JP2006004315A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately determine credit fraudulence by a special tool without complicating the structure of a medal selector section and without disturbing the flow of medals. <P>SOLUTION: A medal input path is provided with a first detection part 26 for optically detecting an input medal and a second detection part 27 for optically detecting the input medal and an inserted foreign substance on the upstream side. The number of input medals is counted based on a detection signal of the first detection part 26, and the insertion of the foreign substance is determined based on a detection signal of the second detection part 27. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine that can effectively prevent an act of illegally increasing the number of credits by inserting a special instrument (foreign material) into a medal slot.

  A slot machine that starts a game after medals are bet and pays out a predetermined number of medals according to the winning contents of the game has become widespread. In this type of slot machine, there are usually two methods for betting medals: one is to insert medals from the medal slot for each game, and the other is to bet medals accumulated by the credit function. It is.

  The credit function above is a function that stores (stores) medals inserted from the medal slot and medals that should be paid out according to the contents of the prize as credits inside the machine. Displayed in the section. The medals stored as credit can be bet on the game by operating the BET switch or MAXBET switch, and can be paid out by operating the credit settlement switch. This credit check is usually performed only once when leaving the platform.

  In recent years, fraudulent acts that abuse the credit function of slot machines have increased. For example, after inserting a special instrument having a light emitting element at the tip from the medal slot, reaching the medal passage sensor (for example, a transmissive photo interrupter) of the medal selector, and then flashing the light emitting element. There has been known a fraudulent act in which a medal passage sensor is erroneously operated and the number of credits is instantaneously increased to a maximum value (for example, 50).

  Since this type of fraud is performed in a short time, it is extremely difficult to detect, and the act of raising the number of credits to the maximum value and paying it out with credit settlement is repeated. The medal may be pulled out and cause great damage.

  In view of this, it has been proposed to add a second medal passage sensor to the medal selector unit and determine the appropriate medal insertion in consideration of the detection signal (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

The acceptance determination device shown in Patent Document 1 adds a second medal passage sensor below the first medal passage sensor, and only when the first and second medal passage sensors detect and operate, the medal insertion is proper. Judgment is made.
However, the acceptance determination device of Patent Document 1 assumes a special instrument with a narrow top and bottom width, and there is a question of its effect when a special instrument with a wide top and bottom width is used. For example, if a special instrument having a wide top and bottom width and a light emitting element at the vertical position (opposite position of the first and second medal passage sensors) is used, the first and second medal passage sensors are It becomes possible to make it malfunction.

On the other hand, the medal identification machine shown in Patent Document 2 uses a medal abutting member that can be retracted by receiving a medal passage force and a medal passage detector that detects the appearance of the medal abutting member. Since the medal passage sensor is configured, for example, when the retreat continuation time of the medal contact member is abnormally long, it can be determined that the special instrument has been inserted.
JP 2001-17611 A JP 2002-65951 A

  However, since the second medal passage sensor is configured by a mechanical switch in the one disclosed in Patent Document 2, the medal selector unit needs to be significantly modified to be applied to an existing slot machine. In addition, there is a problem that the structure of the medal selector section is complicated.

  In addition, the mechanical configuration in which the medal abutting member is raised and lowered with the passing force of the medal has a question of its operability. For example, if the medal abutment member does not appear and disappear smoothly due to dirt or wear at the fulcrum portion of the medal abutment member, the medal abutment member may obstruct the flow of the medal and cause troubles such as clogging of medals. There is sex.

  The present invention has been considered in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible to reliably determine credit fraud by a special instrument without complicating the structure of the medal selector unit or obstructing the flow of medals, and effectively An object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that can be prevented.

  In order to achieve the above object, the slot machine of the present invention stores a medal inserted from a medal slot and a medal to be paid out according to the winning content of the game, and a credit means for accumulating as a credit. In a slot machine comprising bet means for betting medals on a game in accordance with a predetermined BET operation and credit settlement means for paying out medals stored as credits in accordance with a predetermined credit settlement operation, A medal insertion path for guiding the inserted medal into the apparatus, a first detection unit that is arranged in the medal insertion path and optically detects a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot, and detection by the first detection unit Inserted number counting means for counting the number of inserted medals based on a signal, and the medal insertion A second detection unit that is arranged on the upstream side and / or downstream side of the first detection unit on the road and optically detects medals inserted from the medal slot and foreign matter inserted from the medal slot. And foreign matter insertion determination means for determining the insertion of the foreign matter based on at least the detection signal of the second detection unit.

