JP2011177344A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To recognize not only fraudulent loading but also the state of loading and flowing of game media. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes: a timing means 310 starting measurement of monitoring time with detection by an object detecting device 35a as the trigger, and restarting measurement of monitoring time when an object is further detected by the object detecting device 35a before the elapse of the monitoring time; a numerical value storing means 320 in which the initial value is stored; an arithmetic operation means 330 for adding a prescribed number to the value stored in the numerical value storing means 320 with the detection by the object detecting device 35a as the trigger and subtracting a prescribed number from the stored value with the detection by a passage detecting device 35b as the trigger; and a state determining means 340 for determining the state as normal loading when the value stored in the numerical value storing means 320 matches the initial value, or as fraudulent loading when the stored value is smaller than the initial value, or as removal by a blocker 45 or as retention of game media when the stored value is larger than the initial value when the monitoring time elapses. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine provided with a detection device for detecting gaming media thrown from a gaming media slot.

Conventionally, this type of gaming machine, for example, a slot machine, can start one game by inserting a predetermined number of game medals as game media, and detects the inserted game medals with a predetermined detection device. However, there are known ones configured to count the number of inserted sheets. Specifically, the detection device is provided with a sensor such as a photo sensor or a contact sensor, thereby detecting a game medal.
By the way, in recent years, in such a slot machine, it is as if a plurality of game medals have been inserted by inserting a special long thin plate-like instrument called a clema from the game medal slot and accessing the sensor. There was a tendency for fraudulent acts to increase the count value of the number of inserted sheets by misunderstanding as if they were made.

Therefore, in order to prevent such fraud, a fraud detection counter that increments by 1 every time a game medal is detected by the sensor and decrements by 1 every time a predetermined interrupt signal is generated at a predetermined interval is provided. A slot machine has been devised that is configured to determine fraud when the count value of the fraud detection counter exceeds a predetermined threshold value. That is, in such a slot machine, if a large number of detections by the sensor occur in a short time, the value of the fraud detection counter exceeds the threshold value, and this is determined as fraud.
Such a slot machine is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1 below.

JP 2005-342351 A

However, in the slot machine as described above, when the game medal flows down the passage, there is a possibility that the game medal is clogged, but the above-mentioned fraud detection counter value does not exceed the threshold value. Are all determined to be fraudulent. That is, in the slot machine as described above, it is not known whether the game medals are flowing down normally or whether the above trouble or the like is occurring, and there is a problem that it is not possible to grasp the flowing state of the game medals. It was.
Accordingly, the following invention has been made under the circumstances described above, and it is intended to provide a gaming machine capable of grasping not only illegal insertion of game media by an unauthorized device but also various states during insertion and flow of game media. Objective.

The following invention has been made to achieve each of the above-described objects, and features of each invention will be described below using the embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings.
In addition, a code | symbol shows the code | symbol used in embodiment of this invention, and does not limit the technical scope of this invention.
(First invention)
The first invention is an object detection device for detecting the presence of an object based on the presence of an object that is disposed on a passage through which the game medium input from an input port 44 for inputting a game medium flows down. 35a, a blocker 45 arranged downstream of the object detection device 35a in the passage and for removing gaming media from the passage, and a passage arranged downstream of the blocker 45 in the passage to allow the passage of gaming media And a passage detection device 35b for detection, and triggered by the detection by the object detection device 35a, it is necessary for one game medium to be detected by the passage detection device 35b after being detected by the object detection device 35a. When measurement by the object detection device 35a is further performed until the measurement time reaches the monitoring time, the measurement of the monitoring time is triggered by the detection. This object is triggered by the detection by the object detection device 35a and the time measurement means 310 that starts every time, the numerical value storage means 320 that stores a predetermined numerical value as an initial value after the measurement time by the time measurement means 310 reaches the monitoring time. A predetermined number is added to the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 at the time of detection by the detection device 35a, and the numerical value storage means 320 is detected at the time of detection by the passage detection device 35b, triggered by detection by the passage detection device 35b. The arithmetic unit 330 that subtracts the predetermined number from the stored numerical value, and the numerical value stored in the numerical value storing unit 320 coincides with the initial value when the measurement time by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time. If the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is smaller than the initial value, it is determined that the input is illegal, and the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is the initial value. Yo If it is too large, the state determination means for determining that the game medium input from the input port 44 has been removed from the passage by the blocker 45 or that the game medium input from the input port 44 is staying on the passage. 340 and a gaming machine characterized by the above.

Here, examples of the gaming machine include a slot machine where a game is played using a game medal as a game medium, and a Parrot (registered trademark) gaming machine where a game similar to the slot machine is played using a game ball. In addition to the above devices, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes a control device 100 for performing control related to the game, a hopper device (hopper unit 27) for paying out game media such as game medals, and the like. Provided.
The object detection device 35a is provided on a passage through which the game medium input from the input port 44 for inputting the game medium flows, and detects the presence of the object based on the presence of the object. . Here, examples of the object detected by the object detection device 35a include game media (game medals, game balls), and so-called fraudulent devices such as so-called clerk.

Further, the blocker 45 is disposed downstream of the passage with respect to the object detection device 35a, and is for removing game media from the passage. The passage detection device 35b is provided downstream of the passage with respect to the blocker 45, and detects passage of the game medium.
That is, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, the devices are arranged in the order of the object detection device 35a, the blocker 45, and the passage detection device 35b from the upstream side to the downstream side of the passage through which the game medium flows down.
Further, the object detection device 35a and the passage detection device 35b can be configured by sensors capable of detecting game media. The sensor includes, for example, a light emitting unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit, and the light receiving unit senses whether light emitted from the light emitting unit is received or not received. Thus, a photo sensor for detecting the passage of the game medium, a contact sensor for detecting the passage of the game medium by sensing the contact of the game medium, and the like can be used, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

In addition, the object detection device 35a and the passage detection device 35b are arranged so that the game medium itself detects the game medium by blocking the light of the photo sensor or contacting the contact sensor (that is, the sensor directly It may be formed so as to detect a game medium), or a movable piece that moves with the passage of the game medium is provided, and the movable piece detects the game medium by blocking the light of the photo sensor. (Ie, so that the sensor indirectly detects the gaming medium).
Further, the object detection device 35a and the passage detection device 35b may be provided with a single sensor or a plurality of sensors. For example, the passage detection device 35b can be composed of two photo sensors provided in the direction in which the game medium flows down. With this configuration, by determining the order of detection by the two photosensors, the game medium with the thread tied is inserted from the insertion port, and the game medium is moved before and after the photosensor by manipulating the thread. Can be prevented, so that it is possible to prevent an illegal act (so-called “line fishing”) that causes a user to misunderstand as if a plurality of game media have been inserted.

Further, although the object detection device 35a is simply used to detect the presence of an object, the passage detection device 35b can be used to count the inserted game media based on the detection.
In addition, the blocker 45 does not prevent the game medium from flowing down in the downstream direction of the passage if the predetermined condition is not satisfied, but if the predetermined condition is satisfied, the game medium is dropped from the passage to flow down. It can be formed to prevent. Further, the predetermined condition is, for example, that the game is being executed (from the time when the game is started based on the operation of the start switch until the time when all the rotation reels are stopped based on the operation of the stop switch). It can be determined that the gaming medium has been credited up to the upper limit number (for example, 50) and the gaming medium has been betted up to a predetermined number (for example, 3).

The time measuring means 310 measures the monitoring time, and for example, a software timer can be used.
Here, in the present invention, “monitoring time” refers to the time required for one game medium to be detected by the passage detection device 35b after being detected by the object detection device 35a. That is, the monitoring time is the time from when the object detection device 35a detects a game medium until the passage detection device 35b detects the passage of the game medium, in other words, one game medium is the object detection device 35a. Is the time taken to flow down the passage from the point detected by the point to the point detected by the passage detection device 35b.

It should be noted that the time required from detection of one game medium by the object detection device 35a to detection by the passage detection device 35b is not always a constant value. Errors occur due to wear conditions, dust and dust adhesion conditions, and the like. Therefore, the monitoring time may be set to a value that takes this minute error into consideration.
And this time measuring means 310 starts measurement of the monitoring time triggered by the detection by the object detection device 35a, and when the detection by the object detection device 35a is further performed until the measurement time reaches the monitoring time, The measurement of the monitoring time is started again with the detection as an opportunity. In other words, the time measuring means 310 measures the monitoring time every time detection by the object detection device 35a is performed.

That is, the time measuring unit 310 basically starts measuring the monitoring time when detection by the object detection device 35a is performed, and continues the measurement until the measurement time reaches the monitoring time. The detection by the object detection device 35a is performed again while the monitoring time is measured by the time measuring means 310 (that is, from when the monitoring time measurement is started until the measurement time reaches the monitoring time). Then, the time measuring means 310 measures the monitoring time again.
For example, when three game media are continuously inserted into the insertion slot 44, when the object detection device 35a detects the first game media, the time measuring means 310 starts measuring the monitoring time. If the object detection device 35a detects the second game medium before the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the time measuring unit 310 starts measuring the monitoring time from the beginning again. . That is, the time measuring unit 310 remeasures the monitoring time triggered by the detection. Furthermore, if the object detection device 35a detects the third game medium before the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time, the time measuring means 310 again measures the monitoring time again from the beginning. .

Note that the method of measuring the monitoring time by the time measuring unit 310 is not particularly limited, and may be timed by counting down or timed by counting up.
For example, the time measuring means 310 can be set to set a monitoring time triggered by the detection by the object detection device 35a, start counting down from the set time, and perform measurement until reaching “0”. If detection by the object detection device 35a is performed during the countdown of this time, it is possible to set the monitoring time again to start the countdown again at this time.
In addition, the time measuring means 310 may be set to set “0” triggered by detection by the object detection device 35a, start counting from the set “0”, and perform measurement until the monitoring time is reached. it can. If the detection by the object detection device 35a is performed during the time counting up, it can be set so that “0” is set again at this time and counting up is started again.

