JP2010148895A - Operation switch for game stand - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation switch for a game stand, which is prevented from erroneously determining a detection signal unfairly outputted from a sensor of an operation switch by radiating electric waves at a predetermined timing by an electric wave injustice as a normal operation of the operation switch. <P>SOLUTION: Though a first photodetector 292a and a second photodetector 292b set above and under a start lever sensor 291 coming into an ON state by shading an optical axis by a shading part 281 do not come into an ON state by reciprocal motion of the shading part 281 by operating a grip part 211, when unfair electric waves to lead the start lever sensor 291 to the ON state are radiated during a non-operation time of the shading part 281 to shade the optical axis of the start lever sensor 291, both the first and second photodetectors 292a, 292b (or one of them) are changed to the ON state. Thus, a normal operation of pushing up or down the grip part 210 and an unfair operation by electric wave injustice are reliably detected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game console operation switch used for a game machine represented by a slot machine (pachislot machine) or a pachinko machine, and in particular, a technique useful for preventing an illegal act on an operation switch operated for game progress. About.

  A gaming machine such as a slot machine is controlled so that a player performs a lottery based on a game operation in which an operation of an operation switch or the like is performed for the progress of the game, and a game result corresponding to the lottery result is obtained. Although various game operations can be set as a trigger for the lottery, generally slot machines are often triggered by a game start operation, that is, an operation of a start lever that is one of the operation switches. .

  Further, since the operation switch is frequently operated during a game, a non-contact type sensor such as a photo interrupter is generally used for operation detection in consideration of durability and stability. For example, two states, whether the detected part that fluctuates due to the operation of the operation part of the operation switch is within the detection range of the sensor or out of the detection range of the sensor, correspond to when the operation switch is not operated and when it is operated Thus, the detection state (signal output) of the sensor changes according to the non-operation state (normal state) and the operation state of the operation switch. Therefore, the control unit of the gaming table can determine that the operation switch has been operated based on the change that has occurred in the detection state of the sensor, and with this determination, the control unit performs lottery and controls the progress of the game. It is.

  However, in recent years, illegal actions (so-called radio wave attacks) have been made such that by irradiating the operation switch of the game table with infrared rays or electromagnetic waves in the visible light range at a specific timing, the sensor malfunctions to aim at the jackpot and pay out the game media. ) Is done. This is a simple one that outputs a single pulse as a detection signal so that the detection state of the sensor changes from OFF at the time of non-operation to ON at the time of operation and returns to OFF at the time of non-operation again. This is because it is not difficult to irradiate the sensor with electromagnetic waves so as to misunderstand that the operation switch is operated.

  Therefore, for the purpose of preventing such injustices, when the operation switch is operated, a light shielding plate that is a detected portion that varies depending on the operation of the operation portion is formed by three protrusion portions, By creating slits in between, the projections and slits of the light-shielding plate alternately pass along the optical path from the light-emitting element to the light-receiving element constituting the sensor, complicating the sensor detection state (when not operating) While the detected part of the sensor changes to the state at the time of operation and returns to the state at the time of non-operation again, it changes from OFF → ON → OFF → ON → OFF). Is output, and by detecting this series of pulse trains, there has been proposed a gaming machine that determines that the operation switch is properly operated (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-113575 A

  However, in the invention described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, if a person who performs an illegal act knows that a pulse train composed of a plurality of pulses is output as a detection signal based on the operation detection of the operation switch, the same applies. By irradiating the radio wave so that a pulse train is output, it is possible to output a detection signal that the control unit of the gaming machine determines to be an appropriate detection signal. I can't say that.

  In addition, since the operation switch such as the start lever is frequently operated in the game machine, if the start lever cannot be maintained at an appropriate neutral position due to wear deterioration or the like, The position will also shift slightly, and when using a light shielding plate composed of three projections, as in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, between the projections constituting the light shielding plate when the start lever is not operated. Even if the start lever is operated properly, the correct pulse train is obtained by shifting the slit in the direction of being positioned on the optical path between the light emitting element and the light receiving element (by changing the detection state of the sensor during non-operation). Will no longer occur, making it impossible to accept operations. Therefore, a gaming machine that employs a start lever having such a structure also has a problem of impairing reliability as a device.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention is a game in which the control means does not erroneously determine that the operation signal of the operation switch is a detection signal that is radiated at a predetermined timing and illegally output from the operation switch sensor. An object is to provide an operation switch for a table.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a detected portion that fluctuates in response to an operation portion being operated for the progress of a game, and the detected portion shields an optical axis. And an operation detection means for detecting a detected part at a gaming table, wherein the operation detecting means detects an electromagnetic wave in a wavelength region that forms an optical axis used for detection of the detected part. And an unauthorized radio wave detecting means.

  In addition, the invention according to claim 2 is the gaming console operation switch according to claim 1, wherein the unauthorized radio wave detection means is a part that is in the vicinity of the operation detection means and does not hinder the fluctuation of the detected part. Further, the light receiving portion is arranged to face the front side.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine operation switch according to the first or second aspect, a plurality of the unauthorized radio wave detecting means are provided.

  According to the gaming machine operation switch according to claim 1, since the operation detection means includes the unauthorized radio wave detection means for detecting the electromagnetic wave in the wavelength region forming the optical axis used for detection of the detected part, the appropriate operation switch Regardless of the operation, it is possible to effectively prevent an illegal act of proceeding the game with the detection signal output from the operation detection means.

  Further, according to the gaming table according to claim 2, the unauthorized radio wave detecting means has the light receiving part facing the front side to a part that is in the vicinity of the operation detecting means and does not hinder the fluctuation of the detected part. Since it is arranged, unauthorized radio waves can be detected with high sensitivity without affecting the detection of the non-operation part by the operation detection means.

  According to the gaming machine of the third aspect, since a plurality of the illegal radio wave detecting means are provided, the detection range of the illegal radio wave is widened and the detection of the illegal radio wave is further ensured.

It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine which is an example of a game table. It is an external appearance perspective view of the start lever unit which concerns on a 1st reference example. It is a disassembled perspective view of the start lever unit which concerns on a 1st reference example. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the start lever unit which concerns on a 1st reference example. It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the start lever unit according to the first reference example. It is a control block diagram of a slot machine. It is explanatory drawing of the operation state determination method by the detection state change of the start lever unit which concerns on a 1st reference example. It is a flowchart which shows a game execution process. It is a flowchart which shows a start lever reception process. It is explanatory drawing of deformation | transformation structure of a to-be-detected part and a detection sensor in the start lever unit which concerns on a 1st reference example. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the start lever unit which concerns on a 2nd reference example. It is explanatory drawing of the operation state determination method by the detection state change of the start lever unit which concerns on a 2nd reference example. (A) is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the start lever unit which concerns on this structural example. (B) is a side view (surface facing the back side of the game table) in the start lever unit according to this configuration example.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a specific structure of a gaming machine to which the gaming machine operation switch according to the present invention can be applied will be described.

<Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the slot machine 100. As shown in FIG. 1, inside the center of the slot machine 100, plural kinds of patterns (characters and symbols such as “7”, “Bar”, “Bell”, “Replay”, etc .: not shown) are arranged on the outer peripheral surface. Three cylindrical reels (the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112) are accommodated and can be rotated inside the main body 101b.

  The front door 101a is provided with a reel display window 113. When the reels 110 to 112 are viewed from the front, three patterns applied thereto can be seen from the reel display window 113 in the vertical direction. In other words, when all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the player can see a total of nine patterns of 3 × 3. When these reels 110 to 112 are rotated and stopped, various combinations of patterns are displayed on the reel display window 113. In the present embodiment, three reels are provided, but the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  On the back side of each of the reels 110 to 112, a backlight (not shown) for illuminating each picture displayed on the reel display window 113 is disposed. The backlight is capable of emitting light of, for example, seven colors (three primary colors of red, green, and bluish purple and a mixed color such as white) and includes an LED corresponding to each primary color. Is done.

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating a winning line 114 that is valid for each game. The effective pay line 114 changes depending on the number of game media (in this embodiment, medals are assumed) inserted into the slot machine 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, in the case of having five winning lines 114, when one medal is inserted, the middle horizontal winning line, when two medals are inserted, the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are shown. When 3 sheets are added, 3 lines are added, and 5 lines including 2 diagonal lines are valid, and the winning combination is judged by the combination of the patterns on the effective line 114. It becomes. Of course, the number of winning lines is not limited to five.

  The start lamp 121 is a lamp that informs the player that the reels 110 to 112 are in a state of being able to rotate. When the replay lamp 122 wins a replay that is a winning combination (for example, when a combination of replay-replay-replay replay patterns is arranged on the winning line 114), the next game is replayed to the player. It is a lamp that informs that it is. In the case of a re-game, the medal that is a game medium is exempted in the next game.

  The notification lamp 123 is a lamp for notifying the player that a special winning combination (for example, a big bonus (BB) or a regular bonus (RB)) has been won internally. The medal insertion lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying the player that it is necessary to insert a medal at the start of the game.

  The medal insertion number display lamp 125 is a lamp for displaying the number of medals inserted by the player. In the present embodiment, since up to three medals can be inserted in one game, the number of medals inserted is displayed using three vertically arranged lamps. Of course, in addition to displaying with a lamp, the number of inserted medals may be directly displayed on a 7-segment display or the like.

  The payout number display unit 126 is a display unit that displays the number of medals to be paid out to the player when winning a winning combination with a medal payout. The game number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of general games in the big bonus game. The stored number display 128 is a display that displays the number of medals stored electronically (credited). The effect lamp 129 is a lamp used for an effect for enhancing the interest of the game.

  The medal insertion buttons 131 and 132 are insertion buttons for electronically inserting the stored medals into the slot machine 100, and are so-called bet buttons. In the present embodiment, a three-medal insertion button 131 (a so-called max bet button that can insert the maximum number of medals) and a one-medal insertion button 132 that inserts one medal each time it is pressed are provided. When one of these buttons is pressed, 1 to 3 medals necessary for the game are electronically inserted into the slot machine 100. When inserting two medals, the one-medal insertion button 131 is pressed twice. The number of inserted medals is subtracted from the current stored number, and the remaining number is displayed on the stored number display 128.

  The medal slot block 133 has an opening through which a player directly inserts medals when starting a game. When a medal is directly inserted and a medal is clogged in a medal selector unit (not shown) immediately below the medal insertion slot, the medal cancel switch 133a is operated to eliminate the clogging of the medal. The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch that starts the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 as a game start operation.

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with three stop buttons (a left stop button 136a, a middle stop button 136b, and a right stop button 136c). Each stop button is a button type switch that stops the corresponding reels 110 to 112 when pressed. Specifically, the left reel 110 is stopped by operating the left stop button 136a, the middle reel 111 is stopped by operating the middle stop button 136b, and the right reel 112 is stopped by operating the right stop button 136c.

  Each stop button is provided with a lamp (not shown). After the start lever 135 is operated, all the lamps are turned on when the reels 110 to 112 can be stopped. Notify that the stop operation has become possible. Each stop button lamp is turned off each time the stop button is pressed. Of course, it is also possible to change the light emission color of the lamp between the stop operation enabled state and other states.

  The settlement button 138 is a button that is pressed when performing a settlement process in which the medals acquired by the player are settled and discharged. The checkout button 138 is used to switch whether or not to store up to a maximum of 50 medals acquired by winning or winning a predetermined number (for example, 3) of medals inserted by the player from the medal slot block 133. For example, when the settlement button is pressed once and the settlement process is performed, the non-storage mode is set, and when the settlement button is pressed again, the storage mode is set. Here, storing medals means temporarily storing the number of medals temporarily in a control unit (to be described later) without directly paying out medals.

  The key hole 139 is a hole into which a door opening / closing key is inserted. When the key is inserted and turned clockwise, the lock is released and the front door 101a of the slot machine 100 can be opened. The medal discharge port 165 is an opening for discharging medals, and medals paid out at the time of winning a prize are discharged from here. The discharged medals are accumulated in the tray 160.

  The upper lamp 190, the side lamps 151 and 152, the center lamps 153 and 154, the waist lamps 155 and 156, and the lower lamps 157 and 158 are effects lamps for exciting the game, and are turned on / off / Flashes. The title panel 140 is illuminated by a title panel lamp (not shown). In the present embodiment, the tray 160 is made of a translucent material, and is configured to exhibit the same effect as the lamp for production described above by making the lamp light incident from the tray mounting surface. In addition, the tray 160 is provided with an ashtray unit 170 configured to be detachable.

  Also, in the center of the upper part of the slot machine (above the reel display window 113), various information related to the game (game screen for displaying characters and the like to make the game live, errors in the event of an abnormality in the slot machine) An LCD 180 capable of displaying an error screen for displaying the contents is provided, and various switches (for example, a three-medal insertion button 131, a single-medal insertion button 132, and a start lever 135 are used by using the LCD 180. , Stop buttons 136a to 136c, checkout button 138, etc.) are also notified of information regarding malfunctions.

<First reference example of start lever unit>
Next, the detailed structure of the start lever unit 200 constituting the start lever 135 operated by the player will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 is an external perspective view of the start lever unit 200, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the start lever unit 200, FIG. 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the start lever unit 200, and FIG. FIG.