If comprised in this way, the medal inserted from the medal slot and the foreign object inserted from the medal slot can be detected in a non-contact manner, and the insertion of the foreign object can be determined based on the detection signal.
In addition, the second detection unit can be configured using, for example, a transmissive optical sensor or a CCD camera without using a mechanically operating member. It can be easily applied to a machine, and there is no inconvenience that obstructs the flow of medals due to mechanical malfunction.

In the slot machine of the present invention, when the foreign matter determination means inputs an ON signal from the second detection unit, the input duration time is measured, and the measured input duration time exceeds a predetermined reference time. In addition, it is configured to determine that the foreign object is inserted.
If comprised in this way, insertion of a foreign material can be determined by a simple determination process. In addition, the medal passage time (for example, 35 msec) is usually extremely short. Therefore, if this is set as a reference time (= medal passage time + error tolerance), the front end of the special instrument reaches the first detection unit. In addition, the insertion of a special instrument can be determined.

In the slot machine of the present invention, the second detection unit includes two optical sensors that are arranged in the width direction of the medal insertion path and detect both end portions of the medal almost simultaneously, and the foreign object insertion determination unit includes The insertion of a foreign object is determined based on the detection signals of the two optical sensors.
If comprised in this way, insertion of a special instrument can be detected reliably. Moreover, since the width of the medal insertion path can be narrowed by the two optical sensors, an effect that it is difficult to insert a special instrument can be obtained.

Further, in the slot machine of the present invention, the two optical sensors are arranged so that a difference occurs in the ON time accompanying the passage of the medal, and the foreign matter insertion determination means is configured so that the ON time in the two optical sensors and / or Or it is set as the structure which makes the determination condition the difference of ON time.
If comprised in this way, the difficulty of fraud by a special instrument can be raised. For example, if a light emitting element or liquid crystal shutter is added at a position opposite to the second detection unit in a special instrument, and this is simply driven at a constant cycle, it is determined that a foreign object has been inserted without misidentifying it as a medal. can do.

Further, in the slot machine of the present invention, when the two optical sensors detect the passage of medals at a predetermined depth position from the end of the medal, This is a configuration that causes a difference in the ON time associated with the passage.
If comprised in this way, a difference can be produced in ON time only by arrangement | positioning setting of an optical sensor.

In the slot machine of the present invention, the two optical sensors are arranged at the curved portion of the medal insertion path, thereby causing a difference in the ON time associated with the passage of the medal.
If comprised in this way, a difference can be produced in ON time only by arrangement | positioning setting of an optical sensor.

Further, in the slot machine of the present invention, the two optical sensors are arranged with their positions shifted in the length direction of the medal insertion path so that a difference in medal detection timing occurs. A difference between detection timings of the two optical sensors is used as a determination condition.
If comprised in this way, the difficulty of fraud by a special instrument can be raised. For example, if a light emitting element or liquid crystal shutter is added at a position opposite to the second detection unit in a special instrument, and this is simply driven at a constant cycle, it is determined that a foreign object has been inserted without misidentifying it as a medal. can do.

In the slot machine of the present invention, at least one of the optical sensors can be changed in position in the width direction and / or length direction of the medal insertion path.
If comprised in this way, the difficulty of fraud by a special instrument can be raised by changing the position of an optical sensor suitably.

In the slot machine of the present invention, the second detection unit includes an ITV camera that captures an image of a medal moving along the medal insertion path from a side surface of the medal insertion path, and the foreign matter insertion determination unit includes an imaging signal of the ITV camera. Based on the above, it is configured to determine the insertion of a foreign object.
If comprised in this way, it can replace with the optical sensor mentioned above and can provide the ITV camera comprised by the CCD camera etc. as a 2nd detection part of this invention. By providing such an ITV camera, a medal passing through the medal insertion path can be imaged, and if there is a true circular image moving through the medal insertion path in the obtained image, it is a regular medal and inserted into the insertion path If there is a long stick-like image to be made, it can be determined that the device is a special instrument. Thereby, based on the image obtained by the ITV camera, the regular medal and the special instrument can be discriminated more directly, and the illegal act can be surely detected and prevented.

Furthermore, the slot machine of the present invention is configured to give a predetermined alarm when the foreign matter insertion determination means determines that foreign matter is inserted.
If comprised in this way, since the fraudulent act can be alert | reported to the salesclerk of a hall | hole and the surrounding player, the deterrent effect of fraudulent act can be heightened.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the medal inserted from the medal slot and the foreign object inserted from the medal slot are detected in a non-contact manner, and the insertion of the foreign object is determined based on the detection signal. The Accordingly, it is possible to reliably determine the credit fraud by the special instrument without complicating the structure of the medal selector unit or obstructing the flow of the medal, and effectively preventing this.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of the slot machine.

