the swinging operation of the start lever 4 in a state where the light reflecting cap 43e is attached to the thin shaft portion 4b. It is the normal of the sphere. As shown in FIG. 9B, the outer peripheral surface 43e1 is positioned on the optical path of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 51 when the start lever 4 is tilted by a predetermined angle or more, and the emitted light from the light emitting unit 51 is transmitted. A reflecting part that reflects to the light receiving part 52 is configured.

  According to this configuration, when the start lever 4 is tilted by a predetermined angle or more in any direction, the outer peripheral surface 43e1 of the light reflecting cap 43e is positioned on the optical path of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 51, and the light emitting unit The outgoing light from 51 is reflected by the outer peripheral surface 43 e 1 and received by the light receiving unit 52. Therefore, even with such a configuration, the start lever 4 can be tilted in the entire circumferential direction, and the player can freely move the start lever in a direction that matches the series of movements of the respective arms, as in the above embodiments. 4 can be operated.

[Example of change]
The present invention is not limited to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, but can be modified as described below. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the light emitting unit 51 and the light receiving unit 52 of a general reflection type sensor are used, but instead, the light modulation type light emitting unit 51 and the light receiving unit 52 are used. Also good.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an electrical connection relationship between the light emitting device 5a and the light receiving device 5b. As shown in FIG. 10, the light emitting device 5 a includes a light emitting unit 51 and a signal generating circuit 55. The signal generation circuit 55 generates a light emission signal of 0.72 μm to 1.3 μm or the like, and is connected to the light emitting unit 51 and the demodulation circuit 54. The modulated light has a wavelength in the range of 0.72 to 1.3 μm, and a band different from the wavelength of visible light from 0.4 to 0.7 μm.

  The light emitting unit 51 described above blinks at a frequency corresponding to the light emission signal based on the light emission signal input from the signal generation circuit 55. In order for the light receiving device 5b described later to synchronize the timing of light emission in the light emitting section 51 and the timing of light reception in the light receiving section 52, the signal generation circuit 55 generates a synchronization signal having the same wavelength and the same phase as the light emission signal. Also output.

  The light receiving device 5 b includes a light receiving unit 52, an amplification circuit 53, and a demodulation circuit 54. The amplifier circuit 53 amplifies a light reception signal corresponding to the light received by the light receiving unit 52, and is connected to the light receiving unit 52 and the demodulation circuit 54.

  When the light reception signal is input from the amplification circuit 53 and the synchronization signal is input from the signal generation circuit 55, the demodulation circuit 54 outputs the light reception signal at a timing that matches the blinking of the light emitting unit 51 corresponding to the frequency of the synchronization signal. It samples and demodulates the light emission signal. The demodulation circuit 54 is connected to a signal generation circuit 55, an amplification circuit 53, and a control circuit (not shown).

  As described above, the demodulation circuit 54 attenuates light in other bands such as visible light, and can detect infrared rays incident on the light receiving unit 52. When the amplitude of the received light signal is small, the demodulation circuit 54 determines that infrared light is not incident on the light receiving unit 52 and outputs a signal indicating that the start lever 4 is not operated to the control circuit (FIG. 4). (See (a)). On the other hand, when the amplitude of the light reception signal is large, the demodulation circuit 54 determines that infrared light is incident on the light receiving unit 52 and outputs a signal indicating that the start lever 4 has been operated to the control circuit (FIG. 10).

  That is, the light emitting device 5a modulates the oscillation of light and emits light, and the light receiving device 5b receives and demodulates the light emitted by the light emitting unit 24a in synchronization with the light emission of the light emitting device 5a. Detects whether the start lever 4 has been operated.

  According to this modified example, when the start lever 4 is tilted by a predetermined angle or more in the circumferential direction from the neutral position, the light receiving unit 52 is emitted from the light emitting unit 51 in synchronization with the light emission of the light emitting unit 51 and reflected. By receiving and demodulating the light reflected by the part (for example, the spherical part 43a1), the start device 2 can have a structure that can exclude an unauthorized person who forcibly recognizes the lever operation. That is, even if the light receiving unit 52 receives the light from the light emitting unit 51, the start device 2 is more accurate than the conventional device because the operation of the start lever 4 is not detected unless the light is demodulated. The structure can be eliminated.

  In addition, when the light receiving unit 52 receives light emitted from the light emitting unit 51 and reflected by the reflecting unit (for example, the spherical portion 43a1), the state is abnormal when the light receiving unit 52 does not synchronize with the light emission of the light emitting unit 51. May be provided with a control circuit (not shown). In this case, even if the light emitting element inserted from the gap around the lever by the fraudulent person emits light in the vicinity of the light receiving portion 52 disposed on the end side opposite to the start lever 4, the timing of the light emission Is not synchronized with the light emission timing of the light emitting unit 51 arranged on the end side. Then, the control device detects that the light receiving unit does not synchronize with the light emission of the light emitting unit, and determines that the current state is abnormal, whereby the start device 2 can accurately determine the fraudster. .

  In addition, although the light modulation type sensor is used for the light emission part 51 and the light-receiving part 52 which concern on this modification, it is not limited to this, The light-shielding plate 80 and the transmission type sensor 90 may be used. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an arrangement relationship between the light shielding plate 80 and the transmissive sensor 90. As shown in FIG. 11, the transmissive sensor 90 is disposed on the side of the end opposite to the knob 4c of the start lever 4 and emits light, and is disposed on the side of the end to emit this light. And a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the unit. These light emitting part and light receiving part are fixed to face each other in the case 7.

  The transmissive sensor 90 is configured to generate an electrical signal in response to light received by the light receiving unit and output the electrical signal to a control circuit (not shown). Specifically, the light receiving unit detects that the start lever 4 has been operated by detecting and detecting the light emitted from the light emitting unit in synchronization with the light emission of the light emitting unit. This is output as an electric signal to a control circuit (not shown). When the light receiving unit receives light emitted from the light emitting unit and does not synchronize with the light emission of the light emitting unit, the control circuit (not shown) may determine that the state is abnormal.