The time measuring means 310 may be set so that the measurement ends when the measurement time reaches the monitoring time, or after the measurement time reaches the monitoring time, the detection by the object detection device 35a is performed next. You may set so that measurement may be continued until.
The numerical value storage means 320 is for storing numerical values, and can be a storage area such as a RAM or a register, for example.
The numerical value storage means 320 stores a predetermined numerical value as an initial value after the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time.
The timing at which a predetermined numerical value is stored as an initial value in the numerical value storage means 320 is, for example, after the measurement time by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time and the predetermined determination by the state determination means 340 described later is performed. The point in time or the time before the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the detection by the object detection device 35a is performed, and the calculation by the calculation unit 330 described later can be performed.

Further, the predetermined numerical value stored as the initial value is not particularly limited and can be set to “0”, for example. Further, the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 when the measurement time by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time may be used as a predetermined numerical value as an initial value.
The calculation means 330 is triggered by detection by the object detection device 35a, adds a predetermined number to the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 at the time of detection by the object detection device 35a, and triggered by detection by the passage detection device 35b. The predetermined number is subtracted from the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 at the time of detection by the passage detection device 35b.

That is, for each detection by the object detection device 35a, a predetermined number is added to the current value of the numerical value storage means 320 by the calculation means 330, and from the current value of the numerical value storage means 320 by the calculation means 330 for each detection by the passage detection device 35b. A predetermined number is subtracted.
For example, when “0” is stored as an initial value in the numerical value storage means 320, one game medium is input from the input port 44 and flows down the passage. In this case, when the object detection device 35a detects the game medium, the calculation means 330 adds a predetermined number n to “0”, and the calculation result value “n (= 0 + n)” is the numerical value storage means. Will be stored in 320. After that, when the passage detection device 35b detects the passage of the game medium, “n” is stored in the numerical value storage means 320 at this time, so that the predetermined number n is calculated from “n” by the calculation means 330. Subtraction is performed, and “0 (= n−n)”, which is the value of this calculation result, is stored in the numerical value storage means 320.

Note that the predetermined number is not particularly limited, and may be “1”, for example.
The state determination means 340 is for determining the state of the game medium being charged and flowing down.
Specifically, the state determination means 340 is normally turned on when the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 coincides with the initial value when the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time. That is, it is determined that the game medium has been inserted normally. In addition, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the state determining unit 340 is illegally input when the numerical value stored in the numerical value storing unit 320 is smaller than the initial value, that is, a game medium. Is determined to have been illegally entered. In addition, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the state determination unit 340 is inserted from the insertion port 44 when the numerical value stored in the numerical storage unit 320 is larger than the initial value. It is determined that the game medium is excluded from the passage by the blocker 45 or the game medium input from the insertion port 44 is staying on the passage.

That is, as described above, the time measuring means 310 starts measuring the monitoring time triggered by the detection by the object detection device 35a, but further detection by the object detection device 35a until the measurement time reaches the monitoring time. When it is performed, the measurement of the monitoring time is started again with the detection as a trigger. The monitoring time is the time required for one game medium to be detected by the passage detection device 35b after being detected by the object detection device 35a.
Then, for example, when one game medium is inserted from the insertion port 44, the time detection means 310 starts measuring the monitoring time when the object detection device 35a detects this one game medium. The monitoring time is theoretically reached when the one game medium is detected by the passage detection device 35b. That is, if the game medium is normally flowing down the passage, the measurement time reaches the monitoring time when the passage of the game medium is detected by the passage detection device 35b.

  On the other hand, as described above, for example, it is assumed that “0” is stored as the initial value in the numerical value storage means 320 and “1” is set as the predetermined number. Then, when the object detection device 35a detects this game medium, the calculation means 330 adds a predetermined number “1” to “0” and stores “1 (= 0 + 1)” in the numerical value storage means 320. After that, when the passage detection device 35b detects the passage of the game medium, “1” is stored in the numerical value storage means 320 at this time, so that the arithmetic means 330 changes the predetermined number “1” from “1”. "Is subtracted, and" 0 (= 1-1) "is stored in the numerical value storage means 320. That is, when the passage of the game medium is detected by the passage detection device 35b, the numerical value storage means 320 stores “0” that is the same value as the initial value.

To summarize the above, if the game medium is flowing down the passage normally, the passage of the game medium is detected by the passage detection device 35b, and the measurement time reaches the monitoring time. Stores “0” which is the same value as the initial value. Thereby, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the state determining unit 340 determines that the input is normal when the numerical value stored in the numerical value storing unit 320 matches the initial value. It is.
The same result is obtained when a plurality of game media are continuously inserted from the insertion port 44 with almost no space between them.

  That is, when a plurality of game media are continuously inserted, the object detection device 35a further detects the game media until the measurement time reaches the monitoring time. Each time it is performed, the monitoring time is repeatedly measured. And since the detection by the object detection device 35a is not performed after the passage of the last inserted game medium among the plurality of game media is detected, the monitoring time may be re-measured by the clock means 310. No. Therefore, the time measuring means 310 performs measurement until the monitoring time is reached. Then, when a plurality of game media are continuously inserted, the measurement time reaches the monitoring time because the last inserted game media among the plurality of game media is detected by the passage detection device 35b. It's time.

  On the other hand, the values stored in the numerical value storage means 320 are detected by the object detection device 35a and the detection by the passage detection device 35b once for each game medium. In this case, addition of a predetermined number (here, “1”) and subtraction of the predetermined number are repeated as many times as the number of inserted game media. In other words, since the calculation of adding the predetermined number “1” to the initial value “0” and then subtracting the predetermined number “1” is repeated, the passage of the last inserted game medium is detected by the passage detection device 35b. At the time, the numerical value storage means 320 stores “0” which is the same value as the initial value.

As described above, even when a plurality of game media are continuously inserted, if all of the game media are normally flowing down the passage, the passage detection device 35b detects the passage of the last game media input. At that time, the measurement time reaches the monitoring time, and “0”, which is the same value as the initial value, is stored in the numerical value storage means 320. Therefore, even when a plurality of game media are continuously inserted, the state determination means 340 determines that the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is the initial value when the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time. If it matches the value, it can be determined that the input is normal.
On the other hand, for example, it is assumed that a fraudulent act is performed in which the object detection device 35a and the passage detection device 35b are accessed by a fraudulent instrument such as a clerk and the number of game media inserted is increased. Here, it is assumed that the number of inserted game media is counted based on detection by the passage detection device 35b.

The illegal insertion of game media using a fraudulent device such as a clerk is usually performed so as to increase the count value of the input number in a short time. Specifically, a large number of detections by the passage detection device 35b are generated by promptly entering an unauthorized instrument to a position where the detection by the passage detection device 35b is performed and repeatedly accessing only the passage detection device 35b. Done. As described above, since the unauthorized tool is allowed to enter quickly, many detections by the passage detection device 35b usually occur within a time shorter than the monitoring time.
Then, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, although the object detection device 35a has detected only once, but the passage detection device 35b has detected many times, it is stored in the numerical value storage means 320. With respect to the initial value (here, “0”), the predetermined number “1” is subtracted more than the predetermined number (here, “1”). That is, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the numerical value storage unit 320 stores a value smaller than the initial value. Thereby, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the state determining unit 340 determines that the input is illegal when the numerical value stored in the numerical value storing unit 320 is smaller than the initial value. is there.

Further, for example, the game medium thrown in from the slot 44 is removed from the passage by the blocker 45, or the game medium thrown in from the slot 44 is detected from the position where the detection by the object detection device 35a is performed. It is assumed that the player stays on the path to the position where the detection by 35b is performed (that is, the game medium is clogged).
In these cases, the detection by the object detection device 35a is performed, but the detection by the passage detection device 35b is not performed. Therefore, the value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is the initial value (here, “0”). On the other hand, the addition of the predetermined number (here, “1”) is performed more than the subtraction of the predetermined number “1”. That is, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the numerical value storage unit 320 stores a value larger than the initial value. As a result, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the state determining unit 340 is inserted from the insertion port 44 when the numerical value stored in the numerical storage unit 320 is larger than the initial value. It is determined that the game medium that has been removed from the passage by the blocker 45 or the game medium that has been thrown in through the slot 44 has accumulated in the passage.

(Action / Effect)
In the gaming machine according to the present invention, the monitoring time is the time required for one game medium to be detected by the passage detection device 35b after being detected by the object detection device 35a. The time measuring means 310 starts measuring the monitoring time triggered by the detection by the object detecting device 35a, but further detection by the object detecting device 35a is performed until the measuring time by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time. If this happens, the measurement of the monitoring time is started again with the detection as a trigger.
The numerical value storage means 320 stores a predetermined numerical value as an initial value after the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time. Then, with the detection by the object detection device 35a as a trigger, the calculation means 330 adds a predetermined number to the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 at the time of detection by the object detection device 35a. In response to the detection by the passage detection device 35b, the calculation unit 330 subtracts the predetermined number from the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage unit 320 at the time of detection by the passage detection device 35b.

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, if the game medium is normally flowing down the passage, the measurement time is the monitoring time when the passage of all the inserted game media is detected by the passage detection device 35b. To reach. In addition, the detection by the object detection device 35a and the detection by the passage detection device 35b are performed once for each game medium, and a predetermined number of the game media is compared with the initial value stored in the numerical value storage means 320. Since the addition and the subtraction of the predetermined number are repeated as many times as the number of inserted game media, when the passage of all the inserted game media is detected by the passage detection device 35b, the numerical value is stored. The means 320 stores the same value as the initial value. Thereby, when the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time, when the numerical value stored in the numerical value storing means 320 matches the initial value, the state determining means 340 determines that the input is normal. The

  In addition, when an illegal insertion of a game medium is performed using a fraudulent instrument such as a clerk, a number of detections by the passage detection device 35b occur more than detection by the object detection device 35a within a time shorter than the monitoring time. Therefore, since the predetermined number of subtractions is performed more than the predetermined number of additions with respect to the initial value stored in the numerical value storage means 320, when the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time In the numerical value storage means 320, a value smaller than the initial value is stored. Thereby, when the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time, if the numerical value stored in the numerical value storing means 320 is smaller than the initial value, the state determining means 340 determines that the input is illegal. .