  As shown in these drawings, the slot machine 1 includes a medal slot 11, a credit display unit 12, a credit settlement switch 13, a BET switch 14, a MAXBET switch 15, and a start on the front side of the front door 10. A lever 16, a plurality of stop buttons 17 (17 a to 17 c), a medal payout port 18, a medal return button 19, and a lamp L are provided, and a speaker SP and a medal selector are provided on the rear side of the front door 10. And a drum unit 30, a hopper device 40, and a control unit 50 inside the machine body.

The medal slot 11 accepts a medal M to bet on the game (hereinafter, the symbol M is omitted). The slot machine 1 has a medal insertion mode in which medals bet on a game are inserted from the medal insertion slot 11 for each game, and a credit mode in which medals stored as credits are bet on the game. The player can select.
In the credit mode, medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 11 and medals to be paid out according to the winning contents of the game are stored within the maximum credit number (for example, 50), and the number is displayed in the credit display section. 12 is displayed.

  The credit settlement switch 13 is a switch for paying out medals stored as credits. In this embodiment, the credit settlement switch 13 is also used for an ON / OFF operation in the credit mode. For example, when the credit settlement switch 13 is pressed while the credit mode is OFF, the credit mode is turned ON. When the credit settlement switch 13 is pressed while the credit mode is ON, after the stored medal is paid out, the credit mode Is turned off.

  The BET switch 14 and the MAXBET switch 15 are switches for betting medals stored as credits on the game. The BET switch 14 can bet medals stored as credits one by one for each operation, and the MAXBET switch 15 sets the maximum number (for example, three) bet on one game at a time. Can bet on operation.

The start lever 16 is operated after a medal is bet. When the start lever 16 is operated, rotation of the rotating drums 31a to 31c provided in the drum unit 30 is started.
The stop buttons 17a to 17c are provided in the same number (usually three) as the rotating drums 31a to 31c. When these stop buttons 17a to 17c are pressed, the rotation of the corresponding spinning cylinders 31a to 31c is stopped, and winning or losing of the game is determined.

The medal payout opening 18 is a portion where a predetermined number of medals are paid out according to the winning content of the game. Also, the settled medal is paid out from here.
The medal return button 19 is operated when medals remain in the medal selector unit 20. When the medal return button 19 is operated, the medals staying in the medal selector unit 20 are returned from the medal payout exit 18.
The lamp L performs a game effect by lighting or flashing.
The speaker SP performs a game with sound output such as sound effects, payout sounds, and voice messages.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the medal selector unit, and FIG. 4 is a side view of the medal selector unit with the selector cover and blocker removed.
As shown in these figures, the medal selector unit 20 forms an inclined medal insertion path from the medal insertion slot 11 to the hopper device 40. Specifically, the selector base 21 and the lower medal guide 22 The upper medal guide 23, the selector cover 24, the blocker 25, the first detection unit 26, and the second detection unit 27 are provided.

The selector base 21 is a plate material that constitutes one side surface of the medal insertion path, and a rectangular opening 21a is formed in an intermediate portion.
The lower medal guide 22 is fixed along the lower end of the selector base 21. A medal inserted from the medal slot 11 rolls on the lower medal guide 22 while being guided by the selector base 21 and guided to the hopper device 40 side.

The upper medal guide 23 is fixed along the upper end portion of the selector base 21. At this time, by setting the interval between the lower medal guide 22 and the upper medal guide 23 slightly larger than the diameter of the regular medal, the passage of the large medal is restricted. The large-diameter medal whose passage is restricted here falls from the middle portion of the medal selector unit 20 and is returned from the medal payout port 18.
On the other hand, the small-diameter medal is not restricted by the passage of the upper medal guide 23, but falls down into the opening 21a of the selector base 21, so that it falls from the middle portion of the medal selector section 20 like the large-diameter medal, and the medal payout exit 18 will be returned.

  The selector cover 24 is provided at the upper end of the selector base 21 so as to be openable and closable via a support shaft 24a, and is biased in the closing direction by a spring 24b. The selector cover 24 configured in this way is normally opposed to the selector base 21 through a predetermined gap to prevent the regular medal from falling. However, when a large-diameter medal is inserted, In the case of clogging, the medals are retracted in the opening direction by the weight of the medal or the operation force of the medal return button 19, and the medal is allowed to fall. The selector cover 24 has a notch 24c at a portion corresponding to the opening 21a of the selector base 21, and the small diameter medal is actively dropped by the notch 24c.

