JP2007044161A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of effectively eliminating fraudulent game actions without the need of mechanism change from conventional constitution and without the need of excessive electronic elements. <P>SOLUTION: In a slot machine SL, a game is started when tokens are fed, and a main control part 50 executes a control operation so as to obtain an allotment corresponding to a stop state when a prescribed stop state is achieved due to the operation of a player. A photo interrupter PH for detecting the tokens is arranged along a token feeding path, the photo interrupter PH is constituted of a light emitting diode and a phototransistor arranged facing each other across the feeding path or arranged adjacently without being separated by the feeding path, and the light emitting diode is operated by being appropriately switched to a lighting state and a put-out state on the basis of the control operation of the main control part 50. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic gaming machine having a built-in computer device, and is particularly preferably applied to a spinning gaming machine that uses medals as gaming media.

  In a spinning machine such as a slot machine, when a player inserts a medal into a medal slot and operates a start lever, the rotation of the rotating reel is started accordingly. When the player presses the stop button to stop the rotating reel, when the symbols on the stop line are aligned, a payout medal corresponding to the symbol is paid out.

  As described above, in the slot machine, an illegal player may use an illegal device in order to disguise the insertion of medals. As an illegal instrument, for example, a light emitting diode arranged at the tip of a plate member has been reported, and with such a plate member inserted from a medal slot, a light emitting diode is appropriately blinked. Disguised medal insertion.

Therefore, various proposals have been made to reliably eliminate such illegal games (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent No. 3649409 Japanese Patent No. 3649728

  Here, the invention described in Patent Document 1 is characterized in that, in a reflective or transmissive optical sensor, the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the optical sensor are arranged opposite to each other across the medal path. The only way for an unauthorized player to counter such an optical sensor arrangement is to place light emitting diodes on both sides of the illegal plate-like member, and such a plate-like member cannot be inserted into the medal slot so that illegal acts Can be eliminated.

  However, along with the downsizing of electronic elements, it is possible to select a light emitter that can be inserted into the medal slot. In this case, the countermeasure itself of Patent Document 1 is ineffective. Moreover, since it is necessary to dispose the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor in the first place, there is also the complication that it is necessary to change the device design accordingly.

  On the other hand, since the invention of Patent Document 2 requires a separate proximity sensor that can detect a metal object, there is a problem that an extra space is required and a design change is also required.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and does not require a mechanism change from the previous configuration, and effectively eliminates illegal gaming without requiring extra electronic elements. An object is to provide a game machine that can be used.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 starts a game upon receiving a game medium, and enters a stop state when a predetermined stop state is achieved due to a player's operation. In a gaming machine in which the central control unit executes a control operation so as to obtain a corresponding payout, a detection device for detecting a game medium is disposed along a game medium insertion passage, and the detection device is separated from the insertion passage. It is composed of a light emitter and a light receiver that are arranged to face each other or are adjacent to each other without separating the input passage, and the light emitter is appropriately turned on based on the control operation of the central control unit The operation is switched between the state and the unlit state.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the game is started upon receiving the game medium, and when a predetermined stop state is achieved due to the player's operation, a payout according to the stop state is obtained. In the gaming machine in which the central control unit executes the control operation, the detection device for detecting the game medium is arranged along the insertion path of the game medium, and the detection device is arranged facing the insertion path. Or a light-emitting body and a light-receiving body that are arranged adjacent to each other without a separation passage, and the light-emitting body is driven from the central control section and a first terminal that receives a DC voltage from the central control section. A second terminal that receives a signal, and the photoreceptor includes a third terminal that outputs an output signal to the central control unit, and a fourth terminal that receives a reference voltage from the central control unit, Driving signal or DC voltage is time It is controlled by the central control unit so as to change the.

  In the invention according to claim 4, the game is started upon receipt of the game medium, and when a predetermined stop state is achieved due to the player's operation, a central payout according to the stop state is obtained. In a gaming machine in which a control unit executes a control operation, first and second detection devices for detecting a game medium are arranged along a game medium input passage, and the detection devices are separated from the input passage, respectively. It is composed of a light emitter and a light receiver that are arranged facing each other or not adjacent to each other, and the central control unit detects detection signals from the upstream and downstream light receivers, The normal determination process for detecting the passage of the game medium based on the change with the movement of the game medium and the detection signal from the upstream and downstream photoreceptors are not changed, while the upstream side And detection from the other photoreceptor on the downstream side Signal, based on the fact that changes with the movement of the game medium, and a special determination process for detecting the passage of the game media, operating comprise.

  In each of the above inventions, the lighting state of the light-emitting body is appropriately switched between the lighting state and the light-off state. Therefore, it is extremely difficult for an unauthorized player of an unauthorized player to restore this operation, and unauthorized gaming can be reliably eliminated. There is also a great merit that it can be realized without adding or changing the hardware configuration. Furthermore, since the switching timing between the on state and the off state can be freely changed by software, for example, illegal games can be more reliably eliminated by changing the algorithm for each device to be developed. In the present invention, “starting a game upon the input of a game medium” is a concept including a pseudo input of a game medium.