  Further, when the game medium input from the input port 44 is removed from the passage by the blocker 45, or when the game medium input from the input port 44 stays on the passage, the detection by the object detection device 35a is performed. However, the passage detection device 35b does not detect at least a part of all the inserted game media, and the initial value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is less than a predetermined number of subtractions. Since a predetermined number of additions are frequently performed, when the measurement time by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the numerical value storage unit 320 stores a value larger than the initial value. Thereby, when the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time, if the numerical value stored in the numerical value storing means 320 is larger than the initial value, the state determining means 340 inputs it from the input port 44. It is determined that the game medium that has been removed from the passage by the blocker 45 or the game medium that has been thrown in from the slot 44 has accumulated in the passage.

From the above, according to the gaming machine according to the present invention, not only the determination that the gaming medium has been illegally inserted, but also the determination that the gaming medium has been normally inserted, and the insertion slot 44 It is possible to determine whether the inserted game medium is removed from the passage by the blocker 45 or whether the game medium input from the insertion port 44 stays on the passage. That is, according to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to grasp not only illegal insertion of game media by an unauthorized device, but also various states during insertion and flow of game media.
(Second invention)
The second invention is arranged on a passage through which the game medium thrown from the slot 44 for throwing in the game medium flows, and a blocker 45 for removing the game medium from the passage, and the blocker of the passage 45, a passage detection device 35b for detecting the passage of a game medium, and a passage detection device 35b arranged downstream of the passage detection device 35b and detecting the presence of the object. And an object detection device 35a for detection, and triggered by the detection by the passage detection device 35b, it is necessary for one game medium to be detected by the object detection device 35a after being detected by the passage detection device 35b. When the detection by the passage detection device 35b is further performed until the measurement time reaches the monitoring time, the measurement of the monitoring time is triggered by the detection. The time counting means 310 that starts every time, the numerical value storage means 320 in which a predetermined numerical value is stored as an initial value after the measurement time by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time, and the passage detection device 35b triggered by this passage A predetermined number is added to the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 at the time of detection by the detection device 35b, and triggered by the detection by the object detection device 35a, in the numerical value storage means 320 at the time of detection by the object detection device 35a The arithmetic unit 330 that subtracts the predetermined number from the stored numerical value, and the numerical value stored in the numerical value storing unit 320 coincides with the initial value when the measurement time by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time. If the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is larger than the initial value, it is determined that the input is illegal, and the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is the initial value. Yo A game machine, characterized in that the game medium inserted from the insertion slot 44 and a determining state determining means 340 and not detected by the passage detection apparatus 35b in the case was also small.

The second invention is different from the first invention in that each device is arranged in the order of a blocker 45, a passage detection device 35b, and an object detection device 35a from the upstream to the downstream of the passage through which the game medium flows. In addition to being different, the configuration has been changed along with this difference.
In the gaming machine according to the present invention, the state determination unit 340 is configured such that when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage unit 320 is smaller than the initial value. Is determined that the game medium input from the input port 44 has not been detected by the passage detection device 35b. That is, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, when the game medium passes through the position detected by the passage detection device 35b but is not detected due to an error or the like, only the detection by the object detection device 35a is performed. It becomes. Therefore, since the detection by the object detection device 35a is performed more than the detection by the passage detection device 35b, the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 when the measurement time by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time. Becomes smaller than the initial value. Thereby, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the state determining unit 340 is input from the input port 44 when the numerical value stored in the numerical value storing unit 320 is smaller than the initial value. It is determined that the game medium has not been detected by the passage detection device 35b.

(Action / Effect)
In the gaming machine according to the present invention, with the detection by the passage detection device 35b as a trigger, the arithmetic means 330 adds a predetermined number to the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 at the time of detection by the passage detection device 35b. . In response to the detection by the object detection device 35a, the calculation means 330 subtracts the predetermined number from the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 at the time of detection by the object detection device 35a.
In the gaming machine according to the present invention, as in the first invention, the time measured by the time measuring means 310 is the monitoring time (in the present invention, the object detection is performed after one game medium is detected by the passage detection device 35b). When the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 coincides with the initial value when the time required for detection by the device 35a is reached, the state determination means 340 determines that the input is normal. .

In addition, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, when the illegal insertion of the game medium is performed using a fraudulent instrument such as a clerk, the detection by the passage detection device 35b is performed more than the detection by the object detection device 35a, When the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, if the numerical value stored in the numerical value storing unit 320 is larger than the initial value, the state determining unit 340 determines that the input is illegal.
Further, when the game medium passes through the position detected by the passage detection device 35b but is not detected due to an error or the like, only the detection by the object detection device 35a is performed, that is, the object detection device. Since the detection by 35a is performed more than the detection by the passage detection device 35b, when the measurement time by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time, the numerical value stored in the numerical storage means 320 is more than the initial value. If it is smaller, the state determination means 340 determines that the game medium input from the input port 44 has not been detected by the passage detection device 35b.

  From the above, even with the gaming machine according to the present invention, not only the determination that the game medium has been illegally inserted, but also the determination that the game medium has been normally input and the input from the input port 44. It is possible to determine that the played game medium has not been detected by the passage detection device 35b. That is, according to the gaming machine according to the present invention, as in the case of the first invention, it is possible to grasp not only the illegal insertion of the game medium by the unauthorized equipment but also various states during the insertion and flow of the game medium.

  Since this invention is comprised as mentioned above, there exists an effect as described below. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can grasp not only illegal insertion of game media by an unauthorized device, but also various states of insertion and flow of game media.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of input and output of the control device of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view of the appearance of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external front view showing the back side of the front door and the inside of the housing in a state where the front door of the slot machine is opened according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is the 1st form of this invention, Comprising: It is the schematic which shows the medal selector periphery in the back side of a front door. It is a 1st form of this invention, Comprising: It is a time chart which concerns on insertion of a game medal, and passage flow. It is the 1st form of this invention, Comprising: It is a flow which shows the outline of a main game process among operation | movement of a slot machine. It is the 1st form of this invention, Comprising: It is a flow which shows the outline of a state determination process among operations of a slot machine. It is a 2nd form of this invention, Comprising: It is a time chart which concerns on insertion of a game medal, and passage flow. It is the 2nd form of this invention, Comprising: It is a flow which shows the outline of a state determination process among operations of a slot machine.

(1) 1st form Hereinafter, the 1st form for implementing this invention is demonstrated, referring drawings.
(Slot machine 10)
The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is a slot machine 10 that is a medal gaming machine, and uses a disk-shaped gaming medal as a gaming medium.
As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 10 includes a box-shaped casing 20 that opens to the front side (the direction of the player facing the slot machine 10 when viewed from the slot machine 10), and the front of the casing 20. The front door 30 is configured to open and close the opening.

(Case 20)
As shown in FIG. 3, the casing 20 is provided with an intermediate plate 26 that partitions the internal space of the casing 20 into two upper and lower spaces near the center in the height direction. In the space below the middle plate 26 in the housing 20, a power supply device 28 for supplying power to various devices provided in the slot machine 10 and a game medal are stored and a prize is won. A hopper unit 27 and the like for paying out game medals are provided. In addition, devices other than these devices can be installed in the space below the middle plate 26 in the housing 20.
A main board unit 29a having a predetermined board and a reel unit 21 having a plurality of rotating reels 25 are installed in a space above the middle plate 26 in the housing 20. It should be noted that devices other than these devices can be installed in the space above the intermediate plate 26 in the housing 20.

The main board unit 29a is composed of a main board on which various electronic components such as an IC are mounted, and a board case for housing the main board. As shown in FIG. It is installed in a state of being fixed to a back plate constituting the back portion. The main board is for controlling the operation and game of the slot machine 10, and constitutes a control device 100 for controlling the operation of the slot machine 10 together with a sub-board described later.
The reel unit 21 is a main device used in the game of the slot machine 10, and is installed in a state of being placed on the intermediate plate 26. Although not particularly shown, the reel unit 21 is composed of three stepping motors fixed to the frame and three rotary reels 25 fixed to the rotation shaft of each stepping motor. Specifically, the rotary reel 25 includes a left reel 22 located on the left side in FIG. 2, a right reel 24 located on the right side in FIG. 2, and between the left reel 22 and the right reel 24. The middle reel 23 is positioned. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols 51 are displayed around each rotary reel 25. Further, these rotating reels 25 rotate around the rotation axis of the stepping motor so that a pattern 51 of the rotating reel 25 passes from the upper side to the lower side through a display window 34 described later.

(Front door 30)
The front door 30 is a plate-like door that is rotatably supported by a hinge (not shown) provided at the left end of the housing 20 and covers the front opening of the housing 20.
As shown in FIG. 2, the front door 30 has a lamp 52 as an effect device 50 that is turned on and off according to the game state, and an effect device 50 for performing various effects and notifications. A decorative portion 31 including a liquid crystal display device 53 as the above is provided.
In addition, an upper panel 32a is provided at the front center of the front door 30. Further, a lower panel 32b is provided at the lower front portion of the front door 30. A medal payout opening 40 for paying out game medals from a hopper unit 27 provided inside the housing 20 is provided at the lower center of the front door 30 (below the lower panel 32b). In addition, one speaker 54 is provided as an effect device 50 for outputting sound at the lower part of the front door 30 and on both sides of the medal payout opening 40. Further, below the medal payout opening 40, a medal tray 41 that can store game medals paid out from the medal payout opening 40 is provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a sub-board unit comprising a sub-board on which various electronic components such as ICs are mounted and a board case for housing the sub-board is provided at the upper center of the rear surface of the front door 30. 29b is provided. The sub board is for performing the production device 50 such as the lamp 52 and the liquid crystal display device 53 and the control related to the production, and constitutes the control device 100 that controls the operation of the slot machine 10 together with the main board. It is.
In addition, an operation unit 33 that protrudes to the front side is provided between the upper panel 32a and the lower panel 32b on the front surface of the front door 30.
At the upper right end portion of the operation unit 33, an insertion port 44 for inserting game medals is provided in order to bet game medals at the start of the game. Further, a bet switch for replacing a credit medal, which is a medal electronically stored in the slot machine 10, with a bet of a game medal, is provided at the upper left end portion of the operation unit 33. This bet switch can be replaced with a single bet switch 36a that can be replaced with one game medal bet, and a maximum of three game medals bet that can be bet to start a game. The bet switch 36b and these switches are provided side by side. A settlement switch 39 for settlement of credit medals is provided at the front left end of the operation unit 33. A lever-like start switch 37 for starting rotation of all three rotary reels 25 is provided on the right side of the settlement switch 39. Further, at the center of the front surface of the operation unit 33, three stop switches 38 corresponding to the rotary reels 25 and for stopping the rotation of the rotary reels 25 are provided. Further, a key hole 42 for unlocking the front door 30 is provided at the right front end portion of the operation unit 33.

