JP2014147470A - Coin-like body-to-be-detected identifying device and method of controlling coin-like body-to-be-detected identifying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coin-like body-to-be-detected identifying device capable of identifying a coin-like body to be detected speedily.SOLUTION: A coin-like body-to-be-detected identifying device includes: a first sensor including an excitation coil and a detection coil and allowing a coin-like body to be detected to pass; and a control part to which the detection coil is connected. A coil output signal SG1 based on an output signal from the detection coil is inputted into the control part. The control part acquires a signal value of the coil output signal SG1 when a signal level of the coil output signal SG1 is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold th, and identifies a body to be detected, based on the acquired signal value of the coil output signal SG1.

Description

  The present invention relates to a coin-shaped object identification device for identifying the authenticity of a coin-shaped object to be detected, and a control method for such a coin-shaped object identification device.

  Conventionally, a medal detection device used in a slot machine is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the medal detection device described in Patent Document 1, there are two types of optical sensors: an optical sensor that changes the amount of light received when a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot passes, and an electrostatic capacitance sensor that changes the capacitance when the medal passes. A sensor is provided in the medal flow path. In this medal detection device, medals are identified using two types of sensors.

JP 2010-162143 A

  In recent years, slot machines in which a large number of medals are continuously inserted from a medal insertion slot have begun to spread. Therefore, in the market, there is a demand for a medal detection device that can identify continuously inserted medals at high speed.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a coin-shaped object identification device that can identify a coin-shaped object to be detected at high speed, and a method for controlling the coin-shaped object identification device.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a coin-shaped object identification device according to the present invention includes a first sensor that includes an excitation coil and a detection coil and through which a coin-shaped object is passed, and a detection coil. A control unit is provided with a coil output signal based on the output signal from the detection coil, and the control unit is configured such that when the signal level of the coil output signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, or The signal value of the coil output signal is acquired when the value is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, and the detection target is identified based on the acquired signal value of the coil output signal.

  In order to solve the above problems, a control method for a coin-shaped object identification device according to the present invention includes a first sensor through which a coin-shaped object to be detected has an excitation coil and a detection coil. When the signal level of the coil output signal based on the output signal from the detection coil is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold or lower than the predetermined threshold Further, the present invention is characterized in that the signal value of the coil output signal is acquired and the detected object is identified based on the acquired signal value of the coil output signal.

  In the coin-shaped detected object identification device of the present invention, the control unit detects the coil output signal when the signal level of the coil output signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value or equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold value. A signal value is acquired, and an object to be detected is identified based on the acquired signal value of the coil output signal. Moreover, in the control method of the coin-shaped object identification device of the present invention, when the signal level of the coil output signal based on the output signal from the detection coil is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, or below the predetermined threshold In this case, the signal value of the coil output signal is acquired, and the detection target is identified based on the acquired signal value of the coil output signal. Therefore, in the present invention, compared to the case where the signal value of the coil output signal is acquired at a constant sampling period regardless of the signal level of the coil output signal, the data amount of the signal value acquired and processed by the control unit Can be reduced, and the processing in the control unit can be simplified. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to speed up the processing in the control unit, and as a result, it is possible to identify the coin-shaped object to be detected at high speed.

  In the present invention, the control unit identifies the detection target based on, for example, the peak value of the coil output signal.

  In the present invention, even if a plurality of detected objects pass through the first sensor continuously without a gap, the threshold value of the coil output signal is the threshold value every time each of the detected objects passes the first sensor. Is preferably set so as to cross. If comprised in this way, even if it is a case where a to-be-detected object passes a 1st sensor continuously without a gap, it becomes possible to acquire the signal value of the coil output signal for every to-be-detected object. Become. Therefore, even if a large number of coin-shaped objects to be detected pass continuously without gaps, it is possible to appropriately identify the authenticity of the objects to be detected.

  In the present invention, the coin-shaped detected object identification device includes a comparison unit that compares the signal level of the coil output signal with a threshold value, and the control unit is configured to determine the signal value of the coil output signal based on the output signal from the comparison unit. It is preferable to obtain If comprised in this way, in a control part, compared with the case where it is judged whether the signal level of a coil output signal is more than a threshold, or it is less than a threshold, in a control part Processing can be simplified. Therefore, it is possible to speed up the processing in the control unit.

  In the present invention, the coin-shaped object identification device includes a first detection coil and a second detection coil as detection coils, and outputs a coil output signal based on an output signal from the first detection coil. When the coil output signal based on the output signal from the second detection coil is the first coil output signal, and the second coil output signal is the control unit, when the signal level of the first coil output signal is greater than or equal to the threshold value, Alternatively, the signal value of the first coil output signal and the signal value of the second coil output signal are acquired when the value is equal to or less than the threshold value, and the acquired signal value of the first coil output signal and the second coil output signal It is preferable to identify the object to be detected based on the signal value. If comprised in this way, it will become possible to identify a to-be-detected object accurately based on the signal value of a 1st coil output signal, and the signal value of a 2nd coil output signal. In the present invention, even when the control unit acquires the signal value of the first coil output signal and the signal value of the second coil output signal, the data amount of the signal value acquired and processed by the control unit is reduced. Since it can be reduced, the processing in the control unit can be speeded up.

  In the present invention, the coin-shaped detected object identification device is disposed upstream of the first sensor in the passing direction of the detected object, and the detected object is inserted from the insertion port by detecting the detected object. For adjusting the signal level of the coil output signal so that the signal level of the coil output signal during standby before the second sensor detects the detection object falls within a predetermined range. It is preferable to provide a level adjusting unit. If comprised in this way, it will become possible to prevent that the signal level of a coil output signal remove | deviates from the measurable range in a control part by the influence of the fluctuation | variation of the ambient temperature, etc. of a coin-shaped to-be-detected body identification device. Moreover, since it becomes possible to suppress the fluctuation | variation of the signal level of a coil output signal resulting from the fluctuation | variation of the ambient temperature of a coin-shaped to-be-detected object identification apparatus, etc. in this way, it compares with the signal level of a coil output signal. The threshold value to be set can be a constant value. Therefore, the threshold value can be easily set.

  Here, the coin-shaped detected object identification device of the present invention includes a first sensor that has an excitation coil and a detection coil and through which the coin-shaped detected object passes. Therefore, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the detected object (2) passes through the first sensor (4), the output signal from the detection coil that constitutes the first sensor (4) is output. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the signal level of the coil output signal (SG1) based varies depending on the material, outer diameter, thickness, and the like of the detected object (2). Therefore, based on the difference between the signal level of the coil output signal (SG1) before the detected object (2) passes through the first sensor (4) and the peak value of the coil output signal (SG1), the detected object ( 2) can be identified. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7C, when a large number of detected bodies (2) pass through the first sensor (4) continuously without a gap, for example, as shown in FIG. Since the signal level of the coil output signal (SG1) descending from the value may start to rise again before it completely falls, the coil before the detected object (2) passes through the first sensor (4). Based on the difference between the signal level of the output signal (SG1) and the peak value of the coil output signal (SG1), it may be difficult to appropriately identify each of the large number of detected objects (2).