  The appearance of the start lever unit 200 is detachably accommodated in the substantially cylindrical middle frame 230 in a state where the movable shaft 211 protruding from the substantially spherical grasping portion 210 is inserted from the front opening of the front frame 220. The rear frame 240 is detachably attached to the rear end of the middle frame 230. In addition, a plate-like flange portion 231 that extends outward is formed at an appropriate position on the peripheral surface of the middle frame 230, and a unit fixing member 233 such as a screw is inserted through a boss portion 232 that is appropriately provided on the flange portion 231; The game table 100 is fixed to an appropriate position on the back side of the front door 101a. Further, for example, the first start lever sensor 241 is accommodated in the upper portion and the second start lever sensor 242 is located in the lower portion of the rear frame 240, and the first and second start levers are secured by a sensor fixing member 243 such as a screw. The sensors 241 and 242 are fixed.

  In the movable shaft 211 projecting from the grasping part 210, a spacer 212 made of a flexible elastic material is cylindrically fitted to the base part 211a on the grasping part 210 side, and a central shaft part connected to the rear side of the base part 211a. The swing member 213 is inserted through 211b. The middle shaft portion 211b has a smaller diameter than the base portion 211a, and the swing member 213 is positioned in contact with the rear end of the base portion 211a and the rear end of the spacer 212, and extends rearward from the front opening edge of the front frame 220. When the movable shaft 211 is inserted into the swing guide hole 221a formed in the rear end wall of the movable shaft support member 221 from the inner space of the bottomed cylindrical movable shaft support member 221, the swing member 213 is inserted. Oscillating shaft portions 213a provided on both sides of the oscillating member are supported at appropriate positions in the movable shaft supporting member 221, and the oscillating member 213 oscillates in the vertical plane along the oscillating guide hole 221a.

  The cylindrical portion 251a of the return member 251 is loosely fitted to the middle shaft portion 221b of the movable shaft 211 extending rearward from the swing guide hole 221a of the movable shaft support member 221, and the cylindrical portion 251a at the front end of the return member 251. A front end portion of a return biasing member 252 made of a coil spring or the like is brought into contact with the rear surface side of the biasing receiving portion 251b that bulges from the outer periphery, and the rear end portion of the return biasing member 252 is a ring-shaped biasing force. The urging receiving member 253 is brought into contact with the front surface of the receiving member 253, and the fixed member 254 prevents the urging receiving member 253 from coming off from the middle shaft portion 211b of the movable shaft 211.

  The swing shaft 213a of the swing member 213 is swingably supported in the movable shaft support member 221 of the front frame 220, and the bias receiving portion 251b of the return member 251 is supported on the rear wall rear surface of the movable shaft support member 221. In the state where the front part of the return member 251 is in contact, the return biasing member 252 is compressed between the biasing receiving part 251b of the return member 251 and the biasing receiving member 253, that is, the biasing receiving part 251b of the return member 251 is attached. The urging force is held in the direction in which the urging member 253 is separated. Thus, the movable shaft 211 when not operated is held in a substantially horizontal state perpendicular to the rear wall of the movable shaft support member 211 (the state where the urging receiving portion 251b of the return member 251 and the urging receiving member 253 are most separated). Is done.

  On the other hand, when the grasping portion 210 is pushed down or pushed up, the rear end of the movable shaft 210 moves upward or downward, and the interval between the bias receiving portion 251b of the return member 251 and the bias receiving member 253 is narrowed. Since the urging force of the return urging member 251 acts in the direction in which the angle is expanded again, the movable shaft 210 automatically returns to a substantially horizontal state (non-operating state). In order to smooth the swinging of the movable shaft 210, the front side of the urging receiving portion 251b of the return member 251 that is in sliding contact with the back surface of the rear wall of the movable shaft support member 221 has a gentle curved surface to reduce sliding resistance. . Further, the range in which the grasping portion 210 can be pushed down or pushed up is the range in which the spacer 12 fitted on the outer periphery of the base portion 211a of the movable shaft 211 hits the upper or lower inner surface of the movable shaft support member 221 of the front frame 220. Even when the grasping portion 210 is pushed up or pushed down with a relatively strong force, it is possible to effectively prevent the movable shaft 211 and the movable shaft support member 221 from being damaged by the buffering action of the spacer 212 made of an elastic soft material. . The range in which the grasping part 210 can be pushed down or pushed up can also be restricted by the inner surface shape of the movable shaft support member 221 or the upper and lower ends of the swing guide hole 221a. Further, the urging force of the return urging member 251 is appropriately determined so that a remarkably strong force is not required to oscillate the movable shaft 210 within this oscillating range.

  As described above, the detection member 260 is attached to the rear end portion 211c of the movable shaft 210 supported to be swingable on the front frame 220 with the detection portion biasing member 255 such as a coil spring interposed therebetween. The detection member 260 includes a thin plate-shaped first light-shielding portion 261 and a second light-shielding portion 262 that are spaced apart from each other with an appropriate space in the vertical direction in the vertical plane. A substantially cylindrical shaft insertion portion 264 that is loosely fitted to the rear end portion 211 c of the movable shaft is provided on the front side of the sliding portion 263 that supports 262.

  The middle frame 230 is provided with a pair of detection member guide walls 234 spaced apart so as to form a vertical slit through which the first and second light shielding portions 261 and 262 of the detection member 260 can be inserted. When the front frame 220 is attached to the middle frame 230 so that the first and second light shielding portions 261 and 262 of the detection member extend rearward from the slit between the detection member guide walls 234 and 234, the detection member 260 slides. The portion 263 abuts against the sliding guide portion 234a of the detecting member guide wall 234, and the detecting member biasing member 255 is compressed between the front portion of the sliding portion 263 and the rear portion of the fixed member 254, that is, the detection is performed. The biasing force is held in a direction in which the sliding portion 263 of the member 260 and the fixing member 254 are separated.

  In this case, since the sliding surface, which is the rear surface of the sliding portion 263 in the detection member 260, is urged in the direction in which the sliding surface is pressed against the sliding guide portion 234a of the detection member guide wall 234, the grasping portion 210 is maintained. Even when the swinging shaft portion 213a of the swinging member 213 moves back and forth slightly when swinging the movable shaft 210 by pushing down or pushing up, the sliding surface of the sliding portion 263 in the detection member 260 is detected by the detection member guide. The first and second light-shielding portions 261 and 262 of the detection member 260 can maintain a stable and constant rotation trajectory because they move upward or downward while slidingly contacting the sliding guide portion 234a of the wall 234.

