JP2009165620A - Game medium processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent interruption of smooth management of a game parlor while permitting effective prevention of fraudulence. <P>SOLUTION: A game medium processing device 10 is composed of: a first electric part 12; a second electric part 20 electrically connected to the first electric part 12; and a control means 22 for monitoring the connected state between the first and second electric parts 12 and 20 and determining that an abnormality occurs if the connected state is transferred to the unconnected state in other time than a prescribed operation time while permitting the transfer to the unconnected state in the prescribed operation time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium processing apparatus that handles game media such as pachinko balls and medals.

  In general, game media processing devices that handle game media include game machines that allow players to play games using game media, game media lending machines that lend game media to players, and collection and counting of game media. 2. Description of the Related Art There are widely known game medium counters, game medium supply devices for supplying game media to game machines or game medium lending machines, and the like. Each of these game medium processing devices is configured to include a plurality of electrical components that are electrically connected to each other, and each electrical component communicates (such as sending and receiving predetermined signals) to perform various predetermined processes. The operation is to be performed.

  By the way, game media processing devices are required to be able to effectively deter fraud. For this reason, in the game medium processing device, when the main board, which is an example of an electrical component, is removed, an error notification is performed or the game is stopped to prevent fraud. There are some (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-167253 A

  However, in the game medium processing device, in order to solve a trouble such as a failure that has occurred in the electric components constituting the game medium processing device, the electric component that caused the trouble is replaced with a normal one. Even in such a case, if error notification or the like is performed in accordance with the removal of the electrical component, the smooth operation of the amusement hall may be hindered.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a game medium processing device that enables effective deterrence of illegal acts and does not hinder the smooth operation of the game hall even in that case. To do.

The present invention is a game medium processing device devised to achieve the above object.
The invention according to claim 1 includes a first electrical component, a second electrical component electrically connected to the first electrical component, and between the first electrical component and the second electrical component. And a control means for judging that an abnormality has occurred when the connection state is not established during the predetermined operation but is allowed to shift to the non-connection state during the predetermined operation. A game medium processing apparatus.

  In the game medium processing device having the above configuration, since it is determined that an abnormality has occurred when the first electrical component and the second electrical component are not connected except during a predetermined operation, the electrical component is illegally replaced. It becomes possible to suppress being equalized. As an example other than the predetermined operation time, for example, the apparatus is in operation. On the other hand, since the transition to the unconnected state at the time of the predetermined operation is allowed, it is possible to perform a legitimate exchange of the electrical component or the like at the time of the predetermined operation. Note that the predetermined operation time includes, for example, a maintenance operation in which the apparatus is not operating.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the first electric component has a function as detection means for detecting a game medium, and the second electric component is based on a detection result by the detection means. 2. The game medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the game medium processing apparatus has a function as counting means for counting the medium.

  In the game medium processing device having the above-described configuration, when the game medium counting function is realized, it is possible to effectively suppress an illegal act regarding the counting result. Moreover, even if the counting result is based on the detection result by the detection means, it is possible to perform regular maintenance work etc. on the detection means at the time of a predetermined operation. It is easy to realize maintaining the value above a predetermined standard.

  The invention according to claim 3 includes setting means for setting an operation mode, and when the maintenance mode is set by the setting means, the control means sets the maintenance mode during the predetermined operation time. The game medium processing device according to claim 1, wherein the game medium processing device is a game media processing device.

In the game medium processing device having the above-described configuration, it is possible to artificially switch between a predetermined operation and a time other than the predetermined operation by mode setting, so that it is convenient for a user of the device, particularly a worker who performs maintenance work or the like. Will be improved.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the game medium processing device according to claim 3, wherein the setting means is configured to set the maintenance mode only when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

In the game media processing device having the above-described configuration, it is required to satisfy a predetermined condition such as requiring authentication of an actor when switching the mode setting, so that security is sufficiently ensured while improving convenience. In other words, it is very preferable in effectively suppressing fraud.

  The invention according to claim 5 includes operation means for instructing a return from the abnormality occurrence state, and when the control means determines that an abnormality has occurred, until the return instruction from the operation means is received, 5. The game medium processing device according to claim 1, wherein a function of at least one of the first electric component and the second electric component is invalidated.

