JP2014018601A - Game medal and medal discrimination device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game medal and a medal discrimination device that enable reliable discrimination between a prescribed game medal and game medals other than that.SOLUTION: On a surface of a game medal M that is thrown into a game machine to play a game, identification information that is expressed by unevenness for identification as to whether it is a prescribed game medal M or not is attached. A luminescent material for exciting and emitting light by receiving light of a prescribed wavelength is injected into recessed parts 2 constituting the identification information. A medal discrimination device for discriminating the prescribed game medal M from game medals M other than that comprises: exciting light emission means 61 for emitting exciting light to the surface of the game medal M; photographing means 60 for photographing a surface image of the game medal M exposed to the exciting light; determination means for determining whether or not regular identification information is attached, on the basis of the image; and discrimination and rejection means for rejecting the game medal M that is determined to have no regular identification information.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medal and a medal sorting device, and more specifically, it is possible to determine whether a game medal is inserted into a gaming machine such as a slot machine to play a game and whether it is a predetermined (regular) game medal. The present invention relates to a medal sorting device.

Conventionally, in gaming machines that use gaming medals as gaming media, for example, slot machines, arrange ball gaming machines, sparrow ball gaming machines, etc., the gaming medals inserted from the medal slot are selected. A medal sorting device is provided for exclusion. Specifically, the medal sorting device removes the game medal from the gaming machine when the diameter and thickness of the game medal inserted from the medal slot are smaller than the prescribed dimensions. Equipment.
However, since the medal sorting device as described above performs sorting only based on the outer dimensions such as the diameter and thickness of game medals, if the medal-shaped object whose diameter and thickness match the prescribed dimensions, Even if it is a plastic piece or the like, it may be mistaken for a regular game medal and may not be excluded by the above-described medal sorting device. On the other hand, even if the game medals are legitimate, those whose outer dimensions have changed due to wear of the end face due to long-term use, etc. are mistakenly recognized as not legitimate game medals, and the above-mentioned medal sorting device. There was also a risk of being eliminated.

In addition, the above-mentioned game medals are rented out at a game hall such as a hall and can be exchanged for prizes after the game is over, but the exchange rate may be different for each game hall. Therefore, game medals lent out at a game hall with a low exchange rate are brought into a game hall with a high exchange rate, and after a game is played with the game medals, they are exchanged for prizes at a high exchange rate. There was also a risk that the venue would suffer damage.
Further, in recent years, even in the same game hall, there are an increasing number of cases where a plurality of corners with different game medal rental fees are provided for business. And in amusement halls where such business is conducted, game medals lent out in the corner with a low rental fee are brought into the corner with a high rental fee, and the game is played. There was also a risk of suffering damage.

Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a game medal with identification information such as a two-dimensional code (for example, QR code (registered trademark)) on the surface is used as a game medium, and is attached to this game medal. A medal sorting device that optically reads the identification code with a reading unit such as a CCD camera, and determines whether or not it is a predetermined game medal (regular game medal) based on the read identification information. It has been devised.
Such game medals and medal sorting devices are disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1 below.

JP 2003-144739

However, the medal sorting device as described above is a small device installed on the back of the front door of the gaming machine, and a reading means such as the CCD camera is attached to the device, so that a lens such as a CCD camera is used. As a large size can not be adopted. In addition, since the medal passage through which the game medals move is generally a closed space, the game medals moving through the medal passage are hardly exposed to outside light.
For this reason, the medal sorting device as described above may not be able to read the identification information attached to the surface of the game medal to such an extent that it can be deciphered.
Note that game medals inserted from the medal slot into the gaming machine move through the medal passage at high speed. For this reason, in order to read the identification information attached to the surface of the game medal, it is necessary to increase the shutter speed of the reading means such as a CCD camera. Met.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made under the circumstances described above, and makes it easier to read the identification information attached to the surface, and more reliably distinguish a predetermined game medal from other game medals. The purpose is to provide possible game medals. Further, the present invention makes it easier to read the identification information attached to the surface of the game medal, and more reliably distinguishes a predetermined game medal from other game medals, and thus a game other than the predetermined game medal. An object is to provide a medal sorting device that can effectively prevent a game from being played with medals.

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 a game medal M to be inserted into a gaming machine to play a game, and the surface of the game medal M is represented by irregularities so as to identify whether it is a predetermined game medal M or not. The light-emitting substance that emits light when excited by receiving light of a predetermined wavelength is injected into the recess 2 constituting the identification information.

Here, the game medal M according to the present invention is a game machine (for example, a slot machine, an arrange ball game machine, a sparrow ball game machine, etc.) in which a game is played using a medal as a game medium, or a game machine using a medal ( For example, it can be used for a medal game machine in a game center).
Further, as the game medal M, a medal that conforms to a predetermined standard, that is, a medal having a predetermined diameter (for example, a diameter of 25 mm, 30 mm, etc.) and a thickness of a predetermined dimension is used. Can do.
The identification information is used to identify whether or not the game medal M is a predetermined game medal M expressed by unevenness, and is provided on the surface of the game medal M. Specifically, an identification information component 1 that is an area for attaching identification information is provided at the center of the surface of the game medal M, and specific irregularities are formed (engraved) on the identification information component 1. Identification information can be formed.

In addition, as the identification information, for example, a predetermined pattern formed by numbers, characters, figures, etc., or a combination thereof can be used. More specifically, the identification information can be a game hall name, telephone number, character, etc., a one-dimensional code such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), and the like. You can also The identification information is not particularly limited as long as it can be distinguished from other medals. However, it is desirable that the identification information be complex enough that it cannot be easily imitated.
In addition, the method of applying irregularities to the game medal M is not particularly limited. For example, when the identification information is a bar code that is a one-dimensional code, the bar (line) part constituting the bar code is recessed more than the part other than the bar in the area where the identification information of the game medal M is to be attached. By forming the concave portion 2, a barcode can be formed. Further, the bar code can be formed by making the portion other than the bar into the concave portion 2 that is recessed from the bar portion (that is, by making the bar portion protrude from the portion other than the bar).

Also, for example, when the identification information is a two-dimensional code, the portion of the dot (cell) constituting the two-dimensional code is recessed from the portion other than the dot in the region where the identification information of the game medal M is to be attached. By forming the recess 2, a two-dimensional code can be formed. In addition, a two-dimensional code can also be formed by setting a portion other than the dot as a concave portion 2 that is recessed from the dot portion (that is, by causing the dot portion to protrude beyond the portion other than the dot). .
Examples of the luminescent material include fluorescent paints, fluorescent pigments, and animal light paints that emit light when excited by receiving visible light of a predetermined wavelength or invisible light (ultraviolet light or the like) of a predetermined wavelength.