In addition, a display window 34 is formed in the center of the upper panel 32a so that the symbols 51 of the three rotary reels 25 provided in the housing 20 can be visually recognized. Further, the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment is a line that can connect the display positions of the symbols 51 of the left reel 22, the middle reel 23, and the right reel 24 stopped in the display window 34 in a straight line. It has 5 effective lines. Then, as a result of the lottery by the lottery means 140 described later, a winning combination is won when a predetermined combination described later is won and the combination of symbols constituting the combination is stopped on any active line.
Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a medal selector 43a for excluding game medals inserted from the insertion slot 44, and a medal selector at a position corresponding to the lower part of the insertion slot 44 on the back surface of the front door 30. A medal guide 80 for configuring a passage for guiding game medals not excluded in 43a to the hopper unit 27 is attached.

As shown in FIG. 3, a medal chute 70 is provided along the back surface of the front door 30 at a position from the medal selector 43 a to the medal payout opening 40 on the back surface of the front door 30. The medal shoot 70 is for forming a medal return passage that accepts game medals eliminated by the medal selector 43a and guides them to the medal payout opening 40.
The medal selector 43a has a rectangular box-shaped outer shape, and has a medal guidance passage as a passage for guiding a game medal inserted from the insertion slot 44 to the medal guide 80 as shown in FIG. Yes.
The medal guidance path is provided with an object detection device 35a for detecting the presence of an object based on the presence of the object at a predetermined position.

Specifically, the first detection device 35a is configured by an object detection sensor 35c as a contact sensor that detects when an object comes into contact. For example, when a game medal inserted from the insertion slot 44 reaches the predetermined position, the game medal comes into contact with the object detection sensor 35c, and detection by the object detection device 35a is performed. In addition, even when a fraudulent instrument such as a clerk is inserted, the fraudulent instrument comes into contact with the object detection sensor 35c by reaching the predetermined position. Will be done.
In addition, a blocker 45 for removing the inserted game medals from the medal guiding passage is provided downstream of the object detection device 35a in the medal guiding passage.

More specifically, the blocker 45 operates when the slot machine 10 satisfies a predetermined condition so that a game medal cannot be inserted, and the game medal inserted through the slot 44 is medaled. Eliminate from the guideway. On the other hand, when the slot machine 10 does not satisfy the predetermined condition and is in a state where a game medal can be inserted, the blocker 45 does not operate and the game medal inserted through the slot 44 is excluded. It will flow down the medal guide passage without any problems.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a passage detection device 35b for detecting the passage of game medals that are not excluded by the blocker 45 is provided downstream of the blocker 45 in the medal guide passage. As shown in FIG. 4, the passage detection device 35b is two photosensors provided in parallel along the flow direction of game medals, and includes a first sensor 35d provided on the upstream side and a downstream side. The second sensor 35e. Based on the detection by the passage detection device 35b, the count value of the number of inserted game medals is incremented by one.

A medal guide 80 is provided so as to be connected to the medal selector 43a from the most downstream position of the medal guide passage in the medal selector 43a. The medal guide 80 guides the game medal that has reached the most downstream position of the medal guiding passage to the hopper unit 27, and its lower end is positioned above the hopper unit 27. As a result, the game medals inserted from the insertion slot 44 flow down the medal guiding passage and the medal guide 80 and reach the hopper unit 27.
(Control device 100)
As described above, the control device 100 is for controlling the operation of the slot machine 10, and is composed of a main board, a sub board, and the like. In addition, the control device 100 includes various electronic components such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and I / O. Note that only one CPU may be provided, or a plurality of CPUs may be provided. In addition, the CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, and the like can be integrated into a one-chip type.

Further, the control device 100 is provided with input means capable of inputting various signals and the like to the control device 100, and output means capable of outputting a control result based on input by the input means. Further, the control device 100 functions as various control means when the CPU reads a program stored in the ROM.
Specifically, the control device 100 performs control of rotation and stop of the rotary reel 25, control related to the game, control of effects related to the game, and the like by operating the start switch 37 and the stop switch 38.
(Input means of control device 100)
As input means of the control device 100, as shown in FIG. 1, the following switches and the like are connected.

(1) Object detection sensor 35c (object detection device 35a)
(2) First sensor 35d, second sensor 35e (passage detection device 35b)
(3) Bet switch (single bet switch 36a, max bet switch 36b)
(4) Start switch 37
(5) Stop switch 38
(6) Checkout switch 39
The input means of the control device 100 is not limited to the switches (1) to (6).

(Object detection sensor 35c)
The object detection sensor 35c is a sensor constituting the object detection device 35a, and is provided at a predetermined position upstream of the medal guiding path as described above (see FIG. 4).
As described above, the object detection sensor 35c is a contact type sensor, and when an object is located at the predetermined position, the object comes into contact with the object detection sensor 35c, and detection is performed with this. It becomes.
(First sensor 35d, second sensor 35e)
The first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e are photosensors constituting the passage detection device 35b, and are provided downstream of the blocker 45 in the medal guiding passage as described above (see FIG. 4).

Each of these sensors is a reflective photosensor having a light emitting unit that emits detection light and a light receiving unit that receives the detection light emitted from the light emitting unit. The detection light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected by the game medal The game medal passing through the medal guiding passage is detected by detecting the light at the light receiving unit. If the first sensor 35d detects the game medal first and immediately after that the second sensor 35e detects the game medal, the flow direction of the game medal is normal, but the second sensor 35e detects the game medal first. When the first sensor 35d detects a game medal immediately after that, the direction of the medal flow is abnormal.
When the flow detection direction is detected as a normal game medal by the passage detection device 35b, the game medal is counted as usable in the game.

The first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e can detect the passage of a game medal only when the blocker 45 of the medal selector 43a is not activated (that is, the game medal can be inserted). It is formed as follows. Therefore, when the blocker 45 of the medal selector 43a is in operation (that is, when a game medal cannot be inserted), the passage of the game medal cannot be detected.
In the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, one game medal is detected by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b after being detected by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a. The object detection device 35a and the passage detection device 35b are arranged so that the time until the detection (monitoring time) becomes “300.98 ms”.

(Bet switch)
As shown in FIG. 2, the bet switch is a switch provided at the left end of the upper surface of the operation unit 33, and is for subtracting the credit medal number and replacing it with a game medal bet. In the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, as a bet switch, a single bet switch 36a that can replace a credit medal with a bet of one game medal, and a game that has a bet number necessary to start a game with a credit medal. A maximum bet switch 36b that can be replaced with a bet of three medals is provided.
The slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment is formed such that three game medals required for starting one game can be bet by inserting game medals from the insertion slot 44. In addition, the game medals further inserted in a state where three game medals are bet can be electronically stored (credit) up to a predetermined upper limit number (50). ing. When the number of credit medals is one or more, it is possible to place a game medal by operating a bet switch instead of inserting a game medal into the insertion slot 44. That is, the start switch 37 can be put into an operable state by betting three game medals.

(Start switch 37)
As shown in FIG. 2, the start switch 37 is provided on the left side of the front surface of the operation unit 33, and has a lever shape that protrudes to the front side. The start switch 37 can start driving the reel unit 21 on the condition that three game medals are bet and on the condition that a re-game player to be described later is won.
The “re-playing combination” is one of the combinations drawn by the combination lottery means 140 described later. Then, by winning the re-playing role by the lottery means 140, the symbol 51 ("REPLAY") constituting the re-playing role is stopped on any active line, and the re-playing role is won. It becomes. When a re-game is won, a game can be played again without betting a new game medal.

(Stop switch 38)
As shown in FIG. 2, the stop switch 38 is a switch provided in the center of the front surface of the operation unit 33, and is for stopping the driving of the reel unit 21. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the stop switch 38 is composed of three switches corresponding to the left reel 22, the middle reel 23, and the right reel 24, respectively. Are provided side by side at a position corresponding to the lower side of each.
Then, by operating the stop switch 38 corresponding to each rotary reel 25, the corresponding rotary reel 25 is configured to stop rotating.

The rotating reel 25 starts rotating by operating the start switch 37, then rotates while accelerating at a predetermined acceleration until reaching a predetermined speed, and after reaching the predetermined speed, the speed It is formed to perform constant speed rotation.
The stop switch 38 is configured to be operable when the rotational speeds of all the rotary reels 25 reach the predetermined speed.
(Checkout switch 39)
As shown in FIG. 2, the settlement switch 39 is a switch provided at the front left end portion of the operation unit 33. The settlement switch 39 settles the credited game medal, that is, releases the credit and pays out the credit medal. Is for.

(Output means of control device 100)
As the output means of the control device 100, the following are connected as shown in FIG.
(1) Reel unit 21
(2) Hopper unit 27
(3) Production device 50 (lamp 52, liquid crystal display device 53, speaker 54)
(4) Medal selector 43a
Note that the output means of the control device 100 is not limited to (1) to (4).

