JP2007319391A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent fraudulence by closing a slot to lock a foreign matter inserted into the slot, and rotating a rotary roller to move the foreign matter outward with the friction on the surface of the roller. <P>SOLUTION: When it is determined that a prescribed matter, which is not a regular token, was loaded, a roller unit 48 directly rotates the rotary roller 40 with the power of a motor 42 in the direction of putting out the matter to the outside of the slot 23, and transmits the rotation of the rotary roller 40 to a gear 41 to rotate the gear 41. Then, the rotated gear 41 is moved on a teeth line 43 and the rotary roller 40 is moved in the direction of abutting on the token so that the prescribed matter is pressed between a game medium guide part 22 and the rotary roller 40. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachislot machine or a pachinko machine capable of playing a game using a game medium (medal / pachinko ball).

  Conventionally, after inserting a medal or pressing a BET button, the start lever is operated to rotate and rotate a mechanical rotating reel (hereinafter referred to as a reel), and each reel is stopped by pressing a stop button corresponding to each reel. A gaming machine called a pachislot machine that pays out medals in accordance with a combination of symbols stopped in a reel display window frame is known.

  In such a pachislot machine, an insertion slot that accepts a medal, a game medium guide section that includes a guide surface that tilts downward toward the insertion slot and guides the medal, and changes the posture of the game medium toward the insertion slot. (For example, Patent Document 1). When the medal comes to the vicinity of the insertion slot, the end face of the medal and the surface part on the end face side come into contact with the rotation roller, and the rotation action (downward rotation action) causes the medal to be guided to the insertion slot while undergoing the posture change.

  Here, in the game using the pachislot machine, the reel is rotated according to the number of inserted medals, so if the medal counting sensor can be operated by using an illegal medal instead of a regular medal, the investment amount (the purchase amount of the medal) ) Can be reduced, and illegal acts for the purpose of using illegal medals or malfunctioning medal counting sensors may be performed.

  In addition to using illegally manufactured medals instead of legitimate medals, such a fraudulent act is to insert a flexible board with a light emitting element such as an LED at the tip from the medal insertion slot and blink the LED. There is a method of increasing the number of medal counts by operating (turning on) the medal counting sensor.

JP 2006-68464 A

  By the way, in the above-described conventional technology, when a fraudulent instrument is inserted from the medal slot, the rotating roller only rotates while being fixed to the gaming machine main body. There has been a problem that an illegal tool is extracted.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to restrain a foreign object inserted into an insertion port and prevent an illegal act.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is a game provided with a slot for receiving game media and a guide surface for guiding the game media by tilting downward toward the slot. A gaming machine comprising: a medium guide portion; and a rotating roller that rotates so that the gaming medium guided by the guide surface abuts and changes the attitude of the gaming medium toward the slot. The rotating roller is moved in a direction to contact the game medium so that a predetermined object thrown into the mouth is pressed between the game medium guide portion and the rotating roller, and the object is thrown into the slot. A drive unit is provided for directly rotating the rotating roller by the power of a motor in a direction in which a predetermined object is thrown out of the insertion port.

  According to the present invention, the rotating roller is moved in a direction to contact the game medium so that the predetermined object thrown into the charging slot is pressed between the game medium guide portion and the rotating roller, and is also charged into the charging slot. The rotating roller is directly rotated by the motor power in the direction in which the predetermined object is thrown out of the charging port, so that the foreign matter inserted into the charging port is restrained and the rotating roller is rotated to rotate the roller surface. The foreign matter can be moved to the outside by the friction of, so that fraud can be prevented.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 2, in the above invention, the drive unit is engaged with a tooth row fixed to the gaming machine main body, the tooth row and the rotation roller, and is rotated by the rotation of the rotation roller. And a gear that moves on the dentition and a motor that rotates the rotating roller in a direction in which the predetermined object is thrown out of the insertion port.

  According to the present invention, the drive unit meshes with the dentition fixed to the gaming machine main body, the dentition and the rotation roller, moves on the dentition, and causes a predetermined object to be thrown out of the insertion port. Since the motor is configured to rotate the rotating roller in the direction and the motor that rotates the gear, the rotating roller is moved in the direction to contact the game medium by the power of the motor, and the foreign matter inserted into the insertion port is restrained. In addition, the rotating roller can be rotated to move the foreign matter to the outside due to the friction of the roller surface, thereby preventing fraud.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the game medium detection unit that detects the game medium that is inserted from the insertion port and passes through the guide passage is disposed upstream of the game medium in the traveling direction. An object passage detecting means for detecting the passage of an object in the guide passage, and a foreign matter determining means for determining whether or not the object detected by the object passage detecting means is a legitimate game medium. The drive unit is configured to move the rotating roller in a direction in which the game medium comes into contact when the foreign object determination unit determines that the object is not a regular game medium.

  According to the present invention, the game medium that is inserted from the insertion port and passes through the guide passage is detected, the passage of the object in the guide passage is detected, and it is determined whether or not the detected object is a regular game medium. When it is determined that the object is not a legitimate game medium, the rotating roller is moved in the direction in which the game medium abuts, so that it is possible to prevent an illegal thing from being carried out by preventing an object that is not a legitimate game medium from being inserted. it can.

  The invention according to claim 4 further includes setting accepting means for accepting a setting instruction for releasing the engagement between the gear and the dentition in the invention described above, and the drive unit is configured to receive the gear by the setting accepting means. And the tooth row are released, and the rotating roller is rotated according to an instruction.

  According to the present invention, the setting instruction for releasing the engagement between the gear and the dentition is received, the engagement between the gear and the dentition is released, and the rotating roller is rotated according to the instruction. If the mouth is clogged, rotate it clockwise as viewed from the right side of the game table, move the game media outward, and if you are playing games, turn the rotation roller to the right side of the game table. The game medium can be rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the top so that the game medium can be easily inserted into the slot.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent an improper act by closing the inlet and preventing the inserted foreign matter from being removed, and rotating the rotating roller to move the foreign matter to the outside due to friction on the roller surface. .

  Embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the gaming machine according to the present invention includes various gaming machines that use a gaming medium such as medals and coins (hereinafter referred to as medals), for example, slot machines, roulette game devices, pusher game devices, and the like. The gaming machine incorporates a game medium input device for taking medals into the gaming machine in order to play a game.

  In the following embodiment, the outline and features of the pachislot machine according to the first embodiment, the configuration of the pachislot machine, and the flow of processing will be described in order, and finally the effects of the first embodiment will be described.

[Outline and Features of Pachi-Slot Machine According to Embodiment 1]
First, the outline and characteristics of the pachislot machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline and features of a game medium input device incorporated in the pachislot machine according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an internal configuration of the game medium input device incorporated in the pachislot machine. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachislot machine 1 incorporates a game medium input device 20 that performs a medal insertion operation when a game is executed. The game medium inserting device 20 is guided by a guide port 22a, a game medium guide unit 22 including a slot 23 for receiving medals, a guide surface 22a for inclining downward toward the slot 23 and guiding medals. The rotating roller 40 that rotates so that the posture of the medal is changed toward the insertion slot 23 by the contact of the medal, the tooth row 43 fixed to the pachislot machine 1 body, and the box that holds the rotating roller 40 can be rotated. A gear 41 that meshes with the tooth row 43 and the rotation roller 40 and rotates by the rotation of the rotation roller 40 and moves on the tooth row 43 and a predetermined object (for example, “flexible substrate”) are inserted into the insertion port 23. A motor 42 that rotates the rotating roller 40 in the direction in which it is thrown out to the outside (in the example of FIG. 1, the clockwise direction when viewed from the right side surface of the pachislot machine 1), and the rotating roller Coupled to 0 axis comprises a gear 41 meshing with gear 45, and a roller accommodating box 46 for accommodating the rotating roller 40. The roller unit 48 includes a rotating roller 40, a gear 41, a motor 42, a gear 45, and a roller storage box 46.

  Further, the pachislot machine 1 incorporates an object discriminating device 100 (shown in FIG. 4 described later) for discriminating an object thrown from the game medium throwing device 20. The object discrimination device 100 of the pachi-slot machine 1 detects that the thrown object passes through the guide passage when an object is thrown into the slot 23, and whether or not the detected object is a regular medal. Determine whether. Specifically, the object discriminating apparatus 100 captures an image of the medal (image data A ′) inserted from the insertion slot 23 and then performs image processing, and the image of the medal after the image processing (image data A). And a regular medal image (reference image data P) stored in advance, and the difference between the two image data (difference in the binarized data of each area constituting the image data) is determined (see FIG. 10 later). Using details).

  When it is determined that a predetermined object that is not a regular medal has been inserted, the game medium input device 20 causes the predetermined object input to the input port 23 to be a game medium as shown in FIGS. The roller unit 48 is moved in the direction in contact with the medal so as to be pressed between the guide portion 22 and the rotating roller 40, and a predetermined object thrown into the slot 23 is thrown out of the slot 23. The rotating roller 40 is rotated in the direction to be generated. Specifically, the game medium loading device 20 rotates the rotating roller 40 directly in the direction of throwing it out of the slot 23 by the power of the motor 42, and transmits the rotation of the rotating roller 40 to the gear 41. 41, and the rotated gear 41 moves on the tooth row 43 so that a predetermined object is pressed between the game medium guide unit 22 and the rotating roller 40, and the roller unit 48 is applied to the medal. Move in the direction of contact.