(Action / Effect)
In the game medal M according to the present invention, the light emitting material injected into the concave portion 2 constituting the identification information emits light by receiving light of a predetermined wavelength. That is, when light of a predetermined wavelength is irradiated, the portion constituting the identification information on the surface of the game medal M emits light, so that the identification information attached to this surface can be made to stand out. This makes it easier to read the identification information, and as a result, the predetermined game medal M and the other game medals M can be more reliably distinguished.
(Second invention)
The second invention is characterized in that, in addition to the features of the first invention described above, a fluorescent material that is excited and emits light by receiving light having a wavelength other than visible light is used as the luminescent material. To do.

Examples of the fluorescent material include fluorescent paints that emit light when excited by receiving invisible light such as ultraviolet rays.
(Action / Effect)
In the game medal M according to the present invention, by receiving light including a wavelength other than visible light, the fluorescent material injected into the recess 2 constituting the identification information emits light. That is, when light including a wavelength other than visible light is irradiated, only the concave portion 2 into which the fluorescent material has been injected emits light, and the irradiated light is not reflected on portions other than the concave portion 2. As a result, it is possible to prevent shadows on the game medal M from being reflected by light reflected from portions other than the concave portion 2 or to prevent the light emission of the concave portion 2 from being disturbed. It becomes easy to read, and as a result, the predetermined game medal M and the other game medals M can be more reliably distinguished.

(Third invention)
In the third aspect of the invention, identification information for identifying whether or not the surface is a predetermined game medal expressed by unevenness is attached to the surface, and light having a predetermined wavelength (excitation) is formed in the concave portion 2 constituting the identification information. Is installed in a gaming machine (slot machine 10) into which a gaming medal M into which a light emitting substance that is excited and emits light by being received is injected, and the gaming medal M inserted into the gaming machine is A medal sorting device 30 for determining whether or not a predetermined game medal M and a game medal M other than the predetermined game medal M are selected. A medal path 22 for guiding to the camera, an excitation light irradiation means 61 for irradiating the surface of the game medal M at a specific position (imaging position) of the medal path 22, and an excitation light irradiation means at the shooting position. 61 is irradiated with excitation light Based on the photographing means 60 for photographing an image of the surface of the game medal M and the surface image of the game medal M photographed by the photographing means 60, the fact that the predetermined game medal M is on the surface of the game medal M Determining means for determining whether or not identification information (regular identification information) is attached, and a game medal M provided on the downstream side of the shooting position and determined to have no regular identification information attached by the determining means And a screening and excluding means 31 for excluding the token from the medal passage.

The game medal M is the same as in the first invention.
The excitation light irradiation means 61 irradiates the surface of the game medal M with excitation light, in other words, light of a predetermined wavelength that causes the luminescent material injected into the recess 2 of the game medal M to emit light. For example, when the fluorescent paint 3 that emits visible light with a predetermined wavelength is injected into the concave portion 2 of the game medal M, the excitation light irradiation means 61 emits visible light with the predetermined wavelength as excitation light. Can be formed. Further, for example, when the fluorescent paint 3 that emits light by ultraviolet rays is injected into the recess 2 of the game medal M, the excitation light irradiation means 61 can be formed so as to emit ultraviolet rays as excitation light.

The photographing means 60 is not particularly limited as long as the surface of the game medal M can be photographed at the photographing position, and for example, a CCD camera or a CMOS camera can be used.
(Action / Effect)
In the medal sorting device 30 according to the present invention, the luminescent material injected into the concave portion 2 constituting the identification information emits light on the surface of the game medal M flowing down the medal passage 22 by the excitation light irradiation means 61. The image of the surface of the game medal M irradiated with the excitation light is photographed by the photographing means 60. Based on the photographed image, it is determined whether or not identification information (regular identification information) indicating that the game medal M is a predetermined game medal is attached to the surface of the game medal M. When it is determined that the game medal M is not attached, the game exclusion medal M is excluded from the medal path 22 by the sorting and excluding means 31.

That is, according to the medal sorting device 30 according to the present invention, when excitation light is irradiated by the excitation light irradiation means 61, the portion constituting the identification information on the surface of the game medal M emits light, so that the surface is attached to this surface. The identified identification information will stand out. As a result, the photographing means 60 can shoot the identification information attached to the surface of the game medal M more clearly, making it easier to read the identification information, and the predetermined game medal M and other game medals. Thus, it is possible to more reliably discriminate M, and as a result, it is possible to effectively prevent a game from being played with a game medal M other than the predetermined game medal M.
(Fourth invention)
In the fourth invention, in addition to the features of the third invention described above, the game medal M uses a fluorescent material that emits light when excited by receiving light including a wavelength other than visible light as the light emitting material. In addition, the excitation light irradiating means 61 irradiates light including a wavelength other than visible light emitted from the fluorescent material used for the game medal M as the excitation light.

Examples of the fluorescent material include fluorescent paints that emit light when excited by receiving invisible light such as ultraviolet rays. Further, when such a fluorescent paint is used as the fluorescent material, the excitation light irradiation means 61 is formed so as to irradiate invisible light such as ultraviolet rays as excitation light.
(Action / Effect)
In the medal sorting device 30 according to the present invention, the fluorescent material injected into the concave portion 2 emits light to the surface of the game medal M flowing down the medal passage by the excitation light irradiation means 61 except for visible light. The light including the wavelength of is irradiated.

That is, when light including a wavelength other than visible light is irradiated by the excitation light irradiation means 61, only the concave portion 2 into which the fluorescent material is injected emits light, and the portion other than the concave portion 2 reflects the irradiated light. I will not let you. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a shadow on the game medal M from being reflected by light reflected from portions other than the concave portion 2 and to prevent the light emission of the concave portion 2 from being disturbed.
Therefore, according to the medal sorting device 30 according to the present invention, since the photographing means 60 can photograph the identification information attached to the surface of the game medal M more clearly, the identification information becomes easier to read, The predetermined game medal M and the other game medals M can be more reliably distinguished. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent a game from being played with a game medal M other than the predetermined game medal M. .