  According to the present invention described above, it is possible to realize a gaming machine that does not require a mechanism change from the previous configuration and that can effectively eliminate fraudulent gaming activities without requiring extra electronic elements.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail based on examples. 1 to 4 illustrate a slot machine SL according to an embodiment. In this slot machine SL, a rectangular box-shaped main body case 1 and a front panel 2 fitted with various game members are connected via a hinge 3 so that the front panel 2 can be opened and closed with respect to the main body case 1. (FIG. 2). 1 is a front view of the front panel 2, FIG. 2 is a right side view (a) and a plan view (b) of the slot machine SL, FIG. 3 is a rear view of the front panel 2, and FIG. A front view is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a symbol rotating unit 4 including three rotating reels 4 a to 4 c is disposed in the approximate center of the main body case 1, and a medal payout device 5 is disposed below the symbol rotating unit 4. The medal payout device 5 is provided with a medal hopper 5a for storing medals, a payout motor M, a medal payout control board 55, a payout relay board 63, a payout sensor (not shown), and the like. Here, the medal is derived from the payout opening 5b toward the front of the drawing based on the rotation of the payout motor M. Note that medals stored exceeding the limit amount are configured to fall into the auxiliary tank 6 through the overflow portion 5c.

  A power supply board 62 is arranged adjacent to the medal payout device 5, a main control board 50 is arranged above the symbol rotation unit 4, and a rotating drum setting board 54 is arranged adjacent to the main control board 50. ing. In addition, inside the symbol rotating unit 4, a rotating LED relay substrate 58 and a rotating relay substrate 57 are provided, and an external concentrated terminal plate 56 is disposed adjacent to the symbol rotating unit 4.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a liquid crystal display unit 7 is disposed on the upper portion of the front panel 2, and three display windows 8a to 8c corresponding to the rotating reels 4a to 4c are disposed on the lower portion thereof. An LED group 9 indicating a gaming state is provided on the left side of the display window 8a, and a payout display unit 10 that displays the number of medals to be paid out as a gaming result and a medal number in a credit state are displayed below the display group 8a. A storage number display unit 11 is provided.

  In the center of the front panel 2, a medal insertion slot 12 for inserting medals is provided, and a return button 13 for returning medals filled in the medal insertion slot 12 is provided adjacent thereto. Also, a credit check button 14 for paying out a credit medal, an insertion button 15 for artificially inserting one credit medal in place of inserting a medal into the medal slot 12, and a credit medal in a pseudo manner A maximum loading button 16 for loading three sheets is provided.

  Below these game members, a start lever 17 for starting the rotation of the rotating reels 4a to 4c and stop buttons 18a to 18c for stopping the rotating reels 4a to 4c are provided. In addition, below the front panel 2, a horizontally long tray 19 for storing medals and a medal outlet 20 communicating with the payout port 5b of the payout device 5 are provided. Speakers SP are arranged on the left and right sides of the medal outlet 20.

  As shown in FIG. 3, on the back side of the front panel 3, a medal sorting device 21 that sorts medals inserted into the medal slot 12, and medals that are determined to be inappropriate by the medal sorting device 21 A return passage 22 that guides the vehicle 20 is provided. A substrate case 23 that houses the effect control board 51, the effect interface board 52, the liquid crystal control board 61, and the like is disposed on the upper back side of the front panel 3. A game relay board 53 that relays signals between the various game members shown in FIG. 1 and the main control board 50 is provided on the medal sorting device 21.

  5 to 7 illustrate the medal sorting device 21 in more detail, and respectively show a front view (FIG. 5), a plan view (FIG. 6), and a rear view (FIG. 7). The medal sorting device 21 includes a back plate 24 that extends horizontally from the upstream side to the downstream side, and each member attached to the back plate 24. Functionally, it includes an introduction unit 21a, a medal diameter determination unit 21b, an inserted medal return unit 21c, and an inserted number determination unit 21d. The introduction portion 21 a is provided with a guide plate 25 that is urged toward the back plate 24 and realizes a medal guide path in cooperation with the back plate 24.

  The medal diameter determination unit 21b includes a rectangular window 26 opened in the back plate 24, a contact plate 27 that can rotate integrally with the guide plate 25, and a part of the medal guide path that is attached to the back plate 24. And an upper guide groove (not shown). A medal having a diameter smaller than the normal medal diameter falls from the rectangular window 26. On the other hand, since a medal having a diameter larger than the regular medal diameter cannot enter the upper guide groove, the medal stops at the introduction portion 21a.

  In such a case, the player presses the return button 13, but when the return bar 28 descends in response to pressing of the return button 13, the transmission bar 29 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. The tip 29a of the transmission bar 29 rotates the contact plate 27. Here, since the abutting plate 27 rotates integrally with the guide plate 25, the medal guide path is opened in the width direction, and the medal that stops and is jammed enters the rectangular window 26. The contact plate 27 is surely discharged (see FIG. 8B).

  The inserted medal return unit 21c is configured around a fall prevention plate 30 having a substantially L-shaped cross section and a solenoid 31 that sucks the fall prevention plate 30. At the timing when insertion of medals is prohibited, such as when the rotating reels 4a to 4c are rotating, the solenoid 31 is controlled to be in an OFF state so that the lower side of the medal guide path is opened. As a result, the medals that are accidentally inserted fall into the return passage 22 and are returned to the player (FIG. 9B). On the other hand, at the timing when the medal can be inserted, the solenoid 31 is controlled to be in an ON state so that the lower part of the medal guide path is closed. Therefore, in this case, the inserted medal is correctly guided to the inserted number determination unit 21d.

  The inserted number determination unit 21d is configured with two photo interrupters PH1 and PH2 provided continuously in the medal movement direction. The photo interrupter PH includes a light emitting diode that emits inspection light and a phototransistor that receives the inspection light. Since the inspection light is blocked by the passing medal, the number of inserted medals is grasped by counting the number of times of blocking.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the slot machine SL according to the embodiment. As shown in the figure, this slot machine SL realizes an effect operation based on a main control board 50 that controls the operation of various game members including the rotating reels 4a to 4c and a control command received from the main control board 50. The control board 51 and a power supply board 62 that converts an alternating voltage (24V) into a direct voltage (5V, 12V, 24V) and supplies them to each part of the apparatus are mainly configured.