  In the game medium processing device having the above-described configuration, if there is a determination that an abnormality has occurred by the control means, then the first electric component or the second electric component is only issued when there is a return instruction from the operation means. The function in is enabled. Therefore, even if the connection state between the first electrical component and the second electrical component is recovered after the occurrence of an abnormality, the first electrical component is instructed until a return instruction from the operation means that is a valid instruction is issued. Alternatively, since the function of the second electrical component does not become effective, it is very preferable for effectively suppressing fraud.

  According to the present invention, for example, when the first electrical component or the second electrical component is removed and the connection between them is disconnected, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred except during a predetermined operation. Can be effectively suppressed. On the other hand, even in such a case, for example, during a predetermined operation such as during maintenance work, the transition to the disconnected state is allowed, so that it is not determined that an abnormality has occurred, and the legitimate replacement of the electrical component is performed. And so on. Therefore, it is possible to avoid in advance that the smooth operation of the game hall is hindered by the action during the predetermined operation.

  Hereinafter, a game medium processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  Here, a case where the game medium processing device is a medal counting device, that is, a case where the present invention is applied to a medal counting device will be described as an example. The medal counting device is an example of a medal payout mechanism in a pachislot machine that is an example of a gaming machine, a medal payout mechanism in a medal lending machine that is an example of a game medium lending machine, and an example of a game medium counting machine that is arranged on an island edge or the like. It is an example of a medal counting machine or a game medium supply device that is installed and used in a medal supply device that supplies a medal to a pachislot machine or a medal lending machine. A medal is counted.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a medal counting device according to the present invention.
As shown in the figure, the medal counting device 10 includes a counting table drive motor 11, a counting sensor 12, a display 13, and an IC card reader / writer (hereinafter, the reader / writer is abbreviated as "R / W") 14. The key switch 15, the operation switch 16, and the control unit 17 are provided.

  The count table drive motor 11 drives a count table provided in a medal payout mechanism and the like so that medals to be counted are sequentially fed out one by one to the count table.

  The counting sensor 12 is composed of a proximity sensor, a photo sensor, and the like, and detects a medal to be counted. More specifically, the presence / absence of passage of medals that are sequentially fed out one by one is detected by a counting table, and for example, a pulse signal such as ON (high level) is detected when passage is detected and OFF (low level) is output when no passage is detected. That is, the counting sensor 12 has a function as a detecting means in the present invention, and corresponds to a specific example of the first electric component in the present invention. It should be noted that the correspondence relationship between detection / non-detection and signal level mentioned here is merely an example, and it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to this. The counting sensor 12 is electrically connected to a control unit 17 (to be described later in detail) and a communication line (not shown) that enables signal exchange between them.

  The display device 13 performs display output of various information as necessary. Specifically, it is conceivable to perform display output of guidance information such as maintenance work and alarm output when an abnormality occurs.

The IC card R / W 14 reads information from the IC card inserted into the IC card R / W 14 and writes information to the IC card.
The key switch 15 can be operated when a predetermined key is inserted.
These IC card R / W 14 and key switch 15 are operated, for example, by an operator who performs maintenance of the medal counting device 10, and is for setting the operation mode of the medal counting device 10 by the operation. is there. The operation mode of the medal counting device 10 will be described in detail later, but it is assumed that at least a maintenance mode for performing device maintenance work can be set. The IC card R / W 14 and key switch 15 for performing such mode setting correspond to a specific example of setting means in the present invention. However, if the mode can be set, it is not always necessary to provide both the IC card R / W 14 and the key switch 15, and only one of them or other mode setting means may be provided. Absent.

  The operation switch 16 is mainly used for starting and ending counting of the medal counting device 10 and calling a game clerk. However, like the key switch 15, for example, when the maintenance of the medal counting device 10 is performed by an operator, the operation switch 16 is used. There are also operations. In that case (when operated when performing maintenance), the operation switch 16 is mainly operated to instruct the medal counting device 10 to return from the abnormality occurrence state. That is, the operation switch 16 corresponds to a specific example of the operation means in the present invention.