  When the rear frame 240 is attached to the rear portion of the middle frame 230 in a state in which the first and second light shielding portions 261 and 262 extend from the rear, the vertical surface on which the detection portions of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 exist. The first and second light shielding portions 261 and 262 are positioned so as to be vertically movable. Specifically, in the same manner as the first start lever sensor 241 that detects a state where the optical axis from the light emitting element provided on the light projecting arm 241a to the light receiving element provided on the light receiving arm 241b is shielded and not shielded. A second start lever sensor 242 that detects a state where the optical axis from the light emitting element provided on the light projecting arm 242a to the light receiving element provided on the light receiving arm 242b is shielded and a state where the optical axis is not shielded is provided for each light projecting arm 241a. , 242a and the respective light receiving arm portions 241b, 242b are arranged so as to overlap vertically, and the first and second light shielding portions 261, 262 are disposed between the light projecting arm portions 241a, 242a and the respective light receiving arm portions 241b, 242b. Is an arrangement that can shield the optical axis for detection.

  In the start lever unit 200 of this reference example, when the player is not operating the grasping unit 210 (when the movable shaft 211 is in a substantially horizontal state), the first light shielding unit serving as the detected unit The second start lever sensor 261 is positioned above the detection portion (the portion where the detection optical axis is present) of the first start lever sensor 241 as detection means, and the second light shielding portion 262 as detection target is as detection means. The detection state of the first start lever sensor 241 and the detection state of the second start lever sensor 242 are exclusive (for example, the first start lever sensor 241 is OFF and the second start is performed). The lever sensor 242 is turned ON).

  On the other hand, when the grasping unit 210 as the operation unit is pressed down, the second light shielding unit 262 moves upward from the detection unit of the second start lever sensor 242, and the moved second light shielding unit 262 is the first light shielding unit 262. By reaching the position where the optical axis of the start lever sensor 241 is blocked, the detection state of the first start lever sensor 241 and the detection state of the second start lever sensor 242 are exclusive (for example, the first start lever sensor 241 is ON and the first 2 when the start lever sensor 242 is turned off) and the grasping unit 210 as the operation unit is pushed up, the first light shielding unit 261 moves to a position where the optical axis of the first start lever sensor 241 is blocked, The second light-shielding part 262 moves below the detection part of the second start lever sensor 242, so that the detection state of the first start lever sensor 241 is detected. When the detection state is exclusive of the second start lever sensor 242 (e.g., the first start lever sensor 241 and the second start lever sensor 242 is ON is OFF) was set to be.

  In the start lever unit 200 of this reference example, a visible light region is used as a detection medium used by the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 in order to detect the presence or absence of the first light shield 261 and the second light shield 262. If you use electromagnetic waves, infrared rays, etc., you can use a general-purpose non-contact optical sensor (photo interrupter), which is effective in reducing costs, but of course, the wavelength band of electromagnetic waves used for detection media is particularly limited However, the electromagnetic wave may be any electromagnetic wave having a wavelength that can be blocked by at least the material of the first and second light shielding portions 261 and 262.

  The plurality of detection means provided in the start lever unit 200 is not limited to the optical sensor. For example, a contact type micro switch or the like is used as the start lever sensor, and the movable shaft 211 based on the operation of the grasping unit 210 is used. By providing the detection member with a switch action part that turns the micro switch on and off in response to the swinging, a detection output corresponding to the time of operation and the time of non-operation may be obtained from each sensor.

<Control block>
Next, the configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The control unit in the present embodiment includes a main control unit 300 that controls the whole, a sub-control unit 400 that performs control related to effects for exciting the game, and an LCD display control unit 500 that controls the LCD 180. Yes.

<Main control unit 300>
The microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as “Main CPU”) 310 serves as a center of control in the slot machine 100, and exchanges control signals and data with peripheral units via the bus 370.

  The random number generator 311 generates a random number used for internal lottery and the like, and includes a plurality of counters, a clock oscillator, a frequency divider, a latch circuit, and the like. The random value generated by the random number generator 311 is stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 313 via the bus 370 and is sent to the Main CPU 310 as necessary.

  Various detection means are connected to the Main CPU 310 via an input interface 360 and a bus 370.

  For example, from an 8-bit input port PA, the left stop button sensor 341 as a detecting means for detecting that the left stop button 136a is pressed, and the middle as a detecting means for detecting that the middle stop button 136b is pressed. A stop button sensor 342, a right stop button sensor 343 as detection means for detecting that the right stop button 136c has been pressed, and a first start lever sensor 241 as detection means for outputting a detection signal corresponding to the operation of the start lever 135. The second start lever sensor 242, the insertion button sensor 344 as detection means for detecting that the medal insertion button (one-sheet insertion button 132 or three-sheet insertion button 131) has been pressed, and the settlement button 138 being pressed. Each detection signal from the settlement button sensor 345 as detection means for detection is input. It is.

  Also, from the 8-bit input port PB, the first medal sensor 346 as detection means for detecting the medal inserted from the insertion slot of the medal insertion slot block 133 on the upstream side, and the insertion from the insertion slot of the medal insertion slot block 133 Second medal sensor 347 as detection means for detecting the received medal on the downstream side, first payout sensor 348 as detection means for detecting the medal paid out from the medal payout device to the medal discharge port 165, and medal payout device Each detection signal is input from a second payout sensor 349 as detection means for detecting a medal to be paid out from the medal discharge port 165 on the downstream side.

  A ROM (read-only memory) 312 is one of storage means for storing programs for performing various controls, various control data, and the like. The Main CPU 310 reads a program, various control data, and the like via the bus 370. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 313 has a work area for a program processed by the Main CPU 310 via the bus 370 and is one of storage means for storing variable data and the like.

  Also, an input / output interface includes a reel motor control unit 331 that controls a motor (not shown) that rotates and stops the reels 110 to 112, and a hopper control unit 332 that controls a medal payout device (so-called hopper: not shown). 330 and the main CPU 310 via the bus 370.

  Production lamps / indicators (for example, lamps such as the winning line display lamp 120, the start lamp 121, and the replay lamp 122 shown in FIG. 1, various displays such as the payout number display 125, the game number display 126, etc. The display lamp display controller control unit 321 for controlling the display) is connected to the Main CPU 310 via the output interface 320 and the bus 370 and receives a control command.

  Furthermore, the output interface 320 transmits various commands to the input interface 430 of the sub-control unit 400 based on instructions from the Main CPU 310. The command includes, for example, a command indicating that a medal has been inserted, a command indicating that the start lever 135 has been operated, a command indicating a pressed stop button, and the content of the effect (backlight, upper lamp, audio output, There are a command that defines the content of the effect by the LCD display device and the like, a switch error command that indicates a malfunction of the operation switches, and the like.

<Sub-control unit 400>
The microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as SubCPU) 410 receives various commands transmitted from the main control unit 300 via the input interface 430 and the bus 470, and controls the sub control unit 400 as a whole according to the contents of the received commands. To do.

  The ROM 411 is one of storage means for storing programs and data for controlling the sub-control unit 400 as a whole. The RAM 412 has a work area for programs processed by the SubCPU 410, and is one of storage means for storing variable data and the like. The RAM 412 can be stored and retained even in the event of a power failure by power supply from a backup power supply (not shown), and also functions as a storage unit that stores and holds total data of the number of errors of operation switches.