(Fifth invention)
In addition to the features of the third or fourth invention described above, the fifth invention can be displaced between the first position in the medal passage 22 and the second position that is a position retracted from the first position. A medal flow prevention member (first claw portion 71), and when the medal flow prevention member is in the first position, it can prevent the game medal from flowing down in the shooting position, and when it is in the second position. It is characterized in that it is formed so as not to hinder the flow of game medals at the shooting position.
(Action / Effect)
According to the medal sorting device 30 according to the present invention, when the medal flow prevention member is located at the first position, the game medal M is prevented from flowing down at the shooting position. That is, the game medal M is temporarily stopped at the shooting position, and the shooting means 60 can take the game medal M that has been stopped.

  Therefore, according to the medal sorting device 30 according to the present invention, the identification information given to the surface of the game medal M can be reliably photographed without increasing the shutter speed of the photographing means 60. The information becomes easier to read, and the predetermined game medal M and the other game medals M can be more reliably distinguished. As a result, it is effective that a game is played with a game medal M other than the predetermined game medal M. It can be prevented.

Since this invention is comprised as mentioned above, there exists an effect as described below.
That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game medal that makes it easier to read the identification information attached to the surface and can more reliably distinguish a predetermined game medal from other game medals. Can do. In addition, according to the present invention, the identification information attached to the surface of the game medal can be more easily read, and the predetermined game medal and the other game medals can be more reliably distinguished. It is possible to provide a medal sorting device that can effectively prevent a game from being played with the other game medals.

It is embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is the top view and side view of a proper medal. It is embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is sectional drawing of the surface of a proper medal. FIG. 3 is a front view of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of a medal sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the irradiation of the game medal by the excitation light irradiation unit and the shooting of the game medal by the imaging unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a selection exclusion means. It is embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a selection exclusion means.

A mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The game medal M according to the present embodiment is used to play a game by being inserted into a slot machine 10 as a medal game machine installed in a game hall such as a hall. As will be described later, identification information (regular identification information) for identifying whether or not the game medal M is a predetermined game medal M is attached to the game medal M.
The medal sorting device 30 according to the present embodiment is provided inside the slot machine 10 as will be described later, and by determining whether or not the regular identification information is attached to the game medal M, a predetermined game The medals M (hereinafter referred to as appropriate medals TM) and other game medals M (hereinafter referred to as inappropriate medals FM) are selected, and only the inappropriate medals FM are excluded.

In the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment, the medal sorting device 30 eliminates the inappropriate medal FM so that only the appropriate medal TM is used in the game.
Hereinafter, the appropriate medal TM (predetermined game medal M) used in the slot machine 10 of this embodiment and the medal sorting device 30 according to this embodiment will be described in detail.
(Proper medal TM (predetermined game medal M))
As shown in FIG. 1, the appropriate medal TM (predetermined game medal M) used in the slot machine 10 in this embodiment is a disk-shaped medal conforming to a predetermined standard, that is, a predetermined medal. The medal has a diameter of a predetermined dimension d (25 mm in this embodiment) and a thickness of a predetermined dimension t (1.6 mm in this embodiment).

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an identification information component 1 having a stepped portion having a square cross section is provided at the center of both sides of the appropriate medal TM. As shown in FIG. 1, the identification information component 1 includes a predetermined two-dimensional code (in this embodiment) as identification information for identifying whether or not the medal TM is expressed by unevenness. , QR code (registered trademark)). In other words, the predetermined two-dimensional code is identification information (regular identification information) indicating that it is a proper medal TM. A game medal M with a predetermined two-dimensional code attached to the surface is a proper medal TM, and a game medal M without a two-dimensional code attached (that is, a different two-dimensional code is attached). A game medal M or a game medal M) to which no two-dimensional code is attached is an unsuitable medal FM.

In the two-dimensional code in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, in the identification information constituting unit 1, the dot (cell) part constituting the two-dimensional code is a recessed part 2 that is recessed from the part other than the dot. It is formed by that. Such a two-dimensional code can be formed by press working.
Then, as shown in FIG. 2, a fluorescent paint 3 that emits light by receiving ultraviolet light, which is invisible light, is injected into the concave portion 2 constituting the two-dimensional code. That is, when the surface of the appropriate medal TM is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the fluorescent paint 3 emits light, whereby the two-dimensional code is recognized.

In addition, the diameter of the appropriate medal TM may be 30 mm which is another predetermined dimension.
Further, the regular identification information attached to the appropriate medal TM is not limited to a two-dimensional code. For example, a combination of characters representing a game hall name, a combination of numbers representing a telephone number, an image character, a one-dimensional It is good also as a predetermined pattern formed by numbers, characters, figures, etc., such as a code (barcode), or a combination thereof.
In addition, the two-dimensional code may be formed by forming a portion other than the dot as a concave portion 2 that is recessed from the dot portion (that is, by causing the dot portion to protrude from the portion other than the dot). . When formed in this way, the fluorescent paint 3 is injected into portions other than the dots, so that when the surface of the appropriate medal TM is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the fluorescent paint 3 in the portions other than the dots emits light. Therefore, a two-dimensional code is recognized by light emission of portions other than dots.

In addition, instead of the fluorescent paint 3, a fluorescent pigment, a daylight paint or the like may be injected into the recess 2. Further, fluorescent paint 3 that emits light by receiving visible light instead of invisible light may be injected.
(Slot machine 10)
As shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine 10 on which the medal sorting device 30 according to the present embodiment is mounted includes a box-shaped housing 11 having an opening on the front surface. A front door 12 that closes the opening is provided on the front surface of the housing 11. An upper panel 13 is provided at the upper front of the front door 12, a middle panel 14 is provided at the front center of the front door 12, and a lower panel 15 is provided at the lower front of the front door 12. Is provided. The upper panel 13 displays a symbol arrangement (winning symbol arrangement) for winning, and the number (payout) of game medals M to be paid out when winning each winning combination (the appropriate medal TM is used). In addition, on the lower panel 15, a logo of the model name of the slot machine 10, an image character, and the like are displayed. In addition, an operation unit 16 that protrudes forward is provided between the middle panel 14 and the lower panel 15 on the front surface of the front door 12. Although not particularly illustrated, the housing 11 is provided with a reel unit in which three rotating reels are provided side by side. Although not particularly shown, a total of 21 symbols of a plurality of types are attached in a predetermined arrangement around each rotating reel. In addition, a symbol display window 17 for displaying three of the twenty-one symbols attached to the periphery of each rotary reel is provided at the approximate center of the middle panel 14.

