JP2008165647A - Ic coin processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an IC coin processor for continuously inputting IC tag built-in IC coins, and for improving security, and for preventing illegality due to thread suspension. <P>SOLUTION: In this IC coin processor for reading the storage information of an IC tag built in an IC coin 110, and for discriminating the authenticity of the IC coin by a discrimination means, a dropping path 156 and a distribution path 158 for distributing IC coins to a reception path 148 or a return path 152 are formed following an input inclination path 154 continued to an input port 104, and a tag reader is arranged at the side of the connection part of the dropping path and the distribution path, and the authenticity of the IC coin is discriminated by a discrimination means based on decryption scramble information DSI and non-scramble information NSI stored in the IC coin, and the IC coins are distributed to the reception path or the return path based on the discrimination result. The acceptance path is provided with first and second passage sensors 212 and 214, and the passing circumstances of the IC coin are detected so that the presence/absence of abnormality can be discriminated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a coin-type IC coin processing device that incorporates an IC tag and stores value information and the like in a storage device of the IC tag.
In particular, the present invention relates to an IC coin processing apparatus that can prevent fraud and can continuously insert IC coins.
Further, the present invention relates to an IC coin processing device that can detect unauthorized access to the IC coin processing device.
As used herein, “IC coin” is an IC tag (RFID: Radio frequency).
is a coin-shaped token with a built-in identification), which stores predetermined information in the storage device of the IC tag, and allows the storage information to be transmitted and received without contact with the reading (/ writing) device via the antenna is there.

As a first prior art, when an IC coin is inserted into an insertion slot which is an IC coin payout exit and the play start button is pressed, it is taken into the read / write device, and the IC coin is positioned opposite the read / write device by a stopper. There is known an IC coin processing device that communicates with a storage device in an IC coin by holding it, and reads and writes the stored contents (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
As a second conventional technology, the IC coin inserted into the medal slot is dropped almost vertically and then held in the medal holding unit, and ID information etc. is read by the electronic tag reader / writer, and authenticity determination is performed. When it is determined to be a fake IC coin, it is returned to the return slot, and when it is determined to be a genuine IC coin, the value information stored in the IC coin is read and the value information is erased by the electronic tag reader / writer Thereafter, an IC coin receiving device stored in an IC coin storage unit is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-300117 (page 4-6, Fig. 1-4) JP-A-2006-110391 (page 8-9, FIGS. 4 to 5)

In the first and second prior arts, security measures based on the ISO 14443 standard are taken in the storage device so that the value information stored in the IC coin is not tampered with.
This security measure can be accessed if the predetermined authentication key is known, since the authentication procedure is disclosed, and the stored value information can be rewritten.
Since the authentication key is a combination of numerical values, it can be detected by trying all combinations.
Therefore, security is not perfect even if a storage device to which security measures are taken according to the ISO14443 standard is used.
Further, since the authentication procedure according to the ISO 14443 standard is complicated, it takes time to read the stored information from the IC coin storage device, and the stored information cannot be read while the IC coin is rolling.
For this reason, the IC coin must be temporarily held in the holding unit.

In recent years, an increasing number of game machines use a large number of medals. For example, one IC coin can be used to borrow 50 medals.
The game player often inserts many medals at a time and credits them, and the number of medals required for the game is reduced from the credits and the game is continuously performed. A processing device was desired.
In the conventional temporary holding type IC coin processing device, when one IC coin is held in the holding unit, the insertion slot is closed so that it is not continuously inserted, and processing such as reading from the IC coin is finished. Since the insertion port is closed until it is sent to the holding unit, continuous injection cannot be performed.
This is to prevent abnormal processing due to a plurality of IC coins being held in the holding unit.
Furthermore, since children play in the game hall, it is not possible to introduce expensive devices, and it is possible to introduce IC coins that can be inserted continuously, are inexpensive, and have high safety.

In order to solve this problem, it is considered that a storage device having a non-rewritable storage area of the IC tag serial number and a storage area where the user can write the upper part, a so-called IC tag (RFID), is adopted as a storage device for the IC coin. It is done.
Since the IC tag has a small amount of information that can be stored and the authentication procedure is not standardized, it can be read at high speed, in other words, high-speed authenticity determination processing, and has the advantage that an IC coin system can be constructed at low cost.
However, since the IC tag does not take any security measures on the stored information, there is a risk that the store ID etc. may be rewritten illegally when used for IC coins that store the identification number (store ID) or value information for each store. Because there is, you can not be employed.

A first object of the present invention is to provide an IC coin processing device that enhances the security of an IC coin incorporating an IC tag.
A second object of the present invention is to provide an IC coin processing apparatus capable of continuously inserting IC coins with built-in IC tags.
A third object of the present invention is to provide an IC coin processing device that can prevent fraud due to the hanging of an IC coin with a built-in IC tag.