  The blocker 25 includes an L-shaped blocker plate 25a that can be freely opened and closed, and an electromagnet 25b that electromagnetically opens and closes the blocker plate 25a. In a state where the blocker plate 25a is closed, the inserted medal rolls on the tip of the blocker plate 25a and is guided to the hopper device 40 side. On the other hand, when the blocker plate 25 a is opened, the inserted medal falls from the middle part of the medal selector unit 20 and is returned from the medal payout opening 18.

  The first detection unit 26 is configured on the terminal side of the medal insertion path, and optically detects medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 11. As the optical sensor 26a for detecting a medal, for example, a transmissive photo interrupter (transmissive photo sensor) can be used, and the number of the optical sensors 26a can be arbitrarily set. In recent years, there has been an increase in fraudulent acts in which a special instrument is inserted from the medal slot 11 and the optical sensor 26a of the first detection unit 26 malfunctions.

  The second detection unit 27 is configured upstream of the first detection unit 26 and optically detects medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 11 and foreign objects inserted from the medal insertion slot 11. As the optical sensors 27 a and 27 b for detecting medals and foreign objects, a transmissive photo interrupter can be used as in the first detection unit 26. When the second detection unit 27 is configured in this manner, the medal inserted from the medal slot 11 and the foreign object inserted from the medal slot 11 are detected in a non-contact manner, and the insertion of the foreign object is performed based on the detection signal. Can be determined.

For example, when the optical sensors 27a and 27b detect a medal or a foreign object, the duration time is measured, and when the measured duration time exceeds a predetermined reference time, it can be determined that the foreign object is inserted.
That is, if the medal passing speed is S (for example, 700 mm / sec) and the medal diameter is A (for example, 25 mm), the medal passing time at the detection position is A / S (35 msec≈25 / 700 at the center of the medal). In a normal medal insertion, the optical sensors 27a and 27b are not continuously turned on beyond this time. Therefore, if a reference time (= medal passage time + error tolerance) is set based on the medal passage time, insertion of a foreign object can be determined. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, if the second detection unit 27 is configured in the vicinity of the medal insertion slot 11 and the distance from the first detection unit 26 is increased, the tip of the special instrument is detected in the first detection unit. It is also possible to determine the insertion of a special instrument before reaching the part 26.

Next, an arrangement example of the optical sensors 27a and 27b in the second detection unit 27 and a foreign substance determination method according to each arrangement example will be described.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first arrangement example of the optical sensors in the second detection unit, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second arrangement example of the optical sensors in the second detection unit, and FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth arrangement example of the optical sensors in the second detection unit, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth arrangement example of the optical sensors in the detection unit.

  As shown in FIGS. 5-8, it is preferable that the 2nd detection part 27 is equipped with the two optical sensors 27a and 27b which are located in the width direction of a medal insertion path | route, and detect the both ends of a medal substantially simultaneously. In this way, insertion of a foreign object can be reliably determined based on the detection signals of the two optical sensors 27a and 27b. Further, when the two optical sensors 27a and 27b are constituted by transmissive photo interrupters, the width of the medal insertion path is narrowed by the optical sensors 27a and 27b, so that an effect that it is difficult to insert a special instrument is also obtained.

  FIG. 5A shows an example in which two optical sensors 27a and 27b are arranged on a straight portion of the medal insertion path. When the optical sensors 27a and 27b are constituted by transmissive photo interrupters, as shown in FIG. 5B, the transmissive photo interrupter is attached so as to sandwich the medal insertion path and the end of the selector base 21, and the selector base Light can be projected and received through the hole 21 b formed in the hole 21.

  FIG. 5C shows a state where medals are continuously inserted. Even if a medal is inserted in such a state, a gap is always generated between the medals in a portion other than the center of the medal, so that the optical sensors 27a and 27b are intermittently turned on, as shown in FIG. A detection signal can be obtained. On the other hand, when a foreign object is inserted, as shown in FIG. 5E, at least one of the optical sensors 27a and 27b is continuously turned on over a predetermined reference time. Insertion can be determined.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the two optical sensors 27 a and 27 b are preferably arranged so that a difference occurs in the ON time associated with the passage of medals. In this way, since not only the ON time in the two optical sensors 27a and 27b but also the difference in the ON time can be added to the determination condition, it is possible to increase the difficulty of fraud with special instruments. For example, even if a light emitting element or a liquid crystal shutter is added at a position opposite to the second detection unit 27 in a special instrument, and this is simply driven at a constant cycle, foreign matter is inserted without being mistaken for a medal. Can be determined.