Further, a medal slot 21 for inserting a game medal M is provided on the upper right side of the operation unit 16, and a credited game medal M is inserted on the upper left side of the operation unit 16. A bet switch 18 is provided, and a start switch 19 for starting the rotation of the rotary reel is provided on the left side of the front surface of the operation unit 16, and the rotation reel is rotated at the center of the front surface of the operation unit 16. Three stop switches 20 for stopping are provided side by side.
A medal payout port 25 for paying out game medals M is provided at the lower center of the front door 12, and a game medal M paid out from the medal payout port 25 is provided below the medal payout port 25. A medal tray 26 is provided for receiving and storing.

In addition, inside the housing 11, although not particularly shown, a control device for controlling the slot machine 10 and a game medal M that stores game medals M and stores them based on predetermined conditions. A hopper unit for sending out is provided. Although not specifically shown, the control device is composed of a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, I / O and the like, and the CPU executes a predetermined program stored in the ROM, It functions as various control means.
In addition, a medal sorting device 30 for processing the game medal M inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 is provided at a position corresponding to the medal insertion slot 21 on the back surface of the front door 12.

(Medal slot 21)
The medal slot 21 is for inserting a game medal M, and is provided on the upper right side of the operation unit 16 as shown in FIG.
The medal slot 21 according to this embodiment penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface, and is formed with a horizontally-long rectangular opening (not shown) when viewed from above. The horizontal width of the opening is slightly larger than the diameter of a predetermined dimension d (25 mm in this embodiment) of the game medal M, and the vertical width is a predetermined predetermined dimension of the game medal M. The dimension is slightly larger than the thickness t (1.6 mm in this embodiment).

Thereby, a game medal M having a diameter of the predetermined dimension d or less and a thickness of the predetermined dimension t or less can be inserted from the opening, but the diameter is larger than the predetermined dimension d or the thickness is larger than the predetermined dimension t. The game medal M cannot be inserted from the opening.
That is, the medal slot 21 has a diameter larger than the predetermined dimension d or a predetermined thickness although it allows the insertion of the game medal M having a diameter of the predetermined dimension d or less and a thickness of the predetermined dimension t or less. The game medal M larger than the dimension t is prevented from being inserted.
(Medal sorting device 30)
As described above, the medal sorting device 30 according to the present embodiment is for processing the game medal M inserted into the medal slot 21, and in detail, whether the inserted game medal M is the appropriate medal TM. This is to determine whether or not the appropriate medal TM and the inappropriate medal FM are selected (see FIG. 4).

Specifically, the medal sorting device 30 is provided at a position corresponding to the medal slot 21 on the back surface of the front door 12.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the medal sorting device 30 receives a game medal M inserted into the medal slot 21, and receives a medal path 22 for guiding the game medal M in a certain direction, and the game medal M. Is an entry detection sensor 48 for detecting that the medal passage 22 is at a specific position (photographing position), a medal holding cam 70 for temporarily stopping the flow of the game medal M at the shooting position, and a medal holding cam 70 An electromagnetic solenoid 73 for driving the light, excitation light irradiation means 61 capable of irradiating the surface of the game medal M at the photographing position with ultraviolet light, which is light (excitation light) of a predetermined wavelength emitted from the fluorescent paint 3, and photographing The photographing means 60 for photographing an image of the surface of the game medal M at the position, the sorting exclusion means 31 provided on the downstream side of the photographing position in the medal passage 22, and the sorting exclusion means 31 in the medal passage 22. A reception detection sensor 49 provided on the remote downstream, and a.

As described above, the slot machine 10 is provided with a control device, but separately from this control device, a medal sorting device control device for controlling various devices provided in the medal sorting device 30 is provided. You can also Although not specifically shown, the medal sorting device control device is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an I / O, and the like, and the CPU executes a predetermined program stored in the ROM. Therefore, it functions as a determination unit and a control unit for various devices described later.
(Medal passage 22)
The medal passage 22 is for guiding the game medal M in a certain direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the medal passage 22 is formed in a shape bent like “L” in the middle. The medal passage 22 is substantially vertically downward from the start end, and from the lower end of the vertical passage 22a. The inclined passage 22b is inclined gently downward.
Although not shown in the drawing, the starting end of the medal passage 22 is located immediately below the medal insertion slot 21 so that all game medals M inserted from the medal insertion slot 21 are received in the medal passage 22. It has become. The end of the medal passage 22 is located above the hopper unit, although not particularly shown.
Thereby, the medal passage 22 guides the received game medal M in a fixed direction from the start end to the end.

As will be described later, a sorting / exclusion means 31 is provided in the middle portion of the inclined passage 22b to remove the unsuitable medals FM from the medal passage 22 among the game medals M flowing down the medal passage 22. Thereby, the unsuitable medal FM is excluded from the medal path 22 without reaching the end of the medal path 22, and only the proper medal TM reaches the end of the medal path 22 and is discharged to the hopper unit.
(Entry detection sensor 48)
The entry detection sensor 48 is for detecting that the game medal M is at a specific position (photographing position) in the medal passage 22.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a photographing means 60 for photographing an image of the surface of a game medal M, which will be described later, is provided at the lower end position of the vertical passage 22 a in the medal passage 22. That is, the lower end position of the vertical passage 22a corresponds to a position where the surface of the game medal M is photographed by the photographing means 60, in other words, a specific position (photographing position) of the medal passage 22.
The entry detection sensor 48 is provided at the lower end of the vertical passage 22a in the medal passage 22, as shown in FIG.
In addition, a photo sensor is used as the approach detection sensor 48 in this embodiment. Specifically, the approach detection sensor 48 includes a light emitting unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit, and the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged to face each other with a gap therebetween. Has been. The game medal M flowing down the vertical passage 22a passes between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. Thereby, when the game medal M is at the shooting position, the optical path from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit is blocked, and the game medal M is detected.

When detection by the entry detection sensor 48 is performed, a predetermined entry detection signal is sent to the control device of the slot machine 10. Then, when the above-described control device receives this approach detection signal, the above-described control device controls an electromagnetic solenoid 73, excitation light irradiation means 61, imaging means 60, and the like, which will be described later.
When the medal sorting device control device is provided, the entry effect signal may be sent to the control device by sending the above-described entry detection signal, and the control device may control various means.
The entry detection sensor 48 is not particularly limited to a photo sensor as long as it can detect that the game medal M is in the shooting position, and other known sensors such as a contact sensor may be used.