In order to achieve this object, an IC coin processing device according to the present invention is configured as follows.
The IC coin containing the IC tag is inserted into the slot, and the IC tag storage information is stored by a tag reader fixed to the side of the rolling path while the IC coin rolls along the rolling path connected to the slot. In an IC coin processing device that reads and determines the read stored information by a determining means to determine the authenticity of an IC coin, the IC tag includes at least a scrambled scrambled information storage device, and the determining means includes: An IC coin processing device, wherein authenticity determination is performed based on decoding scramble information of the scramble information.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, an IC coin containing an IC tag is inserted into an insertion slot, and the tag reader is fixed to the side of the rolling path while the IC coin rolls in the rolling path connected to the insertion slot. In the IC coin processing device that reads the stored information of the IC tag by the discriminating means and discriminates the read stored information by the discriminating means to determine the authenticity of the IC coin, the IC tag is scrambled with the scrambled scrambled information storage device An IC coin processing device comprising: a non-scrambled information storage device that is not processed, wherein the determination means determines authenticity based on decryption scramble information and non-scramble information of scramble processing information read via a tag reader .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the IC coin processing device of the second aspect, the scramble processing information of the IC tag is a store ID, and the non-scramble processing information is an IC tag manufacturing number that is individually assigned to each IC tag. It is characterized by that.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an IC coin processing apparatus according to the third aspect, comprising a device for discriminating duplicate IC tag production numbers, wherein the duplication discriminating means reads the IC tag production number read during a predetermined number before insertion. If it overlaps with the tag serial number, it is characterized as a fake IC coin.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an IC coin containing an IC tag is inserted into an insertion slot, and the tag reader is fixed to the side of the rolling passage while the IC coin rolls on the rolling passage connected to the insertion slot. In the IC coin processing apparatus that reads the stored information of the IC tag by the discriminating means, and discriminates the read stored information by the discriminating means to discriminate the authenticity of the IC coin, the IC coin processing device substantially follows A falling passage is formed downward corresponding to the diameter, and further, a distribution passage that is inclined downward below the charging inclined passage is formed following the falling passage, and a receiving passage or a return passage is formed in the distribution passage. A sorting device for sorting the IC coins, a tag reader for the discrimination means is arranged on the side of the connecting portion between the drop passage and the sorting passage, and a scramble from the tag reader. The determination means determines the authenticity of the IC coin based on the scramble information and the non-scramble information, and distributes the IC coin to the receiving passage or the return passage by the distribution device based on the determination result. This is an IC coin processing device.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an IC coin insertion slot incorporating an IC tag, a downward insertion inclined passage connected to the insertion opening, a downward inclined passage, connected to the insertion inclined passage, and substantially perpendicular to the IC coin. A downward passage that extends downward by an amount corresponding to the diameter, and that is connected to the downward passage and that is inclined downward in the same direction as the charging inclined passage after being directed in the opposite direction to the charging inclined passage below the charging inclined passage. An IC coin processing device comprising: a sorting passage; a sorting device disposed in a tilted passage downward in the same direction as the charging slope passage of the sorting passage; and a receiving passage and a return passage communicating with the sorting passage. is there.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the IC coin processing device according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the first IC coin passage sensor is immediately downstream of the sorting passage in the receiving passage, and the second IC coin holding portion inlet is downstream of the first passage sensor. A passing sensor is provided, and when the detection signal of the IC coin is not output from the second passing sensor within a predetermined time from the detecting signal of the first passing sensor, and when the detecting signal continues from the second passing sensor for a predetermined time or more It includes an abnormality determining means for outputting an abnormal signal when output.

In this configuration, the scrambled information is stored in the scramble information storage device of the IC tag built in the IC coin.
The IC coin inserted into the insertion slot of the IC coin processing device is energized for operation of the IC tag by radio waves transmitted from a tag reader disposed on the side of the rolling path while rolling in the rolling path. , Receiving / decoding the information from the IC tag, and determining the authenticity of the IC coin by determining by the determining means.
The information received from the IC coin is scramble information encrypted according to a predetermined rule.
The discriminating means decrypts the encrypted information in accordance with a predetermined rule, and determines whether the IC coin is true or false based on the decrypted scramble information.
Therefore, since the illegal information cannot be written to the IC coin unless the encrypted scramble information is decrypted, the safety is greatly improved even when the IC coin with the built-in IC tag is used.
Further, since the IC tag has no authentication procedure, the communication time is extremely short.
Since the scramble information read by the tag reader is discriminated by the discriminating means, it can be decoded at high speed and can be discriminated.
Therefore, since the stored information of the IC tag can be read and the authenticity can be determined during rolling without temporarily holding the IC coin, the authenticity can be accurately determined even if the IC coin is continuously inserted.

