JP2016172095A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine 1 capable of promptly and accurately detecting a fraudulent act upon a selector 50.SOLUTION: A game machine 1 comprises a selector 50 including a first put-in medal passage detection sensor 55a and a second put-in medal passage detection sensor 55b that are provided at a predetermined interval along a medal passage 52 where a medal M that is put in from a medal slot 36 passes. In an MPU 61, a total time measuring timer 65 measures a total time from start of a shield state of the first put-in medal passage detection sensor 55a caused by the medal M in timing t1 to end of a shield state of an optical path of the second put-in medal passage detection sensor 55b caused by the medal M after a predetermined number of medals. The measurement of the total time is finished in such timing that a passage interval of preceding and following medals M exceeds a passage reference time. Thus, operation can be promptly shifted to a medal passage discrimination for comparing the total time with the reference time, and the fraudulent act upon the selector 50 can be accurately detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine whose operation is started by inserting an appropriate medal.

  In a gaming machine such as a current slot machine, game management is performed by a control device that controls each component of the gaming machine, and interest in a big hit state where a large number of medals can be acquired has increased game orientation. . On the other hand, if the big hit state continues for a number of times in a short time, a very large profit can be obtained. Therefore, various fraudulent acts may be performed, and such a situation actually occurs.

  One of these types of fraud is to select appropriate medals based on the shape of the inserted medals and the like, and also to cheat against the selector that is the inserted medal recognition unit that counts the number of inserted medals. There is. For example, the selector goto temporarily inserts a medal (coin) suspended with a thread or the like, makes the control device of the gaming machine recognize the insertion of the medal, and then pulls out the inserted medal again. There is an act of inserting a foreign object from the medal slot and reciprocating it so that the controller recognizes it as a medal slot.

  In addition, recently, a special instrument having a light emitter that emits a irradiating infrared ray or the like on the tip side is inserted from the medal insertion slot with respect to the optical sensor for detecting the passage of the medal provided in the medal passage of the selector. And irradiating the light emitter on the tip side to the light receiving portion of the light sensor, and repeating the blinking of the light emitter in an extremely short time so that the control device of the gaming machine recognizes as if a predetermined number of medals have been inserted Etc.

  Such fraudulent acts not only cause a great deal of damage to the game hall managers, but general players who are regularly playing games are concerned about reducing the reliability of the games themselves. The Therefore, various gaming machines having a inserted medal recognition unit that can recognize only properly inserted medals have been proposed.

  A gaming machine equipped with this type of inserted medal recognition unit, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, is for detecting two medals provided in a medal path 102 continuous from a guide rail 101 for guiding inserted medals M. Proximity sensors 103a and 103b and a determination unit that determines whether or not the medal M has passed through the medal path 102 based on the outputs of the proximity sensors 103a and 103b. The medal detection area is continuous in the direction, and this medal detection area is set over the entire medal path 102.

  In the case of a gaming machine having the above-described configuration, when a predetermined number of inserted medals M pass through the medal passage 102, the outputs of the proximity sensors 103a and 103b change from the non-detected state to the detected state and then remain undetected from the detected state. Change to detection state. At this time, since the output state of the upstream proximity sensor 103a first changes and then the output state of the downstream proximity sensor 103b changes, the determination unit repeats the predetermined number of inserted medals M. Can be recognized as the passage of medals.

  Accordingly, when a medal suspended by a thread or the like or a long foreign object is inserted from the medal slot, the output state of the upstream proximity sensor 103a changes first at the time of insertion, and then the downstream proximity The output state of the sensor 103b changes, but when these are pulled out, the output state of the downstream proximity sensor 103b changes first, and then the output state of the upstream proximity sensor 103a changes. The order of change of the output state is opposite to that when the medal passes, so that an illegal act against the inserted medal recognition unit 100 can be detected (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-342814, FIG.

  However, in the case of the gaming machine provided with the inserted medal recognition unit 100 disclosed in Patent Document 1, although effective against fraud by inserting a medal suspended by a thread or the like or a long foreign object, the tip side Since the proximity sensor 103 reacts by repeating the blinking of the light emitted from the light emitter and is recognized as the passing of a medal on the control device of the gaming machine, Unable to reliably detect fraud.

  Here, since it is necessary to carry out such an illegal act so as not to be known to the surroundings as much as possible, the illegal action by the light emitting means described above is compared with the case where a predetermined number of medals are inserted by a normal inserting operation. It is necessary to complete the action in a short time. As a result, the present inventors have focused on the fact that the light emitted from the light emitter is repeatedly blinked within a very short time. For example, in the case of cheating due to repeated flashing of the light emitter, the elapsed time taken for medal insertion measured when it is recognized by the control device of the gaming machine as if a predetermined number of medals have been inserted is the same number of medals. There is a significant difference compared to the elapsed time taken for medal insertion, which is measured when it is inserted into. This difference tends to become more pronounced as the number of inserted medals increases (for example, the upper limit number of inserted medals).

  In view of the above problems, the present inventors have made a first medal passage detection sensor and a second medal passage detection along a medal passage through which a medal inserted from a medal insertion slot passes according to a patent application of Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-208886. A total time from the start of the shielding state of the optical path of the first medal passage detection sensor by the medal to the end of the shielding state of the optical path of the second medal passage detection sensor by a predetermined number of medals. We have proposed a gaming machine that can reliably detect fraudulent actions against selectors.

  The present invention relates to an improved invention of the above gaming machine invented by the present inventors, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of more quickly and accurately detecting fraud against a selector which is a inserted medal recognition unit. There is.