(Medal holding cam 70, electromagnetic solenoid 73)
The medal holding cam 70 is for temporarily stopping the flow of the game medal M at the shooting position. The electromagnetic solenoid 73 is for driving the medal holding cam 70.
As shown in FIG. 4, the medal holding cam 70 is provided facing the vertical passage 22a of the medal passage 22, and is based on the electromagnetic solenoid 73 being turned ON (operating state) or OFF (non-operating state). Further, by performing a pivoting operation (swinging motion) in the vertical direction, the game medal M is prevented from flowing down at the shooting position, and is sent out one by one downstream of the shooting position.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the medal holding cam 70 includes a rotation shaft portion 70c, a horizontally long shaft-shaped shaft plate portion 70a protruding from the rotation shaft portion 70 in a direction opposite to the medal passage 22, The medals holding portion 70b for holding the game medal M is projected from the rotating shaft portion 70 toward the vertical passage 22a of the medal passage 22. As shown in FIG. 4, a plunger 73 a that reciprocates in the vertical direction when the electromagnetic solenoid 73 is turned on or off is attached to the electromagnetic solenoid 73.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the shaft plate portion 70a is a horizontally long plate-like member that protrudes in the opposite direction from the medal passage 22 from the rotation shaft portion 70c. It is attached so that rocking is possible. Further, an urging spring 74 having one end fixed at a predetermined position is attached to an end portion of the shaft plate portion 70a opposite to the rotating shaft portion 70c.

As shown in FIG. 4, the medal holding portion 70 b is a “<”-shaped member, and is a first plate-like first tab portion extending from the rotating shaft portion 70 c toward the vertical passage 22 a of the medal passage 22. 71 and a second claw portion 72 that extends from the rotary shaft portion 70c toward the vertical passage 22a of the medal passage 22 and is located on the upstream side of the first claw portion 71. Further, the first claw portion 71 and the second claw portion 72 are positioned at an interval at which one game medal M can be sandwiched.
In the present embodiment, the first claw portion 71 functions as a medal flow prevention member that can prevent the flow of the game medal M at the shooting position, and the second claw portion 72 is a game upstream of the shooting position. It functions as a member that can prevent the medal M from flowing down.

When the electromagnetic solenoid 73 is OFF, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 4, the plunger 73a attached to the shaft plate portion 70a by the pin 70b is pulled downward by the biasing force of the biasing spring 74. Accordingly, the pin 70b pulls down the shaft 70a, so that the entire medal holding cam 70 rotates counterclockwise around the rotating shaft 70c, and the second claw 72 is retracted from the vertical passage 22a of the medal passage 22. The first claw portion 71 projects into the vertical passage 22 a of the medal passage 22.
On the other hand, when the electromagnetic solenoid 73 is ON, the plunger 73a is pulled upward against the urging force of the urging spring 74 as shown by a broken line in FIG. By pulling up the shaft plate portion 70a, the entire medal holding cam 70 rotates clockwise around the rotation shaft portion 70c, the second claw portion 72 projects into the vertical passage 22a of the medal passage 22, and the first claw portion 71 Retreat from the vertical passage 22a of the medal passage 22.

  The electromagnetic solenoid 73 is controlled by the control device of the slot machine 10. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic solenoid 73 is normally OFF. When the game medal M inserted from the medal slot 21 reaches the shooting position and the entry detection sensor 48 detects that the game medal M is at the shooting position, the control device turns on the electromagnetic solenoid 73. To do. Further, after the electromagnetic solenoid 73 is turned on, a predetermined condition (e.g., a predetermined period of time (for example, a time sufficient for one game medal to pass through the shooting position) elapses, or by the entry detection sensor 48). When the game medal M is no longer detected, the control device turns off the electromagnetic solenoid 73.

That is, in the normal state, since the electromagnetic solenoid 73 is OFF, the second claw portion 72 is retracted from the vertical passage 22a of the medal passage 22, and the first claw portion 71 protrudes to the vertical passage 22a of the medal passage 22. Yes. Then, since the vertical passage 22a is narrowed by the protruding first claw portion 71, the game medal M inserted from the medal insertion slot 21 and reaching the shooting position is prevented from flowing down at this shooting position.
When the game medal M reaches the shooting position, the approach detection sensor 48 detects that the game medal M is at the shooting position, and the electromagnetic solenoid 73 is turned on. The first claw portion 71 is retracted from the vertical passage 22a of the medal passage 22 by projecting into the passage 22a. Then, when the first claw portion 71 is retracted from the vertical passage 22a, the game medal M that has been prevented from flowing down at the shooting position by the first claw portion 71 flows down, but the protruding second claw portion 72 Since the passage 22a is narrowed, the game medal M upstream from the shooting position is prevented from flowing down at the position.

Further, when the predetermined condition is satisfied after the electromagnetic solenoid 73 is turned on, the electromagnetic solenoid 73 is turned off again, so that the second claw portion 72 is retracted from the vertical passage 22a of the medal passage 22, and the first claw is removed. The portion 71 projects into the vertical passage 22a of the medal passage 22. Then, although the game medal M, which has been prevented from flowing downstream from the shooting position by the second claw portion 72, flows down, the vertical passage 22a is narrowed by the protruding first claw portion 71, so that it is upstream from the shooting position. The game M that has flowed down from is prevented from flowing again at the shooting position.
That is, the first claw portion 71 which is a medal flow prevention member is displaced between the first position protruding into the vertical passage 22a of the medal passage 22 and the first position retracted from the vertical passage 22a of the medal passage 22. When the first claw portion 71 is at the first position, it is possible to prevent the gaming medal M from flowing down at the shooting position, and when the first claw portion 71 is at the second position, the shooting is performed. It is formed so as not to hinder the flow of the game medal M at the position.