  Further, in the pachislot machine 1, a rotary roller button 20a that receives a setting instruction for releasing the occlusion of the gear 41 and the tooth row 43 and rotating the rotary roller 40 clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from the right side surface of the pachislot machine 1. 20b (shown in FIG. 3 described later). As shown in FIG. 2, the game medium input device 20 of the pachi-slot machine 1 releases the occlusion between the gear 41 and the tooth row 43 according to the setting instruction received by the rotary roller buttons 20a and 20b, and rotates. Only the roller 40 is rotated. Specifically, when the game medium input device 20 receives a setting instruction to rotate the rotating roller 40 clockwise as viewed from the right side surface of the pachislot machine 1 when the player presses the rotating roller button 20a, the gear 41 And the tooth row 43 are released, and the rotating roller 40 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the right side surface of the pachislot machine 1 according to the setting instruction. Further, when the rotary roller button 20b is pressed, the rotary roller 40 is rotated counterclockwise. That is, when a medal or the like is jammed in the insertion slot 23, the rotation roller 40 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the right side surface of the pachislot machine 1 by depressing the rotation roller button 20a, and the medal or the like is moved outward. When moving and playing a game, the rotation roller 40 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the right side surface of the pachislot machine 1 by depressing the rotation roller button 20b, and a medal or the like is inserted into the slot 23. Make it easy to put in.

  In this way, the pachislot machine 1 discriminates the inserted non-regular game medium and prevents it from coming out, and rotates the rotating roller to move the foreign matter to the outside by friction on the roller surface, thereby preventing fraud. It is possible.

[Configuration of pachislot machine 1]
Next, the external configuration and internal configuration of the pachi-slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of the pachislot machine 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the pachislot machine 1 with the front door 2 opened.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the housing forming the entire pachi-slot machine 1 includes a box-shaped cabinet 1a and a front door 2 that opens and closes an opening formed in the front portion of the cabinet 1a. In addition, speakers 6L and 6R are provided on the upper part of the pachi-slot machine 1 at left and right symmetrical positions, and these speakers 6L and 6R output effect sounds such as sound effects and voices related to effects during games.

  In addition, a panel display unit 2a and a liquid crystal display unit 2b that form a substantially vertical plane are provided on the front surface of the pachislot machine 1. The panel display unit 2a is provided with reel display windows 4L, 4C and 4R. The reel display windows 4L, 4C and 4R are provided with display lines of a top line 5b, a center line 5c and a bottom line 5d in the horizontal direction. The display lines of the cross-up line 5a and the cross-down line 5e are provided in an oblique direction.

  As will be described later, when a player inserts one or two medals into the game medium input device 20, one (center line 5c) or three (top line 5b, center line 5c and bottom line), respectively. The display line 5d) is activated. Further, when the player depresses the 3-BET button 15 or when the player inserts three medals into the game medium input device 20, the five lines 5a to 5e become effective. Each of these lines 5a to 5e is related to the success or failure of the combination. In addition, the liquid crystal display unit 2b performs various effects during pachislot games, a demonstration display during standby, and the like.

  Behind the front door 2, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R in which a plurality of types of symbols constituting the reel unit 3 are drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces are provided in a horizontal row so as to be rotatable. 3L, 3C, and 3R rotate at a constant speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute). These three reels 3L, 3C, 3R constitute a reel unit 3. The reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be seen from the reel display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotating, and the stop buttons 18L, 18C, 18R can be pressed. In this case, the player enters a transparent state so that the player can visually recognize the symbols on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  A pedestal 11 having a substantially horizontal plane is provided below the panel display 2a and the liquid crystal display 2b. On the right side of the pedestal portion 11, a game medium insertion device 20 for inserting medals is provided. The medals inserted into the game medium insertion device 20 are credited or bet on a game.

  The game medium insertion device 20 is connected to a medal passage 102 (FIG. 6-1) constituting the object determination device 100 (FIG. 4), and the medal inserted from the game medium input device 20 by the object determination device 100 is a regular one. If the medal is determined to be a medal, the medal is counted (counted), and if it is determined to be an illegal medal, the medal is returned to the medal return path 109 (FIG. 6-1). ) Through the medal payout opening 12 to the medal receiving part 19. The configuration and function of the game medium input device 20 will be described in detail later.

  Further, on the left side of the pedestal portion 11, a 1-bet button 13 for betting one piece for betting a credited medal, a 2-BET button 14 for betting two pieces, and a 3-bet for three bets are placed. A BET button 15 is provided. The 3-BET button 15 is a so-called MAX-BET button, and the maximum number of medals (usually three) that can be bet on one game from the medals credited by one pressing operation is bet. When the 1-BET button 13, the 2-BET button 14, and the 3-BET button 15 are pressed or three medals are inserted into the game medium insertion device 20, predetermined lines 5a to 5e are activated. The

  A C / P button 16 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal 11 to switch between pressing a medal acquired by the player in the game or paying out the credited medal. When the C / P button 16 is pressed in a state where a predetermined number of medals have been credited, the credits are invalidated, and the credited number of medals are sent from the medal payout opening 12 opened at the lower front to the medal receiving unit 19. Thrown out. In the first embodiment, when the object discriminating apparatus 100 determines that the medal is not an authorized product but an unauthorized product, the medal is returned from the medal payout opening 12. Further, when the C / P button 16 is pressed in a state where the credit is invalidated, the credit becomes valid. On the right side of the C / P button 16, a start lever 17 that rotates the reels 3L to 3R by a player's operation is attached to be rotatable within a predetermined angle range.

  Three stop buttons 18L, 18C, and 18R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided on the right side of the start lever 17 at the center of the front surface portion of the pedestal portion 11, respectively. Note that one game (unit game) is started by operating the start lever 17, and is ended when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. Stop switches 18LS, 18CS, and 18RS (not shown) are provided on the back side of the stop buttons 18L, 18C, and 18R. These stop switches 18LS, 18CS, and 18RS detect operations (stop operations) of the corresponding stop buttons 18L, 18C, and 18R.

  On the right side of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R, a setting instruction for releasing the engagement of the gear 41 and the tooth row 43 and rotating the rotating roller 40 clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from the right side surface of the pachislot machine 1 is provided. Receiving rotary roller buttons 20a, 20b are provided. When the rotary roller button 20a is pressed, the rotary roller 40 is rotated clockwise. The rotating roller button 20b rotates the rotating roller 40 counterclockwise when pressed.

  Further, the panel display unit 2a is provided with a bonus number display unit 8, BET lamps 7a to 7c, a credit display unit 9, and a payout number display unit 10. The bonus number display unit 8 is formed of 7 segment LEDs and displays game information in the bonus.

  The BET lamps 7a to 7c are lamps that are turned on in accordance with the number of medals betted to play one game (hereinafter referred to as "BET number"). Specifically, the 1-BET lamp 7a has a BET number. It is lit when 1, the 2-BET lamp 7b is lit when the BET number is 2 or more, and the 3-BET lamp 7c is lit when the BET number is 3 or more.

  Each of the credit display unit 9 and the payout number display unit 10 is formed of 7-segment LEDs, and the credit display unit 9 displays the remaining number of medals that have been credited. Here, normally, since the maximum number credited to the pachislot machine 1 is 50, the credit number displayed on the credit display unit 9 is 50 or less. In addition, even if a medal is inserted in a state where the maximum number of medals is credited, it is paid out as it is. Further, the payout number display portion 10 displays the number of medal payouts when a winning is established.

[Configuration of the back side of the pachislot machine 1]
As shown in FIG. 4, a reel unit 3 having three reels 3L, 3C, 3R is mounted inside the cabinet 1a. In addition, a hopper 121 (medal payout device) is installed below the reel unit 3.

  The hopper 121 has a hopper tank 121a for storing medals and a hopper body 122 for discharging medals stored in the hopper tank 121a. Further, a medal discharge mechanism (not shown) is provided inside the hopper main body 122, and a medal paid out according to a game result (winning combination) by a pachislot game or an object discrimination device 100 is determined as an illegal medal. The configured medal is discharged through the discharge nozzle 123. The medals discharged from the discharge nozzle 123 are paid out to the medal receiving part 19 through the medal payout opening 12 opened in the lower part of the front door 2. A power supply unit 124 is provided on the left side of the bottom of the cabinet 1a to supply power to each component mounted in the cabinet 1a of the pachislot machine 1.

  Further, on the left side of the front door 2, an object discriminating device 100 configured to be detachable is provided. The medal determined to be genuine by the object discriminating apparatus 100 is sent to the hopper 121, and the medal determined to be illegal is received from the medal return passage 109 (FIG. 6-1) through the medal payout exit 12. Returned to part 19. The configuration and function of the object discrimination device 100 will be described in detail later.

[Configuration of Game Medium Input Device 20]
Next, the configuration of the game medium input device 20 incorporated in the pachislot machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the game medium input device.

  As shown in the figure, the game medium input device 20 includes an exposed plate 21 formed so as to be substantially the same as the surface of the pedestal portion 11. The exposed plate 21 is formed with a recess 21a in the central portion thereof, and a medal guide portion (game medium guide portion) 22 having a guide surface 22a for guiding medals placed by the player. A slit-shaped slot 23 is formed for dropping medals guided along the guide surface 22a into the housing. In this case, the guide surface 22a is formed so as to descend from the player side toward the insertion slot 23, and has a length that allows a large number of medals to stand up and be installed. In addition, the inclination angle of the guide surface 22a is not particularly limited as long as it is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the medals can smoothly slide.

  The guide surface 22a preferably has a certain length so that a large number of medals can be dropped continuously. Specifically, it is preferably at least as long as the diameter of the medal, and more than 2 to 3 times the diameter of the medal so that the continuous dropping operation can be performed more smoothly and easily. It preferably has a length.

  Moreover, the above-mentioned exposed plate 21 is integrally formed, for example by die-casting zinc (zinc alloy), and in order to improve appearance, the surface is chrome-plated. The exposed plate 21 may be configured to be detachable from the pedestal portion 11.