  Therefore, in the present invention, the coin-shaped detected object identification device is disposed upstream of the first sensor in the passing direction of the detected object, and the detected object is inserted from the insertion port by detecting the detected object. And a control unit that stores a reference signal value that is a signal level of a coil output signal when the second sensor detects the detected object, and identifies the detected object. The reference signal value is held until a predetermined time has elapsed from the completion, and the detected signal is detected based on the difference between the peak value of the coil output signal and the reference signal value when the detected object passes through the first sensor. It is preferable to identify the body. If comprised in this way, many coin-shaped to-be-detected bodies will pass continuously without a gap, for example, the signal of the coil output signal (SG1) descending from the peak value as shown in FIG. Even when the level starts to rise again before the level is completely lowered, for example, the reference signal value of the coil output signal when the second sensor detects the first object to be detected, and many first sensors The detected object can be appropriately identified based on the difference between the peak values of the coil output signals of the multiple detected objects when the detected object passes. In other words, even if a large number of coin-like objects to be detected pass through the first sensor continuously without gaps, it is possible to appropriately identify the authenticity of the objects to be detected.

  In the present invention, the first sensor includes a passage path through which the detected body passes, a first core disposed on one side in the thickness direction of the detected body passing through the passage path, and the other in the thickness direction of the detected body. A first core is formed with one or more excitation-side convex portions projecting toward the second core, and the second core is formed on the first core. One or more detection-side convex portions projecting toward the surface are formed, the excitation coil is wound around the excitation-side convex portion, the detection coil is wound around the detection-side convex portion, Between the excitation-side convex portion and the detection-side convex portion in the thickness direction is a passage, and the direction orthogonal to the passage direction of the detected object passing through the passage and the thickness direction of the detected object is an orthogonal direction. The first direction side of the excitation-side convex portion is the first direction on one side of the orthogonal direction and the second direction on the other side of the orthogonal direction. The end surface is the first end surface, the end surface on the second direction side of the excitation side convex portion is the second end surface, the end surface on the first direction side of the detection side convex portion is the third end surface, and the second direction side of the detection side convex portion is When the end surface of the first end surface is the fourth end surface, the second core side end of the first end surface disposed closest to the first direction side is orthogonal to the second core side end of the second end surface disposed closest to the second direction side. The distance in the direction and the distance in the orthogonal direction between the first core side end of the third end face arranged closest to the first direction side and the first core side end of the fourth end face arranged closest to the second direction side Is preferably greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the object to be detected.

  If comprised in this way, the distance in the orthogonal | vertical direction of the 2nd core side end of the 2nd core side of the 2nd core side of the 1st end surface arrange | positioned closest to the 1st direction side and the 2nd core side end most arranged in the 2nd direction side. And the distance in the orthogonal direction between the first core side end of the third end face arranged closest to the first direction side and the first core side end of the fourth end face arranged closest to the second direction side is Since the outer diameter of the detection body is larger than the outer diameter of the detection body, the detection body is placed on the passage so that a part of the detection body does not come off from the magnetic path formed between the excitation-side convex portion and the detection-side convex portion. It is possible to pass through. Therefore, it becomes possible to appropriately identify the detected object.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a coin-shaped object to be detected can be identified at high speed.

It is a front view of the coin-shaped to-be-detected body identification device concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the magnetic sensor accommodated in the case body shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a state where an excitation coil, a detection coil, and a bobbin are removed from the state shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the annular core shown in FIG. 2. It is a top view of the cyclic | annular core shown in FIG. It is a circuit block diagram of the coin-shaped to-be-detected object identification device shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the coil output signal produced | generated based on the output signal from the coil for a detection shown in FIG. It is a timing chart for demonstrating an example of the flow of a to-be-detected object identification process in the coin-shaped to-be-detected object identification apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a timer stop and restart timing for calculating a signal level adjustment timing of a coil output signal shown in FIG. 8 and a shutter opening / closing timing shown in FIG. 1.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Schematic configuration of the coin-shaped object identification device)
FIG. 1 is a front view of a coin-shaped object identification device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the magnetic sensor 4 housed in the case body 3 shown in FIG.

  The coin-shaped object identification device 1 of this embodiment is an apparatus for identifying a medal 2 that is a coin-shaped object to be detected, and is used by being mounted on a slot machine (not shown). That is, the coin-shaped object identification device 1 of this embodiment is a device for identifying whether or not the medal 2 inserted from the medal slot of the slot machine is genuine. Therefore, hereinafter, the coin-shaped detected object identification device 1 of this embodiment is referred to as a “medal identification device 1”. The medal 2 is formed of a magnetic metal material and is formed in a disc shape.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the medal identification device 1 includes a magnetic sensor 4 as a first sensor housed in a case body 3, and an optical sensor 5 as a second sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element. And a medal guide 6 for guiding the medal 2 to the magnetic sensor 4 and a shutter 7 for stopping the medal 2 moving toward the magnetic sensor 4. The magnetic sensor 4 is formed with a passage PW through which the medal 2 passes. That is, the medal 2 inserted from the medal insertion slot passes through the magnetic sensor 4.

  The case body 3 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped box shape. A slit-like passage hole (not shown) through which the medal 2 passes is formed on two side surfaces (upper surface and lower surface in FIG. 1) of the six side surfaces of the case body 3. This passage hole is connected to the passage PW. A medal guide 6 is fixed to the case body 3. The medal 2 inserted from the medal insertion slot is guided to the medal guide 6 so as to pass through a passage hole formed in the upper surface of the case body 3 in FIG.

  The magnetic sensor 4 includes an excitation coil 8 and detection coils 9 and 10, and an annular core 11 around which the excitation coil 8 and detection coils 9 and 10 are wound. The annular core 11 is made of a magnetic material. For example, the annular core 11 is formed of an iron-based magnetic material such as ferrite, amorphous, or permalloy. The annular core 11 is formed in a flat plate shape. A specific configuration of the magnetic sensor 4 will be described later.

  The optical sensor 5 is arranged closer to the medal slot than the magnetic sensor 4. That is, the optical sensor 5 is disposed upstream of the magnetic sensor 4 in the passing direction of the medal 2. The optical sensor 5 includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element that are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the medal 2 in the thickness direction of the medal 2 guided by the medal guide 6. In this embodiment, when the light traveling from the light emitting element to the light receiving element is blocked by the medal 2, the medal 2 is detected by the optical sensor 5. Further, when the medal 2 is detected by the optical sensor 5, it is detected that the medal 2 is inserted from the medal insertion slot.