In this manner, by repeating the electromagnetic solenoid 73 being turned on or off, the medal holding cam 70 performs a vertical rotation operation (swing motion), and the first claw portion 71 and the second claw portion 72. Alternately projecting into the vertical passage 22a and retreating from the vertical passage 22a, the game medals M can be surely temporarily stopped at the shooting position and the game medals M can be sent one by one from the shooting position. .
The electromagnetic solenoid 73 may be controlled by the control device when a medal sorting device control device is provided.
(Excitation light irradiation means 61)
The excitation light irradiation means 61 is for irradiating the surface of the game medal M at the shooting position with light of a predetermined wavelength (excitation light) emitted from the fluorescent paint 3.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the excitation light irradiation means 61 is provided at a position where the entire identification information configuration unit 1 of the game medal M at the shooting position can be irradiated with excitation light.
Further, as described above, the fluorescent paint 3 that emits light by receiving the ultraviolet light that is invisible light is injected into the concave portion 2 of the appropriate medal TM used in the slot machine 10 in this embodiment. As the means 61, Blacklight (registered trademark) that irradiates ultraviolet rays as excitation light is used.
Further, the excitation light irradiation means 61 in this embodiment is controlled by the control device of the slot machine 10. Specifically, the control device irradiates the excitation light irradiation means 61 with excitation light when the game medal M reaches the shooting position and the entry detection sensor 48 detects that the game medal M is at the shooting position. Let Further, the control device ends the excitation light irradiation by the excitation light irradiation means 61 when a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the entry detection sensor 48 no longer detects that the game medal M is in the shooting position. Let If the game medal M is detected again by the entry detection sensor 48 before the predetermined time elapses, it is next detected by the entry detection sensor 48 that the game medal M is at the shooting position. From the point of time when it is no longer performed, the passage of a predetermined time is again determined.

The excitation light irradiation means 61 may be controlled by the control device when a medal sorting device control device is provided.
Further, the excitation light irradiation means 61 may be formed so as to continuously irradiate the excitation light instead of repeating the excitation light irradiation and the end of the irradiation.
Further, the excitation light irradiation means 61 is not limited to Black Light (registered trademark) as long as it can irradiate ultraviolet rays, and other known lamps may be used.
Further, when the fluorescent paint 3 that emits light by receiving visible light of a predetermined wavelength is injected into the concave portion 2 of the appropriate medal TM, the excitation light irradiation means 61 uses the above-mentioned predetermined wavelength as the excitation light. A light or the like that irradiates visible light is used.

(Photographing means 60)
The photographing means 60 is for photographing an image of the surface of the game medal M at the photographing position.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the photographing means 60 is provided at a position where the entire identification information constituting unit 1 of the game medal M at the photographing position can be photographed.
Further, a CCD camera is used as the photographing means 60 in this embodiment. The photographing means 60 is not particularly limited as long as the surface of the game medal M can be photographed, and a CMOS camera or other known image sensor may be used.

Further, the photographing means 60 in this embodiment is controlled by the control device of the slot machine 10. Specifically, the control device detects that the game medal M has reached the shooting position, and the entry detection sensor 48 detects that the game medal M is in the shooting position, whereby the surface of the game medal M is displayed on the shooting means 60. Let's take a picture of
Then, based on the image of the surface of the game medal M photographed by the photographing means 60, the determination means described later determines whether or not the regular identification information is attached to the surface of the game medal M. In other words, the determining means determines that the game medal M to which the regular identification information is attached is the appropriate medal TM, and determines that the game medal M to which the regular identification information is not attached is the inappropriate medal FM.

Note that, when the medal sorting device control device is provided, the photographing means 60 may be controlled by the control device.
(Selection exclusion means 31)
The sorting / exclusion means 31 is for excluding the game medal M determined that the regular identification information is not attached by the discrimination means (that is, the inappropriate medal FM) from the medal path 22, and the shooting position in the medal path 22 It is provided in the downstream rather than.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sorting / excluding means 31 includes a passage forming member 32 for forming the inclined passage 22b of the medal passage 22, and a predetermined button ( A first rotating body 35 that is displaced by the operation of the return button, an electromagnet 39, a displacement body 40 that is displaced depending on whether the electromagnet 39 is in an excited state, and a second rotating body 44 that is displaced depending on the state of the displacement body 40. I have.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the inclined passage 22b is gently inclined so that the height gradually decreases downward from the lower end of the vertical passage 22a of the medal passage 22, and FIG. 6 and FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, it inclines so that an upper part may be located back rather than a lower part.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the passage forming member 32 has a passage bottom 33 that forms the bottom surface of the inclined passage 22b, and a passage upper portion 34 that forms the top surface of the inclined passage 22b.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first rotating body 35 has a first shaft support portion 36 at its upper end, and a parallel four side opening larger than the game medal M at its center. A cancel port 37 having a shape is provided, and a lower guide 38 for guiding a lower portion of the game medal M flowing down the inclined passage 22b is provided at the lower end thereof. Although not particularly illustrated, the first rotating body 35 rotates about the first shaft support portion 36, and further, by a torsion spring (not shown) provided on the first shaft support portion 36, The lower end is biased forward.

  6 and 7, when the return button is not operated, the first rotating body 35 moves the lower end forward by the biasing force of a torsion spring (not shown). . In this state, the lower guide 38 guides the lower part of the game medal M flowing down the inclined passage 22b. On the other hand, although not shown, in a state where the return button is operated, the first rotating body 35 moves the lower end backward against the urging force of the torsion spring. In this state, the lower guide 38 does not guide the lower part of the game medal M flowing down the inclined passage 22b. In this state, regardless of the state of the second rotating body 44 described later, all the game medals M flowing down the inclined passage 22b will fall back to the downstream side of the sorting and removing means 31. It will not reach. Further, the game medal M that has fallen backward is returned from the medal payout exit 25 through a return passage (not particularly shown) leading to the medal payout exit 25.