The invention of the gaming machine according to claim 1, which achieves the above object,
A medal insertion portion into which medals are inserted, a medal passage portion through which medals inserted into the medal insertion portion pass, and a plurality of passing positions in the passage process of one inserted medal provided in the medal passage portion Detection signal transmitting means for outputting detection signals respectively, medal number counting means for detecting passage of medals by detection of the plurality of detection signals, and passing of passing medals detected by the medal number counting means. A passing interval measuring means for measuring the interval, an elapsed time measuring means for measuring the total time for which a predetermined number of medals pass, and a total time by the elapsed time measuring means when the passing interval exceeds a preset passing reference time The total time is counted according to the number of medals counted by the medal number counting means. When the total time is equal to or greater than the total reference time, it is determined that a predetermined number of medals have properly passed the medal passage portion, and when the total time is less than the total reference time, the predetermined number And a medal passage determining unit that determines that the medal is not properly passing through the medal passage portion.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the total time measured by the elapsed time measuring means is compared with the total reference time that is a threshold set in advance for each number of passing medals detected by the medal number counting means. Since the total time measured when a fraudulent act that causes a false recognition of the passage of a predetermined number of medals using a light-emitting means is extremely short, the fraudulent act is surely Can be detected.

  Then, when the passing interval of successive medals measured by the passing interval measuring means exceeds a preset passing reference time, the measurement of the total time by the elapsed time measuring means is ended, so that the total time The end of measurement can be clearly set. Here, the passage reference time is such that the passage interval of medals exceeds the passage interval of successive medals measured by the passage interval measuring means when the medals are inserted properly and continuously from the medal insertion unit. Means the set time. The passing interval of consecutive medals measured by the appropriate insertion of medals is generally measured within a predetermined range according to the insertion speed, so the reference passage time is measured by the appropriate insertion of medals. It is preferable to set in advance so as to at least exceed the upper limit passage interval.

  Therefore, the medal passage determination unit can end the measurement of the total time when the passing interval of successive medals exceeds a predetermined passage reference time. It is possible to determine whether or not the vehicle passes properly.

  In addition, since the end of the measurement of the total time is clearly set, the medal passage determination unit performs the passage determination based on the number of passing medals when the passage interval exceeds the passage reference time and the total time of the passage. Therefore, in combination with the configuration for comparing the total time and the total reference time, it is possible to perform a more accurate medal passage determination.

Invention 2 is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The medal passage determination unit determines whether or not a predetermined number of medals have passed properly based on the total time until the passage of the previous medal is detected when the passage interval exceeds the passage reference time. It is characterized by.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the total time measured by the elapsed time measuring means is the time until the passage of the previous medal at the time when the passage interval exceeds the passage reference time, in other words, the passage of a predetermined number of medals. It takes time. Thus, the total time can be obtained as the time required for the predetermined number of medals to actually pass. Therefore, the medal passage determination unit can perform more accurate medal passage determination based on the comparison with the total reference time.

Invention 3 is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The medal passage determination unit measures the total time until the passage of the previous medal is detected when the passage interval exceeds the passage reference time, and is measured by the passage interval measuring unit after the passage of the previous medal is detected. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of medals have passed properly based on the passing interval.

  According to the invention 3, since the end of the measurement of the total time by the elapsed time measuring means is the time when the passage interval exceeds the passage reference time, the previous medal at the time when the passage interval exceeds the passage reference time, in other words In addition to the total time required until the passage of a medal after a predetermined number is detected, the medal of the medal is based on the passing interval measured by the passing interval measuring means from the previous medal when the passing reference time is exceeded. Even if the passage determination is made, the measured passage interval is the same length as the preset passage reference time and is a fixed time, so that the same accurate medal passage determination can be ensured. it can. The total reference time in the present invention needs to be set by adding a time corresponding to the passage reference time.

Invention 4 is the gaming machine according to claim 1 or invention 2 or 3,
The detection of the passage of medals by the medal number counting means can be performed up to a preset number of medals, and the medal passage determination unit detects a plurality of detection signals relating to the preset number of medals. The measurement of the total time is ended based on the above.

  According to the invention 4, since medals inserted from the medal insertion unit are detected up to the preset number by the medal number counting means, the time when the inserted medals reach the upper limit number of preset numbers. Since subsequent medals can no longer be inserted and at least one game must be performed and medals can be inserted again, based on a plurality of detection signals relating to a predetermined number of medals. By setting the end of the measurement of the total time, there is no need to wait for the measurement result of the passing interval by the passing interval measuring means, so that a quick medal passage determination can be performed.

  In this case, it is possible to insert medals again from the time when the maximum number of inserted coins is reached, and if the passing interval of medal until the actual insertion of the medals is measured by the passing interval measuring means, the passing reference time is greatly increased. Since it is clear that the total time is exceeded, the end of the measurement of the total time is based on the detection of the detection signals applied to medals up to a preset number.

  Note that the invention 4 does not mean that the passing interval of the passing medals is not measured by the passing interval measuring means, and the total time and the total reference time are compared without waiting for the passing interval measurement result. Thus, it is intended to ensure a quick medal passage determination.

Invention 5
A medal insertion portion into which medals are inserted, a medal passage portion through which medals inserted into the medal insertion portion pass, and a plurality of passing positions in the passage process of one inserted medal provided in the medal passage portion Detection signal transmitting means for outputting detection signals respectively, medal number counting means for detecting passage of medals by detection of the plurality of detection signals, and passing of passing medals detected by the medal number counting means. A passing interval measuring means for measuring the interval, an elapsed time measuring means for measuring the total time for which a predetermined number of medals pass, and a total time by the elapsed time measuring means when the passing interval exceeds a preset passing reference time Measurement is completed, and the total time of the same predetermined number is compared with each other. If the difference exceeds a predetermined range, the predetermined number of medals A medal passage determining unit that determines that the passage has been properly passed and determines that a predetermined number of medals have not passed through the medal passage properly when the difference is within a predetermined range; A gaming machine characterized by

  According to the fifth aspect, by comparing a plurality of total times obtained for the same predetermined number, it is recognized that the predetermined number of medals are not properly inserted when the difference is within a predetermined range. Therefore, it is possible to reliably detect an illegal act using an illegal means such as a light emitting means.