  The shutter 7 is disposed between the magnetic sensor 4 and the optical sensor 5 in the passing direction of the medal 2. A driving source such as a solenoid (not shown) is connected to the shutter 7, and the shutter 7 can be moved in and out of the medal guide 6 where the medal 2 passes. When the shutter 7 protrudes to the place where the medal 2 passes in the medal guide 6, the medal 2 moving toward the magnetic sensor 4 can be stopped, and the place where the medal 2 passes in the medal guide 6. When the shutter 7 is retracted, the medal 2 can pass toward the magnetic sensor 4.

(Configuration of magnetic sensor)
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where the exciting coil 8, the detecting coil 9, and the bobbins 20 and 21 are removed from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the annular core 11 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the annular core 11 shown in FIG.

  In the following description, each of the three directions orthogonal to each other is defined as an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction. The X direction is the left-right direction, the Y direction is the front-rear direction, and the Z direction is the up-down direction. Further, the X1 direction side is the “right” side, the X2 direction side is the “left” side, the Y1 direction side is the “front” side, and the Y2 direction side is the “rear (back)” side. In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 4 is arranged so that the thickness direction of the annular core 11 coincides with the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the medal 2 passes through the passage PW in the thickness direction of the annular core 11. That is, the vertical direction is the passing direction of the medal 2 that passes through the passage PW. The front-rear direction is the thickness direction of the medal 2 that passes through the passage PW. The left-right direction of this embodiment is an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the passing direction of the medal 2 and the thickness direction of the medal 2, the right side is one side of the orthogonal direction, and the left side is the other side of the orthogonal direction. .

  As described above, the magnetic sensor 4 includes the excitation coil 8 and the detection coils 9 and 10, and the annular core 11 around which the excitation coil 8 and the detection coils 9 and 10 are wound.

  The annular core 11 is formed in an annular shape. Specifically, the annular core 11 is formed in a substantially square annular shape that is elongated in the left-right direction. The annular core 11 constitutes a front side portion of the annular core 11 and a substantially linear first core 12 arranged in parallel with the left-right direction, and constitutes a rear side portion of the annular core 11 and the first core 12. A substantially linear second core 13 arranged in parallel; a linear first connecting core 14 connecting the right end of the first core 12 and the right end of the second core 13 and arranged in parallel with the front-rear direction; It is composed of a linear second connecting core 15 that connects the left end of the first core 12 and the left end of the second core 13 and is arranged in parallel with the first connecting core 14. The annular core 11 of this embodiment is formed by press punching, and the first core 12, the second core 13, the first connection core 14, and the second connection core 15 are integrally formed.

  The first core 12 and the second core 13 are formed in the same shape, and the first connection core 14 and the second connection core 15 are formed in the same shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the annular core 11 is formed in a line-symmetric shape with respect to a center line CL1 parallel to the left-right direction passing through the center position of the annular core 11 in the front-rear direction, and in the left-right direction. It is formed in a line-symmetric shape with respect to a center line CL2 parallel to the front-rear direction passing through the center position of the annular core 11.

  The first core 12 is formed with convex portions 12a, 12b, and 12c as excitation-side convex portions that protrude toward the second core 13 (that is, toward the rear side). The convex portions 12a to 12c are formed in a rectangular shape. The rear end surfaces (that is, the front end surfaces) of the convex portions 12a to 12c are parallel to the left-right direction, and the left and right end surfaces of the convex portions 12a to 12c are parallel to the front-rear direction. The rear end surfaces of the convex portions 12a to 12c are arranged on the same plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction. The width of the convex portion 12c in the left-right direction is narrower than the width of the convex portions 12a and 12b. The right end surfaces of the convex portions 12a to 12c of the present embodiment are first end surfaces, and the left end surfaces of the convex portions 12a to 12c are second end surfaces.

  The convex portion 12a is disposed on the right end side, the convex portion 12b is disposed on the left end side, and the convex portion 12c is disposed between the convex portion 12a and the convex portion 12b. Specifically, the convex part 12c is arranged so that the center of the convex part 12c in the left-right direction and the center of the first core 12 coincide with each other, and the convex part 12a and the convex part 12b have the center line CL2 as an axis of symmetry. It is arranged at a line symmetrical position. The convex portion 12a and the convex portion 12b are formed in the same shape, and the first core 12 is formed in a line-symmetric shape with respect to the center line CL2.

  In the left-right direction, a gap is formed between the convex portion 12a and the first connecting core 14 (specifically, between the right end surface of the convex portion 12a and the left end surface of the first connecting core 14). A gap is formed between the portion 12b and the second connecting core 15 (specifically, between the left end surface of the convex portion 12b and the right end surface of the second connecting core 15). In the left-right direction, a gap is formed between the convex portion 12a and the convex portion 12c (specifically, between the left end surface of the convex portion 12a and the right end surface of the convex portion 12c), and the convex portion 12b. A gap is formed between the protrusion 12c and the protrusion 12c (specifically, between the right end face of the protrusion 12b and the left end face of the protrusion 12c). As described above, the first core 12 is formed in a line-symmetric shape with respect to the center line CL2, and the gap between the convex portion 12a and the first connecting core 14, and the convex portion 12b and the second connecting core 15 are formed. Are the same size, and the gap between the convex portion 12a and the convex portion 12c and the gap between the convex portion 12b and the convex portion 12c are the same size.

  The rear end surface of the first core 12 between the convex portion 12a and the convex portion 12c and between the convex portion 12b and the convex portion 12c is between the convex portion 12a and the first connecting core 14 and the convex portion. It arrange | positions ahead rather than the rear-end surface of the 1st core 12 between 12b and the 2nd connection core 15. FIG.

  As described above, the second core 13 is formed in the same shape as the first core 12, and is arranged at a line-symmetrical position with the central axis CL1 as the axis of symmetry. Therefore, the second core 13 is formed with convex portions 13a, 13b, and 13c as detection-side convex portions that project toward the first core 12 (that is, toward the front side). The convex portions 13a to 13c are formed in the same shape as the convex portions 12a to 12c, and the front end surfaces (that is, the front end surfaces) of the convex portions 13a to 13c are arranged on the same plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction. . The right end surfaces of the convex portions 13a to 13c of the present embodiment are third end surfaces, and the left end surfaces of the convex portions 13a to 13c are fourth end surfaces.

  In the left-right direction, the convex portion 13a is arranged at the same position as the convex portion 12a, the convex portion 13b is arranged at the same position as the convex portion 12b, and the convex portion 13c is arranged at the same position as the convex portion 12c. . Similar to the first core 12, the second core 13 is formed in a line-symmetric shape with respect to the center line CL2. In the left-right direction, a gap is formed between the convex portion 13 a and the first connecting core 14, and the convex portion 13 a and the first connecting core 14 are provided between the convex portion 13 b and the second connecting core 15. A gap having the same size as the gap is formed. In the left-right direction, a gap is formed between the convex portion 13a and the convex portion 13c, and the same size as the gap between the convex portion 13a and the convex portion 13c is formed between the convex portion 13b and the convex portion 13c. A gap is formed. Similarly to the first core 12, the rear end surface of the second core 13 between the convex portion 13a and the convex portion 13c and between the convex portion 13b and the convex portion 13c is the convex portion 13a and the first connecting core 14. And the rear end surface of the second core 13 between the convex portion 13b and the second connecting core 15.