  The light shielding plate 80 is integrally formed at the end of the start lever 4 opposite to the knob 4c, and the start lever 4 is between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion at the neutral position and emitted from the light emitting portion toward the light receiving portion. It is a plate that shields light and causes the light receiving portion to receive light emitted from the light emitting portion toward the light receiving portion in a state where the start lever 4 is tilted by a predetermined angle or more in the circumferential direction. Thereby, when the start lever 4 is operated, the light emitted from the light emitting portion toward the light receiving portion is not blocked by the shielding plate 80, so that the light receiving portion receives the light and controls the electric signal. (Not shown).

  According to this, similarly to the above modification, when the start lever 4 is tilted by a predetermined angle or more in the circumferential direction from the neutral position, the light receiving unit 52 is emitted from the light emitting unit 51 in synchronization with the light emission of the light emitting unit 51. By receiving and demodulating the received light, the start device 2 can have a structure that can eliminate an unauthorized person who forcibly recognizes the lever operation as compared with the conventional device. In addition, when the control circuit (not shown) detects that the light receiving unit does not synchronize with the light emission of the light emitting unit, and determines that the current state is abnormal, the start device 2 accurately identifies the unauthorized person. Can be determined.

  Note that the functions of the start device 2 according to the present embodiment and the modified example (for example, the functions of the light emitting unit 51 and the light receiving unit 52) are provided in the start device 2 itself, but the present invention is not limited to this. 1 may be provided.

  The start lever 4 according to the present embodiment and the modified example is supported such that the operation end is tiltable in the circumferential direction around the swing center, but is not limited thereto, and the start lever 4 is centered on the swing center. Thus, the operation end portion may be supported so as to be tiltable in the entire circumferential direction.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the light emitting unit 51 and the light receiving unit 52 of a general reflection type sensor are used, and in the modified examples, the light modulation type light emitting unit 51 and the light receiving unit 52 are used instead. However, the third embodiment is different in that received data processing in the light receiving unit 52 is different. That is, in the third embodiment, when the light receiving unit 52 receives specific transmission data from the light emitting unit 51, the operation of the start lever 4 is detected. In the third embodiment, a lever operation detection unit 200 is provided instead of the light emitting device 5a and the light receiving device 5b. Below, only a different point from 1st Embodiment, 2nd Embodiment, and a modified example is demonstrated, and the description about the overlapping point is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the lever operation detection unit 200. As shown in FIG. 12, the lever operation detection unit 200 includes a light emitting unit 51, a light receiving unit 52, a lever monitoring control CPU 210, and a port 220. In addition, since the light emission part 51 and the light-receiving part 52 are as having demonstrated in 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The port 220 outputs a port signal from the lever monitoring control CPU 210 to the main CPU 71.

  The lever monitoring control CPU 210 includes a transmission data / reception data RAM 211, an I / O port 212, and a serial interface 213. The lever monitoring control CPU 210 performs a RESET interrupt process shown in FIG. 16, which will be described later, a periodic interrupt process shown in FIG. The lever monitoring control CPU 210 may be replaced with the amplification circuit 53, the demodulation circuit 54, and the signal generation circuit 55 described in the modified example.

  The transmission data / reception data RAM 211 includes a transmission data RAM 211a for storing transmission data and a reception data RAM 211b for storing reception data.

  The I / O port 212 and the serial interface 213 relay data transmission / reception between the light emitting unit 51 and the light receiving unit 52 and the transmission data / reception data RAM 211. In the light reception error detection process shown in FIG. 23 described later, the switch is switched to S1, and the I / O port 212 is used.

  The operations of the slot machine 1 and the lever operation detection unit 200 according to this embodiment described above are as follows. First, an operation performed by the main CPU 71 in the present embodiment will be described. 13 to 15 are flowcharts showing the operation of the main CPU 71 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in step 1, the main CPU 71 initializes predetermined data (such as various flags and communication data).

  In step 2, the main CPU 71 erases predetermined data stored in the control RAM 133 at the end of the previous game. Specifically, the main CPU 71 erases the parameters used in the previous game from the control RAM 133, writes the parameters used in the next game to the control RAM 133, and designates the start address of the sequence program of the next game. Do.

  In step 3, the main CPU 71 performs processing to check how many coins have been inserted, whether or not the start lever 5 has been operated, and the like.

  In step 4, the main CPU 71 extracts random values used for various determinations.

  In step 5, the main CPU 71 performs a gaming state monitoring process. Specifically, the main CPU 71 determines that the gaming state is the general gaming state, and when the winning combination is RB in the previous game and the winning combination in the previous game is not RB, the main CPU 71 determines the RB. Set as carryover combination and set gaming state to RB carryover state. On the other hand, the main CPU 71 determines that the gaming state is the general gaming state, and if the winning combination is not RB but the carryover combination is set in the previous game, the game state is set to the RB carryover state, and the carryover When the combination is not set, the game state is left in the general game state. Further, when the gaming state is an RB carryover state or an RB gaming state that is not a general gaming state, the main CPU 71 keeps the gaming state at the current RB carryover state or the RB gaming state. Note that the RB gaming state is set in step 26 described later.

  In step 6, the main CPU 71 performs a probability lottery process. Specifically, the main CPU 71 determines a winning combination based on the random number extracted in step 4 with reference to a probability lottery table (not shown) according to the gaming state.

  In step 7, the main CPU 71 selects a winning combination for stopping. Specifically, the main CPU 71 refers to a stop winning combination table (not shown), and determines the winning combination for stop according to the winning combination determined in step 6 and the gaming state. Further, the main CPU 71 selects an effective line for arranging the symbol combinations corresponding to the determined winning combination for stoppage.

  In step 8, the main CPU 71 performs processing for selecting a stop table.

  In step 9, the main CPU 71 performs a process of transmitting a start command to a sub control circuit (not shown). This start command includes information such as a winning combination, a winning combination for stoppage, and a game state.

  In step 10, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the shortest game time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the previous game was started. Further, the main CPU 71 proceeds to the process of step 11 when the minimum game time has elapsed, and repeats this process when the minimum game time has not elapsed.