  A medal receiving opening (not shown) is formed in the frame inside the pedestal 11 so as to correspond to the insertion slot 23, and medals falling from this are guided to the medal discriminating device 100 described later. The

  A rectangular opening 21c is formed in the back wall 21b of the recess 21a of the exposed plate 21 so that an outer peripheral surface of a rotating roller described later is exposed. In this case, if the rotation roller is not arranged, the back wall 21b is not formed with the opening 21c, and is used as a wall portion (back wall) positioned behind the input port 23 and above the opening as it is. Constructed, it plays the role of guiding a medal that is pressed against or abuts against the portion to the insertion slot 23 as it is. Further, a substantially flat medal placement portion 21d is formed in the front portion of the recess 21a of the exposed plate 21 so that a predetermined number of medals can be placed. In this case, the medal placement portion 21d is formed in consideration of the convenience of the player, and may not be formed.

  Further, a medal return button 30 is provided on the right side of the recess 21a of the exposed plate 21 so that the inserted medal can be returned to the medal receiving portion 19 by pressing this button.

  A rotating roller 40 is supported on the frame inside the pedestal 11 so that the outer peripheral surface is partially exposed from an opening 21 c formed in the exposed plate 21. Due to the downward rotation of the rotating roller 40, the abutted medal is easily changed in posture downward by the gravity of the medal and the assist by the rotation of the rotating roller 40, and falls smoothly into the insertion slot 23.

  Further, in the configuration in which the rotating roller 40 is installed, it is preferable to install a cover 42 around the exposed rotating roller 40. By installing the cover 42 around the rotating roller 40 in this way, it is possible to effectively cover the upper, lower, left and right areas of the rotating roller 40 exposed from the opening. Even if an attempt is made to enter, it is possible to prevent intrusion into the housing. The cover 42 of the present embodiment is formed of a PA-based resin mixed with granular glass, and is attached to a frame inside the pedestal portion 11 to form a rectangular shape formed in the recess 21 a of the exposed plate 21. The outer peripheral surface of the rotating roller 40 is configured to be partially exposed from the opening 21c.

[Internal configuration of object discrimination device and passage shielding device]
Next, referring to FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B and FIG. 7, the object is a medal together with the schematic configuration of the object discrimination device 100 and the passage shielding device 500 that closes the medal passage 102 shown in FIG. The operation of the passage shielding apparatus 500 will be described. FIG. 6A is an enlarged configuration diagram showing the inside of the object discrimination device 100. FIG. 6B is a view taken along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 7 is a top view showing the configuration of the passage shielding device 500. FIGS. 6A and 6B show the operation of the medal when it is determined that the medal is a regular product.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the object discriminating apparatus 100 is configured by an outer frame body 101 formed in a cabinet shape, and the game medium input device 20 (FIG. 3) is inserted into the outer frame body 101. A medal passage 102 through which the received medal passes is formed.

  The medal passage 102 is located at the upstream end of the medal advance direction, the medal insertion portion 103 communicated with the game medium throwing device 20, and the downstream end of the medal advance direction, and the hopper 121 (FIG. 4). The medal discharging unit 104 that is in contact with the medal discharging unit 104 and the medal returning unit 105 that is located on the medal discharging unit 104 side and that is in contact with the medal receiving unit 19 are configured. The medal passage 102 has a curved passage 102a and a skew passage 102b, and when a medal inserted from the game medium inserting device 20 passes, the medal itself has its own weight to the upstream side ( It is formed in a shape that can travel from the upper side of FIG. 6-1 to the downstream side (lower side of FIG. 6-1).

  The curved passage 102a is formed as a bent passage portion that bends a part of the medal passage 102 so as to rapidly change the advancing direction of the medal, and the curved passage 102a decelerates the traveling speed of the medal passing through the curved passage 102a. It has a function to let you.

  In addition, a magnetic sensor 106 is provided at the downstream end of the curved passage 102 a constituting the medal passage 102. The magnetic sensor 106 has a function of discriminating whether a medal is a genuine product or an unauthorized product by detecting the presence / absence of magnetism of the medal that proceeds from the medal insertion unit 103 to the curved passage 102a. Specifically, since regular medals are made of a non-magnetic material, the medals detected by the magnetic sensor 106 are non-magnetic medals.

  Further, a CCD 310 of an imaging device 300 (not shown) constituting the object discrimination device 100 is provided between the curved passage 102 a and the skew passage 102 b constituting the medal passage 102, and on the downstream side of the CCD 310. A medal passage sensor 107 is provided. For the medal passage sensor 107, for example, a reflection type photosensor having a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit that project infrared rays is used.

  The medal passage sensor 107 detects the passage of this medal when the light receiving unit receives infrared rays reflected from the medal when the medal passes through the medal passage 102. When the medal passage sensor 107 detects the passage of the medal, the illuminating device 200 (FIG. 6-2) emits light from the LED 210 toward the medal, and the image of the medal is displayed by the CCD 310 of the imaging device 300. Take an image. Then, by comparing the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD 310 with the pre-stored reference image data P and determining whether the two image data match, whether the inserted medal is a regular medal or illegal It is determined whether it is a medal.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 7B, a passage shielding device 500 is provided at a predetermined position of the medal passage 102 (between the medal passage sensor 107 and the medal counting sensor 108). That is, a part on the upper side of the medal passage 102 is opened, and a passage shielding member 520 constituting the passage shielding device 500 is rotatably provided at the opening position. The passage shielding device 500 includes a drive motor 510 and a passage shielding member 520. By the drive of the drive motor 510, the passage shielding member 520 resists the elasticity of the tension spring 540 around the rotation shaft 530. 6-1 is rotatable in the α direction (clockwise).

  Moreover, the inner surface of the passage shielding member 520 is curved so as to be recessed. That is, the inner surface of the passage shielding member 520 has a predetermined curvature so that the medal moves smoothly along the inner surface.

  Referring to the configuration diagram shown in FIG. 7, a rotation shaft 530 provided with a one-way clutch is attached to the base end portion (left side in FIG. 7) of the passage shielding member 520, and the rotation shaft 530 and the shaft of the drive motor 510 are attached. Are connected to each other. Further, a tension spring 540 is attached to the distal end portion (right side in FIG. 7) of the passage shielding member 520, and the passage shielding member 520 is moved upward (counterclockwise in FIG. 6-1) by the elasticity of the tension spring 540. ) Is given elasticity. For this reason, the position of the passage shielding member 520 at the normal time is a position where the medal passage 102 is not closed (FIG. 6A). As a result, the medal (regular medal) passes through the skew path 102b of the medal path 102, reaches the position of the medal counting sensor 108, and after the number of medals is counted, is stored in the hopper 121 (FIG. 4). Is done.

  That is, a medal counting sensor 108 for detecting the number of medals is provided on the downstream side of the medal passage 102. The medal counting sensor 108 is inserted from the game medium inserting device 20 and is downstream from the upstream end of the medal passage 102. The number of medals is counted by detecting medals that progress to the end. For the medal counting sensor 108, a photocoupler provided with a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion at positions facing each other can be employed. The medals counted through the medal counting sensor 108 are stored in the hopper 121 (FIG. 4). In the first embodiment, counting by the medal counting sensor 108 is performed on medals determined by the object determination device 100 as being regular medals.

  In addition, a medal return passage 109 connected to the medal receiving portion 19 (FIG. 4) is connected to the medal return portion 105 as a branch portion for returning a medal. Is provided. The medal return device 400 includes a passage switching mechanism 410 that switches the advancing direction of medals traveling toward the medal discharge unit 104 to the medal return passage 109 side.

  The passage switching mechanism 410 has a switching solenoid 411 and a switching plate 413 having an L-shaped cross section that is supported swingably around a support shaft 412. That is, the moving direction of the medals can be switched to the medal return passage 109 side by swinging the switching plate 413 and tilting the switching plate 413 at a predetermined angle. The switching solenoid 411 is controlled to operate (ON / OFF) based on the medal discrimination result by the magnetic sensor 106 and the object discrimination device 100. Specifically, when an illegal product medal or a predetermined number of coins are inserted or during a unit game, the switching solenoid 411 is operated to advance the medal inserted from the game medium input device 20 to the medal return path 109 side. It returns from the medal receiving part 19 through the payout exit 12.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, the medal inserted from the game medium inserting device 20 travels through the curved passage 102a from the medal inserting unit 103, the magnetic characteristic of the medal is detected by the magnetic sensor 106, and further the bending When a medal that has traveled through the passage 102 a and the skew passage 102 b is detected by the medal passage sensor 107, the medal is irradiated with light from the LED 210 of the illumination device 200, and an image of the medal is captured by the CCD 310 of the imaging device 300. At the same time, it is determined whether the captured image data matches the image data of the regular medal (reference image data P).

  Here, in this example, since the medal is described as a regular medal, the passage shielding device 500 does not operate, so the passage shielding member 520 does not rotate (clockwise in FIG. 6A). The passage shielding member 520 does not prevent the progress of medals passing through the medal passage 102. Furthermore, in this case, the switching solenoid 411 of the passage switching mechanism 410 does not operate, so the switching plate 413 does not swing. Thereby, the medal passes through the medal passing sensor 107 and reaches the medal counting sensor 108, and the medal counting sensor 108 counts the medal. Hereinafter, this medal is discharged from the medal discharging unit 104 and stored in the hopper 121.

[Action when returning medal]
Next, with reference to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, an operation when it is determined that a medal is an illegal product will be described. FIG. 8A is an enlarged configuration diagram illustrating the inside of the object discrimination device 100, and is a diagram illustrating an operation when returning a medal determined to be an unauthorized product. Moreover, FIG. 8-2 has shown the AA arrow sectional drawing of FIG. Here, the configuration of the object discrimination device 100 is the same as that of FIG.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 8A, the medal inserted from the game medium inserting device 20 travels through the curved passage 102a from the medal inserting unit 103, and the magnetic characteristic of the medal is detected by the magnetic sensor 106. When a medal that has traveled through the passage 102 a and the skew passage 102 b is detected by the medal passage sensor 107, the medal is irradiated with light from the LED 210 of the illumination device 200, and an image of the medal is captured by the CCD 310 of the imaging device 300. At the same time, by comparing the captured image data with the reference image data P, it is determined whether the two image data match.