  The backlight 421 is a light emitting means for illuminating the picture on the reel, and is turned on / flashing / turned off according to an instruction from the SubCPU 410. The effect light-emitting display unit 422 collectively represents the upper lamp 190, the side lamps 151 and 152, the center lamps 153 and 154, the waist lamps 155 and 156, the lower lamps 157 and 158, and the tray lamp, and follows the instructions of the SubCPU 410. Lights up / flashes / turns off. The backlight 421 and the effect light emission display unit 422 are connected to the SubCPU 410 via the output interface 420 and the bus 470.

  The tone signal forming unit 460 forms a tone signal based on the control data transferred from the SubCPU 410 and outputs the tone signal. The musical sound signal is amplified by an amplifier 461 and then output as a sound from a speaker (specifically, an upper speaker and a rear speaker) 462.

  The output interface 450 transmits various control data to the LCD display control unit 500 based on an instruction from the SubCPU 410. Based on this control data, the LCD display control unit 500 controls the display of the LCD 180. The LCD display control unit 500 will be described later.

<LCD display control unit 500>
The SubCPU 510 receives various commands transmitted from the sub-control unit 400 via the input / output interface 530, specifies image data according to the contents of the received command, and displays image data to be displayed on the LCD 180 as a video display display. Instructs the processor (hereinafter VDP) 550.

  The ROM 511 is one of storage means for storing a control program, data, and the like for the LCD SubCPU 510.

  The VDP 550 reads the designated image data from the externally connected ROM 552, performs drawing processing, converts the image data into RGB signals, outputs the RGB signal, and outputs the signal via the output interface 553 to display on the LCD 180.

<Appropriate operation discrimination method for operation switches>
Here, an appropriate operation discrimination method based on the detection signal from the operation switch performed by the main control unit 300 described above is used as a plurality of detection means. The start lever unit 200 includes first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242. A specific example applied to is described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows various states of the detection signals output from the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 (a non-operation state, an operation state, and an abnormal state due to a radio wave).

  First, in a non-operating state in which the start lever unit 200 is not operated, the movable shaft 211 is held in a substantially horizontal state, so that the second light shielding portion 262 of the detection member 260 is detected by the second start lever sensor 242. The detection optical axis of the first start lever sensor 242 is not blocked by blocking the optical axis for use, so the first start lever sensor 241 is OFF and the second start lever sensor 242 is ON. Based on the detection states of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 in the non-operating state as a reference, the start lever operation depends on how the detection states of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 change in time series. It is determined whether or not it is appropriate. Note that the main control unit 300 realizes a function as a determination unit that determines appropriate operation and unauthorized operation.

  In the operation state (normal operation 1) in which the player performs a lever operation so as to push down the grasping unit 210 from the non-operation state described above, the second light-shielding unit is raised as the rear end side of the movable shaft 211 rises. The position where the second start lever sensor 242 is turned OFF by the movement of 262 above the optical axis of the second start lever sensor 242, and the second light shielding portion 262 further blocks the optical axis of the first start lever sensor 241. , The first start lever sensor 241 changes to ON.

  In the start lever unit 200 of the present reference example, the second light shielding unit 262 is prevented from moving above the optical axis of the first start lever sensor 241 at the lower limit position where the grasping unit 210 can be pushed down. That is, the first start lever sensor 241 is prevented from changing to OFF again. Therefore, even when it can be determined that the start lever 135 has been operated, the output of the first start lever sensor 241 and the output of the second start lever sensor 242 are exclusive.

  As described above, after detection signals that can be determined as being operated are output from the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242, the operation returns to the non-operating state by the action of the return member 251 and the return biasing member 252. Therefore, as the rear end side of the movable shaft 211 is lowered, the second light-shielding portion 262 moves below the optical axis of the first start lever sensor 241, so that the first start lever sensor 241 is turned OFF. Further, when the second light shielding portion 262 reaches a position where the optical axis of the second start lever sensor 242 is blocked, the second start lever sensor 242 is turned ON.

  Therefore, the change pattern of the detection state of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 is “first start lever sensor OFF + second start lever sensor ON → first start lever sensor OFF + second start lever sensor OFF → first start. Lever sensor ON + 2nd start lever sensor OFF → 1st start lever sensor OFF + 2nd start lever sensor OFF → 1st start lever sensor OFF + 2nd start lever sensor ON " It can be distinguished from what has been done. In the lever operation performed by the player, since the applied force and the operation time are not constant, the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 output from the non-operation state to the operation state again through the operation state. Since the waveform also does not have a fixed shape, when determining normal operation, it is not a pulse wave shape pattern in the detection signals from the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 but a change pattern from ON to OFF or OFF to ON. Is set as a discrimination target.

  On the other hand, in the operation state (normal operation 2) in which the player has operated the lever so as to push up the grasping unit 210 from the non-operation state, the second light-shielding unit is associated with the lower end of the movable shaft 211 being lowered. As 262 moves below the optical axis of the second start lever sensor 242, the second start lever sensor 242 is turned OFF, and then the first light shielding portion 261 blocks the optical axis of the first start lever sensor 241. By reaching the position, the first start lever sensor 241 is turned ON, and the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 are in the detection state at the time of operation.

  At this time, in the start lever unit 200 of the present reference example, the first light shielding unit 261 moves below the optical axis of the first start lever sensor 241 at the upper limit position where the grasping unit 210 can be pushed up, The first start lever sensor 241 is turned OFF again or the second start lever sensor 242 is turned ON again so that the light shielding portion 261 does not reach a position where the light axis of the second start lever sensor 242 is blocked. The output of the first start lever sensor 241 and the output of the second start lever sensor 242 are exclusive even during an operation that can determine that the start lever 135 has been operated.

  Further, after detection signals that can be determined as being operated are output from the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242, the operation is returned to the non-operation state by the action of the return member 251, the return biasing member 252, etc. As the rear end side of 211 rises, the first light shielding portion 261 moves above the optical axis of the first start lever sensor 241 so that the first start lever sensor 241 is turned OFF, and then the first start lever sensor 241 is turned off. 2 When the light blocking portion 262 reaches a position where the optical axis of the second start lever sensor 242 is blocked, the second start lever sensor 242 is turned ON.

  Therefore, the change pattern of the detection state of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 is “first start lever sensor OFF + second start lever sensor ON → first start lever sensor OFF + second start lever sensor OFF → first start. Lever sensor ON + 2nd start lever sensor OFF → 1st start lever sensor OFF + 2nd start lever sensor OFF → 1st start lever sensor OFF + 2nd start lever sensor ON " It can be determined that the operation state has been performed.