  In step 11, the main CPU 71 sets the game shortest time in the game shortest time counter. The shortest game time means the time required from the end of the previous game to the start of the current game. The subtraction of the time set in the game shortest time counter is performed in step 115 of the periodic interrupt process shown in FIG.

  In step 12, the main CPU 71 sets rotation start request information for instructing to start rotation of all the reels 11a, 11b, 11c.

  In step 13, the main CPU 71 sets a reel stop permission command instructing permission to stop the reels 11a, 11b, and 11c.

  In step 14, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the stop buttons 15a, 15b, and 15c are operated by the player. Specifically, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the input from the reel stop signal circuit 46 is on. The main CPU 71 proceeds to the process of step 15 when the input is on, and repeats the process when the input is off.

  In step 15, the main CPU 71 performs a sliding frame number determination process. Specifically, the main CPU 71 determines the number of sliding symbols based on the stop operation position and stop control position of the stop table selected in the table line selection process in step 8.

  In step 16, the main CPU 71 determines that there is a stop request when any of the stop buttons 15a, 15b, and 15c is pressed, and waits until the reel rotates by the number of sliding frames determined in step 15. . Note that the process of rotating the reel is performed by a reel control process of a periodic interrupt process shown in FIG.

  In step 17, the main CPU 71 sets a reel stop command for instructing to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel.

  In step 18, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not all the reels 11a, 11b, 11c are stopped. The main CPU 71 proceeds to the process of step 19 when all the reels 11a, 11b, and 11c are stopped, and proceeds to the process of step 14 when all the reels 11a, 11b, and 11c are not stopped. Move.

  In step 19, the main CPU 71 sets an all reels stop command indicating that all the reels 11a, 11b, 11c have stopped.

  In step 20, the main CPU 71 conducts a winning search. Winning search is to identify a winning combination (winning combination) based on the pattern stop mode. Specifically, the main CPU 71 specifies a winning combination based on a code number of symbols arranged along the center line 11 and a winning determination table (not shown).

  In step 21, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the winning combination is normal. The main CPU 71 proceeds to the process of step 22 when the winning combination is not normal, and proceeds to the process of step 23 when the winning combination is normal. The determination of whether or not the winning combination is normal is configured to be determined to be normal when the winning combination is included in the winning combination or when the winning combination is included in the carryover combination. For example, if the winning combination is a unit game in which a bell combination or a watermelon combination, the winning combination is determined to be normal if the winning combination is a bell combination, watermelon combination or loss. If the winning combination is a bell small combination and the carryover combination is RB, it is determined that the winning combination is normal if the winning combination is a bell small combination, RB, or loss.

  In step 22, the main CPU 71 displays an illegal error. In this case, the main CPU 71 stops the game.

  In step 23, the main CPU 71 sets a winning command for identifying the winning combination.

  In step 24, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the winning combination is RB.

  In step 25, the main CPU 71 clears the carryover combination corresponding to the winning combination RB.

  In step 26, the main CPU 71 credits or pays out coins according to the winning combination (for example, RB) and the gaming state. Further, when the winning combination is RB, the main CPU 71 shifts the gaming state to the RB gaming state. Further, when the winning combination is replay, the main CPU 71 stores information indicating that the winning combination is replay. Based on this information, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not to automatically insert coins when the next game starts. In addition, when the process of step 3 is performed, the main CPU 71 clears information indicating that the winning combination is replay.

  In step 27, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the gaming state is the RB gaming state. The main CPU 71 proceeds to the process of step 28 when the gaming state is the RB gaming state, and proceeds to the processing of step 2 when the gaming state is not the RB gaming state.

  In step 28, the main CPU 71 checks the number of RB games. In this process, for example, the number of games in the RB gaming state and the number of winnings in the RB gaming state are checked.

  In step 29, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the RB gaming state has ended. Specifically, after detecting that “BAR-BAR-BAR” is stopped and displayed along the active line, after the RB wins, the main CPU 71 wins the JAC game in the RB gaming state. It is determined whether the number of times is eight or the number of games in the RB gaming state is twelve. Further, the main CPU 71 proceeds to the processing of step 30 when the RB gaming state is finished, and proceeds to the processing of step 2 when the RB gaming state is not finished.

  In step 30, the main CPU 71 performs an RB end process. Specifically, the main CPU 71 performs a process of returning the gaming state to the general gaming state after the RB gaming state ends.

  FIG. 16 shows a periodic interrupt process that interrupts the main process of the slot machine 1 (the process of FIGS. 13 to 15 described above) at a predetermined interval (here, 1.1725 ms). As shown in FIG. 16, in step 101, the main CPU 71 saves the data stored in the register.

  In step 102, the main CPU 71 checks each input port.

  In step 103, the main CPU 71 adds 1 to the value of the interrupt counter. This interrupt counter is a work area of the control RAM 133 for counting the number of times that the periodic interrupt processing shown in FIG. 16 has been performed.

  In step 104, the main CPU 71 checks whether or not the value of the interrupt counter is an even number. Further, the main CPU 71 proceeds to the process of step 111 when the value of the interrupt counter is an even number, and proceeds to the process of step 105 when the value of the interrupt counter is not an even number. Here, only when NO is determined in step 104, the reel control processing in steps 106, 108, and 110 is performed. Therefore, the reel control processing is performed every 2.235 ms instead of every 1.1725 ms. Will be done.

  In step 105, the main CPU 71 sets information relating to the right reel 11 c to reel identification information indicating information relating to the reels 11 a, 11 b, 11 c provided in the control RAM 133.

  In step 106, the main CPU 71 performs a reel stop process for the right reel 11c. Specifically, first, when the rotation start request information is set in step 12 of FIG. 14 described above, the main CPU 71 starts the rotation of the right reel 11c and continues to the right until a constant rotation speed is reached. The rotation of the reel 11c is gradually accelerated. Then, the main CPU 71 determines that there is a stop request when the rotation speed of the right reel 11c becomes constant and the stop button 15a is pressed, rotates the reel by the number of sliding frames determined in step 20, and stops. Let

  In step 107, the main CPU 71 sets information regarding the middle reel 11b in the reel identification information.