  In this example, since the medal is described as an unauthorized product, the passage shielding device 500 is operated, and the passage shielding member 520 is centered on the rotation shaft 530 in the α direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 8-1). In order to close the medal passage 102 by this rotation, the illegal medal that travels through the medal passage 102 hits the inner surface of the passage shielding member 520, and the illegal medal that hits the passage shielding member 520 is The medal return passage 109 is moved along the inner surface of the passage shielding member 520.

  At this time, the switching solenoid 411 constituting the passage switching mechanism 410 is operated, and the switching plate 413 is inclined in the clockwise direction (in the direction of the arrow in the figure) as shown in FIG. It is returned from the skew path 102b to the medal receiving part 19 through the medal return path 109 and the medal payout opening 12.

  In order to release the closing of the medal passage 102, the operation of the passage shielding device 500 is stopped (OFF). Accordingly, the passage shielding member 520 is rotated upward (counterclockwise in FIG. 6A) by the elasticity of the tension spring 540 around the rotation shaft 530, and thereby the passage of the passage shielding device 500. The closing of the medal passage 102 by the shielding member 520 is released.

  Here, as described above, since the inner side surface of the passage shielding member 520 is formed in a slightly curved shape, an illegal medal that is in contact with the inner side surface of the passage shielding member 520 is along this inner side surface. In addition to being able to guide smoothly to the medal return passage 109 side, it is a soundproofing measure against the contact sound generated at the time of contact with the illegal medal.

  Even when the magnetic sensor 106 determines that the medal inserted from the game medium inserting device 20 is not a non-magnetic material, similarly, the switching plate 413 is inclined by the operation of the passage switching mechanism 410, so that the medal is It is returned from the skew path 102b to the medal receiving part 19 through the medal return path 109 and the medal payout opening 12.

[Image processing for medals]
Next, an outline of image processing by the object discrimination device 100 when an object passing through the medal passage 102 is a medal will be described. Here, FIG. 9 shows the image data A ′ of medals acquired by the imaging of the imaging device 300 (CCD 310) and the image data A after image processing. Here, in the image data A ′ shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of areas (ranges indicated by lattices in the figure) constituting the medal path 102 are defined as image areas (predetermined imaging range) for imaging medals. An example of image data A ′ when a medal is imaged in the imaging range is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 9, medal image data A ′ picked up by the CCD 310 of the image pickup apparatus 300 is acquired as a black and white image corresponding to the intensity of the luminance value due to light irradiation of the LED 210. That is, as described above, in the first embodiment, since the imaging surface of the medal actually captured by the CCD 310 is a surface that is not directly irradiated with the light from the LED 210, the CCD 310 has the image data A ′ ( (Shadow image) is acquired by imaging.

  Then, “image processing” is performed on the image data A ′ acquired by the imaging of the imaging device 300. That is, the image data is divided into a plurality of areas (414 areas shown in FIG. 9) by the image data dividing process, and the luminance data of each area is averaged by the image data averaging process. More specifically, an average luminance value of pixels included in a plurality of divided areas is calculated, and the calculated average luminance value becomes a luminance value for each area. Next, the image data A binarized into “black (1)” and “white (0)” by the binarization processing of the image data.

  More specifically, the luminance values (“black”, “gray (intermediate color between black and white)”, “white”) for each area constituting the image data A ′ by the binarization processing of the image data are predetermined. Based on the threshold value, image processing is performed as binarized data, and image data A shown in FIG. 9 is obtained. That is, each area constituting the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD 310 is binarized image data (“black (1)”) having a low luminance value, and a part other than the medal imaging range (a predetermined range of the medal passage 102). (A white component) indicating a high luminance value is acquired as binarized data (“white (0)”).

  Here, as shown in the figure, in the image data A (reference image data P), in addition to the image data indicating the constituent area of the medal, the pixel defect portion of the CCD 310 constituting the imaging device 300 and the foreign matter attached to the CCD 310 Image data including (dirt and dust) and foreign matters (dirt and dust) attached to the objective lens 320 are also included. That is, in the first embodiment, image data including unique image characteristics (characteristics resulting from a difference in the shape of the passage and a difference in the arrangement position of the optical components) that identify each pachislot machine 1, and pixel defects and foreign matters of the CCD 310 are generated. As a result, the acquired image data A can be image data for specifying each pachislot machine 1 individually, thereby reducing the processing load at the time of image determination and reducing erroneous determination. . In addition, it is possible to reduce determination errors caused by foreign matters attached to optical components such as the CCD 310.

  The image data A converted by the image processing shown in FIG. 9 is stored in the image RAM 112b (FIG. 16). Hereinafter, as will be described later, this image-processed image data A is binarized for each region, and it is determined whether or not it matches the binarized reference image data P.

[Image determination processing for medals]
Next, an overview of image determination processing by the object determination device 100 when an object passing through the medal passage 102 is a medal will be described. Here, FIG. 10 shows an example of the reference image data P stored in advance and an example of the image data A obtained after image processing by the CCD 310 of the imaging apparatus 300 and image processing. Further, in the reference image data P and the image data A, in addition to the image data indicating the constituent area of the medal, the pixel defect portion of the CCD 310 that constitutes the imaging device 300, foreign matter (dirt and dust) attached to the CCD 310, the objective lens 320 The image data including foreign matter (dirt, dust, etc.) adhering to is also shown. Here, the reference image data P and the image data A shown in the figure will be described as an example in which the binarized image data matches.

  Here, the reference image data P indicates image data of a regular medal imaged in advance by the imaging device 300 of the object discrimination device 100 provided in the pachislot machine 1. Actually, about 100 regular medals for each pachislot machine 1 are photographed by the imaging device 300 of the object discrimination device 100 at a rate of about once a week, and image data acquired by this imaging is processed by image processing. Is stored in the image RAM 112b (FIG. 16) as image data averaged and binarized by the above, and the reference image data P stored in the image RAM 112b is referred to when image data determination processing is performed. It will be.

  That is, in the image determination process, the image data A of the medal newly inserted from the game medium input device 20 is checked against the reference image data P stored in the image RAM 112b in advance, and the two image data match. The process which determines is performed. If the matching ratio of the binarized image data (binarized image data) is a predetermined ratio or more (for example, 90% or more), the inserted medal is a regular medal. Judge that there is.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the reference image data P and image data A assume a predetermined part of the medal passage 102 as one frame, and constitute a medal imaged by the CCD 310 within this frame. It is the figure which showed the binarized image data of a some area | region, and the binarized image data of the some area | region which comprises the medal path | pass 102, and as shown in the figure, a horizontal frame (horizontal direction area | region) is "A To X ”, and the vertical frame (vertical direction area) is divided into 18“ 0 to 17 ”. As a whole, one frame is 414 (23 × 18 = 414). Area) divided into a plurality of areas. These plural areas are obtained when the binarized data of the medal imaged by the CCD 310 and the binarized data of the predetermined range (one frame) of the medal path 102 are irradiated with light by the LED 210 for each area. The data is averaged in accordance with the luminance value of the image data and binarized (“black (0)” or “white (0)”).

  Accordingly, in FIG. 10, the “black (1)” portion shown in each region represents a portion constituting a medal, and the “white (0)” portion shown in each region represents a medal. Therefore, the set range of the “black (1)” region represents the size (outside dimension) of the medal. In other words, the binarized data (“black (1)” or “white (0)”) of each region constituting the image of the reference image data P and the newly obtained image data A image of each region. By comparing the binarized data with each other and calculating the ratio of the binarized data for each region, it is possible to determine whether the medal is a genuine medal or an illegal medal.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, in the reference image data P, the region “L2” is “black (1)”, and the region “L2” of the image data A corresponding to the region “L2” Since the portion of “L2” is also “black (1)”, the binarized data of both are the same. Hereinafter, similarly, the areas corresponding to the image data of the areas constituting the reference image data P for each area of all the area ranges of “A0 to A17, B0 to B17... X0 to X17”, and this area. Is compared with the binarized data for each area of the image data A, and a determination process is performed to determine whether the binarized data corresponding to each area matches. In the first embodiment, when the matching ratio of the binarized data of the reference image data P and the image data A is equal to or higher than a predetermined ratio (for example, 90% or higher), the medal in which the image data A is captured is a regular medal. Can be determined. Similarly, with respect to image data indicating foreign matter (dirt and dust), the specific image data of the reference image data P is collated and the determination process is performed.

  That is, as shown in the figure, the binarized data of the regions “G4”, “P4”, “Q12” constituting the reference image data P is “white (0)”. Since the binarized data of the areas “G4”, “P4”, and “Q12” constituting the image data A corresponding to the three areas are also “white (0)”, the binarized data of the two coincide with each other. . Similarly, the binarized data of the areas “T1” and “U15” constituting the medal path 102 shown in one frame representing the reference image data P is “black (1)” and corresponds to these two areas. Since the binarized data of the areas “T1” and “U15” that constitute the image data A to be processed are also “black (1)”, the binarized data of the two match.