(Reel unit 21)
The reel unit 21 is composed of three stepping motors (not shown) fixed to a predetermined frame and a total of three rotating reels 25 fixed to the rotation shafts of the stepping motors. Yes. Each rotary reel 25 includes a rotary drum (not shown) formed in a cylindrical shape, and a tape-like reel tape (not shown) attached around the rotary drum. Yes. A plurality of types of symbols such as “7”, “BAR”, “watermelon”, “bell”, “cherry”, and “REPLAY” are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape in each rotary reel 25 at almost equal intervals in the rotation direction. A total of 21 items are displayed in a predetermined arrangement. The rotating reel 25 rotates about the rotation axis of the stepping motor so that the symbols displayed on the rotating reel 25 pass through the display window 34 from the upper side to the lower side. ing.

Further, as described above, an index (not shown) used for detecting the rotation of the rotary reel 25 is provided at a predetermined position of each rotary reel 25, and a predetermined index on the rotation trajectory of the index is provided. A detection sensor (not shown) for detecting passage of the index is provided at the location. Then, based on the pulse signal output from the stepping motor, the rotation position at the time when the stop switch 38 is operated is detected, and then the rotation reel 25 is stopped at a predetermined position, so that the stop control is performed. It has become.
(Hopper unit 27)
As shown in FIG. 3, the hopper unit 27 is provided in the space below the middle plate 26 in the housing 20, and a game medal is given to the player based on a game result such as winning a predetermined role. Is to pay out.

(Director 50)
The effect device 50 is for performing various effects such as notifying a player of a prize or the like, triggered by the input of a predetermined effect control signal output from the control device 100.
As the production device 50, as shown in FIG. 2, the lamp 52, the liquid crystal display device 53, and the front door 30 provided in the decoration portion 31 are provided one on each side of the medal payout opening 40. A speaker 54 and the like are provided. Note that the rendering device 50 is not limited to these devices, and may include an image display device such as a CRT display device, a dot matrix display device, or an electroluminescence display device.

The lamp 52 is for exciting the game or notifying that a predetermined combination is won by blinking, turning on or off the light source. In addition, the liquid crystal display device 53 is for performing game effects and various notifications by displaying characters and images (still images and moving images). In addition, the speaker 54 is for performing a game effect and various notifications by outputting predetermined sound effects and BGM.
Specifically, when a predetermined game state (for example, a BB game) is entered or a predetermined combination is won, the game control means 120 described later sends a BB game start signal to the effect control means 200 described later. A winning signal is output. Then, the effect control means 200 selects predetermined effect data, triggered by the input of the signal, and outputs a control signal based on the effect data to the effect device 50. Then, the rendering device 50 outputs the content of the rendering based on the rendering data, triggered by the input of the control signal output by the rendering control means 200.

(Medal selector 43a)
As shown in FIG. 3, the medal selector 43a is provided at a position corresponding to the lower portion of the insertion slot 44 on the back surface of the front door 30, and removes game medals inserted from the insertion slot 44. is there.
Specifically, the medal selector 43a is provided with the blocker 45 as described above. Then, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the game medal cannot be inserted, and the blocker 45 is activated, and the blocker 45 is removed from the medal guiding passage. .

In the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the blocker 45 of the medal selector 43a is activated on condition that the game medals are credited up to a predetermined upper limit number (50) and three game medals are bet. It is supposed to be. The medal selector 43a is also in a period from when all the rotation reels 25 are started to rotate after the start switch 37 is operated until all the stop switches 38 are operated to stop the rotation of all the rotation reels 25. Blocker 45 is activated.
(Control means of control device 100)
As described above, the control device 100 functions as the following control means (1) to (10) roughly as shown in FIG. 1 when the CPU reads the program stored in the ROM.

(1) Game control means 120
(2) Role lottery means 140
(3) Rotation start control means 160
(4) Rotation stop control means 180
(5) Stop mode determination means 190
(6) Production control means 200
(7) Timekeeping means 310
(8) Numerical value storage means 320
(9) Calculation means 330
(10) State determination means 340
Note that the control device 100 is not limited to the control means (1) to (10) described above, and may include other means.

(Game control means 120)
The game control means 120 is for controlling various devices in the game such as rotation and stop of the rotating reel 25 and paying out game medals by the hopper unit 27, and for controlling the game according to various game states. is there.
As shown in FIG. 1, the game control means 120 is roughly divided into the following means.
(1) Normal game control means 121
(2) Special game control means 122
Further, the game control means 120 is not limited to the means (1) and (2) described above.

(Normal game control means 121)
The normal game control means 121 is for controlling a normal game that is a general game.
Specifically, when the start switch 37 is operated on the condition that a game medal is bet by inserting a game medal or operating a bet switch, the player wins one of the predetermined roles. Or a lottery. Along with this, all three rotary reels 25 start to rotate. Thereafter, when one stop switch 38 is operated, the rotation of the rotary reel 25 corresponding to the stop switch 38 is stopped. When all three stop switches 38 have been operated, the rotation of the three rotary reels 25 is stopped. At this time, when the combination of the symbols 51 constituting the winning combination is stopped on the active line formed in the display window 34, a predetermined number of games other than paying out game medals according to the winning combination or paying out game medals are given. Profit is given (for example, transition to special games) and the like.

In the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, as a role, a small role (a watermelon role, a bell role, and a cherry role) where a predetermined number of game medals are paid out by winning a prize, no game medals are paid out, but a new game medal is inserted. Re-gamers who can play the game again without playing, special game roles (BB game role, RB game role, etc.) related to special games that give the player even greater profit than the small role and re-play game role Yes.
(Special game control means 122)
The special game control means 122 is for controlling a special game (BB game, RB game) that gives a player a larger profit than a normal game.

The RB game is a game in which a game in which a predetermined combination is won with a high probability is performed a predetermined number of times under a certain condition. In addition, the BB game is a game in which a normal game is played and a transition to the RB game can be made under a certain condition during the normal game.
Specifically, when the game is shifted to the BB game, the game is started by betting of a predetermined number of game medals similarly to the normal game. Then, when all the rotations of the three rotary reels 25 are stopped, game medals are paid out depending on whether or not a predetermined display mode is stopped on the active line. When a specific display mode for shifting to the RB game stops on the active line during the BB game, the RB game is subsequently shifted. After the RB game is finished, the same lottery and control as in the normal game are performed. The transition to the RB game is not performed as described above, and the transition to the RB game is started as soon as the BB game is started, and the transition to the RB game is resumed as soon as the predetermined number of RB games are finished. It can also be set to do. That is, it is possible to set so that a game in the RB game state is always executed when the BB game is started. The game ends when the number of game medals paid out during the BB game exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 465). Further, as the BB game end condition, other conditions can be set instead of the total number of game medals to be paid out as described above.

When the RB game is entered, a game in which a game medal is paid out when a predetermined display mode stops on a predetermined active line is performed.
(Role lottery means 140)
The role lottery means 140 is for drawing a role, and more specifically, based on a predetermined lottery probability, a lottery of winning (winning) or losing (non-winning) Is to do.
Specifically, the role lottery means 140 includes a random number generating means for generating a random number within a predetermined numerical range (for example, 0 to 65535), and a random number generated by the random number generating means at a predetermined timing (for example, A random number extraction means that is extracted at the time of operating the start switch 37), a lottery table that includes a plurality of winning areas having a predetermined numerical area corresponding to a role within a range of numerical values taken by random numbers generated by the random number generating means; By the winning determination means for determining whether the random number generated by the random number generating means belongs to any winning area of the lottery table, that is, whether or not any winning combination is won, by the winning determining means When it is determined that one of the winning combinations is won, a flag establishment means for establishing a winning flag corresponding to the combination can be provided.

(Rotation start control means 160)
The rotation start control means 160 is for performing control related to the start of rotation of the rotary reel 25. Specifically, the rotation start control means 160 receives a start signal output based on the operation of the start switch 37. By being input, a rotation start signal is output to the stepping motors provided on the respective rotary reels 25, and the start of all the rotary reels 25 is started by driving the stepping motors.
Further, when the start switch 37 is operated, the rotation start control means 160 rotates all the rotation reels 25 at a predetermined acceleration, and when the rotation speeds of all the rotation reels 25 reach a predetermined speed, The constant speed rotation is performed at this predetermined speed.

(Rotation stop control means 180)
The rotation stop control means 180 is for controlling the rotation stop of the rotary reel 25 based on the lottery result of the combination lottery means 140 when the stop switch 38 is operated.
In the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the rotation stop control means 180 is predetermined in the rotation direction from the symbol 51 on the basis of the symbol 51 that can immediately stop on the active line when the stop switch 38 is operated. The corresponding rotary reels 51 are formed to stop within a range up to the symbol 51 when the number (the maximum number of smooth frames, for example, 4 frames) is moved. In other words, the rotation stop control means 180 has a predetermined number of rotations (4 frames) from the time when the stop switch 38 is operated until the corresponding rotation reel 25 stops. ) To be within the range.

Then, based on the lottery result of the winning lottery means 140, the rotation stop control means 180 determines at which position within the range of the predetermined number of frames the corresponding rotary reel 25 is to be stopped. ing.
Specifically, the rotation stop control means 180 is a case where a predetermined role is won, and when the stop switch 38 is operated, the rotation stop control means 180 is predetermined from the effective line on the side opposite to the rotation direction of the rotary reel 25. When the symbol 51 constituting the combination is located within the range of the number (4), the corresponding rotary reel 25 is stopped so that the symbol 51 stops on the active line. Then, when the winning flag is not established, that is, in the case of losing, the rotation stop control means 180 turns the rotary reel 25 so that the combination of symbols 51 constituting any combination does not stop on the effective line. Stop.

(Stop mode determination means 190)
The stop mode determination means 190 is a display mode in which a symbol 51 displayed in a state where a predetermined winning combination is won and the rotating reel 25 is stopped is determined in advance according to the winning combination as a result of the lottery by the winning lottering means 140 It is for determining whether or not, and performing control based on the determination result. In other words, when the combination of symbols constituting a predetermined combination is stopped, a control signal corresponding to the combination related to the stop is output.
The stop mode determination unit 190 outputs the control signal to various control units. Then, for example, the game control means 120 to which a predetermined control signal is input controls so that a predetermined number of game medals are paid out by the hopper unit 27. In addition, an effect control means 200 (to be described later) to which the control signal is input controls the effect device 50 so that a predetermined effect is performed. Further, the game control means 120 to which the control signal related to the re-game is input performs the re-game. Further, the special game control means 122 to which the control signal related to the special game combination is input starts the special game.