  The main control board 50 outputs, to the effect control board 51, control commands for realizing the sound effect by the speaker SP, the lamp effect by the LED lamp or the cold cathode ray tube discharge tube, and the symbol effect by the liquid crystal display unit 7. is doing. The effect control board 51 is connected to the liquid crystal control board 61 through the effect interface board 52, and the liquid crystal control board 61 realizes a design effect in the liquid crystal display (LCD) unit 7.

  The effect control board 51 realizes lamp effects in various LEDs and cold cathode ray tube discharge tubes via the LED board 59, the inverter board 60, and the rotary LED drive board 58 together with the effect interface board 52. In addition, the effect control board 51 drives the speaker SP through the effect interface board 52 to realize an audio effect.

  The main control board 50 is connected to various game members of the slot machine through the game relay board 53. Specifically, the start switch of the start lever 17, the stop switch of the stop buttons 18a to 18c, the input switch of the input buttons 15 and 16, the liquidation switch of the checkout button 14, and the photointerrupters PH1 and PH2 constituting the input number determination unit 21d The blocker solenoid 31 constituting the inserted medal return unit 21c and the various LED elements 9 to 11 are connected.

  Further, the main control board 50 is connected to the three stepping motors for rotating the rotating reels 4a to 4c and the index sensor for detecting the reference position of the rotating reels 4a to 4c via the rotating relay board 57. Has been. Then, by rotating or stopping the stepping motor, the rotating operation of the rotating reels 4a to 4c and the stopping operation at the target position are realized.

  The main control board 50 is also connected to the medal payout device 5 through the payout relay board 63. The medal payout device 5 is provided with a medal payout control board 55, a medal payout sensor, and a payout motor M. The medal payout control board 55 is based on a control command from the main control board 50. Is rotated to pay out a predetermined amount of medals.

  In addition, the main control board 50 is also connected to the external concentration terminal board 56 and the rotary setting board 54. The external concentrated terminal board 56 is connected to, for example, the hall computer HC, and the main control board 50 outputs the number of inserted medals and the number of paid out medals through the external concentrated terminal board 56. In addition, the spinning cylinder setting board 54 outputs a setting key signal indicating a set value of the probabilistic medal payout number set by the staff.

  FIG. 11 illustrates a circuit configuration of the main control board 50 and also shows a characteristic connection relationship between the main control board 50 and the photo interrupter PH. The photo interrupter PH is a main element constituting the inserted number determination unit 21d (FIGS. 5 to 7) of the medal sorting device 50.

  As shown in the figure, the main control board 50 includes a one-chip microcomputer 64, an I / O port circuit 65 for inputting / outputting 8-bit parallel data, a counter circuit 66 for generating random numbers in hardware, an effect control board 51, and the like. The interface circuit with the external board is mainly configured. Here, the one-chip microcomputer 64 incorporates a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) 64b, an interrupt controller 64c, and the like in addition to a Z80 equivalent CPU core 64a, ROM, RAM, and the like.

  The CTC 64b is a circuit in which an 8-bit counter and a timer are integrated, and adds a periodic interrupt, a pulse output creation function (bit rate generator) and a time measurement function to the Z80 system. Therefore, in this embodiment, a timer interrupt (FIG. 14A) is applied to the Z80 CPU 64a at a time interval of about 1.5 mS using the CTC 64b.

  As an interface circuit, an interface circuit 67 with a power supply circuit, an interface circuit 68 with a game relay board 53, a rotary motor driving circuit 69, an effect control board and an interface circuit 70 with 51 are provided. Yes. When the power is lowered, a voltage drop interrupt (FIG. 14B) is applied to the Z80 CPU 64a through the interface circuit 67. Note that the rotating motor driving circuit 69 is a circuit that generates a driving signal for the stepping motors of the rotating reels 4 a to 4 c, and the interface circuit 70 is an 8-bit parallel port for outputting a control command to the effect control board 51. It is.

  FIG. 11 also shows the connection relationship between the inserted number determination unit 21 d of the medal sorting device 50 and the game relay board 53. As shown in the figure, the inserted number determination unit 21d includes two photointerrupters PHa and PHb and current limiting resistors R1 and R2. The photo interrupters PHa and PHb are composed of light emitting diodes and phototransistors. The medal is configured to pass between the light emitting diode and the phototransistor as described above.

  The power supply voltage Vcc is commonly supplied to the current limiting resistors R1 and R2 connected to the anode terminal of the light emitting diode. On the other hand, drive control signals DR1 and DR2 are respectively supplied from the main control board 50 to the cathode terminal of the light emitting diode. Therefore, the light emitting diode is turned on only when the drive control signals DR1 and DR2 are at the L level.

  The collector terminals that output the output signals S1 and S2 of the phototransistors are connected to the input circuit of the main control board 50, respectively. On the other hand, the emitter terminals of the phototransistors are commonly connected to the ground line. Therefore, when the medal passes through the position of the photointerrupter PHa in the state where the drive control signal DR1 is at the L level, the output signal S1 that is at the H level only when passing is supplied to the main control board 50. Similarly, when the medal passes through the position of the photo interrupter PHb while the drive control signal DR2 is at the L level, the output signal S2 that is at the H level only when passing is supplied to the main control board 50. However, if the drive control signal DR1 (DR2) is at the H level, the H level output signal S1 (S2) is supplied to the main control board 50 regardless of the passage of the medal.