  Next, an example in which the binarized image data of the reference image data P and the image data B do not match will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the image determination processing by the object determination device 100 as in FIG. 10, and is acquired by taking an example of reference image data P stored in advance and imaging by the CCD 310 of the imaging device 300. 1 shows an example of image data B after image processing. Further, the reference image data P and the image data B shown in the figure are not only image data indicating the constituent area of the medal, but also a pixel defect portion of the CCD 310 constituting the imaging apparatus 300 and foreign matters (dirt and dust) attached to the CCD 310, The image data including foreign matter (dirt or dust) attached to the objective lens 320 is also shown.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the image data of the region “L2” constituting the binarized image data of the reference image data P is “black (1)”, and corresponds to the region “L2” of the reference image data P. Since the binarized data of the region “L2” constituting the binarized image data B of the image data B to be “0”, the image data of both does not match (the image data B is more than the reference image data P). Small dimensions). Hereinafter, similarly, the areas corresponding to the image data of the areas constituting the reference image data P for each area of all the area ranges of “A0 to A17, B0 to B17... X0 to X17”, and this area. Is compared with the binarized data for each area of the image data B, and a determination process is performed as to whether the corresponding binarized data matches for each area. In this case, in the reference image data P and the image data B, since the matching ratio of the binarized data is not equal to or higher than a predetermined ratio (for example, 90% or higher), the medal is determined to be an unauthorized product. When 500 is activated, the illegal medal is returned.

[Operation of Game Medium Loading Device 20]
Next, the operation of the game medium inserting device 20 when the object passing through the medal passage 102 is an object other than a medal (“flexible substrate”) will be described. FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of the game medium loading device 20 when the “flexible board” is inserted into the medal passage 102. FIG. 12-2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the game medium input device 20 when it is determined that the object is a “flexible substrate”.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 12A, the game medium insertion device 20 has a game medium guide unit including a slot 23 for receiving medals and a guide surface 22a for inclining downward toward the slot 23 to guide the medals. 22, a rotating roller 40 that rotates so that the medal guided by the guide surface 22 a abuts the medal toward the insertion slot 23, a tooth row 43 that is fixed to the pachislot machine 1 body, and a rotation A gear 41 that is rotatably attached to a box that holds the roller 40 and meshes with the tooth row 43 and the rotation roller 40 to rotate by the rotation of the rotation roller 40 and moves on the tooth row 43, and a predetermined object (for example, “ The rotating roller 40 is rotated in the direction in which the “flexible substrate” is ejected to the outside of the insertion port 23 (in the example of FIG. 1, the clockwise direction when viewed from the right side of the pachislot machine 1). A motor 42, and a (shown in Figure 3 to be described later) rotating the roller button 20a for accepting a setting instruction to release the bite of the gear 41 and the teeth 43.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 12A, the flexible substrate is inserted from the insertion port 23 of the game medium insertion device 20, proceeds in the curved passage 102a (FIG. 6-1), and the magnetic sensor 106 (FIG. 6-1). Thus, the magnetic characteristic of the medal is detected. Here, at this time, the game medium insertion device 20 does not operate, and the insertion port 23 is not shielded by the rotating roller 40, so that the object (flexible substrate) traveling through the medal path 102 can be extracted. ing. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the tip of the flexible substrate is detected by the medal passage sensor 107, the illumination device 200 and the imaging device 300 are operated, and the object (flexible) passing through the medal passage 102 by the CCD 310 is operated. Imaging of the substrate) is performed. As described above, predetermined image processing is performed based on the image data picked up by the CCD 310.

  In this case, since the object is an object other than a medal (flexible substrate), at this time, as shown in the figure, the game medium loading device 20 directly moves the roller unit 48 to the outside of the loading slot 23 by the power of the motor 42. In addition to rotating in the throwing direction, the rotation of the rotating roller 40 is transmitted through the gear 45 to rotate the gear 41, and the rotated gear 41 moves on the tooth row 43 to move an object other than a medal (" The roller unit 48 is moved in the direction in which it abuts the medal so that the “flexible board” is pressed between the game medium guide portion 22 and the rotating roller 40. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an illegal count of medals using an object (flexible substrate) other than medals.

[Operation of Passage Shielding Device 500]
Next, the operation of the passage shielding apparatus 500 when the object passing through the medal passage 102 is an object other than a medal (“flexible substrate”) will be described. FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of the object determination device 100 and the passage shielding device 500 when the “flexible substrate” is inserted into the medal passage 102. FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the passage shielding apparatus 500 when it is determined that the object is a “flexible substrate”.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 13A, the flexible board inserted from the game medium insertion device 20 travels through the curved passage 102a from the medal insertion unit 103, and the magnetic characteristics of the medal are detected by the magnetic sensor 106. It advances to the curved passage 102a and the skew passage 102b. Here, at this time, the passage shielding member 520 of the passage shielding device 500 does not operate, and the medal passage 102 is not shielded by the passage shielding member 520, so an object (flexible substrate) traveling through the medal passage 102 passes. It is in a possible state. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 13B, when the tip of the flexible substrate is detected by the medal passage sensor 107, the illumination device 200 and the imaging device 300 are operated, and the object (flexible) passing through the medal passage 102 by the CCD 310 is operated. Imaging of the substrate) is performed. As described above, predetermined image processing is performed based on the image data picked up by the CCD 310.

  In this case, since the object is an object (flexible substrate) other than a medal, at this time, the passage shielding device 500 is operated, and the passage shielding member 520 is centered on the rotation shaft 530 in the α direction as shown in FIG. It rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. As a result, the passage shielding member 520 comes into contact with the leading end of the traveling object, and moves the traveling path of the object (flexible substrate) to the medal return passage 109 side. Thus, the object (flexible substrate) moves to the medal payout exit 12 through the medal return passage 109 while being guided by the inner surface of the passage shielding member 520 without proceeding to the position where the medal counting sensor 108 is disposed. Then, it is discharged from the medal receiving part 19. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an illegal count of medals using an object (flexible substrate) other than medals.

[Image determination processing for flexible substrates]
Next, image determination when an object is a flexible substrate will be described. FIG. 14 shows image data A ′ of an object acquired by imaging of the imaging apparatus 300 (CCD 310) and image data A of the object after performing “image processing”, respectively. FIG. 14 shows a state in which the object is imaged by the CCD 310 when the medal passage sensor 107 detects the tip of the object.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the image data A ′ of the object (flexible substrate) imaged by the CCD 310 of the imaging device 300 is acquired as black and white image data corresponding to the intensity of the luminance value due to light irradiation of the LED 210. As described above, in the first embodiment, since the imaging surface of the medal actually captured by the CCD 310 is a surface that is not directly irradiated with the light of the LED 210, the CCD 310 is an image that is not affected by light and has a low luminance value. Data (shadow image) is acquired by imaging. Here, in the image data A ′ shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of areas (ranges indicated by grids in the figure) constituting the medal path 102 are defined as image areas (predetermined imaging ranges) for imaging an object. Is shown as an example of an image obtained by imaging an object (in this example, “flexible substrate”) in the imaging range.

  Then, “image processing” is performed on the image data A ′ acquired by the imaging of the imaging device 300. As shown in the figure, the plurality of areas constituting the image data A are defined as a predetermined range of the medal path 102 as a vertical direction area and a horizontal direction area of the object imaged by the CCD 310 within this area range (one frame). It is the figure which showed the image, A vertical direction area | region is divided | segmented into 18 pieces of 0-17, a horizontal direction area | region is divided | segmented into 23 pieces from A to X, and 414 ( The area range is divided into a plurality of areas of 23 × 18 = 414).

  The plurality of areas are averaged according to the luminance value when the object imaged by the CCD 310 and the predetermined range of the medal path 102 for each area are imaged by the LEDs 210, and , And is expressed as binarized (“black (1)” or “white (0)”) image data.

  That is, each area constituting the image data A acquired by the imaging of the CCD 310 is image data “black (1)” having a low luminance value, and a plurality of areas other than the imaging range of the object (a plurality of areas constituting the medal path 102). Area) is converted as binarized data (“white (0)”) having a high luminance value due to the influence of light irradiation.

  That is, the image data is divided into a plurality of areas by the image dividing process by the “image processing”, and the luminance value for each area is averaged by the image averaging process of the image data. More specifically, an average luminance value of pixels included in a plurality of divided areas is calculated, and the calculated average luminance value becomes a luminance value for each area. Next, the image data A is binarized into “black (1)” and “white (0)” by binarization processing for the image data. That is, the luminance values (“black”, “gray (intermediate color between black and white)”, “white”) for each area constituting the image data A ′ by the binarization processing of the image data are based on a predetermined threshold value. Thus, the image data is processed as binarized data and becomes image data A indicating the image of the object shown in FIG. Here, in the same figure, since the image data A indicates binarized image data configured in a long shape, this object is not a circular medal, but is used for the purpose of a malfunction of medal count. It can be assumed that this is a flexible substrate formed in a long shape.

  As shown in the figure, in the image data A converted as binarized image data composed of a plurality of areas, in addition to the image data indicating the constituent areas of the object, the CCD 310 that constitutes the imaging apparatus 300 is used. Image data including a pixel defect portion and foreign matter (dirt or dust) attached to the CCD 310 and foreign matter (dirt or dust) attached to the objective lens 320 are also included.

[Image analysis processing for flexible substrates]
Next, a procedure for analyzing image data will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the details of the image data binarized by the image processing (binarized image data) and the analysis procedure of the image data. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, first, is the binarized data (any area from A0 to A17) at the left end of the vertical area (area from A0 to A17) “black (1)”? It is analyzed whether it is “white (0)”.

  Then, according to the image analysis result, when the binarized data in any one of the areas (A0 to A17) located at the left end in FIG. 15 is “black (1)”, the medal in the medal path 102 It can be determined that an object other than is present. Here, in the example of FIG. 15, since the areas A10, A11, and A12 are “black (1)”, it can be determined that the object is an object other than a medal. This is because when a medal is present in the medal passage 102, the areas A0 to A17 in the vertical area do not become the binarized data area constituting the medal, as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. When the areas A10, A11, and A12 located at the left end are “black (1)”, it is understood that the binarized image data is not image data indicating a medal.