In the invention of claim 2, the scrambled information storage device of the IC tag built in the IC coin stores the scrambled information, and the non-scramble information storage device stores the IC tag manufacturing number and the like.
The IC tag serial number is stored in the non-rewritable area.
The IC coin inserted into the insertion slot of the IC coin processing device is energized for operation of the IC tag by radio waves transmitted from a tag reader disposed on the side of the rolling path while rolling in the rolling path. , Receives and decodes information from the IC tag, and determines the authenticity of the IC coin by determining the authenticity in the determining means based on the decoded scramble information.
The information received from the IC coin includes scramble information and non-scramble information.
The scramble information is information encrypted based on a predetermined rule.
The discriminating means can decrypt at least the encrypted information according to a predetermined rule, and can determine the authenticity of the IC coin based on the decrypted information.
Therefore, since the information cannot be illegally written to the IC coin unless the encrypted information is decrypted, the safety is greatly improved even if the IC coin having the IC tag is used.
Further, since the IC tag has no authentication procedure, the communication time is extremely short.
Therefore, since the stored information of the IC tag can be read and the authenticity can be determined in the middle of rolling without temporarily holding the IC coin, the authenticity can be accurately determined even if the IC coin is continuously inserted.

In the invention of claim 3, since the IC tag production number is one individual ID all over the world that is individually assigned to each IC tag, fraud that is performed using one genuine IC coin such as string hanging is not This can be determined by determining the IC tag manufacturing number.
The use of IC coins at other stores can be dealt with by determining the store ID.
Since the store ID is scrambled, it cannot be decoded unless it follows a predetermined rule.
Therefore, illegally rewriting the ID of another store is extremely difficult and the security is greatly improved.
Also, value information can be stored as scramble information.
Therefore, since the value information is also protected by the scramble process, the safety is high.

In the invention of claim 4, the IC coin processing device stores a predetermined number of IC tag manufacturing numbers of the identified IC coins.
The IC tag production number is one ID all over the world assigned to each IC tag.
Therefore, when the IC tag manufacturing number read in the IC coin processing device is read in the past and compared with the stored IC tag manufacturing number, it can be determined as abnormal.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraud in which a single genuine IC coin such as a thread suspension is used and identified as a genuine IC coin multiple times.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the IC coin inserted into the insertion slot of the IC coin processing device rolls in the insertion inclined passage connected to the insertion slot, is guided by the passage wall, and falls substantially vertically downward in the dropping passage.
In other words, the IC coin rolling in the rolling path collides with the wall surface at the boundary between the rolling path and the falling path, and the momentum in the rolling path disappears, and the gravity coin falls mostly by gravity.
In other words, even if there is a large difference in the slow speed of the IC coin in the throw-in inclined passage, the speed difference is eliminated.
As a result, IC coins fall in the fall passage due to acceleration due to gravity in the fall passage, and all the inserted IC coins are at the boundary with the distribution passage that slopes downward below the throw slope passage that has fallen by approximately the diameter. The drop speed is substantially the same.
Thereafter, the IC coin begins to roll in a sorting passage that is inclined downward below the throwing slope passage.
Then, at this position, the rolling speed and position of the IC coin are approximately constant.
The tag reader arranged on the side of the distribution path communicates with the IC tag of the IC coin, and the information stored in the scramble information storage device and the non-scramble information storage apparatus is disposed on the side of the distribution path. Read by tag reader.
The read scramble information is compared with the reference scramble information as decrypted scramble information decoded in accordance with a predetermined rule by the discriminating means, and the non-scramble information is compared with the reference non-scramble information. If it is determined as an IC coin and at least one of the two information does not match, it is determined as a fake IC coin.
When the inserted IC coin is determined to be authentic, it is distributed to the receiving passage, and when it is determined to be fake, it is distributed to the return passage by the distribution device.
Therefore, even if there is a variation in the speed at which the IC coin is inserted into the insertion slot, the same position is rolled at the same speed on the side of the tag reader.
As a result, the scrambled storage information and non-scrambled storage information can be reliably communicated from the IC tag by the tag reader.
In addition, since IC coins are not temporarily held, IC coins can be continuously inserted, a comfortable game environment can be provided to the game player, and true / false discrimination can be made accurately.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a drop passage is connected to the end portion of the IC coin loading inclined passage, and a sorting passage is disposed below the loading inclined passage continuously to the dropping passage.
Therefore, even if there is a variation in the speed at which the IC coin is inserted into the insertion slot, as in the invention of claim 5, the tag reader rolls at substantially the same speed and position on the side of the tag reader. Communication of information can be performed reliably.
Further, IC coins can be continuously inserted, and further, no coin jam or erroneous determination occurs.
Furthermore, since the IC coin passages are formed in a hierarchy in the vertical direction, the IC coin processing device can be made compact.