  This embodiment has a great feature in that the drive control signals DR1 and DR2 are supplied to the cathode terminal of the light emitting diode to appropriately control the lighting or extinguishing of the light emitting diode. Then, a unique control is performed to eliminate illegal medal insertion operations by illegal players. That is, the inserted number determination unit 21d of this embodiment is configured to perform the normal determination sequence SEQ0 and the first special determination based on the control from the main control board 50 (hereinafter collectively referred to as the main control unit 50). It operates in either sequence SEQ1 or second special judgment sequence SEQ2. Note that these three determination sequences SEQ0 to SEQ2 are executed by switching appropriately in terms of time.

  FIG. 12 is a time chart for explaining the three determination sequences SEQ0 to SEQ2. FIG. 12A is a time chart showing the normal determination sequence SEQ0. When the inserted medal passes the inserted number determination unit 21d, the upstream detection signal S1 is first detected, and the downstream detection signal is detected with a slight delay. It is shown that signal S2 is detected.

  Therefore, in the normal determination sequence SEQ0, the main control unit 50 determines that an error occurs when the detection signals S1 and S2 simultaneously become H level in the section Ta, and the detection signal S2 = H when the detection signal S1 = L. If it becomes, it is determined as an error. Next, in the section Tb, when the detection signal S1 becomes L level, it is determined as an error, and when the detection signal S1 = H and the detection signal S2 = L state continues for 100 mS or more, it is also determined as an error.

  In the section Tc, when the detection signal S2 becomes L level, it is determined as an error, and when the detection signal S1 = H and the detection signal S2 = H state continues for 100 mS or more, it is also determined as an error. In the section Td, an error is determined when the detection signal S1 becomes H level, and an error is also determined when the detection signal S1 = L and the detection signal S2 = H continues for 100 ms or more.

  On the other hand, in the first special determination sequence SEQ1, the main control unit 50 always controls the drive control signal DR2 supplied to the cathode terminal of the light emitting diode to the H level. Therefore, since the detection signal S2 is always at the H level, for example, when an unauthorized player illegally generates a detection signal as shown in FIG. 12A, at the moment when the detection signal S2 becomes the L level, That fraud can be detected.

  Further, in the second special determination sequence SEQ2, the main control unit 50 always controls the drive control signal DR1 supplied to the cathode terminal of the light emitting diode to the H level. Therefore, since the detection signal S1 is always at the H level, for example, when an unauthorized player illegally generates a detection signal as shown in FIG. 12A, at the moment when the detection signal S1 becomes the L level, That fraud can be detected. Therefore, in this slot machine SL, the fraudulent acts are reliably detected by appropriately switching the three determination sequences SEQ0 to SEQ2 in terms of time.

  13 to 14 are flowcharts for explaining a control program executed by the main control unit 50. The control program of the main control unit 50 includes a main process (FIG. 13) started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt process (FIG. 14 (a)) started by a scheduled interrupt from the CTC, and the power supply board 62 when the power is dropped. And a voltage drop interrupt process (FIG. 14 (b)) activated by an interrupt signal INT. Here, the timer interrupt and the voltage drop interrupt are both maskable interrupts (maskable interrupts), and NMI (non-maskable interrupt) is not used in this embodiment.

  First, the main process in FIG. 13 will be described. When the power is turned on, the RAM work area is cleared after the initial process (ST1) (ST2). Next, the ON / OFF state of the full detection metal fitting is monitored, and if it is full, error processing is performed (ST3). The fullness detection metal fittings are a pair of continuity sensors FL1 and FL2 provided in the auxiliary tank 6, and a full state is detected based on whether or not they are conducted by medals.

  Next, a medal insertion process is performed on a medal actually inserted from the medal insertion slot 12 and a medal inserted in a pseudo manner by pressing the insertion buttons 15 and 16 (ST4). Specifically, it includes a process for detecting inserted medals and a process for determining the number of medals, and details of the medal detection process will be described later.

  After the medal insertion process (ST4), a random value is extracted based on the counter value of the counter circuit 66 (ST5), and a lottery process based on the random value is performed to determine whether or not the current game is successful (ST6). The winning state determined by the lottery process includes, for example, per fruit symbol for which about 2 to 15 payout medals are paid out per highest value BB (big bonus), next highest value RB (regular bonus) A replay game per game that can be replayed is provided.

  Next, preparatory work for rotating the rotating reels 4a to 4c is performed, and the rotating reels 4a to 4c can be rotated by a timer interruption (ST7). Then, when the stop buttons 18a to 18c are pressed, the corresponding rotation is performed. A spinning cylinder stop process for stopping the reels 4a to 4c is performed (ST8). When all the rotating reels are stopped, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols are aligned on an effective stop line (ST9), and a required number of medals are paid out (ST10).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the replay symbols are aligned (ST11). If the replay symbols are aligned, the re-game operation start process (ST12) is executed, and then the process proceeds to step ST2. If the replay symbols are not aligned, it is determined whether or not the RB symbols are aligned. If the RB symbols are aligned, the regular bonus start process (ST14) is executed, and then the process proceeds to step ST2. Further, it is determined whether or not the present is in the regular bonus game (ST15), and if it is in the regular bonus game, necessary processing (ST16) is executed, and then the process proceeds to step ST2.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step ST15 is NO, it is determined whether or not the BB symbols are aligned (ST17). If the BB symbols are aligned, the big bonus start process (ST18) is executed. The process proceeds to step ST2. It is also determined whether or not the big bonus game is currently being played (ST19). If NO, nothing is done and the process proceeds to step ST2. On the other hand, if it is during the big bonus game, after executing the processing necessary for the big bonus game (ST20), it is determined whether or not the end condition of the big bonus game is satisfied (ST21). If the determination result is NO, nothing is done and the process proceeds to step ST2. If the determination result is YES, the work area including the RAM area used during the BB game is cleared and the process proceeds to step ST2. Transition.