  Between the convex parts 12a-12c and the convex parts 13a-13c in the front-back direction is a passage PW, and the passage PW is formed in a rectangular shape elongated in the left-right direction. That is, the left-right distance L1 (see FIG. 5) between the right end surfaces of the convex portions 12a, 13a and the left end surfaces of the convex portions 12b, 13b is equal to the horizontal width of the passage PW. Further, the width in the left-right direction of the passageway PW is larger than the outer diameter of the medal 2. That is, the distance L1 is larger than the outer diameter of the medal 2. Specifically, the width in the left-right direction of the passage PW is the medal 2 that is assumed to be inserted from the medal slot of the slot machine, and is larger than the outer diameter of the medal 2 having the largest outer diameter. The distance L1 is larger than the outer diameter of the medal 2 having the largest outer diameter. The right end surface of the convex portion 12a in this embodiment is the first end surface disposed on the rightmost side (first direction side), and the left end surface of the convex portion 12b is the first end surface disposed on the leftmost side (second direction side). The right end surface of the convex portion 13a is the third end surface disposed on the rightmost side, and the left end surface of the convex portion 13b is the fourth end surface disposed on the leftmost side.

  Further, the convex portions 12c and 13c are formed so that the entire convex portions 12c and 13c overlap the medal 2 when viewed from the front-rear direction regardless of the position of the medal 2 that passes through the passage PW in the left-right direction. Is also arranged. That is, even if the medal 2 passes through the passage PW so that the right end surface of the convex portions 12a, 13a or the left end surface of the convex portions 12b, 13b coincides with the outer peripheral end of the medal 2, it is viewed from the front-rear direction. Sometimes, the convex portions 12 c and 13 c are formed and arranged so that the entire convex portions 12 c and 13 c overlap with the medal 2.

  Furthermore, the distance L2 between the convex portions 12a to 12c and the convex portions 13a to 13c in the front-rear direction (more specifically, the distance between the rear end surface of the convex portions 12a to 12c and the front end surface of the convex portions 13a to 13c in the front-rear direction). L2, see FIG. 5) is a distance L3 (see FIG. 5) between the right end surface of the convex portions 12a, 13a and the left end surface of the first connecting core 14 in the left-right direction, and the left end of the convex portions 12b, 13b in the left-right direction. It is shorter than the distance L4 (see FIG. 5) between the surface and the right end surface of the second connecting core 15. The distance L2 between the convex portion 12c and the convex portion 13c in the front-rear direction is the shortest distance between the convex portion 12c and the convex portion 13a (that is, the rear end of the right end surface of the convex portion 12c and the front end of the left end surface of the convex portion 13a). And the shortest distance between the convex portion 12c and the convex portion 13b (that is, the shortest distance between the rear end of the left end surface of the convex portion 12c and the front end of the right end surface of the convex portion 13b). Yes.

  Further, the distance L5 between the right end surface of the convex portions 12a, 13a and the right end surface of the convex portions 12b, 13b in the left-right direction, and the left end surface of the convex portions 12a, 13a and the left end surface of the convex portions 12b, 13b in the left-right direction Is smaller than the outer diameter of the medal 2. Specifically, the distances L5 and L6 are medals 2 that are assumed to be inserted from the medal insertion slot of the slot machine, and are smaller than the outer diameter of the medal 2 having the smallest outer diameter.

  The exciting coil 8 is wound around the convex portions 12a to 12c. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, an exciting coil is provided via a substantially square cylindrical bobbin 20 that covers the upper and lower surfaces of the convex portions 12a to 12c, the right end surface of the convex portion 12a, and the left end surface of the convex portion 12b. 8 is wound around the convex portions 12a to 12c. That is, the exciting coil 8 is wound around the convex portions 12a to 12c through the bobbin 20 so as to cover the upper and lower surfaces of the convex portions 12a to 12c, the right end surface of the convex portion 12a, and the left end surface of the convex portion 12b. Yes.

  The detection coil 9 is wound around the convex portions 13a to 13c. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a detection coil is provided via a substantially rectangular cylindrical bobbin 21 that covers both the upper and lower surfaces of the convex portions 13 a to 13 c, the right end surface of the convex portion 13 a, and the left end surface of the convex portion 13 b. 9 is wound around the convex portions 13a to 13c. That is, the detection coil 9 is wound around the convex portions 13a to 13c via the bobbin 21 so as to cover the upper and lower surfaces of the convex portions 13a to 13c, the right end surface of the convex portion 13a, and the left end surface of the convex portion 13b. Yes. The detection coil 9 of this embodiment is a first detection coil.

  The detection coil 10 is wound around the convex portion 13c. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the detection coil 10 is wound around the convex portion 13 c via a substantially square cylindrical bobbin 22 covering the upper and lower surfaces, the right end surface, and the left end surface of the convex portion 13 c. Yes. That is, the detection coil 10 is wound around the convex portion 13c through the bobbin 22 so as to cover the upper and lower surfaces, the right end surface, and the left end surface of the convex portion 13c. The detection coil 10 of this embodiment is a second detection coil.

(Circuit configuration of medal identification device)
FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram of the medal identification device 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the coil output signal SG1 generated based on the output signal from the detection coil 9 shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining an example of the flow of identification processing of the medal 2 in the medal identification device 1 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, an AC power supply 25 is connected to one end of the conducting wire constituting the exciting coil 8, and the other end of the conducting wire constituting the exciting coil 8 is grounded. One end of the conducting wire constituting the detection coil 9 is connected to an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 29 as a control unit via the amplifier circuit 26, the rectifier circuit 27 and the level adjustment circuit 28, thereby constituting the detection coil 9. The other end of the conducting wire is grounded. One end of the conducting wire constituting the detection coil 10 is connected to the MPU 29 via the amplifier circuit 31, the rectifier circuit 32 and the level adjusting circuit 33, and the other end of the conducting wire constituting the detection coil 10 is grounded. A comparator 35 is connected in parallel between the level adjustment circuit 28 and the MPU 29.

  Further, the MPU 29 is connected to the optical sensor 5, and an output signal (sensor output signal) SG11 from the optical sensor 5 is input thereto. The optical sensor 5 outputs a digital sensor output signal SG11 having a signal level “Hi” when the medal 2 is detected and a signal level “Lo” when the medal 2 is not detected. . For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when two medals 2 pass through the magnetic sensor 4 continuously without a gap and another medals 2 pass through the magnetic sensor 4 with a little gap thereafter, the optical type The sensor 5 outputs a sensor output signal SG11 whose signal level varies as shown in FIG.