  Note that the change pattern that can be determined as normal operation is not limited to the above example, and the arrangement positions of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 and the vertical width and separation distance of the first and second light shielding portions 261 and 262 are determined. Various changes can be made by appropriately setting. For example, in the normal operation 1, the position where the second light shielding portion 262 blocks the optical axis of the first start lever sensor 241 before the second light shielding portion 262 passes above the optical axis of the second start lever sensor 242. The first start lever sensor OFF + second start lever sensor ON → first start lever sensor ON + second start lever sensor ON → first start lever sensor ON + second start lever sensor OFF → second “1 start lever sensor ON + second start lever sensor ON → first start lever sensor OFF + second start lever sensor ON” becomes the detection state change pattern of the normal operation 1 and can be distinguished from the change pattern of the normal operation 2. .

  Alternatively, in the normal operation 1, the timing at which the second light shielding part 262 moves upward from the optical axis of the second start lever sensor 242 and the position at which the second light shielding part 262 blocks the optical axis of the first start lever sensor 241 are reached. The timing when the first light shielding unit 261 reaches the position where the optical axis of the first start lever sensor 241 is blocked in the normal operation 2 and the timing when the second light shielding unit 262 reaches the optical axis of the second start lever sensor 242 in the normal operation 2. If the timing of the downward movement is substantially the same, “first start lever sensor OFF + second start lever sensor ON → first start lever sensor ON + second start lever sensor OFF → first start lever sensor OFF + second start lever” Appropriate operation can be identified with a simple detection state change pattern of “sensor ON” Ukoto can.

  Abnormality in which a radio wave that radiates electromagnetic waves that cause the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 to malfunction is performed in response to changes in detection signals from the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 in the normal operation described above. In the state, only the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 are turned ON at the same time, and the change pattern of the proper detection state of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 422 accompanying the proper operation cannot be reproduced. An abnormal state based on an illegal act is not erroneously determined as a proper operation in the main controller 300.

  That is, if the detection states of the first start lever sensor 241 and the second start lever sensor 242 are set to be exclusive during non-operation and / or operation, the first and second levers can be operated properly. Since the start lever sensors 241 and 242 always change to the opposite detection state, even if the electromagnetic waves radiated by the radio wave go on the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242, they are turned off. However, since the reverse detection state cannot be created, it is possible to reliably prevent the game from proceeding based on an inappropriate operation by the radio wave.

  It should be noted that the first start lever sensor is set even when the detection state of the first start lever sensor 241 and the second start lever sensor 242 is the same (non-exclusive setting) during both non-operation and operation. If a time difference is generated between the timings when the states of the first start lever sensor 242 and the second start lever sensor 242 change, the first start lever sensor 241 and the second start lever sensor 242 may change during the change process from the non-operation time to the operation time. Since a state in which the detection output is exclusive can be generated, it is possible to determine whether the operation is an appropriate operation or an inappropriate operation. However, as in this reference example, if the detection states of the first start lever sensor 241 and the second start lever sensor 242 are set to be exclusive both when the operation is not performed and when the operation is performed, the operation is started from the time when the operation is not performed. It is not necessary to determine the process in which the detection state changes over time. Whether the first start lever sensor 241 is ON and the second start lever sensor 242 is OFF is determined only by the detection state at the time of operation. There is an advantage that it can be easily identified.

  In addition, when both the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 are OFF (both ON when receiving a sensor input with negative logic), an abnormality such as a sensor failure or connector disconnection is considered. The detection state may be determined by the main control unit 300 as a sensor failure error and notified.

<Game execution processing>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the game execution process of the slot machine 100.

  First, a medal is received from the medal insertion slot block 133 or by the operation of the three-medal insertion button 131 or the one-medal insertion button 132. When a medal is received, a medal insertion command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400. The medal acceptance process is performed (step S101). When a medal is properly received, the operation of the start lever 135 can be accepted, and the player receives each detection signal from the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 by appropriately operating the start lever 135. In the case where it is detected, a start lever reception process for instructing the sub-control unit 400 to start reel rotation is performed (step S102).

  Next, when the operation of the start lever 135 is accepted in step S102, an internal lottery process for acquiring a random number from the random number generator 311 and performing an internal lottery of each winning combination is performed (step S103), and the reel corresponding to the lottery result is obtained. A reel stop preparation process is performed so that the stop can be performed (step S104), and then an effect lottery process for determining an effect performed in the game is performed (step S1058).

  Next, a reel rotation start process for starting rotation of the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112 is performed (step S106). In this reel rotation process, when all the reels 110 to 112 are rotated at a constant speed and the stop buttons 136 a to 136 c can be received, a stop operation permission command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400. Subsequently, any one of the stop buttons 136a to 136c is operated to perform a stop button receiving process for receiving detection signals from the stop button sensors 341 to 343 (step S107). In the stop button reception process, stop button reception commands (first to third stop commands) corresponding to the operated stop buttons 136a to 136c are transmitted to the sub-control unit 400.

  Then, a stop position information command indicating stop position information corresponding to the stop button for which the operation has been received in step S108 is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 to perform a reel stop process for stopping the reels (step S108). It is determined whether or not the stop process for .about.112 has been completed (step S109). If there are still spinning reels, the processes of steps S107 and S108 are performed.

  As described above, when all the reels 110 to 112 in the game are stopped, a predetermined symbol corresponding to the winning combination won in S103 is displayed on the activated winning line 114 on the reel display window 113. It is determined whether or not the combination is stopped, and if it is determined that a winning is achieved, a winning determination process is performed for transmitting a winning determination command to the sub-control unit 400 (step S110), and the winning determination process is performed. If it is determined that a predetermined number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out to the tray 157 from the medal payout outlet 156, a medal payout process is performed to send a payout number command to the sub-control unit 400 (step S111), a winning effect process for transmitting a winning effect command for performing a winning effect by display operation or voice output according to the winning to the sub-control unit 400. Was carried out (step S112), it performs a game state update processing of transmitting the game state command to the sub-control unit 400 according to the win determination results (step S113).

  By executing the above-described series of processing steps, one game is completed, and thereafter the same procedure is repeated.

<Start lever reception processing 1>
FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing a first example of the start lever reception process performed in step S102 of the game execution process. In this start lever reception process, the detection levels of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 are read from the port data of the input port PA in an interrupt process executed at regular intervals (step S201), and the second start lever It is determined whether or not the sensor 242 is OFF (step S202). If the second start lever sensor 242 that is kept ON when the start lever 135 is not operated is not turned OFF, the process directly returns to step S201.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that the second start lever sensor 242 has changed to OFF, it is determined whether or not the first start lever sensor 241 has changed to ON (step S203). Then, if the first start lever sensor 241 is not turned on but is kept off, the process returns to step S201 as it is, but if it is determined that the first start lever sensor 241 is turned on, A condition for determining that the start lever 135 has been properly operated (the first start lever sensor 241 changes from OFF to ON and the second start lever sensor 242 changes from ON to OFF) is set, and the reel rotation start is set. (Step S204). Thus, the process proceeds to the internal lottery process in step S103 in the internal execution process described above.