In the seventh aspect of the present invention, the acceptance is detected by the first passage sensor disposed in the acceptance passage immediately downstream of the distribution passage.
Next, it is detected by the second passage sensor of the IC coin holding part.
In normal cases, the movement speed of the IC coin is determined by gravity, so it is almost constant every time.
Therefore, when the IC coin normally rolls in the rolling path, the IC coin is detected by the second passage sensor after the first passage sensor and before a predetermined time elapses.
Therefore, after the detection by the first passage sensor, when the second passage sensor does not output a detection signal within a predetermined time, the first passage sensor or the second passage sensor continuously outputs the detection signal for a predetermined time or more. If it is, it can be determined that there is an abnormality. Therefore, there is an advantage that it is possible to detect fraud caused by a tool inserted from the insertion port.

  The IC coin containing the IC tag is inserted into the slot, and the IC tag storage information is stored by a tag reader fixed to the side of the rolling path while the IC coin rolls along the rolling path connected to the slot. In the IC coin processing device that reads the stored information by the discriminating means and discriminates the authenticity of the IC coin, the amount corresponding to the diameter of the IC coin is lowered downwardly after the insertion inclined passage connected to the insertion slot. A falling passage is formed, and a distribution passage that is inclined downwardly below the throw-in inclination passage is formed following the falling passage, and the IC coin is distributed to the receiving passage or the return passage in the distribution passage. Distributing device, disposing the tag reader for the discriminating means on the side of the connecting portion between the falling passage and the distributing passage, and decoding scramble information from the tag reader An IC characterized in that the discriminating means discriminates the authenticity of an IC coin based on crumble information and non-scramble information, and the IC coin is distributed to the receiving passage or the return passage by the sorting device based on the discrimination result. It is a coin processing device.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a game machine having the IC coin processing device of the embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a vertical and horizontal sectional view of an IC coin used in the IC coin processing apparatus of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an IC coin rolling path of the IC coin processing device of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the IC coin processing device of the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the discrimination means of the IC coin processing device of the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the IC coin processing device of the embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows an example in which an IC coin processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied as a charging device for a game machine 102.
In other words, the IC coin processing device 100 determines the authenticity of the IC coin inserted into the insertion slot 104, and outputs an operation start signal to the game machine 102 as having a predetermined value if it is a genuine IC coin, Or, when it cannot be determined, it has a function of returning to the return port 106.

First, the IC coin 110 used in the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The IC coin 110 is formed into a disk shape by abutting a pair of resin-made outer shells 112A and 112B, and a disk-shaped storage space 114 is formed therein.
A weight 116 made of a ring-shaped metal is densely stored in the storage space 114, and an IC tag 120 is disposed in a tag space 118 surrounded by the weight 116, and is fixed to one outer shell 112B by adhesion or the like.
The IC tag 120 is formed of a so-called integrated circuit or the like, and includes at least an antenna 122, a communication device 124, and a storage device 126. The storage device 126 includes a non-scramble information storage device 128 that stores non-scramble information and a scramble information storage device 130. .
The non-scrambled information storage device 128 is a read-only storage device in which the IC tag manufacturing number is stored and cannot be written.
This is because if the storage device is read-only, it cannot be rewritten by any means and cannot be tampered with.
In addition, the IC tag production number is, in principle, the only ID in the world, and therefore has a high level of IC tag identification.
The scramble information storage device 130 is a writable storage device, and stores a store ID, value information MI, and the like as scramble information.
The store ID is, for example, an ID determined for each store or each store group, and is preferably one ID in Japan.
The value information MI is value information corresponding to, for example, money inserted when purchasing an IC coin. For example, when 1000 yen is inserted, 1000 is stored as the value information MI.

Next, the IC coin processing device 100 will be described mainly with reference to FIG.
The IC coin processing device 100 includes a main body 132, an IC coin slot 104, an IC coin rolling path 136, a sorting device 138 and a return port 106, a tag reader 144, and a discrimination means 146.

First, the main body 132 will be described.
The main body 132 is formed with an insertion port 104, a rolling passage 136, and a return port 106, and is a housing for mounting the sorting device 138, the tag reader 144, and the discrimination means 146, and has a box shape as a whole.

Next, the insertion port 104 will be described.
The insertion slot 104 is an opening for inserting the IC coin 110 into the rolling passage 136, and is formed in a vertically long slit shape at the upper part of the front surface 152 of the main body 132.
The size of the insertion slot 104 has a width and height that are slightly larger than the thickness and diameter of the IC coin 110.
This is because coins larger than the IC coin 100 cannot be inserted.

Next, the rolling passage 136 will be described.
The rolling passage 136 has a function of roughly rolling the IC coin 110 inserted into the insertion slot 104 and guiding it to the receiving passage 148 or the return passage 152.
The rolling passage 136 includes an input inclined passage 154, a drop passage 156, and a distribution passage 158 that are connected to the input port 104.