  Then, when the passing interval of successive medals measured by the passing interval measuring means exceeds a preset passing reference time, the measurement of the total time by the elapsed time measuring means is ended, so that the total time The end of measurement can be clearly set.

  Therefore, the medal passage determination unit sets the time when the passing interval of successive medals exceeds a predetermined passage reference time as the end of the measurement of the total time, and based on the plurality of total times obtained for the same predetermined number of pieces, It is possible to quickly determine whether or not the medal is properly passed.

Invention 6 is the gaming machine described in Invention 5,
The medal passage determination unit determines whether or not a predetermined number of medals have passed properly based on the total time until the passage of the previous medal is detected when the passage interval exceeds the passage reference time. It is characterized by.

  According to the invention 6, the total time measured by the elapsed time measuring means is the time when the previous medal at the time when the passage interval exceeds the passage reference time, in other words, until the passage of a predetermined number of medals is detected. It takes time. Thus, the total time can be obtained as the time required for the predetermined number of medals to actually pass. Therefore, the medal passage determination unit can more accurately perform the medal passage determination by comparing a plurality of total times.

Invention 7 is the gaming machine described in Invention 5,
The medal passage determination unit measures the total time until the passage of the previous medal is detected when the passage interval exceeds the passage reference time, and is measured by the passage interval measuring unit after the passage of the previous medal is detected. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of medals have passed properly based on the passing interval.

  According to the invention 7, since the end of the measurement of the total time by the elapsed time measuring means is the time when the passage interval exceeds the passage reference time, the previous medal at the time when the passage interval exceeds the passage reference time, in other words In addition to the total time required until the passage of a medal after a predetermined number is detected, the medal of the medal is based on the passing interval measured by the passing interval measuring means from the previous medal when the passing reference time is exceeded. Even if the passage determination is made, the measured passage interval is the same length as the preset passage reference time and is a fixed time, so that the same accurate medal passage determination can be ensured. it can.

Invention 8 is the gaming machine according to claim 1 or inventions 2 to 7,
The detection signal transmission means includes first detection signal transmission means and second detection signal transmission means provided in order along the medal passage portion, and the elapsed time measurement means is the first detection signal transmission means during the medal passing process. The time elapsed from when the first detection signal is output to when the second detection signal transmitting means outputs the last detection signal during the passage of medals after a predetermined number of sheets is measured.

  According to the invention 8, even if the detection signal transmission means is the minimum configuration including the first detection signal transmission means and the second detection signal transmission means, the medal passage determination that compares the total time with the reference time is sufficiently performed. Therefore, the effects of claims 1 to 7 can be obtained with a simple configuration.

Invention 9 is a gaming machine according to claim 1 or inventions 2 to 8,
The medal passage determination unit includes a fraud signal output unit that outputs a fraud notification signal to the outside of the gaming machine when it is determined that the predetermined number of medals are not properly passed.

  According to the ninth aspect, when the medal passage determining unit determines that an illegal act has occurred, the fraud signal output means transmits a fraud notification signal to the outside of the gaming machine, for example, to the hall computer that supervises the gaming machine, It is possible to quickly recognize the occurrence of fraud and respond quickly.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, a fraudulent act that causes a player to recognize that a medal has been inserted by repeating blinking of light emitted from the light emitter using a special device having a light emitter on the tip side is accurately performed. Since it is determined that the medal has passed through the medal passage portion only when the medal has actually passed, it is possible to reliably detect an illegal act using such a light emitting means.

  In addition, since the measurement of the total time is finished when the passing interval of successive medals passing through the medal passage portion exceeds a preset passing reference time, the medal passage determination can be performed more quickly and accurately. it can.

It is a perspective view which shows the state which the front door 3 of the slot machine 1 which is 1st Embodiment of this invention closed. Similarly, it is a perspective view showing a state in which the front door 3 of the slot machine 1 is opened. Similarly, it is the figure which showed the internal structure of the selector 50. FIG. Similarly, it is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the slot machine 1. Similarly, it is an explanatory view showing a timing chart showing the passage state of one medal in the medal passage 52 and the detection of each inserted medal passage detection sensor 55a, 55b. Similarly, it is an explanatory view showing a timing chart showing detection of 30 medals. It is explanatory drawing which showed the timing chart which shows the detection of the medal in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed the timing chart which shows the detection of the medal in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining a prior art.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the slot machine 1 will be described as an example of a gaming machine.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front door 3 of the slot machine 1 is closed, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front door 3 of the slot machine 1 is opened. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 has a housing 4 having a main body 2 and a front door 3 that is substantially rectangular in a front view.