  In the arrangement example shown in FIG. 6A, the two optical sensors 27a and 27b detect the passage of medals at different depth positions when detecting the passage of medals at a predetermined depth position from the edge of the medal. As a result, a difference is generated in the ON time accompanying the passage of medals. In this way, when the medal passes, a difference occurs in the medal passing time in each of the optical sensors 27a and 27b, and a detection signal as shown in FIG. 6B is obtained. According to such a detection signal, only one optical sensor 27a is in an ON state, both optical sensors 27a and 27b are in an ON state, and only one optical sensor 27a is in an ON state. The insertion of medals can be determined using the ON / OFF pattern as a determination condition, and when the determination condition is not satisfied, it can be determined that foreign matter is inserted.

  Further, in the arrangement example shown in FIG. 7A, the two optical sensors 27a and 27b are arranged at the curved portion of the medal insertion path, thereby causing a difference in the ON time accompanying the passage of the medal. In this way, when the medal passes, the medal passing time of the optical sensor 27a arranged on the inner peripheral side of the curved portion becomes longer, and a detection signal as shown in FIG. 7B is obtained. Accordingly, as in the arrangement example shown in FIG. 6, it is determined whether only one optical sensor 27a is ON, both optical sensors 27a and 27b are ON, and only one optical sensor 27a is ON. As a condition, insertion of a foreign object can be determined.

  In the arrangement example shown in FIG. 8A, the two optical sensors 27a and 27b are arranged with their positions shifted in the length direction of the medal insertion path so that a difference occurs in the medal detection timing. According to such an arrangement, when the medal passes, as shown in FIG. 8B, only one of the optical sensors 27a is on, and both of the optical sensors 27a and 27b are on. Since only the other optical sensor 27b is continuously turned on, the insertion of medals can be determined using this ON / OFF pattern as a determination condition, and when this determination condition is not satisfied, it is determined that foreign matter is inserted. can do.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the positions of the optical sensors 27a and 27b can be changed in the width direction or the length direction of the medal insertion path. For example, if the fixing holes of the optical sensors 27a and 27b are long holes, the positions of the optical sensors 27a and 27b can be changed along the long holes. If it does in this way, the position of optical sensor 27a, 27b can be changed suitably, and the difficulty of fraud by a special instrument can be raised. For example, even if a light emitting element or a liquid crystal shutter is added at a position facing the second detection unit 27 in the special instrument, it becomes difficult to cause the optical sensors 27a and 27b to malfunction correctly.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the slot machine.
As shown in this figure, the drum unit 30 includes a plurality of spinning cylinders 31a to 31c, a motor drive circuit 32, a plurality of stepping motors 33a to 33c, and a spinning cylinder position detection unit 34.
A plurality of symbols are drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the rotating drums 31a to 31c. These symbols are visually recognized by the player through the display window 10a of the front door 10.

The motor drive circuit 32 drives and controls the stepping motors 33a to 33c based on the pulse signal from the control unit 50, and starts and stops the rotation of the rotating drums 31a to 31c.
When the rotation of the rotation cylinders 31a to 31c stops, the rotation position detection unit 34 detects and stops the rotation stop positions of the rotation cylinders 31a to 31c based on the markers written on the rotation cylinders 31a to 31c. Send to part 50.

The hopper device 40 includes a hopper 41, a hopper drive circuit 42, and a medal detection unit 43.
The hopper 41 is a part that stores medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 11 and medals supplied from the outside.
When receiving a payout signal from the control unit 50, the hopper drive circuit 42 drives a medal discharge unit (not shown) provided at the bottom of the hopper 41 to pay out a predetermined number of medals.
The medal detection unit 43 counts the number of medals paid out from the medal discharge unit, and sends this to the control unit 50.

The control unit 50 includes a display drive circuit 51, a sound circuit 52, a lamp drive circuit 53, a CPU 54, a clock generation circuit 55, a random number generation circuit 56, a ROM 57, and a RAM 58.
The display drive circuit 51 displays the number of credits on the credit display unit 12 in accordance with a signal from the CPU 54.
The sound circuit 52 causes the speaker SP to output a sound effect, a payout sound, a voice message, and the like according to a signal (command) from the CPU 54.
The lamp driving circuit 53 turns on and blinks the lamp L in response to a signal (command) from the CPU 54.

The CPU 54 inputs signals from the credit settlement switch 13, BET switch 14, MAXBET switch 15, start lever (start switch) 16, stop buttons (stop switches) 17a to 17c, optical sensors 26a, 27a, 27b, etc. Based on the input signal, the drum unit 30, the hopper device 40, the display drive circuit 51, the sound circuit 52, the lamp drive circuit 53, and the like are controlled.
The ROM 57 stores a predetermined program, and the CPU 54 is operated according to this program.
The RAM 58 stores various data relating to the game. This includes data on the number of medals stored as credits.