  In step 108, the main CPU 71 performs a reel stop process for the middle reel 11b. Since this process is the same as step 106 described above, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In step 109, the main CPU 71 sets information regarding the left reel 11a in the reel identification information.

  In step 110, the main CPU 71 performs a reel stop process for the left reel 11a. Since this process is the same as step 106 described above, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In step 111, the main CPU 71 performs control to display numerical values and the like on a display unit (not shown) composed of 7-segment LEDs.

  In step 112, when a coin is inserted, the main CPU 71 controls a coin selector that distributes a normal coin and an abnormal coin.

  In step 113, the main CPU 71 performs control to turn on a hit display lamp (not shown) provided on the front surface of the cabinet.

  In step 114, the main CPU 71 transmits various commands to the sub-control circuits 200 and 300.

  In step 115, the main CPU 71 performs a process of subtracting a predetermined number from the values of various counters. For example, the main CPU 71 performs a process of subtracting a predetermined number from the value of the game shortest time counter set in step 11.

  In step 116, the main CPU 71 restores the saved register.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a RESET interrupt process performed by the lever operation detection unit 200. As shown in FIG. 17, in step 301, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 performs an initialization process. Specific processing regarding this initialization processing will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  In step 302, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 sets an arbitrary value within the range of transmission data of 1 to 126. For example, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 determines a value by random number lottery or the like, and stores the determined value as transmission data. The transmission data is data included in the light emission pattern emitted from the light emitting unit 51. This transmission data is stored in the transmission data RAM 211a.

  In step 303, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 updates the transmission data to an arbitrary value within the range of 1 to 126. For example, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 determines a value by random number lottery or the like, and stores the value determined as transmission data again.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 20 to be described later, the transmission data is composed of 7 bits (D1 to D7 shown in FIG. 20), and has 126 combinations excluding all 0s and all 1s. The light emission pattern including the transmission data is emitted from the light emitting unit 51 in step 417 described later.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the initialization process in step 301 described above. As shown in FIG. 18, in step 301-1, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 performs a process for prohibiting interruption (occurrence of a periodic interrupt process shown in FIG. 19 described later).

  In step 301-2, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 outputs the port signal L from the port 220 to the main CPU 71.

  In step 301-3, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 sets 0 to the coincidence counter and the disagreement counter. The coincidence counter is a light reception unit 52 that receives the transmission data corresponding to the light emission pattern emitted from the light emitting unit 51 and the light emitted from the light emitting unit 51 and reflected by the reflection unit (for example, the spherical portion 43a1). This is a work area of the transmission data / reception data RAM 211 for counting the number of times data coincides continuously. The mismatch counter is a transmission data / counter for counting the number of times that the transmission data corresponding to the light emission pattern emitted from the light emitting unit 51 and the light reception data received by the light receiving unit 52 do not match continuously. This is a work area of the reception data RAM 211.

  In step 301-4, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 sets 0 to the light reception error counter. The light reception error counter counts the number of times the light receiving unit 52 is continuously in a light receiving state when the light emitting unit 51 is turned off (that is, when there is no light emission) for each periodic interrupt process shown in FIG. This is a work area of the transmission data / reception data RAM 211 for the purpose.

  In step 301-5, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 permits interruption (occurrence of a periodic interrupt process shown in FIG. 19 described later).

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a periodic interrupt process executed by the lever operation detection unit 200. The periodic interrupt process in the present embodiment is performed by interrupting the RESET interrupt process shown in FIG. 17 described above every specific cycle (for example, 1 ms). As shown in FIG. 19, in step 401, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 prevents new received data from being stored in the received data RAM 211b.

  In step 402, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 sets the light emission pattern corresponding to the transmission data to L.

  Here, FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a light emission pattern including transmission data stored in the periodic interrupt process shown in FIG. At the initial time point before t0 shown in FIG. 20, the light emission pattern is set to H, but when the periodic interrupt process shown in FIG. 20 occurs at t0, the light emission pattern is set to L at step 402. While these light emission patterns are L, if the detection result of the light receiving unit 52 is ON in the light reception error detection process of step 412 described later, it is determined that the detection result of the light receiving unit 52 is an error. The Accordingly, the slot machine 1 can immediately recognize that the unauthorized light emitting element inserted from the outside is lit in the vicinity of the light emitting unit 51 and the light receiving unit 52.

  In addition, the transmission data selected in the periodic interruption process shown in FIG. 19 is output in step 417. The output time corresponds to t2 shown in FIG. 20, and D1 to D7 between t2 and t3. Becomes the light emission pattern corresponding to the transmission data. Note that ST in FIG. 20 means a start bit of the light emission pattern, SP means a stop bit of the light emission pattern, and the light emission pattern remains H until the next periodic interruption occurs and the start of step 402. Retained. That is, the light emitting unit 51 continues to emit light.

  In step 403, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 specifies the reception data RAM 211b in which the reception data is stored. Here, when the reception data is stored in the reception data RAM 211b, storage of the reception data is prohibited in step 401 at the current interruption after the reception data storage is permitted in step 416 at the previous interruption. 7-bit serial data received following the start bit signal based on the fact that the serial interface 213 of the lever monitoring control CPU 210 detects the start bit signal via the light receiving unit 52 until the start bit signal is received. Is stored in the received data RAM 211b.

  In step 404, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 specifies the transmission data RAM 211a that stores the transmission data in the previous periodic interruption process as a storage location of comparison data used in step 409 described later.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 22 to be described later, when the current interruption time is t3, the transmission data stored in the transmission data RAM 211a is transmission data (comparison data) at t1 which is the previous interruption time. It becomes. Also, as shown in FIG. 22, the reception data stored in the reception data RAM 211b becomes reception data between t1 which is the previous interruption time and t3 which is the current interruption time. These transmission data and reception data are used in step 409 described later.

  In step 405, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 specifies a coincidence counter.

  In step 406, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 specifies a mismatch counter.

  In step 407, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 identifies the port 220 in the lever monitoring control CPU 210.

  In step 408, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 selects 5 as the upper limit value of the mismatch counter.