  The main body 2 is a member that forms the skeleton of the slot machine 1 and has a box shape with the front surface opened as shown in FIG. Inside the main body 2 is a control board storage box that houses a plurality of rotating drums 11 on which various symbols and the like are displayed, a main control board 60 (see FIG. 4) for controlling the gaming operation of the slot machine 1 and the like. 12, a power box 13 having a power switch 13a, a reset switch 13b, etc., an auxiliary tank 14a for storing a medal M as a game value medium, and a medal payout port 41 for the medal M in the auxiliary tank 14a from the discharge passage 7. The hopper 14 provided with the payment device 14b for paying out is accommodated.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the front door 3 is attached so that the upper and lower two portions of the left side are connected to the main body 2 by hinges 5 so that the front open portion of the main body 2 can be easily closed and opened. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front door 3 includes three parts, a display unit 3 </ b> A, an operation unit 3 </ b> B, and a storage unit 3 </ b> C in order from the top to the bottom. The display unit 3A is provided along the upper side of the front door 3 and is lit and blinks as the game progresses. The display unit 3A is disposed on both the left and right sides of the upper lamp 28 to display various sound effects. A pair of speakers 21 to be generated, and a liquid crystal display 22 arranged between the pair of speakers 21 to display various information such as images and videos. A transparent window 23 for visually recognizing the plurality of rotating drums 11 rotating in the housing 4 is provided at a substantially central height position of the display unit 3A. A bet lamp 24 that is turned on according to the number of bets M (the number of bets) is provided. At the bottom of the display unit 3A, a credit number display unit 25, a game number display unit 26, and a payout number display unit 27 are provided in order from the left side to the right side.

  The operation portion 3B is bent at the lower end of the display portion 3A and extends toward the front side, and the vertical portion that is bent at the front end portion of the plane portion F and hangs downward. It has a wall portion H, and the plane portion F is provided with one and two bet buttons 31 and 32 on the left side, and three bet buttons 33 on the right side. ing. A medal slot 36 is disposed on the right side of the plane portion F.

  A credit button 34 for selecting whether or not to store medals M in order from the left side to the right side at a substantially central portion at the top of the vertical wall portion H, and a start lever for instructing the rotation of the rotary drum 11 to start. 35. A stop button 37 for instructing to stop the rotation of the rotary drum 11 is provided.

  When the medal M is selected to be stored by operating the credit button 34, in addition to the three medals used for one game, it is set to be able to insert up to a preset number. In the present embodiment, for example, a maximum of 53 cards including the number of medals already inserted can be inserted. On the other hand, if it is selected not to store the medal M by operating the credit button 34, only the above three medals are set to be insertable, and the fourth and subsequent medals are returned without being stored. It is configured.

  The start lever 35 protrudes from the vertical wall portion H toward the front side, and is operated by pushing down or pushing up. The stop button 37 is disposed at a position corresponding to each rotary drum 11 and is operated by a pushing operation. In addition, a display plate 38 on which a model name, a character related to a game, and the like are displayed is provided below the operation unit 3B.

  The storage unit 3C is arranged and formed to extend in the left-right direction at a position below the operation unit 3B, and receives a medal M paid out from the medal payout port 41 and stores a medal tray 42 and an ashtray 43. Etc. are provided.

  Next, the selector 50 to which medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 36 are supplied will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the selector 50.

  The selector 50 as the inserted medal recognition unit is arranged so as to extend in the vertical direction along the back surface of the front door 3, and the medal M inserted from the medal insertion slot 36 passes through the selector body 51. At the same time, a medal passage 52 as a medal passage portion leading to the storage passage 6 is provided.

  As shown by an arrow A in FIG. 3, the medal passage 52 hangs down from the left side of the upper surface of the selector body 51 and curves toward the right side of the body at the approximate center of the height position of the selector body 51. As shown, it extends to the lower part of the right surface at a predetermined inclination angle so that the inserted medal M can pass therethrough. In the present embodiment, the medal passage 52 has a bottom portion constituted by a protrusion 52a protruding from the selector body 51 toward the front side of the figure, and the inserted medal M is indicated by an arrow B while rolling on the protrusion 52a. It flows toward the indicated downstream direction.

  As shown by an arrow C in the figure, a branch passage 53 that branches from the medal passage 52 and communicates with the discharge passage 7 is formed in the middle of the medal passage 52. The medal passage switching means 54 stores medals. It is configured to be able to select which of the supply passage 6 and the discharge passage 7 is supplied.

  The medal passage switching means 54 includes a switching piece 54a that can be moved in and out of the medal passage 52 and a solenoid (not shown) for operating the switching piece 54a. When the solenoid is not energized, the switching piece 54a is projected into the medal passage 52 to prevent the medal M from flowing into the storage passage 6, and the medal M is moved from the top of the protrusion 52a to the front side in the figure. Then, it is lowered and guided to the branch passage 53, guided from the branch passage 53 to the discharge passage 7, and discharged from the medal payout opening 41 of the front door 3 to the medal tray 42. On the other hand, at the time of excitation of the solenoid, the switching piece 54 a is immersed outside the medal passage 52, the medal M is moved along the medal passage 52 and guided to the storage passage 6, and the hopper 14 accommodated in the inside of the housing 4. To supply.

  At a position slightly downstream from the center of the medal passage 52, detection signal transmission means 55 for detecting the passage of the medal M in the medal passage 52 is provided. The detection signal transmission means 55 is constituted by a photocoupler having a pair of light projecting portions and light receiving portions (each not shown) on both sides of the passing medal M. In the present embodiment, the first throwing medal passage detection is performed. The sensor 55a and the second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b are provided, and are arranged side by side on the upstream side and the downstream side so that at least one passing medal M can be detected simultaneously. Each inserted medal passage detection sensor 55a, 55b is set to output a “Lo” signal when receiving light and a “Hi” signal when blocking light.

  When the medal M inserted when the solenoid of the medal path switching means 54 is de-energized falls down in the middle of the medal path 52 and is guided to the branch path 53, the detection signal transmission means 55 detects each inserted medal passage detection sensor 55a. , 55b does not detect the passage of the medal M. Further, since the inserted medal M is moved from the upstream side to the downstream side of the medal passage 52 when the solenoid of the medal passage switching means 54 is energized, the passage of the medal M is detected by the inserted medal passage detection sensors 55a and 55b.