First, the charging inclined passage 154 will be described.
The insertion inclined passage 154 has a function of rolling and guiding the IC coin 110 inserted into the insertion port 104.
The input inclined passage 154 is a downward inclined passage inclined forward and downward after the input port 104, and is disposed on both sides of the input portion inclined guide rail 162 and the guide rail 162 at a slightly larger interval than the thickness of the IC coin 110. It is comprised by the side wall made.
An end portion of the charging inclined passage 154 is closed by a collision wall 164 of the main body 132 that is substantially vertical.
The IC coin 110 inserted into the insertion slot 104 rolls on the guide rail 162 while being guided by the left and right side walls.
The inclination angle of the guide rail 162 at the front downward is a small angle, the inclination angle of a part 162A of the guide rail 162 can be adjusted, and the rolling speed in the insertion inclined passage 154 of the IC coin 110 can be adjusted. preferable.

Next, the drop passage 156 will be described.
The fall passage 156 is a passage that extends vertically downward by an amount substantially corresponding to the diameter of the IC coin 110 after the throw-in inclination passage 154.
The IC coin 110 that has collided with the collision wall 164 bounces slightly toward the insertion slot 104 and then falls downward in the drop passage 156 due to gravity.
As a result, even if there is a slow variation in the rolling speed of the IC coin 110 in the input inclined passage 154, it is substantially canceled out, and depends on the falling speed due to gravity in the falling passage 156, and becomes a substantially constant speed. .
By setting the fall passage 156 to an amount substantially corresponding to the diameter of the IC coin 110, the processing apparatus 100 can be reduced in size.

Next, the distribution passage 158 will be described.
The distribution path 158 is inclined downward following the fall path 156, and is arranged on the left and right side walls of the distribution path section guide rail 166 and on the left and right sides of the guide rail 166 at intervals slightly larger than the thickness of the IC coin 110. It is formed.
The distribution passage 158 of the present embodiment is formed in a lateral V shape below the charging inclined passage 154.
This contributes to downsizing of the processing apparatus 100.
Since the distribution path 158 has a lateral V shape, the guide rail 166 is divided into an upper guide rail 166A and a lower guide rail 166B.
It is preferable to fix the metal guide rail 168 to the portion of the upper guide rail 166A where the IC coin 110 falls.
This is for preventing wear of the upper guide rail 166A.

Next, the distribution device 138 will be described.
The sorting device 138 has a function of sorting the IC coin 110 that has rolled in the sorting passage 158 to the receiving passage 148 or the return passage 152.
In this embodiment, the sorting device 138 is disposed at the downstream end of the sorting passage 158, and includes a plate-like sorting body 174 and an actuator 176 such as a solenoid 178 fixed to the swing shaft 172 (FIG. 4). reference).
Normally, the solenoid 178 is demagnetized, and the sorting body 174 is held at the cancel position CP where the IC coin 110 is guided to the return path 152 by the biasing means.
When the IC coin 110 is received, the solenoid 178 is excited and held at the receiving position RP (FIG. 4) that swings the sorting body 174 and causes the sorting passage 158 to communicate with the receiving passage 148.
When the solenoid 178 is demagnetized, the sorting body 174 is moved to the cancel position CP by biasing means such as a spring.

Next, the receiving passage 148 will be described.
The receiving passage 148 has a function of guiding the IC coin 110 guided to the receiving passage 148 by the sorting device 138 to the IC coin storage 182.
The receiving passage 148 is a passage having a rectangular cross section formed in the main body 132 and extending substantially vertically downward.
The IC coin 110 guided to the receiving passage 148 is guided by the receiving passage 148 and falls almost vertically to the storage 182.

Next, the return passage 152 will be described.
The return path 152 has a function of guiding the IC coin 110 guided to the return path 152 by the sorting device 138 to the return slot 106.
The return passage 152 includes a return portion guide rail 184 that is inclined downward toward the return port 106 and side walls disposed on the left and right sides of the guide rail 184.
The IC coin 110 guided to the return path 152 rolls on the guide rail 184 and reaches the return slot 106.

Next, the return port 106 will be described.
The return port 106 has a function of holding the IC coin 110 returned by the return passage 152.
In this embodiment, the return port 106 is held by the bottom wall 186, the left and right side walls, and the front wall 188 with the IC coin 110 standing.

Next, the tag reader 144 will be described.
The tag reader 144 wirelessly communicates with the IC coin 110 that rolls in the rolling passage 136, and has a function of reading scramble information and non-scramble information stored in the IC tag 112 built in the IC coin 110.
The tag reader 144 transmits radio waves from the antenna 192, generates electromotive force at the antenna 122 of the IC tag 112, gives operating power to the electronic circuit of the IC tag 112, and reads information stored in the information storage device 126 Have
The tag reader 144 includes an antenna 192 and communication means 194.
Specifically, the tag reader 144 reads information stored in the scramble information storage device 128 and the non-scramble information storage device 130 of the information storage device 126 of the IC coin 110 and transmits the information to the determination means 146.
The tag reader 144 is always kept in an active state when the game 102 is powered on.
The tag reader 144 is fixed to the back of the passage side wall at the boundary between the drop passage 156 and the distribution passage 158.
This position is a position where the IC coin 110 falls vertically and starts rolling in the lateral direction. Therefore, the position of the IC coin 110 is stabilized, the rolling speed is stabilized, and the speed is relatively low. .
Accordingly, since the communication with the IC coin 110 can be reliably performed, the tag reader 144 is disposed at this position.