(Production control means 200)
The effect control means 200 is for causing the effect devices 50 such as the lamp 52, the liquid crystal display device 53, the speaker 54, etc. to execute effects related to the game when the signals output from the various control means are input. is there. As an effect related to a game, for example, when a winning notification effect for notifying that a predetermined role is won by the role lottery means 140 or a special game (for example, a BB game) is started, There are directing.
Specifically, the effect control means 200 is an effect table for storing various effect data, an effect data selecting means for selecting predetermined effect data from the effect table based on the input signal, Based on the effect data selected by the effect data selection means, an effect execution means for executing an effect by a predetermined effect device 50 is provided.

(Time measuring means 310)
The time measuring means 310 is for measuring a predetermined monitoring time, and is constituted by a software timer.
Here, in the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the “monitoring time” means that, as described above, after one game medal is detected by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a, the first time in the passage detection device 35b. This means the time required for detection by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e. Here, "30.98 ms" is set.
Specifically, the time measuring means 310 sets the monitoring time “300.98 ms” as the measurement start value and starts the countdown triggered by detection by the object detection sensor 35 c in the object detection device 35 a until it reaches “0”. Measurement is to be performed. Then, when detection is performed again by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a until the measurement time reaches the monitoring time (that is, from when the countdown is started until it reaches “0”), The time measuring means 310 sets the monitoring time “300.98 ms” as the measurement start value and starts counting down.

That is, the time measuring means 310 measures the monitoring time “300.98 ms” again every time detection by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a is performed.
Note that the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes one timing unit 310, and when a plurality of game medals are continuously inserted, the one timing unit 310 measures the monitoring time. However, if a plurality of game medals are inserted in succession, each time measurement means 310 may measure the monitoring time for each game medal. Good.
(Numerical storage means 320)
The numerical value storage means 320 is for storing numerical values and is constituted by a part of the storage area of the RAM.

The numerical value storage means 320 stores the result of a predetermined number of adjustments performed by the arithmetic means 330 described later. The value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is used for predetermined determination by a state determination means 340 described later.
The numerical value storage means 320 stores “0” as an initial value after the measurement time by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time and a predetermined determination is made by the state determination means 340 described later. It has become.
(Calculation means 330)
The computing means 330 is for adding or subtracting a predetermined number to the numerical value stored in the numerical value storing means 320. Here, in the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, “1” is set in advance as a predetermined number.

Specifically, the calculation means 330 is triggered by detection by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a, and adds a predetermined number “1” to the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 at the time of this detection, In response to detection by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b, a predetermined number “1” is subtracted from the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 at the time of this detection.
For example, when “0” as an initial value is stored in the numerical value storage means 320, when one game medal is inserted from the insertion slot 44, the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a is set to this When a game medal is detected, a predetermined number “1” is added to “0” by the calculation means 330, so that “1 (= 0 + 1)” is newly stored in the numerical value storage means 320. After this, when the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b detect the passage of the game medal, “1” is stored in the numerical value storage means 320 at this time, and the arithmetic means 330 Since the predetermined number “1” is subtracted from “1”, “0 (= 1−1)” is newly stored in the numerical value storage means 320.

  Further, when “0” as an initial value is stored in the numerical value storage means 320, two game medals are continuously inserted from the insertion slot 44, and two object detection sensors 35c in the object detection device 35a are provided. When the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b detect the two game medals continuously after the game medals are continuously detected, the object detection in the object detection device 35a is first performed. When the sensor 35c detects the first game medal, “1 (= 0 + 1)” is stored in the numerical value storage means 320. Next, since the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a detects the second game medal, “2 (= 1 + 1)” is stored in the numerical value storage means 320. Then, since the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b detect the first game medal, “1 (= 2-1)” is stored in the numerical value storage means 320. Will be. Finally, since the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b detect the second game medal, the numerical value storage means 320 stores “0 (= 1−1)”. Will be.

The computing means 330 performs a predetermined number of subtractions triggered by detection by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a, and a predetermined number triggered by detections by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b. You may set so that addition may be performed.
(State determination means 340)
The state determination means 340 is for determining the state when the game medal is inserted and flowed down.
Specifically, the state determination means 340 is normal if the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is the initial value “0” when the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time. It is determined that the insertion, that is, the insertion of the game medal has been performed normally.

In addition, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the state determination unit 340 determines that the numerical value stored in the numerical storage unit 320 is smaller than the initial value “0” (that is, the numerical storage unit 320). In the case where the numerical value stored in (2) is a negative value), it is determined that the illegal insertion, that is, the insertion of the game medal has been performed illegally.
In addition, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the state determination unit 340 determines that the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage unit 320 is larger than the initial value “0” (that is, the numerical value storage unit 320). In the case where the game medal inserted through the slot 44 is removed from the passage by the blocker 45 or the game medal inserted through the slot 44 is placed on the path. Judged to be staying.

As described above, the calculation means 330 performs a predetermined number of subtractions triggered by detection by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a, and detection by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b. Is set to perform a predetermined number of additions, the determination contents of the case where the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is large and the case where the numerical value is small are reversed.
Hereinafter, numerical values when the game medals are inserted normally, when the game medals are illegally inserted, and when the game medals are removed from the passage by the blocker 45 or stay on the passage A change in the stored value of the storage unit 320 will be specifically described.

(1) In case of normal insertion (when two game medals are continuously inserted normally)
A game medal inserted through the insertion port 44 flows down the passage and is normally inserted when it is detected by the object detection device 35a and the passage detection device 35b without any trouble.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the numerical value storage means 320 stores “0” as an initial value. In this state, when the first game medal is detected by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a, the time measuring means 310 sets the monitoring time “300.98 ms” to the measurement start value and starts counting down. At the same time, a predetermined number “1” is added by the calculation means 330, and “1 (= 0 + 1)” is newly stored in the numerical value storage means 320. Since the game medals are continuously inserted, the second game medal is detected by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a before the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time. (See FIG. 5A). Then, the time measuring means 310 sets the monitoring time “300.98 ms” to the measurement start value and starts counting down again, and the calculation means 330 adds the predetermined number “1”, and the numerical value storage means 320 newly adds “ 2 (= 1 + 1) "is stored.

  Thereafter, the two game medals flow down the passage, and the first game medal is detected by the first sensor 35c and the second sensor 35d in the passage detection device 35b. Then, the predetermined number “1” is subtracted by the calculation means 330, and “1 (= 2-1)” is newly stored in the numerical value storage means 320. Further, when a second game medal is detected by the first sensor 35c and the second sensor 35d in the passage detection device 35b, a predetermined number “1” is subtracted by the calculation means 330, and the numerical value storage means 320 is stored. “0 (= 1−1)” is newly stored. At this time, the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time “300.98 ms”.

As described above, when the game medal is inserted normally, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the numerical value stored in the numerical value storing unit 320 is the initial value “0”. Become. That is, since the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 matches the initial value, the state determination means 340 determines that the input is normal.
(2) In case of illegal insertion (when two game medals are illegally inserted)
A fraudulent insertion occurs when an unauthorized device such as a so-called clerk enters the insertion port 44 and the passage detection device 35b performs an unauthorized detection.
As shown in FIG. 5B, the numerical value storage means 320 stores “0” as an initial value. In this state, when an illegal instrument is detected by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a, the time measuring unit 310 sets the monitoring time “300.98 ms” as the measurement start value and starts counting down, and the calculation unit The predetermined number “1” is added by 330, and “1 (= 0 + 1)” is newly stored in the numerical value storage means 320. Then, the detection by the object detection device 35a is not performed any more, and before the measurement time by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time, the unauthorized instrument enters the position where the detection by the passage detection device 35b is performed, and the passage detection device It is assumed that two detections are illegally performed by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in 35b (see FIG. 5B). Then, since the predetermined number “1” is subtracted two times by the calculation means 330, “−1 (= 1−1−1)” is newly stored in the numerical value storage means 320. After this, the measurement time by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time “300.98 ms”.

As described above, when unauthorized insertion is performed by a so-called fraudulent instrument such as a so-called clerk, the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is the initial value when the measurement time by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time. Since the value is smaller than “0” (that is, a negative value), the state determination unit 340 determines that the input is illegal.
(3) When two game medals are inserted and one is removed by the blocker 45 Although the game medal inserted from the insertion port 44 is detected by the object detection device 35a, the blocker 45 is erroneously detected. When is activated, the game medal is removed from the passage.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, the numerical value storage means 320 stores “0” as an initial value. In this state, when the first game medal is detected by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a, the time measuring means 310 sets the monitoring time “300.98 ms” to the measurement start value and starts counting down. At the same time, a predetermined number “1” is added by the calculation means 330, and “1 (= 0 + 1)” is newly stored in the numerical value storage means 320. Subsequently, when the second game medal is detected by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a before the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time, the time measuring means 310 displays the monitoring time “ “300.98 ms” is set and the countdown is started again, and a predetermined number “1” is added by the calculation means 330, and “2 (= 1 + 1)” is newly stored in the numerical value storage means 320. .

Thereafter, the first game medal is detected by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b. Then, the predetermined number “1” is subtracted by the calculation means 330, and “1 (= 2-1)” is newly stored in the numerical value storage means 320. Here, it is assumed that the second game medal has been removed from the passage due to the malfunction of the blocker 45. Then, the measurement time by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time “300.98 ms” without detection by the passage detection device 35b.
As described above, when the game medals detected by the object detection device 35a are excluded due to the malfunction of the blocker 45, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, it is stored in the numerical value storage unit 320. Therefore, the state determination means 340 indicates that the game medal inserted from the insertion slot 44 has been removed from the passage by the blocker 45 because the numerical value at this time is larger than the initial value “0” (ie, a positive value). Judgment is made.