  Next, FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the slot machine 1. Hereinafter, the main control board 60 and the like of the slot machine 1 disposed inside the control board storage box 12 will be described with reference to FIG. I will explain.

  The main control board 60 is equipped with an MPU 61 as a one-chip microcomputer, which is an arithmetic unit, and an input / output port 62 connected to the MPU 61 and connected to various input / output means such as sensors and switches. Yes.

  The MPU 61 stores various control programs such as a passage interval measurement program and a medal passage determination program executed by the MPU 61 and fixed value data such as a passage reference time and a total reference time, and the ROM 63 stores the ROM 63. A predetermined number of sheets inserted based on the detection signals output from the RAM 64 (storage unit), which is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when executing the control program, and the inserted medal passage detection sensors 55a and 55b. A total time measuring timer 65 as an elapsed time measuring means for measuring the total time for which the medals pass, a medal number counter 68 for counting the number of passing medals, and a passing interval measuring timer 69 for measuring the passing interval of the passing medals. Etc. are built-in.

  The input / output port 62 includes a reset switch 13b, a start lever 35, a first inserted medal passage detection sensor 55a, a second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b, a 1 to 3 bet lamp 24, a credit amount display section 25, and the number of games. The display unit 26, the payout number display unit 27, the sub control board 66, the external concentrated terminal board 81, and the like are connected.

  The sub control board 66 receives a command transmitted from the main control board 60 and performs a predetermined control process. In this embodiment, the sub control board 66 performs sound effects and lighting / flashing of the upper lamp 28 from the speaker 21. The output control / display control board 67 is controlled to display effects on the LCD 22. The sub control board 66 is connected to the upper lamp 28, the speaker 21, the display control board 67, and the like, and is configured to be able to transmit and receive data and the like to and from the display control board 67.

  The power supply board 70 is provided in the above-described power supply box 13 (see FIG. 2). In addition to the main control board 60, a power supply unit 71 that supplies driving power to each electronic device of the slot machine 1; Various circuits such as a power failure monitoring circuit 72 for monitoring the occurrence of disconnection are provided. After the slot machine 1 is powered off, a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply unit 71 of the power supply board 70 to the RAM 64.

  The main control board 60 is stored in the ROM 63 based on various sensors connected to the MPU 61 via the input / output port 62, detection signals from the switches, and the measurement of the total time measurement timer 65 and the passage interval measurement timer 69. The control part which performs a various process by executing the program stored in is comprised. For example, when the medal M passes through the medal passage 52 of the selector 50 and the optical path between the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion of each inserted medal passage detection sensor 55a, 55b is shielded by the medal M, the detection signal Input to the MPU 61 through the input / output port 62 from the inserted medal passage detection sensors 55a and 55b.

  When the MPU 61 analyzes the input detection signal based on the program and determines that the medal M has passed, the MPU 61 outputs a signal for generating a sound effect from the speaker 21 to the sub-control board 66 via the input / output port 62, and A sound effect corresponding to the input is generated from the speaker 21.

  Next, in the slot machine 1 having the above-described configuration, the operation of the main control board 60 and the like when determining whether it is an appropriate passage due to insertion of a medal or misrecognition that the medal has passed due to an illegal act is shown in FIG. Based on

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a timing chart showing the passage state of one medal M and the detection of each inserted medal passage detection sensor 55a, 55b, and the passage detection of the medal M will be described below based on FIG. . In addition, t1-t4 of FIG. 5 has shown the passage timing of a medal.

  When a player or the like grabs a predetermined number of medals M stored in the medal tray 42 or the like and inserts the medals M from the medal slot 36, the medal path switching means 54 is immersed in the medal path 52. It moves on the protrusion 52a of the medal passage 52 and flows in the downstream direction. After the medal M is inserted, until the first inserted medal passage detection sensor 55a and the second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b are passed, the optical paths of these inserted medal passage detection sensors 55a and 55b are not shielded by the medal M. As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 5, the output states of the detection signals from the inserted medal passage detection sensors 55a and 55b are represented by reference numerals 200 and 300, respectively. That is, the output signals 200 and 300 remain “Lo”.

  A predetermined number of inserted medals M move through the medal passage 52, and the leading end of the first medal M (first medal) passes through the light path of the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the first inserted medal passage detection sensor 55a. When shielded (timing t1), the output signal 200 from the first inserted medal passage detection sensor 55a changes from “Lo” to “Hi”. That is, in this figure, the state has changed from the PA area to the P-B area (at this time, there is no change in the output signal from the second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b).

  Then, when the leading medal M further moves and the leading end of the leading medal M blocks the light path between the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion of the second throwing medal passage detection sensor 55b (timing t2), the second throwing medal passage is performed. The output signal 300 from the detection sensor 55b changes from “Lo” to “Hi”. That is, in the timing chart of the same figure, it has changed from the PB area to the PC area. At this time, the first medal M is still in a state of shielding the optical path of the first inserted medal passage detection sensor 55a, and the output signal 200 is in the “Hi” state.

  When the first medal M further moves, the first insertion medal passage detection sensor 55a is passed in a state where the optical path of the second insertion medal passage detection sensor 55b is shielded, and when the light path shielding state ends (timing t3), the first insertion is performed. The output signal 200 from the medal passage detection sensor 55a changes from “Hi” to “Lo”. That is, in this figure, the state has changed from the PC region to the PD region.