  In the magnetic sensor 4, when the medal 2 passes through the passage PW in a state where the excitation coil 8 generates an AC magnetic field on the inner peripheral side of the annular core 11 by the electric power supplied from the AC power supply 25, The AC magnetic field on the inner circumference fluctuates. When the AC magnetic field on the inner peripheral side of the annular core 11 varies, the signal level of the output signal from the detection coil 9 and the signal level of the output signal from the detection coil 10 vary.

  As described above, one end of the conducting wire constituting the detection coil 9 is connected to the MPU 29 via the amplification circuit 26, the rectification circuit 27 and the level adjustment circuit 28, and is based on the output signal from the detection coil 9. The analog coil output signal SG1 generated in this way is input from the level adjustment circuit 28 to the MPU 29. In this embodiment, the circuit of the medal identification device 1 is configured so that the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 increases when the medal 2 passes through the passage PW while the exciting coil 8 generates an alternating magnetic field. ing.

  For example, when one medal 2 passes through the magnetic sensor 4 as shown in FIG. 7A (that is, when one medal 2 passes through the passage PW), a signal as shown in FIG. A coil output signal SG1 whose level varies is input to the MPU 29. For example, when three medals 2 pass through the magnetic sensor 4 continuously without a gap as shown in FIG. 7C, the coil output signal SG1 whose signal level varies as shown in FIG. Is input. Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, when two medals 2 pass through the magnetic sensor 4 continuously without a gap and another medals 2 pass through the magnetic sensor 4 with a little gap thereafter, As shown in FIG. 8, the coil output signal SG1 whose signal level varies is input to the MPU 29. Note that the coil output signal SG1 of the present embodiment is a first coil output signal based on an output signal from the detection coil 9 that is the first detection coil.

  Similarly, one end of the conducting wire constituting the detection coil 10 is connected to the MPU 29 via the amplification circuit 31, the rectification circuit 32, and the level adjustment circuit 33, and is generated based on the output signal from the detection coil 10. The analog coil output signal SG2 is input from the level adjustment circuit 33 to the MPU 29. In this embodiment, the circuit of the medal identification device 1 is configured so that the signal level of the coil output signal SG2 increases when the medal 2 passes through the passage PW while the exciting coil 8 generates an alternating magnetic field. ing. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when two medals 2 pass through the magnetic sensor 4 continuously without a gap and another medallion 2 passes through the magnetic sensor 4 with a little gap thereafter, FIG. As shown, a coil output signal SG2 whose signal level varies is input to the MPU 29. Note that the coil output signal SG2 of the present embodiment is a second coil output signal based on an output signal from the detection coil 10 that is the second detection coil.

  Further, as described above, the left-right distance L1 between the right end surfaces of the convex portions 12a and 13a and the left end surfaces of the convex portions 12b and 13b is equal to the width in the left-right direction of the passage PW, and the detection coil 9 is wound around the convex portions 13a to 13c via the bobbin 21 so as to cover the upper and lower surfaces of the convex portions 13a to 13c, the right end surface of the convex portion 13a, and the left end surface of the convex portion 13b. Therefore, the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 based on the output signal from the detection coil 9 varies depending on the influence of the material, thickness, and outer diameter of the medal 2 passing through the passage PW.

  On the other hand, the protrusions 12c and 13c are arranged between the protrusions 12a and 13a and the protrusions 12b and 13b, and the medal 2 passes through any position on the passage PW in the left-right direction from the front-rear direction. When viewed, the projections 12c and 13c are entirely formed and arranged so as to overlap the medal 2, and the detection coil 10 is wound around the projection 13c. Therefore, the signal level of the coil output signal SG2 based on the output signal from the detection coil 10 varies mainly due to the influence of the material and thickness of the medal 2 passing through the passage PW.

  Here, the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 may fluctuate due to influences such as fluctuations in the ambient temperature of the medal identification device 1, as shown in part E of FIG. In this embodiment, the optical sensor 5 is used to prevent the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 from deviating from the measurable range in the MPU 29 even if the ambient temperature of the medal identification device 1 fluctuates. Signal level of the coil output signal SG1 so that the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 is within a predetermined range at the time of standby before detecting the position (that is, at the time of standby before the medal 2 is inserted from the medal slot). Are regularly adjusted. Specifically, based on the level adjustment signal output from the MPU 29 based on the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 and input to the level adjustment circuit 28, the level adjustment circuit 28 determines the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 during standby. Are regularly adjusted.

  Similarly, the signal level of the coil output signal SG2 may fluctuate due to influences such as fluctuations in the ambient temperature of the medal identification device 1, as shown in part F of FIG. In this embodiment, the coil output signal SG2 during standby is prevented in order to prevent the signal level of the coil output signal SG2 from deviating from the measurable range in the MPU 29 even if the ambient temperature of the medal identification device 1 varies. The signal level of the coil output signal SG2 is regularly adjusted so that the signal level falls within a predetermined range. Specifically, based on the level adjustment signal output from the MPU 29 based on the signal level of the coil output signal SG2 and input to the level adjustment circuit 33, the level adjustment circuit 33 sets the signal level of the coil output signal SG2 during standby. Are regularly adjusted. The level adjustment circuits 28 and 33 of this embodiment are level adjustment units that adjust the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 so that the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 during standby are within a predetermined range. .

  Periodic adjustment of the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 by the level adjustment circuits 28 and 33 is stopped when the optical sensor 5 detects the medal 2. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, when the optical sensor 5 detects the medal 2, the level adjustment status of the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 is switched from “Hi” to “Lo”. In the present embodiment, the MPU 29 includes a timer for calculating the adjustment timing of the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2, and the MPU 29 stops the timer so that the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 are reduced. Stop regular adjustments.

  In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of identification of the medal 2, the MPU 29 resumes periodic adjustment of the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, when a predetermined time elapses from the completion of the identification of the medal 2, the level adjustment status of the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 is switched from “Lo” to “Hi”. Specifically, as will be described later, after identifying whether or not the medal 2 passing through the passage PW is genuine, a predetermined time T10 has elapsed, and the signal level of the sensor output signal SG11 is When it is “Lo” (that is, when the optical sensor 5 has not detected the medal 2), the MPU 29 restarts the timer and resumes periodic adjustment of the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2. Let In addition, after identifying whether or not the medal 2 passing through the passage PW is genuine, even if the predetermined time T10 has elapsed, the level of the identification status described later is switched while the time T10 elapses. If so, the MPU 29 does not resume regular adjustment of the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1, SG2.