Next, the determination unit 146 will be described.
The discriminating means 146 has a function of deciphering at least the scrambled storage information of the IC tag 112 read by the tag reader 144 and discriminating the authenticity, and is usually constituted by a microcomputer.
In this embodiment, the discriminating means 146 compares the information such as the store ID and the value information MI included in the descrambled descramble information 196 and the descrambled descrambled information with the reference information stored in the reference information storage device 198. Authenticity determination means 200 for determining authenticity.
The scramble release means 196 decodes the scramble information SI read from the scramble information storage device 130 of the IC tag 112 according to a predetermined rule, and outputs it to the authenticity determination means 200 as the decoded scramble storage information DSI.
The reference information storage circuit 198 includes a reference scramble information storage device 202, a reference non-scramble information storage device 204, and an IC tag serial number storage device 208.

The discriminating means 146 in this embodiment includes a thread hanging discriminating means 206 having a thread hanging discriminating function.
The IC tag manufacturing number storage device 208 stores the IC tag manufacturing number UIDs of a predetermined number of IC coins 110 received immediately before, for use in the thread hanging determination function.
In other words, among the read IC tag production number UID, the IC tag production number storage device 208 stores the IC tag production number UID read from a UID read immediately before a predetermined number of times.
In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the last three IC tag serial numbers UID are stored.

Next, the thread hanging determination means 206 will be described.
The fraud detection device 210 has a function of detecting fraud such as so-called thread suspension, and the first passage sensor 212 of the IC coin 110 disposed immediately downstream of the sorting body 174 in the receiving passage 148 and the IC coin downstream thereof. A second passage sensor 214 disposed at the entrance of the storage 182 is included.

Next, the first passage sensor 212 will be described.
The first passage sensor 212 has a function of detecting that the IC coin 110 has passed, and is arranged in parallel with the U-shaped light guide 218 disposed on the opposite side across the projector 216 and the receiving passage 148, and the projector 216. The receiver 220 is included.
When the IC coin 110 rolls in the receiving passage 148, the projection light from the projector 216 is blocked, so that the passage detection means 222 outputs a passage signal PS1.

Next, the second passage sensor 214 will be described.
The second passage sensor 214 has a function of detecting that the IC coin 110 has passed. In the present embodiment, the second passage sensor 214 is a photoelectric sensor 230 including a light receiver 228 arranged with the passage 226 interposed between the projection light from the projector 224. is there.
When the IC coin 110 blocks the projection light from the projector 224, the photoelectric sensor 230 outputs the second passage signal PS2.
The second passage sensor 214 also serves as the full sensor 232 of the storage 182 in this embodiment.

The full sensor 232 continuously outputs the second passage signal PS2 when the IC coin 110 is stacked in the storage 182 and cannot be dropped.
The full detection means 230 determines that the second passage signal PS2 is continuously output for a predetermined time, and detects that the storage 182 is full.
In other words, when the IC coin 110 cannot fall into the storage 182 and the second passage signal PS2 is continuously output from the photoelectric sensor 230 for a predetermined time, the full detection unit 230 It is determined that it is full, and a full signal FS is output.
The determining unit 146 includes an abnormality determining unit 236 that outputs an abnormal signal ES when the second passing signal PS2 is not output from the second passing sensor 214 within a predetermined time from the first passing signal PS1 of the first passing sensor 212.

In this embodiment, the discriminating means 146 is constructed by a microcomputer 238 in software.
The value information MI full signal FS, abnormality signal ES, etc. read from the IC coin 110 are displayed on the display means 240 in response to a command from the discrimination means 146.

Next, the operation of the IC coin processing apparatus 100 of the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the IC coin 110 is inserted into the insertion slot 104, it rolls on the guide rail 162 of the insertion inclined passage 154 toward the back.
Since the inclination angle of the guide rail 162 is relatively gentle, the IC coin 110 rolls at a relatively slow speed.
The IC coin 110 that has rolled on the input inclined passage 154 collides with the collision wall 164 at a substantially right angle.
The IC coin 110 bounces slightly toward the insertion slot 104 due to the collision, and then falls directly below the drop passage 156 due to gravity.
As a result, even if the rolling speed is large or small in the throwing slope passage 154 of the IC coin 110, the speed of the IC coin 110 becomes almost zero due to the collision, so the falling speed is rolling in the throwing slope path 154. It becomes almost constant without being affected by the speed.
The IC coin 110 that has fallen through the fall passage 156 falls onto the guide rail 166, and then rolls on the upper guide rail 166A with a downward slope due to gravity, and then is turned in the opposite direction on the lower guide rail 166B. To reach the sorting body 174.