  Further, when the leading medal M moves continuously, passes through the second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b, and the light path shielding state ends (timing t4), the output signal 300 from the second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b is “ It changes from “Hi” to “Lo”. That is, in this figure, the state is changed from the PD area to the PE area (usually, the movement operation of the medal M up to t4 is performed all at once). At this time, the MPU 61 determines that the leading medal M has passed through the medal passage 52 and adds “+1” to the medal number counter 68 as the number of passing medals.

  In this way, the medals M (second and subsequent medals) passing through the medal passage 52 following the first medal M are also used in the optical paths of the inserted medal passage detection sensors 55a and 55b in the same manner as the first medal M. The detection signal is output by repeating shielding and the like. Thereby, for the second and subsequent medals M, a timing chart similar to the timing chart shown in FIG. 5 can be obtained, and the number of passing medals is sequentially added to the medal number counter 68.

  The detection signals output from the inserted medal passage detection sensors 55a and 55b are transmitted to the main control board 60 via the input / output port 62 and temporarily stored in the RAM 64 as a storage unit, as shown in FIG. Stored. Here, the medal passage determination program stored in the ROM 63 is executed by the MPU 61 as the medal passage determination means to determine whether or not a predetermined number of medals M have passed through the medal passage 52. That is, it is determined whether or not the medal has been properly inserted.

  Hereinafter, the procedure will be described with reference to FIG. 6 in the case where thirty medals M are inserted from the medal insertion slot 36. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a timing chart when 30 medals M are continuously inserted. The numbers shown at the top of each detection signal in the figure indicate the number of medals M.

  In the MPU 61, at the timing t1 when the first medal M inserted from the medal insertion slot 36 moves in the medal passage 52 and shields the optical path of the first insertion medal passage detection sensor 55a, the medal passage determination program is executed. By executing, the measurement of the total time P-1 by the total time measurement timer 65 (see FIG. 4) is started.

  In parallel with the measurement of the total time P-1, the MPU 61 executes the passage interval measurement program to determine the passage interval of the passing medals M by the passage interval measurement timer 69 (see FIG. 4). measure. Specifically, at the timing t4 (see FIG. 5) when the leading medal M further moves and the optical path shielding state of the second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b ends, the passage interval measurement timer 69 Start passing interval measurement. At this time, as described above, “+1” is added by the medal number counter 68 for the first medal M. The count value counted by the medal number counter 68 is temporarily stored in the RAM 64.

  After that, the second medal M following the first medal M moves through the medal passage 52, and the leading end thereof shields the optical path of the first inserted medal passage detection sensor 55a (shown in the timing chart of FIG. 5). At the timing corresponding to t1, the measurement of the passage interval by the passage interval measurement timer 69 ends. Thereby, the passing interval between the first medal M and the second medal M can be obtained as a measured value. At this time, the measurement of the total time P-1 by the total time measurement timer 65 is continued.

  Then, the MPU 61 compares the acquired passage interval between the first medal M and the second medal M with a preset passage reference time, and the measured passage interval exceeds the passage reference time. It is determined whether it exists.

  Here, the reference passage time to be compared is measured by the passage interval measurement timer 69 when a plurality of medals M are properly inserted continuously from the medal insertion slot 36 with respect to the passage interval of successive medals M. It means the time set to exceed the passing interval of consecutive medals M. The passage reference time is provided in this way in order to reliably detect an illegal action that causes the MPU 61 to misrecognize the passage of a medal by an unauthorized means such as a light emitting means, which has been a problem in the past. By measuring the passage interval in parallel with this measurement, it is possible to recognize the passage of the medal M only when the medal M inserted from the medal insertion slot 36 properly passes through the medal passage 52.

  When the medals M are inserted properly and continuously, the passing intervals of the medals M measured by the passing interval measurement timer 69 have some length depending on the insertion speed, but are in a substantially constant range. Therefore, the passage reference time is set to be at least longer than the measured value in such a range, that is, the passage interval that would actually open if the medal M was properly inserted. .

  Accordingly, when the measured passing interval exceeds the passing reference time, the passing interval between the preceding medal and the succeeding medal is separated, that is, the passing interval is open. On the other hand, when the measured passing interval is equal to or shorter than the passing reference time, the passing interval between the preceding medal and the succeeding medal is close, that is, the passing interval is close.

  Therefore, setting the passage reference time in this way constitutes a characteristic configuration of the present invention, and can be the end of the measurement of the total time P-1 by the total time measurement timer 65, and the total measured It is possible to quickly shift to the medal passage determination based on the time P-1.

  The passage reference time varies depending on the conditions of the medal M (material, thickness, diameter), the state of the medal passage 52 (material, inclination of the medal passage 52, intervals between the inserted medal passage detection sensors 55a and 55b), and the like. Initially, medals are repeatedly inserted and experimentally calculated in advance. As the game progresses thereafter, it is possible to modify the initially set passage reference time based on the passage interval P-2 acquired by actual measurement.

  When the passage interval measured by the passage interval measurement timer 69 is equal to or shorter than the passage reference time, the passage interval between the first medal M and the second medal M is compared as shown in the timing chart of FIG. The MPU 61 detects the inserted medal M because the detection signal for the first medal M and the detection signal for the second medal M are detected relatively close to each other. Is determined to be continuously passing through the medal passage 52 with a predetermined interval equal to or less than the reference passage time, and the measurement of the total time P-1 is continued.

  On the other hand, when the passage interval exceeds the passage reference time, for example, the 30th medal M and the 31st medal in the insertion of the medal described later (in actual games, they are handled as the first medal M in the next medal insertion). Is detected at a relatively long interval exceeding the reference passage time, that is, a detection signal relating to the 30th medal M and a detection relating to the next 31st medal M. Since the signals are detected in a relatively separated state, the MPU 61 receives the subsequent medal M (the 31st medal M) after the previous medal M (the 30th medal M) is inserted. It is determined that there is a predetermined insertion interval exceeding the reference passage time until the medal M) is inserted, and the measurement of the total time P-1 is terminated.