The electromagnet 39 is for displacing the displacement body 40.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the displacement body 40 is displaced depending on whether or not the electromagnet 39 is in an excited state. On the lower side of the portion 41, there is a locking portion 42 to which the coil spring 43 is locked. Further, the displacement body 40 is supported by the support portion 41 so as to be rotatable, and the locking portion 42 is urged rearward by a coil spring 43. For this reason, the upper end of the displacement body 40 is biased forward, contrary to the lower end of the displacement body 40. As shown in FIG. 6, when the electromagnet 39 is in an excited state, the displacement body 40 is attracted against the urging force of the coil spring 43 and the upper end of the displacement body 40 moves rearward. Thus, when the electromagnet 39 is not in the excited state, the lower end of the displacement body 40 moves rearward and the upper end of the displacement body 40 moves forward due to the biasing force of the coil spring 43.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second rotating body 44 has a second shaft support portion 45 in the substantially center, and the upper end of the second rotating body 44 is pressed by the upper end of the displacement body 40. The upper part 47 has an upper guide 47 that guides the upper part of the game medal M flowing down the inclined passage 22b. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second rotating body 44 rotates about the second shaft support portion 45, and further, a torsion (not shown) provided on the second shaft support portion 45. The spring biases the upper end forward and the lower end backward.
As shown in FIG. 6, when the return button is not operated, the electromagnet 39 is in an excited state, and the upper end of the displacement body 40 is moved backward, the second rotation body 44 is displaced. The pressed portion 46 is pushed by the upper end of the body 40, and the upper end is moved backward and the lower end is moved forward against the biasing force of the torsion spring. In this state, the upper guide 47 guides the upper part of the game medal M flowing down the inclined passage 22b. In this state, the game medal M reaches the end of the inclined passage 22b without being excluded by the sorting / excluding means 31. Even in this state, the upper guide 47 does not guide the upper part of the game medal M having a diameter smaller than the predetermined dimension Dmm. Therefore, even in this state, the game medal M having a diameter smaller than the predetermined dimension Dmm passes through the cancel port 37 and falls backward, and does not reach the end of the inclined passage 22b.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, when the electromagnet 39 is not in an excited state and the upper end of the displacement body 40 is moved forward, the second rotating body 44 is moved forward by the biasing force of the torsion spring. Move the lower end backward. In this state, the upper guide 47 does not guide the upper part of the game medal M flowing down the inclined passage 22b. Then, the game medal M passes through the cancellation port 37 and falls backward. In this state, the game medal M does not reach the end of the inclined passage 22b. Of course, even in this state, the upper guide 47 does not guide the upper part of the game medal M having a diameter smaller than the predetermined dimension Dmm. Therefore, even in this state, the game medal M having a diameter smaller than the predetermined dimension Dmm passes through the cancellation port 37 and falls backward, and does not reach the end of the inclined passage 22b.

The electromagnet 39 is controlled by the control device of the slot machine 10.
Specifically, the control device determines that the medal can be inserted when the rotation of all the rotating reels is stopped and the number of credited game medals M has not reached a predetermined upper limit value, and the electromagnet Energize 39.
In this state, the game medal M is inserted from the medal insertion slot 22, and the regular identification information is attached to the surface of the game medal M (that is, the game medal M is the appropriate medal TM). If determined by the above, the electromagnet 39 remains excited. Therefore, the game medal M reaches the end of the inclined passage 22b and is discharged to the hopper unit. That is, when the game medal M inserted when the medal can be inserted is the appropriate medal TM, the game medal M is handled as appropriate for the game of the slot machine 10.

On the other hand, the game medal M is inserted from the medal insertion slot 22, and the regular identification information is not attached to the surface of the game medal M (that is, the game medal M is an inappropriate medal FM). If determined, the control device demagnetizes the electromagnet 39. Accordingly, since the electromagnet 39 is not in an excited state, the game medal M passes through the cancel port 37 and falls backward and is returned from the medal payout port 25. That is, when the game medal inserted when the medal can be inserted is an inappropriate medal FM, the game medal M is handled as inappropriate for the game of the slot machine 10.
Further, when the number of credited game medals M reaches a predetermined upper limit value, the control device disables medal insertion and demagnetizes the electromagnet 39. Also, the control device disables medal insertion and demagnetizes the electromagnet 39 even when the start switch 19 is operated and rotation of the rotating reel starts. Therefore, all the game medals M inserted when the medals cannot be inserted, regardless of whether they are the proper medals TM or the inappropriate medals FT, pass through the cancel port 37 and fall back to the medal payout port 25. Will be returned from.

In addition, the control device requires that the number of credited medals reach a predetermined upper limit value when the stop switch 20 is operated, the rotation of all the rotating reels is stopped, and one game is finished. In this case, the medal can be inserted and the electromagnet 39 is excited.
Note that the electromagnet 39 may be controlled by the control device when a medal sorting device control device is provided.
(Reception detection sensor 49)
The acceptance detection sensor 49 is for detecting a game medal M (that is, a proper medal TM) that reaches the end of the inclined passage 22b in the medal passage 22, and as shown in FIG. It is provided on the side.

In addition, a photo sensor is used as the reception detection sensor 49 in the present embodiment. Specifically, the reception detection sensor 49 includes a light emitting unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit, and the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged to face each other with a gap therebetween. Has been. Further, the appropriate medal TM flowing down the inclined passage 22b passes between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. When the appropriate medal TM passes between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, the optical path from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit is blocked by the appropriate medal TM, whereby the appropriate medal TM is detected.
When the detection by the reception detection sensor 49 is performed, a predetermined reception signal is sent to the control device of the slot machine 10. Each time the above-described control device receives this acceptance signal, a value of a predetermined counter (not shown) that counts the number of appropriate medals TM that can be used in the game of the slot machine 10 is counted up. The

(Determination means)
The determination means is for determining whether or not the regular identification information is attached to the surface of the game medal M based on the image of the surface of the game medal M photographed by the photographing means 60 as described above. . The discriminating means for discriminating the image can be configured by using the control device when the medal sorting device control device is provided.
In this embodiment, image data indicating regular identification information is stored in the RAM of the control device. Then, when the image of the surface of the game medal M is captured by the image capturing unit 60, the determination unit collates the captured image with image data indicating normal identification information stored in the RAM. Then, it is determined whether or not the photographed image includes regular identification information. Thus, it is determined whether or not the regular identification information is attached to the surface of the game medal M. In other words, the determining means determines that the game medal M to which the regular identification information is attached is the appropriate medal TM, and determines that the game medal M to which the regular identification information is not attached is the inappropriate medal FM.

Note that this determination means may be configured by the control device of the slot machine 10 instead of being configured by the medal sorting device control device.
(Summary)
The predetermined game medal M (appropriate medal TM) used in the slot machine 10 in this embodiment receives the ultraviolet rays, and the fluorescent paint 3 injected into the recesses 2 constituting the regular identification information emits light. . Further, in the medal sorting device 30 in this embodiment, the excitation light irradiating means 61 irradiates the surface of the game medal M flowing down the medal passage 22 with ultraviolet rays as excitation light for causing the fluorescent paint 3 to emit light, and the photographing means By 60, an image of the surface of the game medal M irradiated with the excitation light is taken. Then, based on the photographed image, it is determined whether or not the regular identification information is attached to the surface of the game medal M by the discriminating means, and when it is determined that the regular identification information is not attached, The game exclusion medal M is excluded from the medal passage 22 by the sorting exclusion means 31.