Next, the control procedure of the control unit 50 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the main routine, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing medal insertion processing, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing foreign object insertion determination processing.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the main routine performs initial setting (S101) at the time of startup, and then performs credit settlement processing (S102: credit settlement means), medal insertion processing (S103: foreign object insertion determination means, inserted number counting means, Credit means), BET processing (S104: BET means), start processing (S105), spinning stop processing (S106), winning process (S107), prize medal payout processing (S108: credit means), etc. are repeatedly executed.

Initial settings include initialization of various setting values and memory clear.
In the credit settlement process, in accordance with the operation of the credit settlement switch 13, payout of stored medals and ON / OFF switching of the credit mode are performed.
The medal insertion process includes a process for determining an inserted medal and inserted foreign matter, a process for counting the number of inserted medals, a process for adding the inserted number to the credit number (when the credit mode is ON), and the like.

In the BET process, a process for betting a stored medal on the game (when the credit mode is ON) is performed in accordance with the operation of the BET switch 14 or the MAXBET switch 15.
In the start process, a random number for lottery is acquired in accordance with the operation of the start lever 16, and the rotation of the rotating drum 31a to the rotating drum 31c is started.
In the rotation stopping process, the rotation of the rotation cylinder 31a to the rotation cylinder 31c is stopped according to the operation of the stop buttons 17a to 17c. At this time, the amount of slip when rotation is stopped is controlled based on a random number for lottery.

In the winning process, a winning of a big bonus, a regular bonus, a small role or the like is determined based on the stop positions (stop symbols) of the rotating drum 31a to the rotating drum 31c, and the number of medals to be paid out is determined according to the winning content. decide.
The award medal payout process controls the hopper device 40 and pays out medals. At this time, if the credit mode is ON, medals to be paid out are added to the number of credits.

Next, the medal insertion process, which is a main part of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in this figure, in the medal insertion process, first, it is determined whether or not the game is in progress (S201), and it is determined whether or not the number of credits is smaller than the maximum number (S202). Here, when the game is in progress or when the number of credits is the maximum number, the blocker 25 is turned off (S203), and the insertion of medals is restricted.
Next, after setting the address of the input signal ON counter (S204), it is determined whether the blocker 25 is ON / OFF (S205). If the blocker 25 is ON, a foreign substance insertion determination process (S206) described later is performed. Execute.

After returning from the foreign object insertion determination process, it is determined whether or not the medal insertion signal (medal insertion determination result based on the detection signal of the optical sensor 26a) is ON / OFF (S207). If this determination result is ON, an error check is performed. After (S208), the input signal ON counter is incremented (S209). After incrementing the insertion signal ON counter, it is determined whether or not the medal is jammed (S210). If the determination result is YES, an error flag is set (S211) and the insertion signal ON counter is cleared (S212). ).
If the credit mode is ON (S213), credit processing (S214) for incrementing the number of credits is also executed in accordance with the insertion signal ON counter.

Next, the foreign object insertion determination process, which is a subroutine of the medal insertion process, will be described with reference to FIG.
In the foreign object insertion determination process, first, detection signals from the optical sensors 27a and 27b provided in the second detection unit 27 are determined. Here, when it is determined that the optical sensor 27a has risen (OFF → ON) (S301), the S1 timer starts counting (S302), and when it has been determined that the optical sensor 27b has risen (OFF → ON) (S303). ), The time measurement of the S2 timer is started (S304), and when the fall (ON → OFF) of the optical sensor 27a is determined (S305), the S1 timer is cleared (S306), and the fall of the optical sensor 27b (ON) If it is determined (→ OFF) (S307), the S2 timer is cleared (S308).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the optical sensors 27a and 27b are ON / OFF (S309). If either one is ON, the ON / OFF pattern is determined (S310). For example, in the arrangement examples of the optical sensors 27a and 27b shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, whether the rising of the optical sensor 27a, the rising of the optical sensor 27b, the falling of the optical sensor 27b, and the falling of the optical sensor 27a occur in sequence. Determine. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the ON / OFF pattern is appropriate (S311). If the determination result is NO, it is determined that foreign matter is inserted, and an alarm is issued (S312).

On the other hand, if the ON / OFF pattern is appropriate, the S1 timer and S2 timer are determined to be appropriate (S313, S314). If any one of the timers exceeds the reference times K1 and K2, it is determined that a foreign object has been inserted, and an alarm is issued (S312).
In addition, as an alarm for notifying the insertion of a foreign object, a method of emitting an alarm sound from the speaker SP, a method of lighting the lamp L in a pattern different from normal, an alarm signal is output from an external output terminal, and notified to the hall computer Or the like can be used.