  When the second medal M is further moved and the shielding of the optical path of the second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b is finished (timing corresponding to t4 shown in the timing chart of FIG. 5), the medal number counter 65 +1 is added and the total “2” is counted, and the passing interval between the second medal M and the next third medal M is similarly started to be measured by the passing interval measuring timer 69. At this time, the measurement of the total time P-1 is still continued. Then, the passage interval between the second medal M and the third medal M is compared with the passage reference time based on the actual measurement value.

  In this way, in the MPU 61, after the third medal M finishes shielding the optical path of the second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b, the thirty medal M becomes the first inserted medal passage detection sensor 55a. The same measurement operation is repeated until shielding of the optical path is started, and the passage interval of medals is similarly compared with the passage reference time. Further, for the third and subsequent medals M passing through the medal passage 52, the medal number counter 68 performs a similar counting operation based on the detection signals from the inserted medal passage detection sensors 55a and 55b. The number of passing medals from “3” to “29” is counted in order. At this time, measurement of the total time P-1 by the total time measurement timer 65 is continued.

  When the thirtyth medal M further moves and the light path of the second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b is blocked (timing corresponding to t4 shown in the timing chart of FIG. 5), the medal number counter 68 adds +1. Is added and the total is counted as “30”. Similarly, the passage interval measurement timer 69 measures the passage interval P-2 between the 30th medal M and the next 31st medal M. Is started. Even at this time, the measurement of the total time P-1 is still continued. The count value by the medal number counter 68 is temporarily stored in the RAM 64 of the MPU 61 as described above.

  Then, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 6, the passage reference time is set during the measurement of the passage interval P-2 to the next medal M without detecting the output signal concerning the next 31st medal M. Therefore, the MPU 61 ends the measurement of the total time P-1 by the total time measurement timer 65. The measurement of the total time P-1 is preferably finished when the passage interval P-2 exceeds the passage reference time in this way, but the detection timing of the output signal applied to the next medal M (see FIG. 5). It is also possible to end after waiting until the timing t1 shown in the timing chart.

  In this way, the total time P-1 by the total time measurement timer 65 and the number of medals passed by the medal number counter 68 when the passage interval P-2 of the medals M exceeds the reference passage time are temporarily stored in the RAM 64 of the MPU 61. Stored in In the present embodiment, when the measurement of the total time P-1 is completed because the medal passage interval P-2 exceeds the passage reference time, the total time P-1 is determined by the 30th medal M. This means the time until the end of the shielding state of the optical path of the second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b (timing t4 in the timing chart of FIG. 5), and the total time P-1 includes the 30th and 31st sheets. The passage interval P-2 is not included.

  However, when the passage interval being measured by the passage interval measurement timer 69 exceeds the passage reference time, the total time P− up to the thirty-th medal M, which is the previous medal M measured by the total time measurement timer 65. It is also possible to determine whether or not the medal has passed properly based on 1 and the measured time for the passing interval. In other words, it is possible to determine the passage of medals based on the time obtained by adding the time corresponding to the measured passing interval to the total time P-1 (total time P-1 + the measured passing interval).

  In the case of the present embodiment, the above-described passing interval is a measurement of a passing interval from the passage interval measuring timer 69 to the next medal M (the 31st medal M) after the passage of the 30th medal M is detected. Is a measured value that is actually measured until the time when the time is exceeded and the passage reference time is exceeded. Therefore, since the obtained measurement value is the same length as the preset reference passage time and is a fixed time, the medal passage judgment is determined together with the actually measured total time P-1. As a result, an accurate medal passage determination can be ensured. In this case, it is necessary to set a time obtained by adding the passage reference time to the total reference time.

  Next, in the MPU 61, 30 medals M are actually appropriate by comparing with the total reference time set in advance based on the measured total time P-1 and the acquired count value (number of passing medals). It is finally determined whether or not it has passed.

  In the present embodiment, since the count value “30” counted by the medal number counter 68 is stored in the RAM 64, the total reference time corresponding to 30 sheets is extracted from the total reference time table set in the ROM 63. Compared with the total time P-1 as the measured value.

  Here, the total reference time to be compared with the total time is that thirty medals M are properly inserted from the medal insertion slot 36 by a player or the like, and the first medal M passes through the first insertion medal in the medal passage 52. This is a threshold obtained by experimentally repeatedly determining the total time from the start of the shielding state of the optical path of the detection sensor 55a to the end of the shielding state of the optical path of the second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b by the thirty medal M. These are stored in the ROM 63 as a total reference time table. Since the number of medals M that can be inserted into the slot machine 1 is set to 53 as described above, the total reference time is stored in the ROM 63 as a total reference time table corresponding to each inserted number (2 to 53). Is set.

  Further, the same number of inserted coins according to the conditions (material, thickness, diameter) of the medal M, the state of the medal passage 52 (material, the inclination of the medal passage 52, the interval between the inserted medal passage detection sensors 55a, 55b), and the like. However, since a difference may occur in the total time, it is possible to set various total reference times by correcting the set total reference time. Also, the so-called minimum value obtained experimentally can be set as the total reference time.

  Thereby, the MPU 61 compares the total time P-1 as the actual measurement value with the total reference time, and when the actual total time P-1 is equal to or greater than the total reference time, the measured total time P- It is determined that 1 is appropriate, that is, 30 medals M have actually passed. As a result, when it is determined that it is not appropriate, it is determined that a proper medal has not been inserted.