That is, according to the present embodiment, when the appropriate medal TM is inserted and the excitation light irradiation means 61 irradiates the surface of the appropriate medal TM with the excitation light irradiating means 61, the portion constituting the normal identification information on the surface of the appropriate medal TM is displayed. By emitting light, the regular identification information given to the surface stands out. Thereby, since the photographing means 60 can photograph the regular identification information attached to the surface of the appropriate medal TM more clearly, the regular identification information becomes easier to read, and the proper medal TM and the inappropriate medal FM are displayed. It becomes possible to distinguish more reliably, and as a result, it is possible to effectively prevent a game from being played with an inappropriate medal FM.
Further, since the ultraviolet light emitted by the excitation light irradiation means 61 is invisible light, when the appropriate medal TM is irradiated with ultraviolet light, only the fluorescent paint 3 injected into the concave portion 2 emits light, and portions other than the concave portion 2 are emitted. For, the irradiated light is not reflected. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the reflected light from the portion other than the concave portion 2 from causing a shadow on the surface of the appropriate medal TM and the light emission of the concave portion 2 from being disturbed.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the photographing means 60 can photograph the regular identification information attached to the surface of the appropriate medal TM more clearly, the regular identification information becomes easier to read and the proper medal TM and This makes it possible to more reliably distinguish the unsuitable medal FM from the game, and as a result, it is possible to effectively prevent a game from being played with the unsuitable medal FM.
Further, according to the medal sorting device 30 according to the present embodiment, when the first claw portion 71 (medal flow down prevention member) of the medal holding cam 70 protrudes into the vertical passage 22a of the medal passage 22 (is in the first position). ) At the shooting position, the game medal M is prevented from flowing down. That is, the game medal M is temporarily stopped at the shooting position, and the shooting means 60 can take the game medal M that has been stopped.

Therefore, according to the medal sorting device 30 in the present embodiment, the regular identification information of the appropriate medal TM can be reliably photographed without increasing the shutter speed of the photographing means 60, so that the regular identification information is more read. It becomes easy. In addition, the determination as to whether or not the regular identification information is attached and the elimination of the inappropriate medal FM by the sorting and excluding means 31 can be dealt with with a margin. As a result, the appropriate medal TM and the unsuitable medal FM can be more reliably distinguished, and as a result, a game can be effectively prevented from being played with the unsuitable medal FM.
In addition, since it is not necessary to increase the shutter speed, it is not necessary to employ a high-performance camera, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  The predetermined game medal M and the medal sorting device 30 in the above embodiment are used in the slot machine 10, but are not particularly limited as long as the game medal M is used as a game medium. For example, it can also be used for an arrangement ball game machine, a sparrow ball game machine, a game machine using a game medal M (for example, a medal game machine in a game center), and the like.

M Game Medal TM Proper Medal FM Inappropriate Medal
1 Identification information component 2 Recess
3 Fluorescent paint
10 slot machine 11 chassis
12 Front door 13 Upper panel
14 Middle panel 15 Lower panel
16 Operation section 17 Symbol display window
18 Bet switch 19 Start switch
20 Stop switch 21 Medal slot
22 Medal passage 22a Vertical passage
22b Inclined passage 25 Medal payout exit
26 Medal tray 30 Medal sorting device
31 Sorting exclusion means 32 Passage forming member
33 Aisle bottom 34 Aisle top
35 First rotating body 36 First shaft support
37 Cancellation port 38 Lower guide
39 Electromagnet 40 Displacement body
41 Supporting part 42 Locking part
43 Coil spring 44 Second rotating body
45 Second shaft support 46 Pressed part
47 Upper guide 48 Approach detection sensor
49 Reception detection sensor 60
61 Excitation light irradiation means 70 Medal holding cam
70a Shaft plate part 70b Medal holding part
70c Rotating shaft 71 First tab
72 2nd tab 73 Electromagnetic solenoid
73a Plunger 74 Biasing spring

Claims (5)

A game medal for playing in a gaming machine,
On the surface of the game medal, identification information is attached to identify whether or not it is a predetermined game medal expressed by unevenness,
A gaming medal characterized in that a light emitting substance that is excited and emits light by receiving light of a predetermined wavelength is injected into a concave portion constituting identification information.   2. The game medal according to claim 1, wherein a fluorescent material that emits light when excited by receiving light having a wavelength other than visible light is used as the light emitting material. Identification information for identifying whether or not a predetermined game medal is expressed by unevenness is attached to the surface, and light having a predetermined wavelength (hereinafter referred to as excitation light) is formed in a recess constituting the identification information. It is installed in a gaming machine that can be loaded with a gaming medal that is injected with a light emitting substance that is excited to emit light, and it is determined whether or not the gaming medal inserted in the gaming machine is a predetermined one. A medal selection device for selecting a predetermined game medal and other game medals,
A medal passage for guiding game medals thrown into the gaming machine in a certain direction,
Excitation light irradiation means capable of irradiating excitation light on the surface of a game medal at a specific position in the medal passage (hereinafter referred to as a shooting position);
Photographing means for photographing an image of the surface of the game medal irradiated with excitation light by the excitation light irradiation means at the photographing position;
Based on the image of the surface of the game medal photographed by the photographing means, it is determined whether or not identification information (hereinafter referred to as regular identification information) indicating that the game medal is a predetermined game medal is attached to the surface of the game medal. Discriminating means to perform,
A medal characterized by comprising sorting exclusion means provided on the downstream side of the shooting position and for excluding game medals determined to have no regular identification information attached by the discrimination means from the medal path Sorting device. The gaming medal uses a fluorescent material that emits light when excited by receiving light containing a wavelength other than visible light, as a luminescent material.
4. The medal sorting device according to claim 3, wherein the excitation light irradiating means irradiates light including a wavelength other than visible light emitted from a fluorescent material used for a game medal as excitation light. A medal flow prevention member that is displaceable between a first position in the medal passage and a second position that is a position retracted from the first position;
The medal flow prevention member is formed so as to be able to prevent the flow of game medals at the shooting position when in the first position, and not to prevent the flow of game medals at the shooting position when in the second position. 5. The medal sorting device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the medal sorting device is characterized in that:

Images