According to the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 11 and foreign objects inserted from the medal insertion slot 11 are detected in a non-contact manner, and the detection signal is used as the detection signal. Based on this, insertion of a foreign object can be determined.
In addition, since the second detection unit 27 can be configured using, for example, a transmission optical sensor without using a mechanically operating member, it is possible to add to the existing slot machine without significantly modifying the medal selector unit 20. It can be easily applied, and there is no inconvenience that obstructs the flow of medals due to mechanical malfunction.

In addition, when an ON signal is input from the second detection unit 27, the input duration time is measured, and when the measured input duration time exceeds a predetermined reference time, it is determined that foreign matter is inserted, so it is easy. It is possible to determine the insertion of a foreign object with a simple determination process.
In addition, since the medal passage time is usually extremely short, if this is used as the reference time, insertion of the special instrument can be determined before the tip of the special instrument reaches the first detection unit 26.

The second detection unit 27 includes two optical sensors 27a and 27b that are arranged in the width direction of the medal insertion path and detect both ends of the medal almost simultaneously, and the control unit 50 includes the two optical sensors 27a, 27b, Since insertion of a foreign object is determined based on the detection signal 27b, insertion of a special instrument can be reliably detected.
Moreover, since the width of the medal insertion path can be narrowed by the two optical sensors 27a and 27b, an effect that it is difficult to insert a special instrument can be obtained.

In the arrangement examples shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the two optical sensors 27a and 27b are arranged so that there is a difference in the ON time associated with the passage of medals, and the control unit 50 has two optical sensors 27a and 27b. Since the determination time is the ON time or the difference between the ON times, the difficulty of fraud with special instruments can be increased.
Further, in the arrangement example shown in FIG. 6, when the two optical sensors 27a and 27b detect the passage of medals at a predetermined depth position from the end of the medal, by detecting the passage of medals at different depth positions. Since a difference is generated in the ON time accompanying the passage of the medal, the difference in the ON time can be generated only by the arrangement setting of the optical sensors 27a and 27b.

Further, in the arrangement example shown in FIG. 7, since the two optical sensors 27a and 27b are arranged at the curved portion of the medal insertion path, a difference is generated in the ON time associated with the passage of the medal. Therefore, the optical sensors 27a and 27b are arranged. A difference in the ON time can be generated only by the arrangement setting.
Further, in the arrangement example shown in FIG. 8, the two optical sensors 27a and 27b are arranged with their positions shifted in the length direction of the medal insertion path so that a difference in medal detection timing occurs. Since the difference between detection timings of the two optical sensors 27a and 27b is used as a determination condition, it is possible to increase the difficulty of fraud with special instruments.

In addition, when the position of at least one of the optical sensors 27a and 27b can be changed in the width direction and / or the length direction of the medal insertion path, the position of the optical sensors 27a and 27b can be changed as appropriate, thereby The difficulty of fraud can be increased.
In addition, since the control unit 50 gives a predetermined alarm when it is determined that the foreign object is inserted, it is possible to notify the hall clerk and the surrounding players of the cheating and increase the deterrent effect.

While the slot machine of the present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, the slot machine according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that is possible.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the second detection unit includes two pairs of optical sensors. However, the second detection unit provided in the slot machine of the present invention is not limited to the optical sensor, It can also be an ITV camera.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show an embodiment in which an ITV camera is provided as the second detection unit.
As shown in the figure, as the second detection unit 27, an ITV camera 27c that captures an image of a medal moving on the medal insertion path from the side of the medal insertion path can be provided. The ITV camera 27c is arranged at a predetermined position facing the medal insertion path in the slot machine housing so that the medal insertion path upstream or downstream of the first detection unit 26 can be photographed (see FIG. 13).
Based on the imaging signal of the ITV camera 27c, the foreign object insertion determination means can determine the insertion of the foreign object.

The ITV camera 27c is composed of optical imaging means such as a CCD camera or a CMOS sensor camera, and can capture a medal passing through a medal insertion path.
If there is a true circular image moving on the medal insertion path in the image obtained by the ITV camera 27c, the image is determined as a regular medal, and if there is a long bar-shaped image to be inserted into the insertion path, a special instrument is obtained. It can be determined that
As a result, based on the image obtained by the ITV camera, the regular medal and the special instrument can be distinguished more directly, and the illegal act can be surely detected and prevented.

Here, when such an ITV camera 27c is provided, as shown in FIG. 14, it is preferable to perform blackening processing on the selector base 21 in order to reliably capture a medal image moving on the medal insertion path ( (See the shaded area in FIG. 14).
The black dyeing process is a process in which the surface of a metal such as stainless steel is blackened by a chemical process. By performing black dyeing on the selector base 21, a silver-white medal image can be easily identified.
By providing the ITV camera 27c as described above, as in the case of providing the above-described optical sensor, it is possible to distinguish a regular medal from an illegal special instrument and to reliably detect and prevent an illegal act.