In addition, there is a case where the detection by the object detection device 35a is performed but the detection by the passage detection device 35b is not performed because the game medal stays on the passage (that is, the game medal is clogged). The same as described above.
(Operation of slot machine 10)
Next, an outline of the operation of the slot machine 10 having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
First, the main processing of the slot machine 10, that is, the operation in one game will be described.

In step 100 shown in FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the start switch 37 has been operated. If it is determined that the start switch 37 has been operated, the process proceeds to the next step 101. On the other hand, if it is determined that the start switch 37 is not operated, the process returns to step 100.
In step 101, when the start switch 37 is operated, the start switch 37 is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 102.
In step 102, the lottery of the combination is performed by the combination lottery means 140. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 103.

In step 103, rotation of the rotary reel 25 is started by the rotation start control means 160. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 104.
In step 104, it is determined whether or not the stop switch 38 has been operated. If it is determined that the stop switch 38 has been operated, the process proceeds to the next step 105. On the other hand, when it is determined that the stop switch 38 is not operated, the process returns to step 104.
In step 105, the stop switch 38 is turned on by operating the stop switch 38. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 106.

In step 106, the rotation stop control means 180 stops the rotation of the rotary reel 25 corresponding to the operated stop switch 38 at a predetermined position. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 107.
In step 107, it is determined whether or not the stop switch 38 corresponding to all the rotary reels 25 has been operated. If it is determined that the operation of the stop switch 38 corresponding to all the rotary reels 25 has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step 108. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation of the stop switch 38 corresponding to all the rotary reels 25 is not performed, the process returns to step 104. Then, the game ends.

In step 108, the stop mode determination means 190 determines whether or not the combination of symbols 51 constituting the winning combination corresponding to the winning flag is stopped on the active line while the winning flag is established. And when it determines with having stopped, a predetermined | prescribed process is performed. Then, the game ends.
Next, a state determination process for determining the state of a game medal inserted and the flow down will be described. This state determination process is executed independently of the operation in one game described above.
In step 200 shown in FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not detection by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a has been performed. If it is determined that the detection has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step 201. On the other hand, when it is determined that the detection is not performed, the process returns to step 200.

In step 201, the calculation means 330 adds a predetermined number “1” to the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 202.
In step 202, the time measuring means 310 sets the monitoring time “300.98 ms” as the measurement start value. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 203.
In step 203, the time counting means 310 starts a countdown. That is, measurement of the monitoring time is started. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 204.
In step 204, it is determined whether or not the value of the time measuring means 310 has become “0”. If it is determined that the value is “0”, the process proceeds to step 208. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value is not “0”, the process proceeds to the next step 205.

In step 205, it is determined whether detection by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b has been performed. If it is determined that the detection has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step 206. On the other hand, if it is determined that no detection has been performed, the process proceeds to step 207.
In step 206, the calculation means 330 subtracts a predetermined number “1” from the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 207.
In step 207, it is determined whether detection by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a has been performed. If it is determined that the detection has been performed, the process returns to step 201. On the other hand, if it is determined that no detection has been performed, the process returns to step 204.

In step 208, it is determined whether or not the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is the initial value “0”. If it is determined that the initial value is “0”, the process proceeds to the next step 209. On the other hand, if it is determined that the initial value is not “0”, the process proceeds to step 211.
In step 209, the state determination means 340 determines that the input is normal. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 210.
In step 210, the initial value “0” is stored in the numerical value storage means 230. Then, the state determination process ends.

In step 211, it is determined whether or not the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is smaller than the initial value “0”. When it is determined that the initial value is smaller than “0”, the process proceeds to the next step 212. On the other hand, if it is determined that the initial value is greater than “0”, the process proceeds to step 214.
In step 212, the state determination means 340 determines that the input is unauthorized. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 213.
In step 213, error processing is performed. Specifically, display of a predetermined warning image on the liquid crystal display device 53, high-speed blinking of the lamp 52, output of a predetermined warning sound from the speaker 54, and the like are executed. Then, the process proceeds to Step 210.

In step 214, the state determination means 340 determines that the game medal inserted from the insertion slot 44 has been removed from the passage by the blocker 45, or that the game medal inserted from the insertion slot 44 has remained in the passage. . Then, the process proceeds to Step 210.
(Summary)
In the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the monitoring time is the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b after one game medal is detected by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a. This is the time required for detection by. The time measuring means 310 starts measuring the monitoring time “300.98 ms” triggered by the detection by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a, but the time measured by the time measuring means 310 becomes the monitoring time “300.98 ms”. When the detection by the object detection sensor 35c is further performed until it reaches, the measurement of the monitoring time “300.98 ms” is started again with the detection as a trigger.

The numerical value storage means 320 stores the initial value “0” after the measurement time by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time “300.98 ms” and the state determination means 340 makes the determination. Then, triggered by detection by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a, the calculation means 330 adds a predetermined number “1” to the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 at the time of this detection. Further, triggered by detection by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b, the calculation means 330 subtracts a predetermined number “1” from the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 at the time of detection. Is done.
In the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, if the game medals normally flow down the passage, all the inserted game medals pass through the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b. At the time of detection, the measurement time reaches the monitoring time “300.98 ms”. In addition, for each game medal, detection by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a and detection by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b are each performed once, The addition of the predetermined number “1” and the subtraction of the predetermined number “1” with respect to the initial value “0” stored in the numerical value storage means 320 are repeated as many times as the number of inserted game medals. Therefore, when the passage of all inserted game medals is detected by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b, the initial value “0” is stored in the numerical value storage means 320. It becomes. Thus, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time “300.98 ms”, the state determination unit 340 is used when the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage unit 320 is the previous initial value “0”. Thus, it is determined that the input is normal.

  In addition, when an illegal insertion of a game medal is performed using a fraudulent instrument such as a clerk, the detection of the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a is shorter than the monitoring time “300.98 ms”. Many detections by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e occur in the passage detection device 35b, and the initial value “0” stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is added to the predetermined number “1”. Since the predetermined number “1” is often subtracted, the initial value “0” is stored in the numerical value storage means 320 when the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time “300.98 ms”. A smaller value (that is, a negative value) will be stored. Thereby, when the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time “300.98 ms”, the state determination means 340 determines that the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is smaller than the initial value “0”. It is determined that the input is illegal.

  Further, when the game medal inserted from the insertion port 44 is removed from the passage by the blocker 45 or when the game medal inserted from the insertion port 44 stays on the passage, the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a However, at least a part of all inserted game medals is not detected by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b, and is stored in the numerical value storage means 320. Since the predetermined number “1” is added to the initial value “0” more than the predetermined number “1”, the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 is the monitoring time “300.98 ms”. When the value reaches the numerical value storage means 320, a value larger than the initial value “0” (that is, a positive value) is stored. Thereby, when the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time “300.98 ms”, the state determination means 340 determines that the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is larger than the initial value “0”. It is determined that the game medal inserted through the slot 44 has been removed from the passage by the blocker 45 or the game medal inserted through the slot 44 has stayed on the path.

From the above, according to the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, not only the determination that the game medal has been illegally inserted, but also the determination that the game medal has been normally inserted, and the insertion slot 44. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the game medals thrown in from the slot have been removed from the passage by the blocker 45 or whether the game medals thrown in from the slot 44 have stayed on the passage. That is, according to the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to grasp not only illegal insertion of game medals by an unauthorized device but also various states during insertion and flow of game medals.
The above embodiment can also be applied to gaming machines other than the slot machine 10. For example, the present invention may be used for a Parrot (registered trademark) gaming machine in which a game ball is used as a game medium and the same game as the slot machine 10 is performed.

(Modification)
The object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a and the first sensor 35d in the passage detection device 35b are configured so that both sensors detect the game medal at a specific time simultaneously when the game medal flows down the passage. It is also possible to determine whether the charging is normal or illegal by considering the time for both sensors to detect game medals at the same time. That is, the time when one game medal is simultaneously detected by both sensors is measured, and it is determined whether or not the measured time is a specific time. It may be determined whether the input is illegal or illegal.

Similarly, the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b are configured so that both sensors detect a game medal at a specific time simultaneously when the game medal flows down the passage. It is also possible to determine whether the charging is normal or illegal by considering the time for both sensors to detect game medals at the same time.
In addition, only one of the arrangement of the object detection sensor 35c and the first sensor 35d and the arrangement of the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e may be set as described above. It may be set. If both are set as described above, the time detected by the object detection sensor 35c and the first sensor 35d is overlapped, and the time is overlapped by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e. It may be determined whether or not the detected time has a predetermined correlation, and it may be determined whether it is a normal input or an illegal input including this determination result.

(2) Second Mode In the slot machine 10 according to the first mode, the devices are arranged in the order of the object detection device 35a, the blocker 45, and the passage detection device 35b from the upstream side to the downstream side of the passage where game medals flow down. In the slot machine 10 according to the second embodiment, the respective devices are arranged in the order of the blocker 45, the passage detection device 35b, and the object detection device 35a.
With the change of the configuration, the time measuring means 310 is triggered by the detection by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b, and one game medal is detected by the first sensor 35d and the passage detection device 35b. Measurement of the time (monitoring time) required from detection by the second sensor 35e to detection by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a is started, and further passage detection is performed until the measurement time reaches the monitoring time. When the detection by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the device 35b is performed, the measurement of the monitoring time is set to start again with the detection as a trigger.

Further, the calculation means 330 adds a predetermined number to the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 at the time of this detection, triggered by detection by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b, In response to detection by the object detection sensor 35c in the detection device 35a, the predetermined number is set to be subtracted from the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 at the time of detection.
Further, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the state determining unit 340 determines that the input is illegal when the numerical value stored in the numerical value storing unit 320 is larger than the initial value. Yes.