  Next, whether each area (areas B11, B10, B12) is “black (1)” in the order of right next to the area determined to be “black (1)”, upper right next, and lower right next. It is determined whether the color is “white (0)”, and the determination of the binarized image data from region C0 to C7 to region X0 to X17 is similarly performed. Then, when it is determined that there is a continuous area in which the binarized image data is determined to be “black (1)”, it is determined that an object different from the medal exists in the medal path 102. be able to. This is because, for the same reason as described above, in the horizontal direction area constituting the binarized image data of the medal, the right end area is the “white (0)” area as well as the left end. In the case where the region determined as “1)” is continuously present, it is analyzed that a long object is present separately from the medal instead of the medal.

  Further, when it is analyzed from the determination result that the binarized image data whose region is “black (1)” is continuously present, the region where “black (1)” is continuously present It is determined whether or not “white (0)” binarized image data is continuously present below the region of “”. As a result of this determination, when binary image data of “white (0)” is continuously present below the portion of “black (1)”, an object other than a medal (in this example, in this example) The “flexible substrate” shown) is analyzed.

[Electrical Configuration of Object Discriminating Device 100]
Next, the electrical configuration of the object discrimination device 100 will be described in detail. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the object discrimination device 100. In FIG. 16, the medal passes through the medal passage 102. Of course, the same block diagram also applies when the “flexible board” passes through the medal passage 102.

  As shown in the figure, the object discriminating apparatus 100 is provided on an illumination device 200 that irradiates a medal passing through the medal passage 102 with light by an LED 210, an imaging device 300 that captures an image of a medal with a CCD 310, and a control board 150a. The illumination device 200 includes an LED 210 and a collimator lens 220, and the imaging device 300 includes a CCD 310 and an objective lens 320.

  The control unit 150 and the CPU 111 of the main control circuit 71 are electrically connected, and the CPU 111 is connected to a RAM 112a, an image RAM 112b, and a ROM 112c. Further, the game medium loading device 20, the medal return device 400 and the passage blocking device 500 are electrically connected to the CPU 111, and the game medium loading device 20, the medal return device 400 and the passage blocking device 500 are connected from the CPU 111. Based on the control instruction, drive control of the motor 42, the solenoid drive unit 414, and the drive motor 510 is performed. The details of the configuration of the main control circuit 71 having the CPU 111 will be described later.

  The control unit 150 includes an LED driving unit 151, a medal passing sensor driving unit 152 that drives the medal passing sensor 107, a signal input / output unit 153, and a CCD driving unit 154. The LED driving unit 151 is connected to the LED 210, and when a medal passing through the medal passage 102 is detected by the medal passage sensor 107, the LED driving unit 151 drives the LED 210 to irradiate the medal with light from the LED 210.

  The signal input / output unit 153 is connected to the medal passage sensor 107 and the CCD 310, inputs a signal from the medal passage sensor 107 and a signal from the CCD 310, and outputs the input signal to the CPU 111. The CCD drive unit 154 is connected to the CCD 310, and a medal passing through the medal passage 102 is detected by the medal passage sensor 107, and the LED 310 is driven so that the light is emitted from the LED 210 to the medal almost simultaneously. Drive.

  As described above, the game medium input device 20 includes the rotating roller 40 and the motor 42. The motor 42 rotates in a direction in which the rotating roller 40 is thrown out of the insertion slot 23 based on a signal output from the CPU 111 based on the determination that the CPU 111 determines that a predetermined object that is not a regular medal has been inserted. In addition, the rotation of the rotating roller 40 is transmitted to the gear 41 to rotate the gear 41, and the rotated gear 41 moves on the tooth row 43 so that an object other than a medal (flexible substrate) game medium guide unit 22 and The roller unit 48 is moved in a direction in contact with the medal so as to be pressed between the rotating rollers 40.

  The medal return device 400 includes a switching solenoid 411 and a solenoid driving unit 414 that constitute the passage switching mechanism 410. The solenoid driving unit 414 is connected to the switching solenoid 411 and drives the switching solenoid 411 based on a control signal from the CPU 111. As described above, since the switching plate 413 (FIG. 8-2) swings at a predetermined angle by driving the switching solenoid 411, medals determined to be illegal medals are returned along the inclination of the switching plate 413. It can be returned from the passage 109 to the medal receiving part 19.

  As described above, the passage shielding device 500 includes the drive motor 510 and the passage shielding member 520, and the drive motor 510 (FIG. 7) drives the passage shielding member 520 with a tension spring about the rotation shaft 530. If the object (flexible substrate) other than the illegal medal and the medal is used in the pachislot machine 1 by the rotation of the passage shielding member 520, the illegal medal can be rotated against the elasticity of the 540. It has a function to exclude objects (flexible substrates) other than medals.

[Electric Configuration of Pachislot Machine 1: Main Control Circuit 71]
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachislot machine 1 shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration (electric circuit) of the pachislot machine 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the electric circuit that constitutes the pachislot machine 1 includes a main control circuit 71 that controls the game processing operation of the pachislot machine 1 as a whole, and various types of electrical circuits that are electrically connected to the main control circuit 71. A peripheral device (actuator) and a sub control circuit 72 for controlling the liquid crystal display unit 2b, the speakers 6L and 6R, the LEDs 201 and the lamps 202 based on a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 are included.

  The main control circuit 71, various control boards, and various peripheral devices (actuators) are connected via an I / O port 38 so that various signals can be input / output electrically. Further, an external concentrated terminal board 98 is connected to the main control circuit 71, and this external concentrated terminal board 98 enables data communication between the sub control circuit 72, the game medium loading device 20 and the object discriminating device 100. Yes.

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 110 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added to a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 110 includes a CPU 111 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a RAM 112a that is a storage unit, an image RAM 112b, and a ROM 112c.

  Connected to the CPU 111 are a clock pulse generation circuit 114 and a frequency divider 115 for generating a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 116 and a sampling circuit 117 for generating a random number to be sampled.

  The random number generator 116 generates a random number belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 117 samples the random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 17 is operated. By using the random numbers sampled in this way, for example, an internal winning combination is determined based on a probability lottery table stored in the ROM 112c. Note that random number sampling can also be performed in software by executing a random number sampling program on the CPU 111 in the microcomputer 110. In this case, the random number generator 116 and the sampling circuit 117 can be omitted.

  The ROM 112c of the microcomputer 110 stores various control commands for transmission to the sub-control circuit 72 and a probability lottery table used for determination of random number sampling performed every time the start lever 17 is operated (start operation) and a winning symbol for stopping. A determination table, a stop table group for determining a reel stop mode according to the operation of the stop buttons 18L, 18C, and 18R, and the like are stored. Note that the sub control circuit 72 does not input a control command, information, or the like to the main control circuit 71, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72.

  Further, in this ROM 112c, a combination of various symbols corresponding to the display combination, the number of medal dividends, and a winning combination determination code (establishment determination code) indicating the winning (establishment) are associated with each other. The table is stored. This display combination specifying table is referred to when the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C, and the right reel 3R are stopped and when the display combination is confirmed after all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped. The display combination (display combination data) is a combination (established combination) corresponding to a combination of symbols arranged along the active line, and the player is given a profit corresponding to the display combination.

  Further, the RAM 112a stores various information such as an internal winning combination, a carryover combination and a current gaming state related to winning of the pachislot machine 1. In the image RAM 112b, medal image data captured by the CCD 310 of the imaging apparatus 300 is stored. Further, as described above, the image RAM 112b stores the image data (reference image data P) of the regular medal previously captured by the CCD 310 of the imaging device 300.

  The main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 110 include a BET lamp (1-BET lamp 7a, 2-BET lamp 7b, 3-BET lamp 7c), bonus number display section 8, and credit display. A display unit such as a unit 9, a payout number display unit 10, a hopper 121 (including a drive unit for payout) that stores medals and pays out a predetermined number of medals according to a command from the hopper drive circuit 46, and reels 3L and 3C. , 3R are stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R.

  Further, a motor drive circuit 60 that drives and controls the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R, a hopper drive circuit 46 that drives and controls the hopper 121, and a BET lamp (1-BET lamp 7a, 2-BET lamp 7b, 3-BET lamp 7c) A lamp driving circuit 45 for driving and controlling, and a display unit driving circuit 48 for driving and controlling display units such as the bonus number display unit 8, the credit display unit 9, and the payout number display unit 10 are connected to the output unit of the CPU 111. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 111 and controls the operation of each actuator.

  The microcomputer 110 receives input signals from a start switch 17S, a BET switch (1-BET switch 13S, 2-BET switch 14S, 3-BET switch 15S), a reel position detection circuit 49, and a payout completion signal circuit 47. Based on these, a control command is generated.

  The start switch 17S is a switch that detects an operation of the start lever 17, and the medal sensor 12S is a sensor that detects a medal inserted into the game medium inserting device 20. The BET switches 13S, 14S, and 15S are provided on the back side of the 1-BET button 13, the 2-BET button 14, and the 3-BET button 15, and the 1-BET button 13, the 2-BET button 14, and the 3-BET button 15 are provided. A switch that generates a signal in response to an operation.

  The C / P switch 16 </ b> S is a switch that is provided on the rear surface of the C / P button 16 and generates a signal in response to an operation of the C / P button 16. The reel position detection circuit 49 is a circuit that receives a pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and supplies a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 111. The payout completion signal circuit 47 generates a signal indicating completion of the medal payout when the number of medals paid out from the hopper 121 reaches the designated number data.

  After the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 112a. From the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reset pulses are obtained for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 111 via the reel position detection circuit 49. The count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 112a is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the RAM 112a stores the count value corresponding to the rotational position within the range of one rotation for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  A symbol table (not shown) is stored in the ROM 112c in order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R as described above with symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol table, a code number that is sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated, and a corresponding code number are provided. Is associated with a symbol code indicating the displayed symbol.