  Next, the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. This timer interrupt process is started at a time interval of about 1.5 mS based on a maskable interrupt signal from the CTC inside the one-chip microcomputer 64.

  When a timer interrupt is generated, the CPU register is saved (ST30), and then port input processing is performed (ST31). In the port input process, signals from all switches arranged in the slot machine, such as a start switch, a stop switch, a stored medal switch, a clearing switch, and a door switch, are input through the I / O port circuit 65. In the port input process, the detection signals S1 and S2 from the photo interrupters PH1 and PH2 are also input through the I / O port circuit 65.

  Next, in order to always grasp the current positions of the three rotary reels 4a to 4c, the rotating rotation control process is executed (ST32). The main control unit 50 can grasp the current position of each of the rotating reels 4a to 4c based on the input timing of the input signal from the index sensor and the number of drive pulses supplied to the stepping motor thereafter. Note that in the rotation rotation control process (ST32), the start-up process and stop process of the rotating reels 4a to 4c are also performed. Is generated.

  When the rotation rotation control process (ST32) is completed, the periodic update process is executed (ST33). The scheduled update process is a process that periodically clears the watchdog timer built in the one-chip microcomputer. If this scheduled update process is not executed due to a program runaway or the like, the watchdog timer is counted up to the limit value, and the CPU core 64a is automatically reset to return from the program runaway state.

  Next, one byte of the control command is output to the effect control unit 51 (ST34). Since one control command is 2 bytes long, one control command is transmitted by two successive timer interrupts. The control command indicates the game state of the main control unit 50, and the game state including the operation of the start lever 17 and the stop buttons 18a to 18c is notified to the effect control unit 51 by the control command. . Upon receiving such a control command, the effect control unit 51 performs a control operation to turn on the LED lamp or generate a sound effect.

  Next, medal information output processing is executed to output, for example, a medal insertion signal and a medal payout signal, each of which is a 1-bit signal, to the external concentration terminal board 56 (ST35). From this medal insertion signal and payout signal, the hall computer HC can grasp the number of medals inserted into each slot machine SL and the number of medals paid out from each slot machine SL. Further, the main control unit 50 outputs drive data for driving each LED lamp group to the game relay board 53 and the rotary relay board 57 (ST36). Thereafter, after the saved register is restored (ST37), the CPU is set in an interrupt enabled state and the interrupt process is completed (ST38).

  Next, interrupt processing at the time of voltage drop will be described based on FIG. In this slot machine SL, the work area of the RAM that temporarily stores each data indicating the gaming state is backed up by a battery, and the stored contents are protected for at least several days regardless of the power supply voltage drop. It has become so. In addition, a voltage detection delay IC (M51957BL) is mounted on the power supply board 62. When the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value, an abnormal signal ALM is supplied to the main control unit 50, and an interrupt is applied to the CPU core 64a. It has become. The abnormal signal ALM can be input to the CPU core 64a through the I / O port circuit 65 (see FIG. 11).

  Therefore, in the voltage drop interrupt, first, the abnormal signal ALM is inputted from the I / O port circuit 65, and its level is confirmed (ST40). This is to eliminate an abnormal interrupt due to noise or the like. If the acquired abnormal signal ALM is a normal value that does not mean a voltage drop, the interrupt process is terminated as it is (ST41).

  On the contrary, if the abnormal signal ALM is an abnormal value indicating a voltage drop, the register is saved (ST42), and then the stack pointer is saved (ST43). Next, predetermined 8-bit data (power-off keyword) is stored in the work area backed up by the battery (ST44). This means that the registers are correctly stored in the stack area when the power is shut down. In other words, when the power is restored, the data subjected to the PUSH processing in steps ST42 and 43 may be POP processed. This means data.

  When the above processing is completed, the RAM is set to be inaccessible (ST45), the output port is set to the OFF state (ST46), and then the infinite loop processing is entered. Normally, the power supply voltage further drops thereafter, and the main control unit 50 becomes inoperable. However, after that, when the power is restored, the main control unit 50 can restore the gaming state by restoring the saved register (ST42, ST43) after confirming the power-off keyword. As described above, the work area data is backed up for several days or more.

  FIGS. 15 to 19 are programs showing a medal detection process executed in the medal insertion process (ST4 in FIG. 13) when a medal is actually inserted, before counting the number of medals. is there. That is, FIG. 15 shows the medal detection process, FIGS. 16 and 17 show the normal determination sequence SEQ0, FIG. 18 shows the first special determination sequence SEQ1, and FIG. 19 shows the second special determination sequence SEQ2. ing.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the medal detection process, prior to counting one medal, the counter CT is incremented every time (ST50), and if the counter CT value is 1, the normal determination sequence SEQ0 is executed (ST52). ). In the normal determination sequence SEQ0, first, an L level drive control signal DR1 and an L level drive control signal DR2 are output (see ST55 in FIG. 16).
On the other hand, if the counter CT value is 2, the first special determination sequence SEQ1 is executed (ST53). In the first special determination sequence SEQ1, first, since the L-level drive control signal DR1 and the H-level drive control signal DR2 are output (see ST88 of FIG. 18), the detection signal S2 is always at the H level.