  In step 409, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 performs port signal output processing. Specific details of this port signal output processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Here, in step 403 to step 409, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 continuously receives the reception data corresponding to the light emission pattern received by the light receiving unit 52 and the transmission data corresponding to the light emission pattern previously emitted from the light emission unit 51. The port signal is output from the port 220 according to the number of times of matching (or the number of times of non-matching continuously).

  In step 410, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 identifies the I / O port 212. When the I / O port 212 is specified, the I / O port 212 can receive a light emission signal from the light receiving unit 52. In this case, the light receiving pattern is not received as a serial signal as described above, but the light receiving state of the light receiving unit 52 at the time when the input from the light receiving unit 52 is detected via the I / O port is detected. Become. The light emission signal is distinguished from the above-described light emission pattern, and includes a signal from an unauthorized light emitting element that is illegally inserted from the outside.

  In step 411, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 specifies a light reception error counter.

  In step 412, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 performs a light reception error detection process. Specific details of this light reception error detection processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step 413, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 confirms whether or not the light reception error counter is 4 or more. The lever monitoring control CPU 210 proceeds to the process of step 414 when the light reception error counter is 4 or more, and proceeds to the process of step 415 when the light reception error counter is not 4 or more.

  In step 414, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 outputs L, which is a port signal, from the port 220 to the main CPU 71.

  If a port signal is output from the port 220 to the main CPU 71 in step 414, the main CPU 71 determines that the state of the slot machine 1 is on condition that the input port signal L continues for a predetermined time. It is determined that there is an error state, and the processing of the slot machine 1 is stopped. In this case, since the gaming machine outputs an L level signal as a port signal until the power of the slot machine 1 is turned off, the error is not canceled.

  In step 415, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 sets the light emission pattern corresponding to the transmission data to H. Specifically, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 sets the light emission pattern to H at the time t1 shown in FIG. Here, the light emission pattern is set to L in Step 402 and the light emission pattern is set to H in Step 415, so that basically any light source between Step 402 and Step 415 is emitted from the light emitting unit 51 and the light reception. The portion 52 is not illuminated. However, when an unauthorized light emitting element is inserted from the outside in the vicinity of the light emitting unit 51 and the light receiving unit 52 and an illegal act of forcibly performing the operation of the start lever 4 is performed, what light source is originally used? Despite the absence, the detection result of the light receiving unit 52 changes. For this reason, in the light reception error detection process of step 412, the main CPU 71 can determine that an unauthorized light emitting element is inserted by monitoring the detection result of the light receiving unit 52 by the lever monitoring control CPU 210.

  In step 416, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 permits storage of received data in the received data RAM 211b. Specifically, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 enables the received light data to be stored in the received data RAM 211b via the light receiving unit 52 and the serial interface 213. After this timing, when the serial interface 213 detects the star bit signal (L level signal), the serial data following the start bit signal is stored in the reception data RAM 211b as light reception data.

  Here, in the present embodiment, since the processing time from step 401 to step 416 takes about 80 μs, the received data has a time when about 80 μs (t2 shown in FIG. 20) elapses from the start of the regular interruption processing. Therefore, the received data is stored in the received data RAM 211b in step 416, and the stored received data is referred to in steps 403 and 409 at the next interrupt.

  In step 417, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 emits a light emission pattern corresponding to the transmission data from the light emitting unit 51. Specifically, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 switches the switch to the position S2 to establish the connection between the serial interface 213 and the light emitting unit 51, and then the light emission pattern corresponding to the transmission data stored in the transmission data RAM 211a. Is emitted from the light emitting unit 51. Note that step 417 in the present embodiment is performed when about 80 μs has elapsed since the start of the regular interrupt process, and therefore, the light emission pattern has passed 1 ms shown in FIG. 20 from the time when about 80 μs has elapsed. In the meantime, the light emitting unit 51 emits light. As a specific example of the signal to be emitted, if the value of the transmission data is updated to 100 by the process of step 303 immediately before the periodic interrupt process of FIG. 100 is stored in the transmission data RAM 211a by the interrupt process. Since this value is 110 0100 when expressed in binary 7 bits, the light emitting unit 51 eventually outputs an L level signal, which is a start bit signal, based on the value of the transmission data RAM 211a as shown in FIG. , L1, L, H, L, L, H, and H are sequentially output as signals D1 to D7, and an H level signal is output as a stop bit signal. That is, the light emitting unit 51 is turned off (start bit), turned off (D1), turned off (D2), turned on (D3), turned off (D4), turned off (D5), turned on (D6), turned on (D7), turned on (D7). It becomes the lighting mode.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the port signal output processing in step 409 described above. As shown in FIG. 21, in step 410-1, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 confirms whether received data is stored. As shown in FIG. 22, which will be described later, specifically, when the current periodic interrupt process occurs at t3, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 performs the process from t2 to t3 when the previous periodic interrupt process occurs. It is confirmed whether or not the received data corresponding to the light emission pattern emitted in between is stored. The lever monitoring control CPU 210 proceeds to step 410-2 when reception data is stored, and proceeds to step 410-5 when reception data is not stored.

  In step 410-2, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 determines that the transmission data (comparison data) stored at the previous interruption (here, t1) matches the reception data confirmed in step 410-1. Check if it exists. If the transmission data stored at the previous interruption matches the reception data confirmed at step 410-1, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 proceeds to step 410-3 and proceeds to the previous interruption. If the transmission data stored at the time of loading does not match the reception data confirmed in step 410-1, the process proceeds to step 410-5.

  In step 410-3, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 adds 1 to the coincidence counter.

  In step 410-4, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 sets 0 to the mismatch counter.

  In step 410-5, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 adds 1 to the mismatch counter.

  In Step 410-6, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 sets 0 to the coincidence counter.

  In step 410-7, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 checks whether or not the value of the coincidence counter is equal to or greater than a specific value (here, 5). The lever monitoring control CPU 210 proceeds to step 410-8 when the value of the coincidence counter is equal to or greater than a specific value (here, 5), and when the value of the coincidence counter is not equal to or greater than the specific value (here 5). To step 410-10.