  Then, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the state determining unit 340 is inserted from the inlet 44 when the numerical value stored in the numerical storage unit 320 is smaller than the initial value. It is determined that a game medal has not been detected by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b. That is, in the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, when a game medal passes the position detected by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b, but is not detected due to an error or the like. Only the detection by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a is performed. Therefore, since the detection by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a is performed more than the detection by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b, the measurement time by the time measuring means 310 is the monitoring time. Is reached, the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 becomes smaller than the initial value. As a result, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time, the state determining unit 340 is a game that is input from the input port 44 when the numerical value stored in the numerical value storing unit 320 is smaller than the initial value. It is determined that no medal is detected by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b.

Hereinafter, in the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, when the game medal is inserted normally, when the game medal is illegally inserted, and when the inserted game medal is the first in the passage detection device 35b. The change in the stored value of the numerical value storage means 320 when not detected by the sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e will be specifically described.
(1) In case of normal insertion (when two game medals are continuously inserted normally)
As described above, since the positional relationship between the object detection device 35a and the passage detection device 35b is different from that of the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment, the predetermined number of adjustments triggered by each detection is related to the first embodiment. Although it is the reverse of the slot machine 10, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the game medal is inserted normally, the change in the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 and the final value are This is the same as the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment.

Therefore, when the game medal is inserted normally, the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is the initial value “0” when the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time “300.98 ms”. " That is, since the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 matches the initial value, the state determination means 340 determines that the input is normal.
(2) In case of illegal insertion (when two game medals are illegally inserted)
As shown in FIG. 8B, the numerical value storage means 320 stores “0” as an initial value. Then, in the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, these devices are arranged in the order of the passage detection device 35b and the object detection device 35a from the upstream to the downstream of the passage, and the unauthorized device enters from the insertion port 44. Then, since the passage detection device 35b is reached first, detection by the passage detection device 35b is performed without detection by the object detection device 35a.

Then, although the addition of the predetermined number “1” by the calculating means 330 is performed twice in total, the subtraction of the predetermined number “1” is not performed once. "Is stored. After this, the measurement time by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time “300.98 ms”.
As described above, in the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, when an illegal insertion is performed by a so-called unauthorized device such as a clerk, when the time measured by the time measuring unit 310 reaches the monitoring time “300.98 ms” Since the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 becomes a value larger than the initial value “0” (that is, a positive value), the state determination means 340 determines that the input is illegal.

(3) When two game medals are inserted, but the previously inserted game medal (first game medal) is not detected by the passage detection device 35b, as shown in FIG. The numerical value storage means 320 stores “0” as an initial value. Although two game medals are inserted, the first game medal is not detected by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b, so the first sensor 35d in the passage detection device 35b and When the second game medal is detected by the second sensor 35e, the time measuring means 310 sets the monitoring time “300.98 ms” to the measurement start value and starts counting down, and the predetermined number “1” by the calculating means 330 is set. Is added, and “1 (= 0 + 1)” is newly stored in the numerical value storage means 320. Then, before the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time “300.98 ms”, the first and second game medals are detected by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a. Then, the predetermined number “1” is subtracted by the calculation means 330 twice in total, and “−1 (= 1−1−1)” is newly stored in the numerical value storage means 320. Thereafter, the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time “300.98 ms”.

As described above, when a game medal is not detected by the passage detection device 35b, the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 when the time measured by the time measuring means 310 reaches the monitoring time “300.98 ms”. Becomes a value smaller than the initial value “0” (that is, a negative value). Therefore, with this, the state determination means 340 determines that the game medal inserted from the insertion slot 44 has not been detected by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b.
(Operation of slot machine 10)
Next, the state determination processing of the slot machine 10 having the above configuration will be described using the flow shown in FIG. Note that the main processing of the slot machine 10, that is, the operation in one game, is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

In step 300 shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not detection by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b has been performed. If it is determined that the detection has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step 301. On the other hand, when it is determined that no detection is performed, the process returns to step 300.
In step 301, the calculation means 330 adds a predetermined number “1” to the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 302.
In step 302, the time measuring means 310 sets the monitoring time “300.98 ms” as the measurement start value. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 303.

In step 303, the time counting means 310 starts a countdown. That is, measurement of the monitoring time is started. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 304.
In step 304, it is determined whether or not the value of the time measuring means 310 has become “0”. If it is determined that the value is “0”, the process proceeds to step 308. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value is not “0”, the process proceeds to the next step 305.
In step 305, it is determined whether detection by the object detection sensor 35c in the object detection device 35a has been performed. If it is determined that the detection has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step 306. On the other hand, if it is determined that no detection has been performed, the process proceeds to step 307.

In step 306, the predetermined number “1” is subtracted from the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 by the calculation means 330. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 307.
In step 307, it is determined whether detection by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b has been performed. If it is determined that the detection has been performed, the process returns to step 301. On the other hand, if it is determined that no detection has been performed, the process returns to step 304.
In step 308, it is determined whether or not the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is the initial value “0”. If it is determined that the initial value is “0”, the process proceeds to the next step 309. On the other hand, if it is determined that the initial value is not “0”, the process proceeds to step 311.

In step 309, the state determining means 340 determines that the charging is normal. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 310.
In step 310, the initial value “0” is stored in the numerical value storage means 320. Then, the state determination process ends.
In step 311, it is determined whether or not the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means 320 is larger than the initial value “0”. If it is determined that the initial value is greater than “0”, the process proceeds to the next step 312. On the other hand, if it is determined that the initial value is smaller than “0”, the process proceeds to step 314.

In step 312, it is determined by the state determination means 340 that the input is illegal. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 313.
In step 313, error handling is performed. Specifically, display of a predetermined warning image on the liquid crystal display device 53, high-speed blinking of the lamp 52, output of a predetermined warning sound from the speaker 54, and the like are executed. Then, the process proceeds to step 310.
In step 314, the state determination means 340 determines that the game medal inserted from the insertion slot 44 has not been detected by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b. Then, the process proceeds to step 310.

(Summary)
As described above, the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment not only determines that the game medal has been illegally inserted, but also determines that the game medal has been normally inserted, and the insertion slot 44. It is possible to determine that the inserted game medal has not been detected by the first sensor 35d and the second sensor 35e in the passage detection device 35b. In other words, the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment can grasp not only illegal insertion of game medals by unauthorized devices, but also various states during insertion and flow down of game medals, as in the first embodiment.

10 slot machine
20 Housing 21 Reel unit
22 Left reel 23 Middle reel
24 Right reel 25 Rotating reel
26 Middle plate 27 Hopper unit
28 Power supply unit 29a Main board unit
29b Sub board unit
30 Front door 31 Decoration
32a Upper panel 32b Lower panel
33 Control section 34 Display window
35a Object detection device 35b Passage detection device
35c Object detection sensor 35d 1st sensor
35e 2nd sensor 36a Single bed switch
36b Max bet switch
37 Start switch 38 Stop switch
39 Settlement switch 40 Medal payout exit
41 Medal tray 42 Key hole
43a Medal selector 44 slot
45 Blocker 50 Director
52 Lamp 53 LCD
54 Speaker 70 Medal Shoot
80 Medals Guide
100 Controller 120 Game control means
121 Normal game control means 122 Special game control means
140 Role lottery means 160 Rotation start control means
180 Rotation stop control means 190 Stop mode judgment means
200 Production control means 310 Timekeeping means
320 Numerical storage means 330 Calculation means
340 Status judgment means

Claims (2)

It is arranged on the passage through which the game medium thrown from the slot for throwing in the game medium flows down,
An object detection device for detecting the presence of the object based on the presence of the object;
A blocker arranged downstream of the object detection device in the passage, for removing the game medium from the passage;
The passage is arranged downstream of the blocker and is provided with a passage detection device for detecting the passage of the game medium,
Triggered by the detection by the object detection device, measurement of the time required to detect one game medium from the detection by the object detection device until it is detected by the passage detection device (hereinafter referred to as monitoring time) is started. When the detection by the object detection device is further performed until the monitoring time reaches, the time measuring means for restarting the measurement of the monitoring time triggered by the detection,
Numerical value storage means for storing a predetermined numerical value as an initial value after the measurement time by the time measuring means reaches the monitoring time;
Triggered by the detection by the object detection device, a predetermined number is added to the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means at the time of detection by the object detection device, and the detection by the passage detection device is triggered by the detection by the passage detection device. Arithmetic means for subtracting the predetermined number from the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means at the time;
When the time measured by the time measuring means reaches the monitoring time, if the numerical value stored in the numerical storage means matches the initial value, it is determined that the input is normal, and the numerical value stored in the numerical storage means is When the value is smaller than the initial value, it is determined that the game is illegally inserted. A game machine comprising: state determination means for determining that the game medium that has been removed or inserted through the slot is staying on the passage. A blocker disposed on a passage through which the game medium thrown from the slot for throwing in the game medium flows down, and for removing the game medium from the passage;
A passage detection device disposed downstream of the blocker for detecting passage of a game medium;
An object detection device that is disposed downstream of the passage detection device and detects the presence of the object based on the presence of the object;
Triggered by the detection by the passage detection device, the measurement of the time (hereinafter referred to as monitoring time) required until one game medium is detected by the passage detection device until it is detected by the object detection device is started. When the detection by the passage detection device is further performed until the monitoring time reaches, the time measuring means for restarting the measurement of the monitoring time triggered by the detection,
Numerical value storage means for storing a predetermined numerical value as an initial value after the measurement time by the time measuring means reaches the monitoring time;
Triggered by detection by the passage detection device, a predetermined number is added to the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means at the time of detection by the passage detection device, and detection by the object detection device is triggered by detection by the object detection device. Arithmetic means for subtracting the predetermined number from the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means at the time;
When the time measured by the time measuring means reaches the monitoring time, if the numerical value stored in the numerical storage means matches the initial value, it is determined that the input is normal, and the numerical value stored in the numerical storage means is When it is larger than the initial value, it is determined that the game is illegally inserted, and when the numerical value stored in the numerical value storage means is smaller than the initial value, the game medium inserted from the insertion port is detected by the passage detection device. A game machine comprising: state determination means for determining that the game has not been performed.

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