  As described above, in the start lever reception process of the first example, an appropriate operation from the non-operation state to the operation state is determined based on the detection levels of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242. When the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 are simultaneously turned on (or simultaneously turned off) by irradiating the radio wave, the setting of the reel rotation start in step S204 is not executed, and the game is played by the radio wave. It is possible to effectively prevent the progress.

<Start lever reception process 2>
FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing a second example of the start lever reception process performed in step S102 of the game execution process. Also in this start lever reception process, the detection levels of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 are read from the port data of the input port PA by an interrupt process executed at regular intervals (step S201), and then the start lever Start pattern data consisting of detection levels of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 when the 135 is properly operated is set (step S303), and the first and second start lever sensors read in step S301 are set. It is determined whether or not the detection levels of 241 and 242 match the start pattern (step S303).

  If it is determined in step S303 that the detection levels of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 read from the port data do not match the start pattern, a radio wave that emits an illegal radio wave is transmitted. In this case, an error pattern consisting of the detection levels of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 is set (step S304), and the detection levels of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 read in step S301. Is determined to match the error pattern (step S305). If the read detection levels of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 do not match the error pattern, the process returns to step S301 again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S303 that the detection levels of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 match the start pattern data, that is, detection when the start lever 135 is properly operated. When the state coincides with the state (the first start lever sensor 241 is ON and the second start lever sensor 242 is OFF), the reel rotation start is set (step S306). Thus, the process proceeds to the internal lottery process in step S103 in the internal execution process described above.

  However, if it is determined in step S304 that the detection levels of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 match the error pattern data, that is, the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 are turned on. If it matches the detection state (both the first start lever sensor 241 and the second start lever sensor 242 are ON) when the unauthorized radio wave to be in the detection state is irradiated, the occurrence of an error is notified or the game cannot be continued. Is performed (step S307).

  Thus, also in the start lever reception process of the second example, an appropriate operation from the non-operation state to the operation state is performed with a start pattern that is a combination of the detection levels of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242. Unless the combination of the detection levels of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 that match the start pattern is acquired based on the proper lever operation, the reel rotation start setting in step S306 is not executed, It is possible to effectively prevent the game from being advanced by the radio wave goto.

  In addition, when the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 are simultaneously turned on (or simultaneously turned off) by irradiating unauthorized radio waves, the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 Since the combination of detection levels matches the error pattern and the error processing in step S309 is executed, it is possible to prompt the game store to respond quickly to the radio wave. As the error processing, the function as an unauthorized notification means for notifying that an unauthorized operation has been performed (visual display by various lamps, audible notification by sound output from a speaker, etc.) is the main control unit 300 and the lucky control unit 400. Is realized through collaboration.

  Note that the start lever reception process is not limited to the above two examples, and whether or not the operation is an appropriate operation based on detection information from a plurality of detection means whose detection states change with the operation of the start lever 135. What is necessary is just to be able to distinguish. For example, by comparing the change pattern including the order in which the detection states of the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 change when the player pushes down or pushes up the grasping unit 210 of the start lever unit 200, It is also possible to strictly determine proper operation.

  Further, the first and second light shielding portions 261 and 261 of the detection member 260 are arranged in the same vertical plane, and are limited to a configuration in which the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242 are turned on / off. Instead, for example, a plurality of light shielding portions may be arranged in different vertical planes, and each start lever sensor may be arranged so as to be turned on / off by each light shielding portion.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, on the rear end side of the detection member 260 ′, a side plate portion that extends to the left and right sides at a position where it does not abut against the first and second start lever sensors 241 and 242. 265 is provided, and the first light shielding portion 266a extends rearward from one side end portion of the side plate portion 265, and the second light shielding portion 266b extends rearward from the other side end portion of the side plate portion 265. Therefore, the first light-shielding part 266a and the second light-shielding part 266b move up and down in different vertical planes according to the swing of the movable shaft 211.

  The vertical plane on which the first light shielding portion 266a moves up and down is perpendicular to the optical axis from the light emitting element provided on the light projecting arm portion 241a of the first start lever sensor 241 to the light receiving element provided on the light receiving arm portion 241b. The first start lever sensor 241 is disposed on the light receiving arm portion 242b from the vertical surface on which the second light shielding portion 266b moves up and down and the light emitting element provided on the light projecting arm portion 242a of the second start lever sensor 242. By arranging the second start lever sensor 242 so that the optical axes reaching the light receiving element are orthogonal to each other (see in particular FIG. 10B), the first start lever sensor 241 and the second start lever sensor 242 are the first one. The light shielding part 266a and the second light shielding part 266b can be individually detected. The first start lever sensor 241 and the second start lever sensor 242 are arranged so that the light receiving arm portion 242b of the second start lever sensor 242 is positioned directly below the light projecting arm portion 241a of the first start lever sensor 241. The position was shifted up and down.

  Furthermore, the first light-shielding part 266a and the second light-shielding part 266b have different horizontal arrangement positions, with a distance b from the lower edge of the first light-shielding part 266a whose vertical width is a, The upper edge of the second light-shielding portion 266b whose vertical width is c is positioned (especially, see FIG. 10C). By appropriately setting these values a to c, the detection states of the first start lever sensor 241 and the second start lever sensor 242 during non-operation and operation can be arbitrarily set. Similarly, it is possible to determine whether the operation is proper or radio wave from the change pattern.

  The first light shielding part 266a that acts only on the first start lever sensor 241 and the second light shielding part 266b that acts only on the second start lever sensor 242 do not affect the other sensor. Set the width in the vertical direction so that the unit always keeps the OFF state that blocks the optical axis of the start lever sensor, and properly operates the change pattern of the detection output of the start lever sensor according to the vertical movement of the other light blocking unit When the start lever sensor that should be always OFF is changed to ON, it may be determined that the operation is inappropriate due to radio wave irradiation.

<Second reference example of start lever unit>
FIG. 11 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a start lever unit 200 ′ of a second reference example provided with a first start lever sensor 241, a second start lever sensor 272, and a third start lever sensor 273 as three detection means. It is. Note that in the second reference example, the same components as those in the start lever unit 200 according to the first reference example are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the start lever unit 200 ′, one light shielding portion 281 is provided on the detection member 280 attached to the rear end of the movable shaft 211, and the light shielding portion 281 reciprocates in the vertical plane in response to the swinging of the movable shaft 211. In this case, the detection optical axes, which are detection parts of the first to third start lever sensors 271 to 273, are arranged so as to be shielded. Specifically, the first start lever sensor 271 is disposed at the top, the second start lever sensor 272 is disposed at the middle, the third start lever sensor 273 is disposed at the bottom, and the movable shaft 211 is positioned substantially in the horizontal direction. During operation, the light shielding unit 281 shields the optical axis of the second start lever sensor 272 and turns it on, and the first and third start lever sensors 271 and 273 are off without the light shielding unit 281 shielding the optical axis. The state is maintained (see the non-operation state in FIG. 12).