  If the counter CT value is 3, the second special determination sequence SEQ2 is executed (ST54). In the second special determination sequence SEQ2, since the H level drive control signal DR1 and the L level drive control signal DR2 are output first (see ST109 in FIG. 19), the detection signal S1 is always at the H level. As described above, in the present embodiment, the processing of SEQ0 → SEQ1 → SEQ2 → SEQ0 is repeated, so that it is possible to detect an unauthorized detection signal generated by an unauthorized player.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the normal determination sequence SEQ0. Each subroutine processing (SUB01 to SUB04) means medal detection processing in the sections Ta to Td when one medal is detected. In each medal detection process (SUB01 to SUB04), processing is performed so that ANS = 0 when a medal is normally detected and ANS = −1 when an abnormality is detected. Therefore, if ANS = −1 in any subroutine, there is a possibility of illegal games, and error processing (NG) corresponding to that is executed.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing specific contents of the medal detection process (SUB01 to SUB04) in the sections Ta to Td. In this embodiment, when the detection signals S1 and S2 become H level, it means an ON state in which a medal is detected. Further, the values of the detection signals S1 and S2 are periodically obtained from the photo interrupters PH1 and PH2 in the timer interrupt (ST31 in FIG. 14), and stored in the addresses S1 and S2 in the work area.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, in the section Ta, when the detection signal S2 = H, it means that an error has occurred, so the processing is terminated with ANS = −1 (ST64, ST65). On the other hand, after the detection signal S2 = L and the detection signal S1 = L are continued (ST64, ST66), when the detection signal S2 rises to H level, it means that the medal has reached the upstream sensor. The processing is ended as 0 (ST67).

  Next, the process proceeds to the subroutine process SUB02 in the section Tb (see FIG. 16), but the timer variable T is reset to 0 in the initial state. In the section Tb, if the detection signal S1 = L, it means that an error has occurred, and therefore the processing is terminated with ANS = −1 (ST68, ST73). Further, when the states of the detection signal S1 = H and the detection signal S2 = L are maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 100 mS) or longer, the processing is ended as ANS = −1 (ST68, ST69, ST71 to 73). On the other hand, in the state where the detection signal S1 = H (ST68), when the detection signal S2 rises to the H level, it means that the medal has reached the downstream sensor, so the processing ends with ANS = 0 (ST70).

  Subsequently, the process shifts to the subroutine process SUB03 in the section Tc. Here, since the error signal is generated when the detection signal S2 = L, the process is terminated with ANS = −1 (ST75, ST80). In addition, when the state of the detection signal S2 = H and the detection signal S1 = H is maintained for a predetermined time or longer, the processing is ended as ANS = −1 (ST75, ST76, ST78-80). On the other hand, in the state where the detection signal S2 = H (ST68), when the detection signal S1 falls to the L level, it means that the medal has passed the upstream sensor, so the processing ends with ANS = 0 (ST77). ).

  Next, the process proceeds to the subroutine process SUB04 in the section Td. Here, since the error signal is generated when the detection signal S1 = H, the process is terminated with ANS = −1 (ST82, ST87). Further, when the states of the detection signal S1 = L and the detection signal S2 = H are maintained for a predetermined time or more, the processing is ended as ANS = −1 (ST82, ST83, ST85-87). On the other hand, in the state where the detection signal S1 = L (ST82), when the detection signal S2 falls to the L level, it means that the medal has passed the downstream sensor, so the processing is ended with ANS = 0 (ST84). ).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a first special determination sequence SEQ1 (FIG. 18 (a)) executed in a state where the drive control signals DR1 = L and DR2 = H, and its subroutine (FIGS. 18 (b) (c)). It is.

  In the first special determination sequence SEQ1, first, since the L level drive control signal DR1 and the H level drive control signal DR2 are output (ST88), the detection signal S2 is supposed to always be at the H level. Therefore, the subroutine SUB11 for detecting the rising edge of the detection signal S1 and the subroutine SUB12 for detecting the falling edge of the detection signal S1 are configured. Then, when the detection signal S2 becomes L level (ST93 + ST94 or ST97 + ST102), or when the state of S2 = S1 = H level elapses for a predetermined time or more, ANS = -1 is determined as an error (ST97-98, ST100 to ST102).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a second special determination sequence SEQ2 (FIG. 19 (a)) and its subroutine (FIGS. 19 (b) and (c)) executed in a state where the drive control signals DR1 = H and DR2 = L. It is.

  In the second special determination sequence SEQ2, since the H level drive control signal DR1 and the L level drive control signal DR2 are output first (ST109), the detection signal S1 should always be at the H level. Therefore, the subroutine SUB21 for detecting the rising edge of the detection signal S2 and the subroutine SUB22 for detecting the falling edge of the detection signal S2 are configured. Then, when the detection signal S1 becomes L level (ST114 + ST115 or ST118 + ST123), or when the state of S1 = S2 = H level elapses for a predetermined time or more, ANS = −1 is determined as an error (ST118-119, ST121-ST123).

  As described above, in FIG. 15 to FIG. 19, the method of switching the medal insertion determination method in the order of SEQ0 → SEQ1 → SEQ2 → SEQ0 has been described. However, for the purpose of surely removing illegal games, it is also preferable to change the determination method irregularly, for example, as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 20, in this case, in the medal insertion process (ST4), every time detection of one medal is started, a random value R that is an integer value in the range of 1 ≦ R ≦ 3 is acquired (ST131). ). If the random value R = 1, first, the normal determination sequence SEQ0 that outputs the L level drive control signal DR1 and the L level drive control signal DR2 is executed (ST133).