  In this embodiment, the MPU 29 acquires the signal values of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 when the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold th. Specifically, first, the comparator 35 compares the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 input from the level adjustment circuit 28 with the threshold th, and generates a digital output signal (comparison output signal) SG5 based on the comparison result. Output to the MPU 29. More specifically, in the comparator 35, the signal level when the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 is equal to or higher than the threshold th is “Hi”, and the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 is lower than the threshold th. The comparison output signal SG5 having a signal level of “Lo” is output. For example, the comparator 35 outputs a comparison output signal SG5 whose signal level varies as shown in FIG. Further, the MPU 29 acquires the signal values of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 within the range T when the signal level of the input comparison output signal SG5 is “Hi”.

  Thus, the comparator 35 has a function for determining the acquisition range (sampling range) of the signal values of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 in the MPU 29. The comparator 35 of this embodiment is a comparison unit that compares the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 with the threshold value th.

  For example, even if a plurality of medals 2 pass through the magnetic sensor 4 continuously without a gap as shown in FIG. 7C, the threshold th is, as shown in FIG. Is set so that the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 crosses the threshold value th each time the signal passes through the magnetic sensor 4. That is, after the center of one medal 2 among a plurality of medals 2 passing through the magnetic sensor 4 continuously without a gap passes through the center of the magnetic sensor 4, the center of the next medal 2 passes through the center of the magnetic sensor 4. The threshold value th is set so that the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 is lower than the threshold value th before passing.

  The MPU 29 uses the reference signal value BL1 that is the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 when the optical sensor 5 detects the medal 2 and the peak value (maximum value) of the coil output signal SG1 when the medal 2 passes through the magnetic sensor 4. Value) Difference ΔL1 from PL1, the reference signal value BL2 that is the signal level of the coil output signal SG2 when the optical sensor 5 detects the medal 2, and the coil output when the medal 2 passes through the magnetic sensor 4. Based on the difference ΔL2 from the peak value (maximum value) PL2 of the signal SG2, it is identified whether or not the medal 2 passing through the passage PW is genuine.

  Specifically, the MPU 29 passes the passage when there is a difference ΔL1 between the predetermined upper limit value UL1 and the lower limit value LL1 and there is a difference ΔL2 between the predetermined upper limit value UL2 and the lower limit value LL2. It is determined that the medal 2 passing the PW is genuine, and the difference ΔL1 is not between the upper limit value UL1 and the lower limit value LL1, or the difference ΔL2 is not between the upper limit value UL2 and the lower limit value LL2. If the medals 2 passing through the passage PW are determined not to be legitimate. The upper limit value UL1 and the lower limit value LL1 are defined with reference to the reference signal value BL1, and the upper limit value UL2 and the lower limit value LL2 are defined with reference to the reference signal value BL2.

  In this embodiment, the MPU 29 stores the reference signal value BL1 and the reference signal value BL2 in order to calculate the differences ΔL1, ΔL2. Further, the MPU 29 holds the stored reference signal values BL1 and BL2 until a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the identification of the medal 2. Specifically, the MPU 29 finishes acquiring the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 based on the comparison output signal SG5, calculates the differences ΔL1 and ΔL2 from the acquired signal values, and passes through the passage PW. After identifying whether or not the medal 2 is genuine, the stored reference signal values BL1 and BL2 are held until a predetermined time T10 elapses. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the MPU 29 starts obtaining the signal values of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 based on the comparison output signal SG5, and then calculates the differences ΔL1 and ΔL2 based on the obtained signal values. Until the time T10 elapses after the identification status of “Hi” is switched to “Lo” until it is determined whether or not the medal 2 passing through the passage PW is genuine. The reference signal values BL1 and BL2 thus held are held.

  Note that the acquisition of the signal values of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 based on the comparison output signal SG5 is completed, the differences ΔL1 and ΔL2 are calculated from the acquired signal values, and the medal 2 passing through the passage PW is normal. Even after a predetermined time T10 has passed after the discriminating whether or not the level of the discriminating status is changed, the discriminating status level is switched while the time T10 passes, and the sensor output signal SG11 In at least one of the cases where the signal level is “Hi”, the MPU 29 further holds the stored reference signal values BL1 and BL2.

  Further, the MPU 29 calculates the differences ΔL1 and ΔL2 based on the held reference signal values BL1 and BL2, and identifies whether or not the medal 2 passing through the passage PW is normal. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 7C, when three medals 2 pass through the magnetic sensor 4 continuously without a gap, the MPU 29 detects the first medal 2 by the optical sensor 5. On the basis of the difference ΔL1 and ΔL2 between the reference signal values BL1 and BL2 stored sometimes and the peak values PL1 and PL2 when each of the three medals 2 passes through the magnetic sensor 4, the three medals 2 Identify whether each is legitimate.

(Shutter opening / closing timing, etc.)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the stop and restart timing of the timer for calculating the adjustment timing of the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 shown in FIG. 8, and the opening and closing timing of the shutter 7 shown in FIG. .

  In the medal identification device 1, the MPU 29 periodically determines whether the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 during standby are being adjusted at regular intervals (step S1). If the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 are not being adjusted in step S1, the MPU 29 determines whether or not the optical sensor 5 has detected the medal 2 (step S2). That is, the MPU 29 determines whether or not the signal level of the sensor output signal SG11 is “Hi”. On the other hand, if the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 are being adjusted in step S1, the process proceeds to step S2 after the adjustment of the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 is completed.

  In step S2, when the optical sensor 5 detects the medal 2 and the signal level of the sensor output signal SG11 is “Hi”, the MPU 29 sets the adjustment timing of the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2. The timer for calculation is stopped (step S3). While the timer is stopped, no level adjustment signal is output from the MPU 29 toward the level adjustment circuits 28 and 33. Thereafter, the shutter 7 that has closed the place through which the medal 2 passes in the medal guide 6 is opened, and the medal 2 can pass toward the magnetic sensor 4 (step S4). Thereafter, the MPU 29 determines whether or not the next determination timing as to whether or not the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 during adjustment are being adjusted (step S5).

  In step S5, when it is the next determination timing as to whether or not the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 during standby are being adjusted, the process proceeds to step S1. On the other hand, in step S5, if it is not the next determination timing as to whether or not the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 during standby are being adjusted, the process proceeds to step S1 after the next determination timing. move on.

  In step S2, if the optical sensor 5 has not detected the medal 2 and the signal level of the sensor output signal SG11 is “Lo”, the MPU 29 determines whether the identification status is “Hi”. Is determined (step S6). In step S6, if the identification status is “Hi”, the process proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if the identification status is “Lo” in step S6, the MPU 29 determines whether or not the time T10 has elapsed since the identification status was switched to “Lo” (step S7).

  If the time T10 has not elapsed in step S7, the process proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, when the time T10 has passed in step S7, the shutter 7 that has opened the medal guide 6 where the medal 2 passes is closed, and the medal 2 passes toward the magnetic sensor 4. Incapable state (step S8). Thereafter, the MPU 29 restarts a timer for calculating the adjustment timing of the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 (step S9), and then proceeds to step S5.