  In the non-operating state as described above, when the player pushes down the grasping unit 210 into the operating state, the light-shielding unit 281 moves above the optical axis of the second start lever sensor 272 and moves to the second state. When the start lever sensor 272 changes to OFF and the light shielding portion 281 further moves upward to reach a portion that blocks the optical axis of the first start lever sensor 271, the first start lever sensor 271 changes to ON ( (See normal operation 1 in FIG. 12). That is, it is determined that the first start lever sensor 271 is changed from OFF to ON, the second start lever sensor 272 is changed from ON to OFF, and the third start lever sensor 273 remains OFF. If the change pattern is used, the main control device 300 can determine normal operation in which the grasping unit 210 is pushed down.

  On the other hand, when the player pushes the grasping unit 210 upward from the non-operation state as described above to enter the operation state, the light shielding unit 281 moves downward from the optical axis of the second start lever sensor 272. The second start lever sensor 272 changes to OFF, and further, the light shielding portion 281 moves downward to reach a portion that blocks the optical axis of the third start lever sensor 273, so that the third start lever sensor 273 changes to ON. (See normal operation 2 in FIG. 12). That is, for the determination of normal operation, the second start lever sensor 272 changes from ON to OFF and the third start lever sensor 273 changes from OFF to ON while the first start lever sensor 271 is kept OFF. With the change pattern, it is possible to determine in the main controller 300 that the normal operation in which the grasping unit 210 is pushed down is performed.

  However, in the abnormal state in which the electromagnetic wave that radiates the electromagnetic wave that causes the first to third start lever sensors 271 to 273 to malfunction is performed, the first to third start lever sensors 271 to 273 are only turned ON at the same time. Since the change pattern of the proper detection state of the first to third start lever sensors 271 to 273 accompanying the proper operation cannot be reproduced, the abnormal state based on the illegal action is not erroneously determined as the proper operation in the main controller 300. .

<Configuration example of start lever unit>
FIG. 13 shows a start lever unit 200 ″ of the present configuration example having a start lever sensor 291 as one operation detecting means and a first light receiving element 292a and a second light receiving element 292b as two fraud detection medium detecting means. In this configuration example, the same components as those of the start lever unit 200 according to the first configuration example or the start lever unit 200 'according to the second configuration example are denoted by the same reference numerals. Is omitted.

  When the start lever unit 200 ″ is not operated (when the movable shaft 211 is in a substantially horizontal state), the start lever sensor 291 is turned on when the light shielding portion 281 that is one detected portion shields the optical axis. When the grasping unit 201 is pushed down or pushed up by the player and the light shielding unit 281 moves upward or downward, the player enters the OFF state.

  On the other hand, the first light receiving element 292a and the second light receiving element 292b have the light receiving unit that detects the electromagnetic wave (detection medium) in the wavelength region irradiated by the light emitting element forming the optical axis of the start lever sensor 291 facing the front side. In the arrangement, the start lever sensor is not turned on by the reciprocating motion of the light shielding portion 281 by the operation of the grasping portion 211, but the start lever sensor is not operated when the light shielding portion 281 shields the optical axis of the start lever sensor 291. When an improper electromagnetic wave that turns 291 into the ON state is irradiated from the front side of the slot machine 100, both (or one) of the first and second light receiving elements 292a and 292b change to the ON state.

  That is, if the change pattern for distinguishing normal operation is a change pattern for determining the normal operation while the first lever 292a and 292b are kept OFF and the start lever sensor 291 is changed from OFF to ON, the grasping unit 210 is pushed down or The pushed-up normal operation can be discriminated in the main controller 300, and in the abnormal state in which the electromagnetic wave that radiates the electromagnetic wave that causes the start lever sensor 291 to malfunction is performed, both or one or both of the first and second light receiving elements 292a and 292b. Is turned ON and the change pattern of the appropriate detection state of the start lever sensor 291 and the first and second light receiving elements 292a and 292b due to proper operation cannot be reproduced. In this case, it is not mistaken for proper operation.

  It should be noted that the number of light receiving elements for detecting unauthorized radio waves due to goto action is not limited to two, and only one light receiving element may be provided. However, it cannot be said that there is no possibility that only the start lever sensor 291 is turned on without being detected by the light receiving element for detecting illegal radio waves due to the straightness and transparency of the frequency of the electromagnetic wave used as the detection medium. Therefore, as in this configuration example, it is possible to provide two or three or more light receiving elements in the vicinity of the start lever sensor 291 and in a portion that does not hinder the fluctuation of the light shielding portion 281 that is the detected portion. It is valid. Further, the light receiving element of this configuration example may be applied to the start lever unit 200 of the first configuration example and the start lever unit 200 ′ of the second configuration example described above, so that the detection of the radio wave can be performed more reliably. .

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail based on the accompanying drawing, the inclusion range of this invention is not limited only to these structures. For example, the detected portion is not limited to the reciprocating operation on the arc by the operation of the operation portion like the start lever 135 described above, but the detected portion is almost made by the operation of the push button type switch such as the stop buttons 136a to 136c. The present invention can also be applied to detection means that reciprocates on a straight line. In such a case, a plurality of photointerrupters as detection means are provided with different positions in the reciprocating direction of the detected part, and the shielding part that shields the optical axis and the transmissive part that does not shield the optical axis are detected. If they are provided alternately in the reciprocating direction, the change pattern of the detection state obtained from each photo interrupter according to the operation of the stop switch can be used to determine whether or not the operation is proper.

100 slot machine 200 ″ start lever unit 281 light shielding portion 291 start lever sensor 292a first light receiving element 292b second light receiving element

Claims (3)

A gaming table having a detected portion that varies in response to an operation portion being operated to advance a game, and an operation detection unit that detects the detected portion by blocking the optical axis of the detected portion. An operating switch for a game machine used,
An operation switch for a game machine, comprising: an unauthorized radio wave detection unit that detects an electromagnetic wave in a wavelength region that forms an optical axis used by the operation detection unit to detect a detected portion.   2. The unauthorized radio wave detecting means is arranged such that the light receiving part is arranged in the vicinity of the operation detecting means and does not hinder the fluctuation of the detected part with the light receiving part facing the front side. The operation switch for game machines described in 1.   The gaming table operation switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of the unauthorized radio wave detection means are provided.

Images