The tag reader 144 is always in a readable state when power is supplied to the game machine 102.
Therefore, the IC coin 110 enters the readable range of the tag reader 144 from the point where it falls on the upper guide rail 166A, and an electromotive force is generated in the IC tag 112 by the radio wave from the antenna 192, which is stored in the scramble information storage device 130. The scramble information SI and the non-scramble information NSI stored in the non-scramble information storage device 128 can be received by the communication means 194 of the tag reader 144.

First, in step S1, scramble information SI and non-scramble information NSI are read by the communication means 194, and the process proceeds to step S2.
Note that the non-scramble information NSI is transmitted to the authenticity determination means 200 as it is.

  Next, in step S2, the scramble canceling means 196 descrambles the scramble information SI according to a predetermined rule and transmits it to the authenticity determination means 200 as the release scramble storage information DSI, and the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the descrambling storage information DSI and the reference scramble information SSI stored in the reference scramble information storage device 202 are compared with the non-scramble information NSI and the reference non-scramble information SNSI stored in the reference non-scramble information storage device 204. If the predetermined information matches, it is determined as “reading success” and the process proceeds to step S4. If the predetermined information does not match, the reading returns to step S1 as unsuccessful reading.
At this time, since the solenoid 178 of the sorting device 138 is not excited, the sorting body 174 continues the cancel position CP.
Thus, the IC coin 110 that has rolled in the sorting path 158 is guided to the return path 152 by the sorting body 174, and rolls on the return portion guide rail 184 to be guided to the return port 106.
The IC coin 110 is prevented from rolling at the return port 106 by the front wall 188 and is held upright by the left and right side walls.

In step S4, the unscrambled store ID or the like is compared with the store ID or the like stored in the reference scramble information storage device 202. If they match, it is determined that the store ID is a genuine IC coin, and the process proceeds to step S5.
If they do not match, in other words, if they are determined to be fake IC coins 110, the process returns to step S1.
As a result, the IC coin 110 is guided to the return passage 152 by the sorting body 174 as described above and returned to the return port 106.

In step S5, the IC tag manufacturing number UID read by the IC tag manufacturing number determining means 234 is compared with the three IC tag manufacturing number UIDs stored in the IC tag manufacturing number storage device 208, and if any match, Proceed to step S6.
If it matches with any one of the stored IC tag production numbers UID, the thread hanging discriminating means 206 determines that there is an abnormality due to the thread hanging and returns to step S1.
As a result, the IC coin 110 is guided to the return passage 152 by the sorting body 174 and returned to the return slot 106 as described above.
Step S5 constitutes the yarn suspension discriminating means 206.

In step S6, the solenoid 178 of the sorting device 138 is excited, and the process proceeds to step S7.
As a result, the sorting body 174 moves to the receiving position RP that allows the sorting passage 158 and the receiving passage 148 to communicate with each other.

In step S7, step S7 is looped until a predetermined time elapses, and after the predetermined time elapses, the process proceeds to step S8.
In other words, the sorting body 174 is held at the receiving position RP for a predetermined time.
This predetermined time is sufficient for the IC coin 110 to roll from the sorting passage 158 to the receiving passage 148.

In step S8, the solenoid 178 is demagnetized, and the process proceeds to step S9.
Due to the demagnetization of the solenoid 178, the sorting body 174 is returned to the cancel position CP by a spring or the like.

  In step S9, it is determined whether or not the passage signal PS1 is output from the first passage sensor 212. If not, the process proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since NO in step S5. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S10 and waits for the output of the passing signal PS1.
In step S10, if a predetermined time has elapsed, in other words, if the time that should have passed through the first passage sensor 212 after the IC coin 110 has passed the side of the tag reader 144 has passed, it is assumed that a coin jam has occurred in the middle. Proceeding to step S11, error processing is performed.
In the error process, for example, an error is displayed on the display unit 240, and the process ends.

When the first passage signal PS1 is determined in step S9, the process proceeds to step S12, and it is determined whether or not the second passage signal PS2 is output from the second passage sensor 214.
If the second passage signal PS2 is not determined, the process proceeds to step S13, and if it is determined, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S13, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the first passage signal PS1 was output. If not, the process returns to step S12. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the IC coin 110 has jammed or is illegal. The process proceeds to step S11 and performs the above-described error processing.

  In step S14, the IC tag manufacturing number UID newly read this time is stored, and when the number of storage is full, the oldest IC tag manufacturing number UID is deleted.

Therefore, when the IC coin 110 is threaded and inserted into the insertion slot 104, passed through the side of the tag reader 144, and then pulled back to pass the side of the tag reader 144 again, in step S5, the IC coin that passed the previous time is passed. Since it is determined that the IC tag production number UID of 110 is the same and the program returns to step S1, the authentic IC coin 110 is not processed after the second time.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraud due to thread hanging.
Further, when the output of the first passage signal PS1 of the first passage sensor 212 and the output of the second passage signal PS2 of the second passage sensor 214 are longer than a predetermined time, it is determined that the instrument has been cheated and error processing is performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraud by external equipment.