  In step 410-8, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 subtracts 1 from the value of the coincidence counter. Thereby, since the value of the coincidence counter does not become a specific value + 1 (here, 6) or more, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 can prevent the storage capacity of the transmission data / reception data RAM 91 from being burdened.

  In step 410-9, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 outputs the port signal as L to the main CPU 71.

  In Step 410-10, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 confirms whether or not the value of the mismatch counter is less than the upper limit value selected in Step 408. If the mismatch counter value is less than the upper limit value selected in step 408, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 ends the port signal output process, and the mismatch counter value is less than the upper limit value selected in step 408. Otherwise, go to Step 410-11.

  When the port signal is switched to L or H on condition that the value of the coincidence counter or the non-coincidence counter is a predetermined value, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 changes the port signal to L or H by an external noise signal. In some cases, the main CPU 71 can more accurately determine the state of the start lever 4.

  In step 410-11, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 subtracts 1 from the value of the mismatch counter. Thereby, since the value of the mismatch counter does not exceed the upper limit value, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 can avoid burdening the storage capacity of the transmission data / reception data RAM 91.

  In step 410-12, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 outputs the port signal as L to the main CPU 71.

  Here, FIG. 22 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the port signal output from the port 220 and the detection result of the light receiving unit 52. As shown in FIG. 22, when the current interruption time is t3, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 stores the period between t2 which is the previous interruption time and t3 which is the current interruption time. Since the transmission data and the reception data match, 1 is added to the value of the match counter. Then, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 checks whether or not the transmission data and the reception data stored at the previous interrupt match at the next interrupt, and if both match, 1 is again added to the value of the coincidence counter.

  That is, every time the periodic interrupt process shown in FIG. 19 occurs, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 performs the same process a predetermined number of times (here, five times), and transmits the transmission data stored in the previous periodic interrupt process. If the received data continuously matches the predetermined number of times, it is determined that the start lever 4 is tilted to a predetermined angle, and the port signal output from the port 220 is set to L in step 410-9 ( (Refer to the time point t4 shown in FIG. 22).

  On the other hand, when the current interruption time is t6, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 transmits and receives the transmission data and the reception data stored between the previous interruption time t5 and the current interruption time t6. Are not matched, 1 is added to the value of the mismatch counter. That is, every time the periodic interrupt process shown in FIG. 19 occurs, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 performs the same process a predetermined number of times, and the transmission data and the received data stored in the previous periodic interrupt process are continuous. If the predetermined number of times does not match, it is determined that the start lever 4 has returned to the neutral state, and the port signal output from the port 220 is set to H in step 410-12 (at time t8 shown in FIG. 22). reference).

  The main CPU 71 detects the operation of the start lever 4 when the port signal input from the port 220 is H → L → H.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the light reception error detection processing in step 412 described above. As shown in FIG. 23, in step 412-1, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 sets an initial value (here, a value corresponding to 20 μs) in the light reception error timer.

  In step 412-2, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 confirms whether or not a light emission signal is received through the I / O port specified in step 410. The lever monitoring control CPU 210 proceeds to step 412-3 when the light emission signal is received, and proceeds to step 412-4 when the light emission signal is not received. Note that, as described above, the light emission signal is distinguished from the light emission pattern, and is not the light emitted from the light emitting unit 51 but the light of an unauthorized light emitting element that is illegally inserted from the outside.

  Here, FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing a relationship between the port signal output from the port 220 and the detection result of the light receiving unit 52 at the time of a light reception error. As shown in FIG. 24, the periodic interruption process shown in FIG. 19 occurs, and the light emitting unit 51 is in the period of about 80 μs from step 402 to step 415 (the time between t1 and t2 shown in FIG. 24). Since the main light receiving error detection process is performed during this period, NO is determined in step 412-2 unless any unauthorized light emitting element is inserted from the outside. In this case, since the value of the error counter does not exceed a predetermined number (here, 4), NO is determined in step 413, and the main CPU 71 has a normal detection result of the light receiving unit 52. Is determined.

  On the other hand, if any unauthorized light emitting element is inserted from the outside between t1 and t2 shown in FIG. 24, YES is determined in step 412-2. In this case, every time the periodic interrupt process shown in FIG. 19 is performed, the error counter value is incremented by 1 in step 412-3. When the error counter value becomes 4 or more, YES is determined in step 413. The main CPU 71 determines that the detection result of the light receiving unit 52 is not normal (light reception error). If the main CPU 71 determines that there is a light reception error, the operation of the slot machine 1 is stopped. In this case, the main CPU 71 releases the stop of the slot machine 1 by turning on the power again.

  In step 412-3, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 adds 1 to the value of the error counter.

  In step 412-4, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 updates the value of the reception error timer.

  In step 412-5, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 checks whether or not the value of the reception error timer is zero. The lever monitoring control CPU 210 proceeds to the process of step 412-6 when the value of the reception error timer is 0, and proceeds to the process of step 412-2 when the value of the reception error timer is not 0.

  In step 412-6, the lever monitoring control CPU 210 sets 0 to the error counter.

  The light emitting unit 51 configures a light emitting unit that modulates light oscillation and emits a light emission pattern including transmission data, and the light receiving unit 52 configures a light receiving unit that synchronizes with the light emission of the light emitting unit, and controls coin monitoring. Each time a light emission pattern (for example, a light emission pattern between t1 and t3 shown in FIG. 22) is emitted from the light emitting unit 51, the CPU 90 receives the received data included in the light emission pattern received from the light emitting unit 51 and the synchronization data. Counting units (for example, step 410-3 and step 410 shown in FIG. 21) that count the number of times transmission data included in the light emission pattern emitted from the light emitting unit 51 matches with the timing (successful demodulation). −5), and the lever monitoring control CPU 210 first reaches the first reference number (for example, the upper limit value of the matching counter) (for example, t shown in FIG. 22). , Step 410-7 and Step 410-9 shown in FIG. 21, and then the number of mismatches reaches the second reference number (for example, the upper limit value of the match counter) (for example, t8 shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 21). In steps 410-10 and 410-12), the main CPU 71 may detect that the start lever 4 has been operated. In this case, the operation of the start lever 4 is detected when the number of matches and mismatches between the transmission data and the reception data described above is a predetermined number or more, whereby the main CPU 71 detects an external noise signal (for example, The operation of the start lever 4 can be prevented from being erroneously recognized by radio waves from the mobile phone).