In addition, although the 2nd detection part of this invention which consists of the above ITV cameras or an optical sensor was shown taking the case provided in the upstream of a 1st detection part as an example, the downstream of a 1st detection part, ie, You may provide in the position which detects the medal which passed the 1st detection part.
The special instrument for performing credit fraud causes the first detection unit to malfunction, and is not inserted further downstream of the first detection unit. Therefore, by providing the second detection unit on the downstream side of the first detection unit, it is possible to determine that a regular medal has passed only when a detection signal from the second detection unit is input. The presence or absence of insertion of special equipment can be detected and judged.

As described above, the second detection unit only needs to be provided on at least the upstream side or the downstream side of the first detection unit, and can be provided on both the upstream side and the downstream side of the first detection unit. A plurality of second detectors may be provided upstream and / or downstream of one detection.
In this case, as a plurality of second detections, it is of course possible to provide a combination of the above-described optical sensor and the second detection unit of the ITV camera.

  The present invention can be applied to a slot machine that is played by inserting medals. In particular, the present invention is useful in a slot machine in which a fraudulent act using the credit function may be performed.

It is a front view of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view showing a medal selector part of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view of the medal selector unit with the selector cover and blocker removed from the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st example of arrangement | positioning of the optical sensor in the 2nd detection part of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second arrangement example of the optical sensors in the second detection unit of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a third arrangement example of the optical sensors in the second detection unit of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 4th example of arrangement | positioning of the optical sensor in the 2nd detection part of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing a main routine in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing medal insertion processing in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing foreign object insertion determination processing in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of the slot machine which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a side view showing a medal selector part of a slot machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 11 Medal insertion slot 13 Credit settlement switch 14 BET switch 15 MAXBET switch 20 Medal selector part 26 1st detection part 26a Optical sensor 27 2nd detection part 27a Optical sensor 27b Optical sensor 27c ITV camera 50 Control part

Claims (10)

A credit means for storing, as credits, medals inserted from the medal slot and medals to be paid out in accordance with the content of the winning game;
BET means for betting medals stored as credits on a game in accordance with a predetermined BET operation;
In a slot machine comprising a credit settlement means for paying out medals stored as credits in accordance with a predetermined credit settlement operation,
A medal insertion path for guiding medals inserted from the medal insertion slot into the apparatus;
A first detection unit that is arranged in the medal insertion path and optically detects a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot;
Inserted number counting means for counting the number of inserted medals based on the detection signal of the first detection unit,
A first optical unit that is disposed upstream and / or downstream of the first detection unit in the medal insertion path and optically detects medals inserted from the medal insertion slot and foreign matter inserted from the medal insertion slot. Two detectors;
A slot machine comprising: a foreign substance insertion determination unit that determines the insertion of a foreign substance based on at least a detection signal of the second detection unit.   When the foreign matter determination means inputs an ON signal from the second detection unit, the input duration time is measured, and when the measured input duration time exceeds a predetermined reference time, it is determined that foreign matter is inserted. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein: The second detection unit includes two optical sensors arranged in the width direction of the medal insertion path and detecting both end portions of the medal almost simultaneously,
The slot machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the foreign object insertion determination means determines the insertion of a foreign object based on detection signals of two optical sensors. The two optical sensors are arranged so that there is a difference in the ON time accompanying the passage of medals,
4. The slot machine according to claim 3, wherein the foreign matter insertion determination means uses the ON time and / or the difference between the ON times of the two optical sensors as a determination condition.   When the two optical sensors detect the passage of a medal at a predetermined depth position from the end of the medal, a difference is generated in the ON time accompanying the passage of the medal by detecting the passage of the medal at a different depth position. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein:   6. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein the two optical sensors are arranged in a curved portion of the medal insertion path, thereby causing a difference in the ON time accompanying the passage of the medal. The two optical sensors are arranged with their positions shifted in the length direction of the medal insertion path so that a difference in medal detection timing occurs.
The slot machine according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the foreign matter insertion determination means uses a difference between detection timings of the two optical sensors as a determination condition.   The slot machine according to claim 3, wherein the position of at least one of the optical sensors can be changed in the width direction and / or the length direction of the medal insertion path. The second detection unit includes an ITV camera that captures an image of a medal moving along the medal insertion path from a side of the medal insertion path,
The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the foreign object insertion determination unit determines insertion of a foreign object based on an imaging signal of the ITV camera.   The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when the foreign matter insertion determining means determines that foreign matter is inserted, a predetermined alarm is given.

Images