The control unit 17 is for controlling the operation of the medal counting device 10, and is specifically realized by an electronic board (main board) unit equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20 for executing a predetermined program. It is. The CPU 20 in the control unit 17 functions as the counting means 21 and the control means 22 by executing a predetermined program.
The counting means 21 counts the medals paid out from the counting table based on the detection result by the counting sensor 12. Specifically, for example, based on the pulse signal output from the counting sensor 12, the medal detected by the counting sensor 12 is counted using a known technique such as counting the medals detected by the counting sensor 12 while incrementing the counter. Counting is performed. That is, the CPU 20 has a function as the counting means 21 and corresponds to a specific example of the second electric component in the present invention.
On the other hand, the control means 22 monitors the electrical connection state between the counting sensor 12 which is a specific example of the first electrical component and the CPU 20 which is a specific example of the second electrical component. Is what you do. That is, the control means 22 monitors the connection state between the counting sensor 12 and the CPU 20 and determines whether or not they are electrically connected. Since monitoring and determination of the connection state may be performed using a known technique, detailed description thereof is omitted here. The control means 22 monitors the connection state between the counting sensor 12 and the CPU 20 and allows a transition to a non-connection state during a predetermined operation. It is determined that has occurred. An example of the predetermined operation time is a maintenance operation in which the medal counting device 10 is in a non-operating state.
The control unit 17 is connected to the management server or the like so as to be able to communicate with the management server or the like when there is a management server or the like that is a host machine of the medal counting device 10. The information regarding the medal counting result, the information regarding the abnormality occurrence state, etc.) can be exchanged.

Here, an operation mode that can be supported by the medal counting device 10 having the above-described configuration will be described with a specific example.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of operation modes that can be handled by the medal counting device according to the present invention.
As shown in the figure, operation modes that can be handled by the medal counting device 10 include a sales mode 31, a counting mode 32, a counting clear mode 33, and a maintenance mode 34.

The sales mode 31 is a mode that the medal counting device 10 corresponds to within the business hours of the amusement hall, that is, the operation time of the medal counting device 10. When the sales mode 31 is set, the control unit 17 in the medal counting device 10 mainly performs processing operations such as a medal counting 31a and a game store clerk call 31b. During the setting of the sales mode 31, a store clerk (hall store clerk) at the game hall or a player (general user) using a pachislot machine operates the medal counting device 10.
The counting mode 32 is a mode in which the medal counting device 10 corresponds to outside the game hall business hours. When the counting mode 32 is set, the control unit 17 in the medal counting device 10 mainly sends the medal counting result counting data to the management server or the like 32a, or the data management server or the like regarding the history of device operation. The processing operation such as the sending 32b and the special operation 32c set in advance is performed. During the setting of the counting mode 32, the hall clerk operates the medal counting device 10.
Similar to the counting mode 32, the counting clear mode 33 is a mode that the medal counting device 10 corresponds to outside the business hours of the game hall, and clears (deletes) data related to the counting results obtained in the counting mode 32. Is for. During the setting of the counting clear mode 33, as in the counting mode 32, the hall clerk operates the medal counting device 10.
The maintenance mode 34 is a mode for performing maintenance work on the medal counting device 10. When the maintenance mode 34 is set, the control unit 17 in the medal counting device 10 mainly performs processing operations such as connection state confirmation 34a for various electrical components, change 34b for various settings, and the like. During the setting of the maintenance mode 34, an operator who performs maintenance work (for example, a service person of the manufacturer of the medal counting device 10) operates the medal counting device 10.

Of the above operation modes, during the setting of the sales mode 31, the counting mode 32, and the counting clear mode 33, as described later, the detachment of the counting sensor 12, that is, between the counting sensor 12 and the CPU 20 is performed. It is determined that an abnormality has occurred without allowing the transition to the disconnected state. On the other hand, while the maintenance mode 34 is being set, the counting sensor 12 may be detached and attached by the maintenance work. Therefore, the counting sensor 12 is detached, that is, the state is shifted to the disconnected state between the counting sensor 12 and the CPU 20. Will be allowed.
That is, the setting period of the maintenance mode 34 corresponds to a specific example of the predetermined operation in the present invention. Further, the setting period of the sales mode 31, the totaling mode 32, and the totaling clear mode 33 corresponds to a specific example other than the predetermined operation in the present invention.

Next, a processing operation example in the medal counting device 10 as described above will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operation in the medal counting device according to the present invention.