  In addition, the light emission part 51 comprises the light emission part which stops light emission at predetermined timing, and the main CPU71 is the case where the detection result which is a light reception state by the light reception part changes when the light emission part is not emitting light May determine that the state is abnormal. Moreover, the light emission part 51 comprises the light emission part which stops generation | occurrence | production of light for every predetermined timing, and the lever monitoring control CPU210 is light emission by the light emission part 51 (for example, t1-t2 shown in FIG. 24). ), And counting means (for example, step 413 shown in FIG. 19) for counting the number of times the detection result of the light receiving unit 52 has changed at each predetermined timing. When the number (for example, the upper limit value of the light reception error counter) is reached, it may be determined that the state is abnormal (for example, step 414 shown in FIG. 19). When an unauthorized light emitting element is inserted from the outside on the condition that the light emitting unit 51 does not emit light, the lever operation detection unit 200 detects a change in the detection result in the light receiving unit 52, whereby the main CPU 71 It is possible to detect illegal light emitting elements that are illegally inserted from the outside.

  In addition, although coin was illustrated as a game medium, a game ball, a coin, a token, etc. may be sufficient.

  The sensor for detecting the start lever 4 is not limited to the reflective photosensor and the transmissive photosensor in the first and second embodiments, and is a sensor using pressure waves such as sound or magnetic force. There may be.

  The detection unit includes a signal transmission unit (for example, the light emitting unit 51) that transmits a predetermined signal, a signal reception unit (for example, the light receiving unit 52) that receives a signal transmitted from the signal transmission unit, and a signal transmission unit. Transmission information generating means (for example, RESET interrupt processing shown in FIG. 17, step 302 and step 303) for generating information (for example, transmission data) to be included in the signal transmitted from, and information and signals generated by the transmission information generating means Lever operation determining means for determining whether or not the lever is operated based on a signal received by the receiving means (for example, a periodic interrupt process shown in FIG. 19) may be provided. Accordingly, it is possible to more reliably grasp the position of the lever based on the transmitted information and the received signal than to grasp the position of the lever by continuous light such as conventional lighting only. In addition, environmental disturbance light such as natural light from the outside, change in the amount of light due to dust and diffuse reflection, and artificial light can be prevented from affecting the detection operation of the lever. It is possible to provide a highly reliable gaming machine for a gaming store that uses the gaming machine.

  Note that random number data generation means (for example, step 302 and step 303 of the RESET interrupt processing shown in FIG. 17) for generating random number data (for example, transmission data) is provided, and the transmission information generation means is for generating random data. Based on random number data generated by the means, a specific bit string (for example, transmission data) selected from a plurality of bit strings (for example, 1 (000 0001B in binary notation) to 126 (111 1110B in binary notation)) is used as information. The signal transmission unit generates and transmits a specific bit string converted into a pulse signal (for example, D1 to D7 in FIG. 20), and the lever operation determination unit transmits the pulse signal (for example, FIG. 20) received by the signal reception unit. If the bit string obtained by converting D1 to D7) includes a specific bit string, it is determined that the lever is operated. (For example, step 410-2 determination result YES). As a result, the lever operation is detected based on the internally generated transmission information, so that it is possible to further eliminate the environmental and artificial adverse effects similar to those described above.

  The transmission information generation means generates information based on the random number data generated by the random number data generation means every time the signal transmission means transmits a signal (for example, FIG. 18 periodic interrupt processing that occurs at a fixed period). The lever operation determination means includes a specific bit string in the bit string obtained by converting the received pulse signal for a predetermined number of times (for example, counting by a coincidence counter), and then continues for a predetermined number of times (for example, mismatch). When a specific bit string is not included in the bit string obtained by converting the received pulse signal by counting by a counter), it may be determined that it is determined that the lever is operated. As a result, it is determined that the lever is operated depending on whether a specific bit string is included in the bit string obtained by converting the received pulse signal continuously a predetermined number of times. A malfunction due to noise can be prevented, and the reliability of the gaming machine can be further improved.

  Here, it is exemplified that the predetermined number of times is continued. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Depending on whether or not a bit string obtained by converting a pulse signal received a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined period includes a specific bit string, The CPU 71 may determine whether or not the lever is operated. For example, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the lever is operated depending on whether or not a specific bit string is included in a bit string obtained by converting a pulse signal received four or more times at five consecutive determination timings. You may judge.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external structure of the slot machine in the first embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of a structure of the start apparatus which comprises the slot machine in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the start lever which comprises the start apparatus in 1st Embodiment, (a) is a neutral state of a start lever, (b) is a figure which shows the tilting state of a start lever. It is a figure which shows roughly the structure of the light guide member which comprises the start apparatus in 1st Embodiment, (a) is a neutral state of a start lever, (b) is a figure which shows the tilting state of a start lever. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main control circuit configuration of the slot machine in the first embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of a structure of the start apparatus which comprises the slot machine in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of a structure of the light guide member which comprises the start apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the other example of a structure of the reflection part and non-reflection part which comprise the start apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views schematically showing the configuration of the reflecting portion and the non-reflecting portion shown in FIG. 8, where FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a neutral state of the start lever, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the electrical connection relationship of the start apparatus in this example of a change. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship between the light-shielding plate and transmission type sensor in this example of a change. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the lever operation detection part in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the main control circuit in 3rd Embodiment (the 1). It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the main control circuit in 3rd Embodiment (the 2). It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the main control circuit in 3rd Embodiment (the 3). It is a flowchart which shows the regular interruption process of the main control circuit in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the RESET interruption process of the lever detection part in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the initialization process in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the regular interruption process of the lever detection part in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the light emission pattern in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the port signal output process in 3rd Embodiment. It is a timing chart figure which shows the input / output of the port and light emitting / light-receiving element in 3rd Embodiment (the 1). It is a flowchart which shows the light reception error detection process in 3rd Embodiment. It is a timing chart figure which shows the input / output of the port and light emitting / light-receiving element in 3rd Embodiment (the 2).