  Next, in step S15, the start signal SS is output to the game machine, the process returns to step S1, and the next IC coin 110 is awaited.

On the other hand, in another program, it is determined whether the second passage signal PS2 continues for a predetermined time or more.
When the second passage signal PS2 elapses for a predetermined time or more, the full detection means 236 determines that the storage 182 is full, and displays the full on the display 240.
Therefore, the second storage sensor 214 can be used to detect that the storage is full.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a game machine having the IC coin processing device of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an IC coin used in the IC coin processing apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an IC coin rolling path of the IC coin processing device of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the IC coin processing device of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the discrimination means of the IC coin processing device of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the coin processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DSI decoding scramble information
ES error signal
NSI non-scramble information
PS1 First pass signal
PS2 Second pass signal
104 slot
110 IC coin
120 IC tag
128 Non-scrambled information storage device
130 Scramble information storage device
136 Rolling passage
138 Sorting device
144 Tag reader
146 Discrimination means
148 Receiving passage
152 Return passage
154 Input ramp passage
156 Fall passage
158 Sorting passage
212 First pass sensor
214 Second pass sensor
236 Abnormality determination means

Claims (7)

The IC coin (110) containing the IC tag (120) is inserted into the insertion slot (104), and the side of the rolling path is on the way the IC coin rolls on the rolling path (136) connected to the insertion slot. In the IC coin processing device for reading the stored information of the IC tag by the tag reader (144) fixed to the IC reader, determining the read stored information by the determining means (146) and determining the authenticity of the IC coin,
The IC tag has at least a scrambled scramble information storage device (130),
The IC coin processing device, wherein the determining means determines authenticity based on decoding scramble information (DSI) of the scramble information. The IC coin containing the IC tag is inserted into the slot, and the IC tag storage information is stored by a tag reader fixed to the side of the rolling path while the IC coin rolls along the rolling path connected to the slot. In the IC coin processing device that reads and determines the read memory information by the determination means to determine the authenticity of the IC coin,
The IC tag includes a scrambled scrambled information storage device and a non-scrambled non-scrambled information storage device (128),
An IC coin processing apparatus, wherein the determination means determines authenticity based on decoding scramble information and non-scramble information (NSI) of scramble processing information read via a tag reader.   3. The IC coin processing device according to claim 2, wherein the scramble processing information of the IC tag is a store ID, and the non-scramble processing information is an IC tag manufacturing number (UID) assigned to each IC tag individually. To do.   4. The IC coin processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising means (234) for discriminating duplication of IC tag production numbers, wherein the duplication discrimination means includes an IC tag production number read during a predetermined number of IC tag production numbers before insertion. In the case of overlapping, it is distinguished from a fake IC coin. The IC coin containing the IC tag is inserted into the slot, and the IC tag storage information is stored by a tag reader fixed to the side of the rolling path while the IC coin rolls along the rolling path connected to the slot. In the IC coin processing device that reads, determines the read stored information by the determining means, and determines the authenticity of the IC coin,
A drop passage (156) that goes downward by an amount substantially corresponding to the diameter of the IC coin is formed following the throw slope passage (154) connected to the throw slot, and further, below the throw slope passage following the drop passage. A distribution path (158) inclined downward is formed, and a distribution device (138) for distributing the IC coins to the reception path (148) or the return path (152) is arranged in the distribution path,
The tag reader for the discrimination means is arranged on the side of the connecting portion between the drop passage and the distribution passage,
Decoding of scramble information from the tag reader Based on the scramble information and non-scramble information, the determination means determines the authenticity of the IC coin,
An IC coin processing device that distributes IC coins to the receiving passage or the return passage by the sorting device based on the determination result. IC coin slot with built-in IC tag,
A downwardly inclined input inclined passage connected to the input port;
A falling passage that is continuous with the throw-in inclined passage and is directed substantially downward in an amount substantially corresponding to the diameter of the IC coin;
A distribution passage that is continuous with the drop passage and is inclined downward in the same direction as the charging inclined passage after being directed in the opposite direction to the charging inclined passage below the charging inclined passage (and,
A sorting device disposed in an inclined passage downward in the same direction as the charging inclined passage of the sorting passage;
An IC coin processing device comprising a receiving passage and a return passage communicating with the sorting passage. The IC coin processing device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a first passage sensor (212) for an IC coin is provided immediately downstream of the sorting passage in the receiving passage, and a second passage sensor (214 is provided at an IC coin storage entrance downstream thereof. ), And when the IC coin pass signal (PS2) is not output from the second pass sensor within a predetermined time from the detection signal (PS1) of the first pass sensor and when the second pass sensor continues for a predetermined time or longer When the passage signal is output, an abnormality determining means (234) for outputting an abnormality signal (ES) is included.

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