  As described above, the medal counting device 10 can selectively cope with each operation mode of the sales mode 31, the counting mode 32, the counting clear mode 33, or the maintenance mode 34. The switching of each operation mode can be performed artificially using, for example, the IC card R / W 14 and the key switch 15. That is, since the medal counting device 10 is provided with a function as a mode setting means, each operation mode is switched, more specifically during a predetermined operation (that is, during the setting period of the maintenance mode 34) and the predetermined operation. It is possible to artificially switch between other times (that is, during the setting period of the sales mode 31, the totaling mode 32, or the totaling clear mode 33) by the mode setting. Therefore, convenience is improved for the user of the medal counting device 10, particularly for a worker who performs maintenance work or the like.

  However, the maintenance mode 34 can be set only when a predetermined condition is satisfied (step 101; hereinafter, step is abbreviated as “S”) (S102). That is, if the predetermined condition is not satisfied, switching from the sales mode 31, the counting mode 32, or the counting clear mode 33 to the maintenance mode 34 cannot be performed. This is because the transition to the disconnected state between the counting sensor 12 and the CPU 20 is allowed in the maintenance mode 34. Specifically, based on the content of the read information from the IC card inserted into the IC card R / W 14 by the person who wants to switch to the maintenance mode 34, the result of whether or not the switch operation with the key switch 15 is possible, etc. If it is confirmed that the person is a worker who performs a proper maintenance work (for example, a service person of the manufacturer of the medal counting device 10), the control unit 17 sets the maintenance mode 34, that is, from the other mode to the maintenance mode. Is allowed to switch to 34.

  As described above, the medal counting device 10 is required to satisfy predetermined conditions such as requiring authentication of an actor or the like when switching mode settings, particularly when switching to the maintenance mode 34. Even the hall clerk cannot perform the switching, and the security is sufficiently ensured while improving the convenience, and as a result, it is very preferable for effectively suppressing fraud.

  In the medal counting device 10, the function as the control means 22 realized by the CPU 20 of the control unit 17 is a connection between the counting sensor 12 and the CPU 20 regardless of which operation mode is set. The state is monitored, and it is determined whether or not these are electrically connected (S103). If there is a transition to the non-connected state between these, it is subsequently determined whether or not the maintenance mode 34 is set, that is, whether or not it is during a predetermined operation (S104). ).

  As a result, the transition to the non-connected state is allowed during the maintenance mode 34 setting period. However, if it is not during the maintenance mode 34 setting period and corresponds to a time other than the predetermined operation time, the control unit 17 The function as the control means 22 realized by the CPU 20 is in a non-connected state except during a predetermined operation, so that it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the connection state between the counting sensor 12 and the CPU 20 and an alarm is output ( S105). The alarm output may be performed using the display device 13 or may be performed by transmitting information to that effect to the management server or the like. Furthermore, the function as the control means 22 stops the use of the counting operation based on the counting sensor 12 thereafter, in addition to outputting an alarm. That is, the counting operation is stopped and the counting based on the counting sensor 12 is invalidated (S106). Furthermore, when alarm output and count invalidation are performed, history information to that effect is created, and the history information is stored and accumulated in a predetermined storage area in the medal counting device 10 or the management server. It is also possible.

  As described above, the medal counting device 10 determines that an abnormality has occurred when the counting sensor 12 and the CPU 20 are not connected except during a predetermined operation. Therefore, the counting sensor 12 is illegally replaced or the like. Can be prevented. That is, when the medal counting function is realized by using the counting sensor 12, it is possible to effectively suppress an illegal act regarding the counting result. On the other hand, since the transition to the disconnected state at the time of the predetermined operation is permitted, it is possible to perform a legitimate exchange or the like of the counting sensor 12 at the time of the predetermined operation, that is, during the setting period of the maintenance mode 34. become. Therefore, regular maintenance work or the like can be properly performed on the count sensor 12, and it is easy to realize the detection accuracy of the count sensor 12 at a predetermined standard or higher.

  By the way, after the alarm output as described above is performed and the counting operation is stopped, the medal counting device 10 is a valid worker for maintenance work arranged according to the alarm output (for example, the medal counting device 10). The service person of the manufacturer switches to the maintenance mode 34 (S101, S102), and further, during the setting period of the maintenance mode 34 (S104), various parts of the medal counting device 10, particularly the connection state of the counting sensor 12 Perform the inspection. As a result of the inspection, when there is no particular problem, or when work for solving the problem is completed even if there is a problem, the operation switch 16 is operated by the worker. .