(Main effects of this form)
As described above, in this embodiment, the MPU 29 acquires the signal values of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 when the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 is equal to or higher than the threshold th. Therefore, in this embodiment, the signal value obtained and processed by the MPU 29 is compared with the case where the signal values of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 are obtained at a constant sampling period regardless of the signal level of the coil output signal SG1. It is possible to reduce the amount of data, and it is possible to simplify the processing in the MPU 29. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to speed up the processing in the MPU 29, and as a result, the medal 2 can be identified at high speed. Further, in this embodiment, the MPU 29 acquires the signal values of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 when the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 is equal to or higher than the threshold th, so that the medal passing through the magnetic sensor 4 Even if the speed of 2 varies, it is possible to reliably acquire the peak values PL1 and PL2 of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2.

  In the present embodiment, the threshold value th is, for example, as shown in FIG. 7D, even when the plurality of medals 2 pass through the magnetic sensor 4 continuously without a gap as shown in FIG. Each time each medal 2 passes through the magnetic sensor 4, the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 is set so as to cross the threshold th. Therefore, in this embodiment, even when a plurality of medals 2 pass through the magnetic sensor 4 continuously without a gap, as shown in FIG. 7D, the coil output signal SG1 for each medal 2 is set at predetermined intervals. It becomes possible to acquire a signal value. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if a large number of medals 2 pass through the magnetic sensor 4 continuously without a gap, it is possible to appropriately identify the authenticity of the medals 2. In this embodiment, the number of medals 2 that pass through the magnetic sensor 4 can be easily calculated.

  In this embodiment, the signal level when the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 is equal to or higher than the threshold th is “Hi”, and the signal level when the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 is less than the threshold th is “Hi”. The comparator 35 outputs the comparison output signal SG5 that becomes “Lo” to the MPU 29, and the MPU 29 outputs the signal of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 within the range T when the signal level of the comparison output signal SG5 is “Hi”. The value is being acquired. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to simplify the processing in the MPU 29 as compared with the case where the MPU 29 determines whether or not the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 is equal to or higher than the threshold th. As a result, the processing at the MPU 29 can be further speeded up.

  In this embodiment, the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 varies due to the influence of the material, thickness and outer diameter of the medal 2 passing through the passage PW, and the signal level of the coil output signal SG2 mainly passes through the passage PW. It varies depending on the material and thickness of the medal 2 to be played. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to mainly identify the outer diameter of the medal 2 using the detection coil 9 and mainly identify the material and thickness of the medal 2 using the detection coil 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, it becomes possible to improve the identification accuracy of the medal 2. In this embodiment, even when the MPU 29 acquires the signal value of the coil output signal SG1 and the signal value of the coil output signal SG2, the data amount of the signal value acquired and processed by the MPU 29 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to speed up the processing in the MPU 29.

  In the present embodiment, the level adjustment circuits 28 and 33 are configured so that the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 during standby are within a predetermined range based on the level adjustment signal output from the MPU 29 and input to the level adjustment circuits 28 and 33. The signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 are regularly adjusted so as to fall within the range. For this reason, in this embodiment, as described above, even if the ambient temperature of the medal identification device 1 fluctuates, the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 are prevented from deviating from the measurable range of the MPU 29. It becomes possible. Further, in this embodiment, since it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 caused by fluctuations in the ambient temperature of the medal identification device 1, etc., a threshold value compared with the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 It is possible to make th constant. Therefore, in this embodiment, the threshold value th can be easily set.

  In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 7C, when three medals 2 pass through the magnetic sensor 4 continuously without a gap, the MPU 29 detects the first medal 2 by the optical sensor 5. Each of the three medals 2 is a normal one based on the difference ΔL1 between the reference signal value BL1 that is sometimes stored and the peak value PL1 when each of the three medals 2 passes the magnetic sensor 4. Whether or not there is is identified. Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 that passes through the three medals 2 continuously without a gap and decreases from the peak value PL1 as shown in FIG. Even if it starts to rise again before falling, the reference signal value BL1 stored when the optical sensor 5 detects the first medal 2 and each of the three medals 2 are the magnetic sensors 4 respectively. The medal 2 can be appropriately identified based on the differences ΔL1 and ΔL2 from the peak value PL1 when passing. That is, in this embodiment, even if a large number of medals 2 pass through the magnetic sensor 4 continuously without a gap, it is possible to appropriately identify the authenticity of the medals 2.

  In this embodiment, the medal 2 passing through the passage PW is normal based on the difference ΔL1 between the reference signal value BL1 and the peak value PL1 and the difference ΔL2 between the reference signal value BL2 and the peak value PL2. Whether or not. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 before the medal 2 is inserted from the medal insertion slot are changed due to the influence of the change in the ambient temperature of the medal identification device 1, etc., the MPU 29 The medal 2 can be identified by eliminating the influence of the fluctuation. Therefore, in this embodiment, it becomes possible to improve the identification accuracy of the medal 2.

  In this embodiment, the left-right distance L1 between the right end surfaces of the convex portions 12a, 13a and the left end surfaces of the convex portions 12b, 13b is equal to the width in the left-right direction of the passage PW. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the medal 2 passes through any position on the passage PW in the left-right direction, a part of the medal 2 is formed between the convex portions 12a to 12c and the convex portions 13a to 13c. Never get off the road. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 due to the passing position of the medal 2 in the left-right direction. As a result, in this embodiment, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of identifying the outer diameter of the medal 2.

(Other embodiments)
The above-described embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  In the embodiment described above, the MPU 29 acquires the signal values of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 when the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 is equal to or higher than the threshold th. In addition, for example, the MPU 29 may acquire the signal values of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 when the signal level of the coil output signal SG2 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold.

  In the embodiment described above, the medal identification device 1 is configured so that the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 increase when the medal 2 passes through the passage PW while the exciting coil 8 generates an alternating magnetic field. This circuit is configured. In addition to this, for example, when the medal 2 passes through the passage PW while the exciting coil 8 generates an alternating magnetic field, the medal identification device is configured so that the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 become small. One circuit may be configured. In this case, the difference between the peak value (minimum value) of the coil output signal SG1 when the medal 2 passes through the magnetic sensor 4 and the reference signal value BL1, and the coil when the medal 2 passes through the magnetic sensor 4 Based on the difference between the peak value (minimum value) of the output signal SG2 and the reference signal value BL2, whether or not the medal 2 passing through the passage PW is genuine is identified. In this case, when the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the signal values of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 are acquired.

  In the above-described form, the signal level when the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 is equal to or higher than the threshold th is “Hi”, and the signal level when the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 is less than the threshold th. The comparator 35 outputs the comparison output signal SG5 that becomes “Lo” to the MPU 29, and the MPU 29 outputs the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 within the range T when the signal level of the comparison output signal SG5 is “Hi”. The signal value is acquired. In addition, for example, without providing the comparator 35, the MPU 29 determines whether or not the signal level of the coil output signal SG1 is equal to or higher than the threshold th, and the MPU 29 determines whether the coil output signal SG1 is based on the determination result. , SG2 may be obtained.