  On the other hand, if the random value R = 2, first, the first special determination sequence SEQ1 that outputs the drive control signal DR1 at the L level and the drive control signal DR2 at the H level is executed (ST134). If the random value R = 3, first, the second special determination sequence SEQ2 that outputs the H level drive control signal DR1 and the L level drive control signal DR2 is executed (ST135). It is set to 1 (ST136). Since R = 1 is set here, the next inserted medal is processed in the normal determination sequence SEQ0 (ST133).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing still another embodiment. Here, every time a medal is inserted, the counter CT is incremented, the value is moved to the A register, and then the least significant bit is shifted to the carry flag CY (ST137 to 138). Therefore, if the value of the counter CT is an even number, CY = 0, and if it is an odd number, CY = 1. Therefore, when the value of the counter CT is an even number, the normal determination sequence SEQ0 is executed (ST140).

  On the other hand, if the value of the counter CT is an even number, the least significant bit of the A register at that stage is shifted to the carry flag CY (ST141). If CY = 0, the first special determination sequence SEQ1 is executed (ST143). If CY = 1, the second special determination sequence SEQ2 is executed (ST144).

  According to this embodiment, the first and second special judgment sequences SEQ1 and SEQ2 are centered on the normal judgment sequence SEQ0 like SEQ0 → SEQ1 → SEQ0 → SEQ2 → SEQ0 → SEQ1 → SEQ0 → SEQ2 → SEQ0. It can be mixed appropriately.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing still another embodiment. Also in this embodiment, every time a medal is inserted, the counter CT is incremented, the value is moved to the A register, and the least significant bit is shifted to the carry flag CY (ST145 to 146). Then, CY = 0, and the normal determination sequence SEQ0 is executed (ST148).

  On the other hand, if CY = 1, the first auxiliary variable AUX is incremented (ST149), and it is determined whether or not the subsequent value matches the limit value N (ST150). If the first auxiliary variable AUX coincides with the limit value N, the first auxiliary variable AUX is cleared and the second auxiliary variable EX is incremented (ST151). Since the increment processing is performed without clearing the second auxiliary variable EX, the even value and the odd value are repeated.

  Therefore, the least significant bit of the second auxiliary variable EX is shifted to the carry flag CY, and if the second auxiliary variable EX is an even number (CY = 0), the first special determination sequence SEQ1 is executed (ST154), If the second auxiliary variable EX is an odd number (CY = 1), the second special determination sequence SEQ2 is executed (ST155).

  According to this embodiment, for example, when the limit value N is set to 2, the first and second normal determination sequences SEQ0 and SEQ0 are expressed as SEQ0 → SEQ1 → SEQ0 → SEQ1 → SEQ0 → SEQ2 → SEQ0 → SEQ2 → SEQ0. An irregular process in which the second special determination sequence SEQ1, SEQ2 is continued N times can be realized.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been specifically described above, the specific description is not particularly intended to limit the present invention and can be appropriately changed. For example, in the embodiment, a transmissive sensor is used in which a light emitting diode and a phototransistor are arranged facing each other with a medal path therebetween, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, a reflective sensor in which the light emitting diode and the phototransistor are arranged adjacent to each other without separating the medal insertion path may be used.

  Further, in the above embodiment, for each medal, in order to change the operation state of the photo interrupter, for example, SEQ0 → SEQ1 → SEQ0 → SEQ2, the operation state (lighting / extinguishing) of each light emitting diode is switched off. Will change. Therefore, it is preferable to start the medal detection process after the transitioned operation state is stabilized. For this reason, as shown by the broken lines in FIGS. 16, 18, and 19, the drive control signals DR1 and DR2 are output for a predetermined time. It is preferable to spend time only in software.

  In the present embodiment, either the regular determination sequence or the special determination sequence is selected not only in a regular procedure but also in an irregular procedure. However, in the latter case, it is not always necessary to select the three determination sequences SEQ0 to SEQ2 with this probability as shown in FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 22, a random number value R of 1 to 10 is generated with the probability, and when the random number value R is 1 to 8, the normal determination sequence SEQ0 is selected, and when the random number value R = 9, In particular, it is preferable to select the judgment sequence SEQ1 and, when the random value R = 10, to select the special judgment sequence SEQ2. In such a case, the normal determination sequence is selected with a probability of 4/5, and the special determination sequence SEQ1 and the special determination sequence SEQ2 are exceptionally selected with a probability of 1/10 each.

  In the second modification and the third modification, the normal determination sequence SEQ0 is continued only once. For example, when the medal is suspended from a thread and the medal is returned from the downstream side to the upstream side. The possibility that the fraud can not be detected cannot be denied. Therefore, in the second modification and the third modification, the effect is further enhanced if the normal determination sequence SEQ0 is continued a plurality of times.

  Furthermore, a variable N (N> 3) that defines the number of repetitions of the normal determination sequence SEQ0 and a variable R (R = 1/0) that selects the special determination sequences SEQ1 and SEQ2 are provided. It is also preferable to determine by FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the fifth modified example. When the counter variable CT is 0 to N−1, the normal determination sequence SEQ0 is executed (ST170 to 172). When CT = N, the value of the variable R is set. Based on the above, one of the special determination sequences SEQ1 and SEQ2 is executed (ST173 to 177).

  As mentioned above, although six types of embodiments including five modifications have been illustrated for the medal determination processing, it is also preferable to prepare a plurality of types of medal determination processing for one gaming machine. In such a case, it may be determined by random number lottery which medal determination process is to be used for each game or for each game, or for each power-on.