  If the CPU 111 determines the internal winning combination or the stop winning combination by lottery processing (probability lottery processing or the like) based on the random number sampling, the stop switch 18LS, 18LS, 18C, 18R is operated at the timing when the player operates the stop button 18L, 18C, 18R. Based on the operation signals sent from the 18CS and 18RS and the determined stop table, a signal for stopping the reels 3L, 3C and 3R is sent to the motor drive circuit 60. However, when accepting an input of a command by the player, the CPU 111 sends a signal to the motor drive circuit 60 to stop the reels 3L, 3C, 3R even if the player operates the stop buttons 18L, 18C, 18R. Do not send.

  Further, when the CPU 111 is in a stop mode (that is, a winning mode) indicating winning of the winning combination, the CPU 111 supplies a payout command signal to the hopper driving circuit 46 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 121. The payout completion signal circuit 47 generates a signal for detecting a medal payout completion signal when the count value (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 121) of the medal detection unit 21S reaches the designated number data. . That is, the medal detection unit 21S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 121, and sends a medal payout completion signal to the CPU 111 via the payout completion signal circuit 47 when the counted value reaches a specified number. Entered. As a result, the CPU 111 stops driving the hopper 121 via the hopper driving circuit 46 and ends the medal payout process.

[Electrical configuration of pachislot machine 1: sub-control circuit 72]
Subsequently, the sub control circuit 72 of the pachislot machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the sub control circuit 72. As shown in FIG. 18, the sub-control circuit 72 is connected to the main control circuit 71 via a bus, and the liquid crystal display unit 2b, speakers 6L and 6R, LEDs 201, lamps 202, A volume control unit 99 is connected.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the sub-control circuit 72 includes an image control circuit (gSub) 72a and a sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b. The image control circuit (gSub) 72a and the sound / lamp The control circuit (mSub) 72b is formed on a circuit board different from the circuit board constituting the main control circuit 71.

  Communication between the main control circuit 71 and the image control circuit (gSub) 72a is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the image control circuit (gSub) 72a, and the image control circuit (gSub) 72a is connected to the main control circuit. No control command or information is output to 71. Communication between the image control circuit (gSub) 72a and the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b is performed in one direction from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b. The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b does not output a control command or information to the image control circuit (gSub) 72a.

  The image control circuit (gSub) 72a includes an image control microcomputer 81, a serial port 82, a program ROM 83, a work RAM 84, a calendar IC 85, an image control IC 86, a control RAM 87, an image ROM (CROM (character ROM)) 88, and a video RAM 89.

  The image control microcomputer 81 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (a serial port 82 is shown). The CPU provided in the image control microcomputer 81 performs various processes according to the control program stored in the program ROM 83 based on the control command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. For example, if a control command for displaying a specific image corresponding to the command is received from the main control circuit 71, the image control IC 86 is instructed to take out this image from the image ROM 88 and display it on the liquid crystal display unit 2b. Will do. The image control circuit (gSub) 72a does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, but executes random number sampling in software on the operation program of the image control microcomputer 81. It is configured as follows.

  The serial port 82 is a port that receives a control command or the like transmitted from the main control circuit 71. That is, the serial port 82 is connected so as to be able to communicate with the main control circuit 71, and the external control terminal board 98 is connected to the main control circuit 71. Data communication with the determination device 100 is enabled.

  The program ROM 83 stores a control program executed by the image control microcomputer 81 and various tables described later. The work RAM 84 is used as a work memory area that is used when the image control microcomputer 81 executes a control program, and the work RAM 84 stores various information related to effects and the like.

  The calendar IC 85 is an IC that stores date data, and a game shop employee or the like operates an operation unit (not shown) to set a date, and the set date is stored in the calendar IC 85. Since the work RAM 84 and the calendar IC 85 are to be backed up, even if the power supplied to the image control microcomputer 81 is shielded, the power is continuously supplied and the stored information and the like are erased. Is prevented.

  The image control IC 86 is an IC that generates an image corresponding to the content of the effect determined by the image control microcomputer 81 and outputs the image to the liquid crystal display unit 2b. The image control IC 86 includes a control RAM 87, and the image control microcomputer 81 reads and writes information from and to the control RAM 87. The control RAM 87 is expanded with a register of the image control IC 86, a sprite attribute table, and a color palette table. The image control microcomputer 81 stores the register of the image control IC 86 and the sprite attribute table at predetermined timings. Update.

  The image control IC 86 is connected to the liquid crystal display unit 2b, the image ROM 88, and the video RAM 89. Note that when processing a large amount of image data such as three-dimensional image data, the image ROM 88 may be connected to the image control microcomputer 81. The image ROM 88 stores image data, dot data, and the like for generating an image. The video RAM 89 is used as temporary storage means when an image is generated by the image control IC 86. The image control IC 86 transmits a signal to the image control microcomputer 81 every time data in the video RAM 89 is transferred to the liquid crystal display unit 2b.

  Further, in the image control circuit (gSub) 72a, the image control microcomputer 81 also controls the production of sound and lamp. The image control microcomputer 81 determines the type and output timing of the sound / lamp based on the determined effect, and transmits a control command to the sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b via the serial port 82 at every predetermined timing. To do. The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b that has received this control command performs only sound / lamp output in accordance with the control command received from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a (excluding volume adjustment control described later).

  The sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) 72b includes a sound / lamp control microcomputer 91, a serial port 92, a program ROM 93, a work RAM 94, a sound source IC 95, a power amplifier 96, and a sound source ROM 97.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port (a serial port 92 is shown). The CPU in the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs sound / lamp output processing in accordance with the control program stored in the program ROM 93 based on the control command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 is connected to LEDs 201 and lamps 202. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 transmits an output signal to the LEDs 201 and the lamps 202 in response to a control command transmitted at a predetermined timing from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. As a result, the LEDs 201 and the lamps 202 emit light in a predetermined manner according to the effect.

  The serial port 92 is an input port that receives a control command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72a. The program ROM 93 is a memory storing a control program executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91. The work RAM 94 is used as a work memory for work when the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 executes the control program described above.

  The sound source IC 95 generates a sound source based on the control command transmitted from the image control circuit (gSub) 72 a and outputs the sound source to the power amplifier 96. The power amplifier 96 is an amplifier, and speakers 6L and 6R are connected to the power amplifier 96. The power amplifier 96 amplifies the sound source output from the sound source IC 95 and outputs the amplified sound source from the speakers 6L and 6R. The sound source ROM 97 stores sound source data (phrase etc.) for generating a sound source.

  In addition, a volume control unit 99 is connected to the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91. The volume control unit 99 can be operated by an employee of a game store or the like, and the volume output from the speakers 6L and 6R is adjusted. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs control to adjust the sound output from the speakers 6L and 6R to the input volume based on the input signal transmitted from the volume adjustment unit 99.

[Object discrimination processing procedure by pachislot machine 1]
Next, the object discrimination processing procedure according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 19 shows an object discrimination processing routine by the object discrimination device 100 provided in the pachislot machine 1.

  That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19, first, it is determined whether or not the pachislot game by the player is in a unit game (step S10), and if it is determined that a unit game is in progress (step S10). (Yes), as shown in FIG. 8-2, the medal return passage 109 is opened to unconditionally return the medal inserted from the game medium inserting device 20 (step S11), and the process returns to S10.

  Specifically, as described with reference to FIG. 8B, the medal return is performed by operating the switching solenoid 411 of the medal return device 400 provided in the medal return unit 105 to swing the switching plate 413 to a predetermined angle. The opening of the passage 109 is opened. Thereby, the medal inserted from the game medium inserting device 20 is returned from the medal return passage 109 to the medal receiving unit 19 through the medal payout opening 12 (FIG. 4).

  Here, the unit game means that after the medal is inserted, the start lever 17 (FIG. 3) is pressed (ON), whereby the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate, and the player then presses the stop buttons 18L, 18C, In this case, since the pachislot machine 1 is prohibited from accepting medals, even if a medal is inserted from the game medium inserting device 20, the medal is returned to the medal return path 109. It is supposed to be returned through. Whether or not a unit game is actually being performed is determined based on the reel rotation signal from the main control circuit 71 and the presence or absence of all reel stop signals from the stop buttons 18L, 18C, and 18R.

  On the other hand, if it is determined by the determination in step S10 that the player's pachislot game is not a unit game (No in step S10), in order to permit the passage of medals inserted from the game medium input device 20, FIG. -2, the medal return passage 109 is closed (step S12). Specifically, the opening portion of the medal return passage 109 is closed by operating the switching solenoid 411 of the medal returning device 400 provided in the medal returning unit 105 to swing the switching plate 413 to the original position. Thus, the medal passes through the medal passage 102 without being returned through the medal return passage 109. In this case, the medal return passage 109 is closed to allow passage of an object other than a medal (for example, a flexible substrate).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the medal passage sensor 107 is activated (turned on) (step S13). As a result, when it is determined that the medal passage sensor 107 is activated (turned on) (Yes at Step S13), the CPU 111 activates (turns on) the LED 210 of the illumination device 200 (Step S14). As a result, light is emitted from the LED 210 to one surface of the medal passing through the medal passage 102. On the other hand, if it is determined that the medal passage sensor 107 is not activated (ON) (No at Step S13), the process returns to Step S10. Here, even when the object passing through the medal passage 102 is not a medal but an object other than a medal (for example, a flexible substrate), light is emitted from the LED 210 to one surface of the object.

  Subsequently, the CCD 310 of the imaging device 300 is activated (turned on) (step S15). Thereby, the image of the other surface of the object passing through the medal passage 102 can be taken by the CCD 310. As described above, the image of the medal (object) imaged by the CCD 310 at this time is a surface opposite to the surface of the medal irradiated with light by the LED 210, and thus becomes a shadow image. Subsequently, the image data acquired by the imaging of the CCD 310 is stored in the image RAM 112b (FIG. 16) (step S16).