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine, 1a ... Front panel, 2 ... Start device, 3 ... Body, 3e ... Lever insertion hole, 3f ... Bushing holding surface, 4 ... Start lever, 4a ... Thick shaft part, 4b ... Thin shaft part, 5a ... Light emitting device, 5b ... Light receiving device, 11a-11c ... Reel, 12a-12c ... Display window, 13a-13c ... BET switch, 15a-15c ... Stop button, 19 ... Coin slot, 37 ... Bushing, 38 ... Compression coil spring 43a, 43c, 43d, disc body, 43a1, 43c1, spherical part (reflective part), 43a2, 43c2, 43d2, concave part (non-reflective part), 43b, male screw part, 5 ... start switch , 51 ... Light emitting part, 52 ... Light receiving part, 53 ... Amplifying circuit, 54 ... Demodulating circuit, 55 ... Signal generating circuit, 70 ... Microcomputer, 71 ... CPU, 72 ... ROM, 3 ... RAM

Claims (10)

A lever whose operation end is supported so as to be tiltable in the circumferential direction around the swing center, a biasing means for biasing the lever to a neutral position, and an end of the lever opposite to the operation end A light emitting unit arranged on the side and emitting light toward the end, and a light receiving unit arranged on the side of the end and receiving the reflected light at the end of the light emitted from the light emitting unit; With
At the end of the lever, the lever is positioned on the optical path of the emitted light from the light emitting unit in a neutral position, and the lever is configured to reflect the emitted light from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit. In a state tilted by a predetermined angle or more in the circumferential direction from the neutral position, a reflection part is formed that is positioned on the optical path of the emitted light from the light emitting part and reflects the emitted light from the light emitting part to the light receiving part,
The light receiving unit detects that the lever is operated by receiving and demodulating light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected by the reflecting unit in synchronization with light emission of the light emitting unit. A gaming machine operating device.   When the light receiving unit receives light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected by the reflecting unit, the light receiving unit includes a state determining unit that determines that the state is abnormal when the light receiving unit does not synchronize with the light emission of the light emitting unit. The gaming machine operating device according to claim 1, wherein: A lever whose operation end is supported so as to be tiltable in the circumferential direction around the swing center, a biasing means for biasing the lever to a neutral position, and an end of the lever opposite to the operation end A light emitting unit arranged on the side and emitting light toward the end, and a light receiving unit arranged on the side of the end and receiving the reflected light at the end of the light emitted from the light emitting unit; With
The light emitting unit emits light including an arbitrarily generated bit string,
The light receiving unit receives light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected by the reflecting unit, and determines that the lever has been operated when the light includes a specific bit string. Game machine operation device.   The light receiving unit includes a specific bit string in the light continuously received a predetermined number of times from the light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected by the reflecting unit, and then the specific bit string in the light continuously received a predetermined number of times thereafter. The game machine operating device according to claim 3, wherein if it is not included, it is determined that the lever is operated. A lever whose operation end is supported so as to be tiltable in the circumferential direction around the swing center, a biasing means for biasing the lever to a neutral position, and an end of the lever opposite to the operation end A light emitting portion arranged on the side to emit light, a light receiving portion arranged on the side of the end portion to receive light emitted from the light emitting portion, and an end portion on the opposite side to the operation end portion of the lever The lever is formed between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit in a neutral position to shield light emitted from the light emitting unit toward the light receiving unit, and the lever tilts by a predetermined angle or more in the circumferential direction. A shielding plate that causes the light receiving unit to receive light emitted from the light emitting unit toward the light receiving unit,
The gaming machine operating device characterized in that the light receiving unit detects that the lever is operated by receiving and demodulating light emitted from the light emitting unit in synchronization with light emission of the light emitting unit .   A state determining unit that determines that the state is abnormal when the light receiving unit receives light emitted from the light emitting unit and does not synchronize with the light emission of the light emitting unit. Item 6. The gaming machine operation device according to Item 5. A lever whose operation end is supported so as to be tiltable in the circumferential direction around the swing center, a biasing means for biasing the lever to a neutral position, and an end of the lever opposite to the operation end A light emitting unit arranged on the side and emitting light toward the end, and a light receiving unit arranged on the side of the end and receiving the reflected light at the end of the light emitted from the light emitting unit; With
At the end of the lever, the lever is positioned on the optical path of the emitted light from the light emitting unit in a neutral position, and the lever is configured to reflect the emitted light from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit. In a state tilted by a predetermined angle or more in the circumferential direction from the neutral position, a reflection part is formed that is positioned on the optical path of the emitted light from the light emitting part and reflects the emitted light from the light emitting part to the light receiving part,
The light receiving unit detects that the lever is operated by receiving and demodulating light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected by the reflecting unit in synchronization with light emission of the light emitting unit. A gaming machine.   When the light receiving unit receives light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected by the reflecting unit, the light receiving unit includes a state determining unit that determines that the state is abnormal when the light receiving unit does not synchronize with the light emission of the light emitting unit. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein: A lever whose operation end is supported so as to be tiltable in the circumferential direction around the swing center, a biasing means for biasing the lever to a neutral position, and an end of the lever opposite to the operation end A light emitting portion arranged on the side to emit light, a light receiving portion arranged on the side of the end portion to receive light emitted from the light emitting portion, and an end portion on the opposite side to the operation end portion of the lever The lever is formed between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit in a neutral position to shield light emitted from the light emitting unit toward the light receiving unit, and the lever tilts a predetermined angle or more in the circumferential direction. A shielding plate that causes the light receiving unit to receive light emitted from the light emitting unit toward the light receiving unit,
The gaming machine, wherein the light receiving unit detects that the lever is operated by receiving and demodulating light emitted from the light emitting unit in synchronization with light emission of the light emitting unit. A state determining unit that determines that the state is abnormal when the light receiving unit receives light emitted from the light emitting unit and does not synchronize with the light emission of the light emitting unit. Item 10. The gaming machine according to Item 9.

Images