It is a front view of the slot machine which concerns on an Example. FIG. 2 is a right side view and a plan view of the slot machine of FIG. 1. It is the figure which illustrated the front panel of the slot machine from the back. It is an internal front view of the main body case of the slot machine. It is a front view of a medal sorting device. It is a top view of a medal sorting device. It is a rear view of a medal sorting device. It is drawing explaining the medal discharge operation | movement in the medal diameter determination part of a medal sorting device. It is drawing explaining operation | movement in the insertion medal return part of a medal sorting device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the slot machine of FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of a main control board. It is a time chart explaining the determination sequence for medal detection. It is a flowchart explaining the main routine in a main-control part. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption routine and power supply effect interruption routine in a main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the detection process for medal detection. It is a flowchart which shows the normal determination process for determining medal insertion. It is a flowchart which shows a part of FIG. 16 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st special determination process for determining medal insertion. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd special determination process for determining medal insertion. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st modification of a medal determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd modification of a medal determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the 3rd modification of a medal determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the 4th modification of a medal determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the 5th modification of a medal determination process.

Explanation of symbols

SL gaming machine (slot machine)
PH detector (photo interrupter)
50 Central control unit (main control unit)

Claims (9)

The game is started upon receipt of a game medium, and when a predetermined stop state is achieved due to the player's operation, the central control unit executes a control operation so that a payout according to the stop state is obtained. In gaming machines,
A detection device for detecting a game medium is disposed along the insertion path of the game medium, and the detection device is disposed so as to face each other with the insertion path therebetween, or adjacently without separating the insertion path. A light emitter and a light receiver,
The game machine is characterized in that the light emitter is switched between a lighting state and a light-off state as appropriate based on a control operation of the central control unit. The game is started upon receipt of a game medium, and when a predetermined stop state is achieved due to the player's operation, the central control unit executes a control operation so that a payout according to the stop state is obtained. In gaming machines,
A detection device for detecting a game medium is disposed along the insertion path of the game medium, and the detection device is disposed so as to face each other with the insertion path therebetween, or adjacently without separating the insertion path. A light emitter and a light receiver,
The light emitter includes a first terminal that receives a DC voltage from the central control unit, and a second terminal that receives a drive signal from the central control unit,
The photoreceptor includes a third terminal that outputs an output signal to the central control unit, and a fourth terminal that receives a reference voltage from the central control unit,
The gaming machine, wherein the driving signal or the DC voltage is controlled by the central control unit so as to change with time.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the detection devices are provided along the insertion path. The game is started upon receipt of a game medium, and when a predetermined stop state is achieved due to the player's operation, the central control unit executes a control operation so that a payout according to the stop state is obtained. In gaming machines,
A first detection device and a second detection device for detecting a game medium are arranged along a game medium input passage, and the detection devices are arranged facing each other with the input passage therebetween or separate the input passage. It is composed of a light emitter and a light receiver that are arranged adjacent to each other,
The central control unit
A normal determination process for detecting the passage of the game medium based on the detection signals from the upstream and downstream photoreceptors changing with the movement of the game medium;
The detection signals from the upstream and downstream photoreceptors are not changed, while the detection signals from the upstream and downstream photoreceptors change as the game medium moves. And a special determination process for detecting the passage of the game medium based on the game machine. On the condition that the downstream side photoreceptor does not turn on, the standby side waits until the upstream side photoreceptor turns on, and when the upstream side photoreceptor turns on, the process proceeds to the next process normally. A first process for determining an abnormality when the side photoreceptor is turned ON;
On the condition that the upstream photoreceptor does not operate OFF, it waits for a predetermined time until the downstream photoreceptor operates ON, and when the downstream photoreceptor operates ON, it normally shifts to the next processing, while waiting. A second process for determining an abnormality when the upstream photoreceptor is turned off or when the standby time has passed the predetermined time;
On the condition that the downstream side photoreceptor does not turn off, the upstream side photoreceptor waits for a predetermined time, and when the upstream side photoreceptor turns off, the process proceeds to the next process normally, while waiting. A third process for determining an abnormality when the downstream photoreceptor is turned off or when the standby time has passed the predetermined time;
On the condition that the upstream photoreceptor does not turn on, it waits for a predetermined time until the downstream photoreceptor is turned off, and when the downstream photoreceptor turns off, the process proceeds to the next process normally, while waiting. A fourth process for determining an abnormality when the upstream photoreceptor is turned on or when the predetermined time has elapsed.
The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the normal determination process is executed by processing in this order. On the condition that the detection signal from the upstream and downstream photoreceptors does not change, the detection signal from the upstream and downstream photoreceptors is determined and this changes from the previous level. Then, while normally shifting to the next process, a fifth process for determining an abnormality when the detection signal from the one-side photoconductor changes,
On the condition that the detection signal from the one side photoreceptor does not change, it waits for a predetermined time until the detection signal from the upstream side and downstream side photoreceptors changes from the previous level. When the detection signal from the side photoreceptor changes, the process proceeds normally to the next process. On the other hand, when the detection signal from the one side photoreceptor changes, or when the standby time has passed the predetermined time, a sixth abnormality is determined. Processing
The gaming machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the special determination process is executed in this order. The special determination process includes a first special determination process configured to prevent the detection signal from the upstream light receiver from changing, and a second special determination process configured to prevent the detection signal from the downstream light receiver from changing. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further divided, wherein the first and second special determination processes are switched as appropriate.   Each time the central control unit detects and determines one game medium, the central control unit includes a determination process for selecting whether to use a normal determination process or a special determination process for detection determination of the next game medium. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 4 to 7.   9. The game according to claim 8, wherein the determination process selects a normal determination process or a special determination process in a regular or irregular procedure, and in any case, the normal determination process is preferentially selected. Machine.

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