  Subsequently, the image data is divided for the image data acquired by the process of step S16 (step S17). By dividing the image data, the image data becomes image data divided into a plurality of regions. Subsequently, the image data is averaged (step S18).

  As described above, the averaging of the image data is a process of averaging the luminance values, and the image data becomes image data in which the luminance values of a plurality of areas are averaged by this process. Subsequently, a process of binarizing the image data is performed (step S19). By this binarization processing of the image data, each area constituting the image data becomes binarized image data converted into either “black (1)” or “white (0)”. Subsequently, the image data converted into binarized image data by the processing from step S17 to step S19 is acquired (step S20).

  Subsequently, based on the binarized image data indicating the image of the object acquired by the process of step S20, it is determined whether the object passing through the medal path 102 is an object other than a medal (step S21). If it is determined in step S21 that the object is not an object other than a medal (No in step S21), then it is determined whether the object is a medal (step S22). Is determined to be a medal (Yes at step S22), it is then determined whether the medal is a genuine medal or an illegal medal (step S23). As a result, when it is determined that the medal is not a regular medal (No at Step S23), the medal return passage 109 is opened for a predetermined time (Step S24).

  That is, by opening the medal return passage 109 in this way, it is possible to make it impossible for an illegal medal passing through the medal passage 102 to travel to the medal counting sensor 108 (FIG. 6-1). Here, in the image determination process for determining whether the medal is a regular medal or an illegal medal, each area of the binarized image data and the reference image data P acquired in step S20 is shown in FIG. This is performed by collating the binarized data.

  Here, returning to step S21, when it is determined that the medal is an object other than a medal (for example, “flexible substrate”) (Yes in step S21), the object passing through the medal passage 102 is the same as that determined as an illegal medal. The medal return passage 109 is opened for a predetermined time (step S24).

  Here, the image determination process for determining whether the object is an object other than a medal (for example, “flexible substrate”) is based on the binarized image data acquired in step S20 as shown in FIG. The binarized data of “black (1)” exists continuously from the start point to the end point of the predetermined place constituting the medal passage 102, and the binarized data of “black (1)” continuously exists. This is a process for determining whether or not binary data of “white (0)” is continuously present on the lower side. By this image determination process, the object passing through the medal path 102 is an object other than a medal or a medal (book It is determined whether it is “flexible substrate”) shown in the example.

  If the medal return passage 109 is opened for a predetermined time in step S24, then the passage shielding device 500 is operated (step S25). As described above, when the passage shielding device 500 is operated, the passage shielding member 520 rotates in the α direction (clockwise in FIG. 6A) about the rotation shaft 530, whereby the passage shielding member 520 causes the medal. The passage 102 is closed, thereby preventing the progression of illegal medals passing through the medal passage 102.

  Thereafter, the gear 41 is rotated by the power of the motor 42 in the game medium loading device 20, and the rotated gear 41 moves on the tooth row 43, so that an object other than a regular medal is the game medium guide unit 22, the rotation roller 40, The rotation roller 40 is moved in the direction in contact with the medal so as to be pressed between them (step S26). Thereafter, the CPU 111 returns to the process of step S10.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S23 that the medal is a genuine medal (Yes in step S23), the CPU 111 returns to the process in step S10. In this case, since the medal is determined to be a genuine medal, the advancing direction of this medal proceeds to the position of the medal counting sensor 108 without switching to the medal return path 109 side. At 108, the number of sheets is counted as a regular medal.

[Effect of Example 1]
As described above, according to the pachi-slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the rotating roller 40 so that a predetermined object input to the insertion port 23 is pressed between the game medium guide unit 22 and the rotating roller 40. The rotating roller 40 is directly rotated by the power of the motor 42 in a direction in which a predetermined object thrown into the insertion slot 23 is thrown out of the insertion slot 23. It is possible to restrain the foreign matter inserted into the head 23 and rotate the rotating roller 40 to move the foreign matter to the outside by friction on the roller surface, thereby preventing fraud.

  Further, according to the pachislot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, a medal that is inserted from the insertion slot 23 and passes through the medal passage 102 is detected, and the passage of the object in the medal passage 102 is detected. It is determined whether or not it is a medal, and if it is determined that the object is not a regular medal, the rotating roller 40 is moved in the direction in which the medal abuts. It is possible to prevent cheating.

  Further, according to the pachislot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the setting instruction for releasing the engagement between the gear 41 and the tooth row 43 is received, the occlusion between the gear 41 and the tooth row 43 is released, and the rotation roller 40 is indicated. For example, when a medal is jammed in the insertion slot 23, the rotation roller 40 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the right side surface of the pachislot machine 1, and the medal is moved to the outside. When playing a game, the rotating roller 40 can be rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the right side surface of the pachislot machine 1 to make it easier to put a medal into the slot 23.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the embodiments described above. Therefore, another embodiment included in the present invention will be described below as a second embodiment.

(1) Foreign Object Determination In the first embodiment, the image of the medal taken is compared with the image of the regular medal, and whether the medal passing through the medal passage 102 is a regular medal or an illegal medal is determined. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a medal that measures a predetermined parameter (weight, diameter, etc.) and passes through the medal path 102 based on the measured parameter is described. It may be determined whether is a genuine medal or an illegal medal.

(2) Rotating roller button In the above-described first embodiment, the meshing of the gear 41 and the tooth row 43 is released, and the rotating roller 40 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise as viewed from the right side surface of the pachislot machine 1. Although the case where the rotation roller button 20a and the rotation roller button 20b for receiving the setting instruction are provided has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the rotation roller button 20a and / or the rotation roller button 20b may not be provided.

(3) Object of the present invention In the first embodiment, the case where the medal is applied to the pachislot machine 1 using the game medium has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pachinko gaming machine, The same applies to other gaming machines such as Parrot. Further, the present invention can be similarly applied to a game program in which the game of the pachislot machine 1 described in the first embodiment is simulated for a home game machine. As a recording medium for recording this game program, a flexible disk (FD) or other recording medium can be used, and this game program may be downloaded via a network.

  As described above, the gaming machine according to the present invention closes the slot to prevent the inserted foreign matter from being removed, and rotates the rotating roller to move the foreign matter to the outside due to friction on the roller surface. Suitable for preventing.

It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary and the characteristic of the game media throwing-in apparatus integrated in the pachislot machine which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure inside the game media throwing-in apparatus integrated in the pachislot machine. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a pachislot machine according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a perspective view of the state where the front door of the pachislot machine was opened. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a game medium injection | throwing-in apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of an object discrimination device and a passage shielding apparatus, and operation | movement of a passage shielding device (at the time of the medal count). It is AA arrow sectional drawing of FIGS. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of a channel | path shielding apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of an object discrimination device. It is AA arrow sectional drawing of FIGS. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of image processing performed by the object determination device according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline | summary of the image determination process by the object discrimination device based on Example 1 (example in which image data corresponds). It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline | summary of the image determination process by the object discrimination device based on Example 1 (example in which image data does not correspond). It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of the game medium injection | throwing-in apparatus when an object is made into a "flexible board | substrate". It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of the game medium injection | throwing-in apparatus when an object is made into a "flexible board | substrate". It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of the channel | path shielding apparatus at the time of using an object as a "flexible board | substrate". It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of the channel | path shielding apparatus at the time of using an object as a "flexible board | substrate". It is explanatory drawing explaining the detail of an image determination process. It is explanatory drawing explaining the detail of an image analysis process. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an object discrimination device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a main control circuit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a sub control circuit according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an object discrimination processing procedure by the object discrimination apparatus according to the first embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachislot machine 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 11 Base part 16 C / P button 17 Start lever 18L, 18, 18R Stop button 20 Game medium input device 20a Rotation roller button 22 Game medium guide part 23 Input port 40 Rotation roller 41 Gear 42 Motor 43 Teeth row 71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit 100 Object discrimination device 102 Medal passage 106 Magnetic sensor 107 Medal passage sensor 108 Medal counting sensor 110 Microcomputer 111 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
112a RAM (Random Access Memory)
112b Image RAM (Random Access Memory)
112c ROM (Read Only Memory)
200 lighting device 210 LED
300 Imaging device 310 CCD
500 Passage shielding device

Claims (4)

A game medium guide portion having a slot for receiving a game medium, a guide surface for guiding the game medium while being inclined downward toward the slot, and the game medium guided by the guide surface are brought into contact with each other to thereby play the game. A gaming machine comprising a rotating roller that rotates so as to change the posture of the medium toward the insertion port,
The rotary roller is moved in a direction to contact the game medium so that a predetermined object thrown into the slot is pressed between the game medium guide portion and the rotary roller, and the slot is inserted into the slot. A game machine comprising: a drive unit that directly rotates the rotating roller by the power of a motor in a direction in which the predetermined object is thrown out of the insertion port.   The drive unit includes a tooth row fixed to the gaming machine main body, a gear that meshes with the tooth row and the rotation roller, rotates by rotation of the rotation roller, and moves on the tooth row, and the predetermined object And a motor that rotates the rotating roller in a direction in which it is thrown out of the slot. An object passage that is disposed upstream of the game medium detection unit that detects the game medium that is inserted from the insertion port and passes through the guide passage in the traveling direction of the game medium, and detects the passage of the object in the guide passage. Detection means;
A foreign matter determining means for determining whether or not the object detected by the object passage detecting means is a legitimate game medium,
2. The drive unit according to claim 1, wherein, when the foreign object determination unit determines that the object is not a regular game medium, the drive unit moves the rotating roller in a direction in which the game medium abuts. Game machines. Further comprising setting accepting means for accepting a setting instruction to release the occlusion of the gear and the dentition,
The said drive part cancels | releases the meshing | engagement of the said gearwheel and the said tooth row according to the said setting instruction received by the said setting reception means, and rotates the said rotation roller, The 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The gaming machine according to any one of the above.

Images