  In the embodiment described above, the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 are periodically adjusted so that the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 during standby are within a predetermined range. In addition to this, for example, if the medal identification device 1 is used in an environment where the fluctuation of the ambient temperature is small, the signal levels of the coil output signals SG1 and SG2 may not be adjusted periodically.

  In the above-described form, the MPU 29 determines that the medal 2 passing through the passage PW is normal based on the difference ΔL1 between the reference signal value BL1 and the peak value PL1 and the difference ΔL2 between the reference signal value BL2 and the peak value PL2. Or not. In addition to this, for example, the MPU 29 may identify whether or not the medal 2 passing through the passage PW is a regular one based on the absolute value of the peak value PL1 and the absolute value of the peak value PL2. .

  In the embodiment described above, the magnetic sensor 4 includes the two detection coils 9 and 10. In addition, for example, the number of detection coils included in the magnetic sensor 4 may be one, or may be three or more. In this case, a convex part may be formed on the second core 13 according to the number of detection coils.

  In the embodiment described above, the optical sensor 5 detects that the medal 2 has been inserted from the medal insertion slot. In addition to this, for example, instead of the optical sensor 5, the medal 2 is inserted from the medal slot by a mechanical sensor having a contact switch or the like, or another sensor such as a magnetic sensor or a capacitance sensor. It may be detected.

  In the above-described embodiment, the embodiment of the coin-shaped detected object identifying device of the present invention is described by taking the medal identifying device 1 for identifying the medal 2 used in the slot machine as an example. The coin-shaped detected object identifying device may be a device for identifying another coin-shaped detected object such as a medal used in a game machine.

1 Medal identification device (coin-like object identification device)
2 medals (detected object)
4 Magnetic sensor (first sensor)
5 Optical sensor (second sensor)
8 Excitation coil 9 Detection coil (first detection coil)
10 Detection coil (second detection coil)
12 1st core 12a, 12b, 12c Convex part (excitation side convex part)
13 2nd core 13a, 13b, 13c Convex part (detection side convex part)
28, 33 Level adjustment circuit (level adjustment unit)
29 MPU (control unit)
35 Comparator (Comparator)
BL1, BL2 Reference signal value PL1, PL2 Peak value PW Passage path SG1 Coil output signal (first coil output signal)
SG2 coil output signal (second coil output signal)
th threshold X orthogonal direction X1 first direction X2 second direction Y thickness direction of detected object Z passing direction of detected object ΔL1, ΔL2 difference between peak value and reference signal value

Claims (9)

A first sensor having an excitation coil and a detection coil and through which a coin-shaped object to be detected passes, and a control unit to which the detection coil is connected;
The control unit receives a coil output signal based on an output signal from the detection coil,
The control unit acquires the signal value of the coil output signal when the signal level of the coil output signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold or when the signal level is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold. A coin-shaped detected object identification device that identifies the detected object based on a signal value of the coil output signal.   The coin-shaped detected object identification device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit identifies the detected object based on a peak value of the coil output signal.   The threshold value is determined when each of the plurality of detected bodies passes through the first sensor even when the plurality of detected bodies pass through the first sensor continuously without a gap. The coin-shaped detected object identification device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that is set so as to cross the threshold value. A comparison unit for comparing the signal level of the coil output signal and the threshold;
4. The coin-shaped detected object identification device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires a signal value of the coil output signal based on an output signal from the comparison unit. 5. The detection coil includes a first detection coil and a second detection coil,
When the coil output signal based on the output signal from the first detection coil is the first coil output signal and the coil output signal based on the output signal from the second detection coil is the second coil output signal,
When the signal level of the first coil output signal is greater than or equal to the threshold value, or when the control unit is less than or equal to the threshold value, the signal value of the first coil output signal and the second coil The signal value of the output signal is acquired, and the detected object is identified based on the acquired signal value of the first coil output signal and the signal value of the second coil output signal. 5. A coin-shaped detected object identifying device according to any one of items 1 to 4.   A second sensor disposed upstream of the first sensor in the passing direction of the detected object, and detecting that the detected object is introduced from an insertion port by detecting the detected object; A level adjusting unit for adjusting the signal level of the coil output signal so that the signal level of the coil output signal during standby before the second sensor detects the detected object is within a predetermined range; The coin-shaped detected object identification device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: A second sensor disposed upstream of the first sensor in the direction of passage of the detected object, and detecting the detected object to detect that the detected object has been input from an input port; Prepared,
The control unit stores a reference signal value that is a signal level of the coil output signal when the second sensor detects the detected object, and a predetermined time elapses from the completion of identification of the detected object. Until the detected signal is held based on the difference between the peak value of the coil output signal and the reference signal value when the detected object passes through the first sensor. The coin-shaped detection object identification device according to claim 1, wherein identification is performed. The first sensor includes a passage path through which the detected body passes, a first core disposed on one side of a thickness direction of the detected body passing through the passage path, and the thickness direction of the detected body. A second core disposed on the other side of
The first core is formed with one or more excitation-side convex portions projecting toward the second core,
The second core is formed with one or more detection-side convex portions protruding toward the first core,
The excitation coil is wound around the excitation-side convex portion,
The detection coil is wound around the detection-side convex portion,
Between the excitation-side convex portion and the detection-side convex portion in the thickness direction of the detected object is the passage.
The direction orthogonal to the direction of passage of the detected object passing through the passage and the thickness direction of the detected object is an orthogonal direction, one side of the orthogonal direction is a first direction, and the other side of the orthogonal direction Is the second direction, the end surface on the first direction side of the excitation-side convex portion is the first end surface, the end surface on the second direction side of the excitation-side convex portion is the second end surface, and the detection-side convex portion When the end surface on the first direction side is the third end surface and the end surface on the second direction side of the detection-side convex portion is the fourth end surface,
In the orthogonal direction between the second core side end of the first end surface arranged closest to the first direction side and the second core side end of the second end surface arranged closest to the second direction side The distance and the first core side end of the third end surface arranged closest to the first direction side, and the first core side end of the fourth end surface arranged closest to the second direction side 8. The coin-shaped object identification device according to claim 1, wherein the distance in the orthogonal direction is not less than the outer diameter of the object to be detected. A method for controlling a coin-shaped detected object identification device including a first sensor having an excitation coil and a detection coil and through which a coin-shaped detected object passes,
When the signal level of the coil output signal based on the output signal from the detection coil is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, or when it is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold, the signal value of the coil output signal is acquired. A method of controlling a coin-shaped detected object identification device, wherein the detected object is identified based on a signal value of the acquired coil output signal.

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