  When there is such a predetermined operation on the operation switch 16 (S107), in the medal counting device 10, the function as the control means 22 realized by the CPU 20 of the control unit 17 is deactivated by stopping the counting operation. Is returned to a valid state (S108). That is, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, the function as the control means 22 is a function in at least one of the counting sensor 12 and the CPU 20, specifically a medal until a return instruction is issued by a predetermined operation with the operation switch 16. The counting function is invalidated, but after that, when there is a return instruction by a predetermined operation on the operation switch 16, the counting function is validated so that the medal counting based on the detection result by the counting sensor 12 can be performed again. To do.

  That is, in the medal counting device 10, if there is a determination that an abnormality has occurred by the control means 22, then the detection result of the counting sensor 12 only when there is a return instruction by a predetermined operation with the operation switch 16. The medal counting function based on is enabled. Therefore, even if the connection state between the counting sensor 12 and the CPU 20 is recovered after the occurrence of an abnormality, the medal based on the detection result of the counting sensor 12 until a return instruction from the operation switch 16 which is a valid instruction is issued. Since the counting function is not effective, it is very preferable to effectively deter fraud.

  As described above, according to the medal counting device 10 of the present embodiment, for example, the counting sensor 12 that is a specific example of the first electrical component or the CPU 20 that is a specific example of the second electrical component can be removed. Yes, when the connection between them becomes a disconnected state, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred except during a predetermined operation, so that it is possible to effectively suppress fraud. On the other hand, even in that case, for example, during a predetermined operation such as during the setting period of the maintenance mode 34, the transition to the non-connection state is allowed, so that it is not determined that an abnormality has occurred, and the counting sensor It becomes possible to perform legitimate replacement of electrical components such as 12 or CPU 20. Therefore, it is possible to avoid in advance that the smooth operation of the game hall is hindered by the action during the predetermined operation.

In addition, although this embodiment demonstrated the suitable Example of this invention, this invention is not limited to the content.
For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the first electrical component is the counting sensor 12 and the second electrical component is the CPU 20 has been described as an example, but other harnesses, electronic boards, electrical components, and the like are also described. It is conceivable to apply the present invention in exactly the same way. That is, the first electrical component and the second electrical component are not necessarily limited to those having a function as a detection unit, a function having a function as a counting unit, and the like. Further, the first electrical component and the second electrical component are not necessarily a single product, and a plurality of each may exist.
Further, for example, in the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a medal counting device has been described as an example, but even a gaming medium counting device that counts other gaming media such as a pachinko ball is not used at all. Similarly, the present invention can be applied. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the one that counts game media, and the present invention can be applied to a game media processing apparatus that performs processing other than counting.
That is, the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the present embodiment, and can be changed without departing from the gist thereof.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the schematic structural example of the medal counting apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the operation mode which can respond with the medal counting device which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation example in the medal counting device which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Medal counting device, 11 ... Counting table drive motor, 12 ... Count sensor, 13 ... Display, 14 ... IC card R / W, 15 ... Key switch, 16 ... Operation switch, 17 ... Control part, 20 ... CPU, 21 ... Counting means, 22 ... Control means, 31 ... Sales mode, 32 ... Total mode, 33 ... Total clear mode, 34 ... Maintenance mode

Claims (5)

A first electrical component;
A second electrical component electrically connected to the first electrical component;
The connection state between the first electrical component and the second electrical component is monitored, and a transition to a non-connection state during a predetermined operation is permitted, but an abnormality occurs when the connection state is not during the predetermined operation. A game medium processing device comprising: control means for determining that the occurrence has occurred. The first electrical component has a function as detection means for detecting a game medium,
The game medium processing device according to claim 1, wherein the second electric component has a function as a counting unit that counts the game media based on a detection result of the detection unit. A setting unit for setting the operation mode is provided.
3. The game medium processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the maintenance mode is set by the setting unit, the control unit sets a period during which the maintenance mode is set as the predetermined operation time. 4. The game medium processing device according to claim 3, wherein the setting means is configured to set the maintenance mode only when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Provided with an operation means for instructing the return from the abnormal state,
When the control means determines that an abnormality has occurred, the control means invalidates the function of at least one of the first electrical component and the second electrical component until a return instruction is issued from the operation means. The game medium processing device according to claim 1, wherein the game medium processing device is a game machine.

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