  For example, in the case of cheating with a special instrument having a light emitter on the tip side, which has been a problem in conventional slot machines, each of the inserted medal passage detection sensors 55a and 55b with the light emitter on the tip side turned on. The position corresponding to the optical path is entered, and the light emitters corresponding to the first inserted medal passage detection sensor 55a side first and then the second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b side are blinked in order, and this is repeated. In some cases, it may be erroneously recognized that a predetermined number of medals M have passed by pulling out the illuminator in a state in which it is turned on again.

  However, since fraudulent acts using such light emitting means are performed so as not to be found in the surroundings as much as possible, the flashing of the light emitter is repeated in an extremely short time, and the total configuration, which is a characteristic configuration of the present invention. Such cheating can be reliably detected by the processing of the medal passage determination program based on time determination. That is, in the case of an illegal act using the light emitting means, the total time P-1 measured by the total time measuring timer 65 and calculated in the MPU 61 is the total time P-1 measured when the medal M is properly inserted. Compared to the total reference time, the difference between the two becomes extremely large and much less than the total reference time. Therefore, a predetermined number of medals M Therefore, it is possible to reliably detect the selector got.

  The difference between the total time P-1 due to fraud described above and the total time P-1 due to proper insertion tends to become more prominent as the number of inserted medals M increases, as in the case of 30 inserted in the present embodiment. Therefore, when 53 sheets are set as the upper limit of the number of sheets to be inserted, the difference between the two becomes even more remarkable. Therefore, the medal passage determination program based on the total time determination compared with the total reference time is more effective as the number of medals M inserted from the medal insertion slot 36 is larger.

  In addition, the measurement of the total time P-1 by the total time measuring timer 65 is based on the timing at which the passage interval P-2 by the passage interval measurement timer 69 exceeds the passage reference time based on the passage interval measurement program. Since it is not necessary to wait for the detection of the output signal relating to the next medal M, the MPU 61 can quickly determine the medal passage at a timing exceeding the passage reference time.

  Since the MPU 61 makes a medal passage determination only based on the total time P-1 at the end of the measurement and the count value (30) counted by the medal number counter 68, the medal can be passed properly or illegally. It is possible to more accurately recognize the occurrence of fraud by means.

  Further, the obtained measurement value (total time P-1) can be stored as it is without being cleared from the RAM 64 after the completion of one medal passage determination. Thereby, for example, a plurality of total times P-1 when 30 medals M are inserted can be obtained, and by comparing these data with each other, there is almost no difference between the obtained data. That is, when approximately the same total time P-1 is continuously measured, it is possible to recognize the occurrence of an illegal act with respect to the selector 50, so that it is possible to improve the accuracy of detecting the illegal act.

  Also at this time, by setting the end of measurement of the total time P-1 using the passage interval measurement timer 69, the MPU 61 can quickly shift to the comparison of the total time P-1.

  In addition, when a plurality of total times P-1 when 30 medals M are inserted are obtained, for example, one data among them is compared with the total reference time or with other data. If it is not possible to determine that a proper medal has been inserted, it may not be determined to be an illegal act based on that single data. As a result of inserting thirty medals M, there is a case where data that is accidentally determined to be illegal is obtained, so when a plurality of data is obtained, for example, one of them is such data. It is possible not to determine that an illegal act has been performed.

  If the MPU 61 recognizes that thirty medals have been inserted based on the determination of the appropriate medal passage, normal operation after the slot machine 1 is started. For example, a predetermined signal is transmitted from the MPU 61 via the input / output port 62, and all the bet lamps 24 are turned on (the first medal M to the third medal M) and displayed on the credit number display unit 25. Are added (fourth medal M to thirty medal M), and a sound effect regarding the insertion of medals is output from the speaker 21 via the sub-control board 66. Then, the game is started by operating the start lever 35.

  On the other hand, if the MPU 61 recognizes that an appropriate medal has not been inserted based on the medal passage determination program, the MPU 61 determines that an improper operation has been performed by the selector 50, and the external concentration terminal board 81 ( An illegal signal output means) transmits a signal notifying the abnormality to a so-called hall computer (main computer) that is externally connected to the slot machine 1 and supervises the slot machine 1. As a result, the amusement hall can recognize the abnormality that has occurred at an early stage, and can quickly find the selector iron. Also, since it is only sent to the hall computer in the game hall, the progress of the game may be interrupted without confirmation if it is determined to be fraudulent despite the proper insertion of medals. Does not occur.

  Alternatively, even when the medal M is properly inserted, it may be determined that the medal is not properly inserted in comparison with the total reference time depending on the insertion speed or the like. Since such a determination hardly occurs during the progress of the game, the progress of the game may be interrupted when a signal is transmitted to the hall computer.

  In addition, when a relatively large number of medals M are continuously inserted at a time, such as 30 inserted in the present embodiment, the MPU 61 transmits a signal notifying the state to the hall computer. May be. For example, when a player grabs the medal M stored in the medal tray 42 and inserts it from the medal insertion slot 36, the medals M are often inserted after being aligned in a row in the palm. At this time, the number of medals M that can be arranged in the palm is not so many, and it is often difficult to arrange a relatively large number of medals M such as 30 in the palm. . Therefore, when the game hall side recognizes that a relatively large number of such medals M are continuously inserted at a time, it is possible to raise awareness of the selector goto.

  Further, when the MPU 61 recognizes the occurrence of an illegal act, a signal related to error notification is output to the sub control board 66 via the input / output port 62, and the upper lamp 28, the speaker 21 and the display control board are output from the sub control board 66. It is also possible to cause the LCD 22 to perform a forcible process such as notifying the occurrence of an error via 67. Thereby, since the occurrence of fraud can be disclosed at an early stage, not only the selector can be dealt with quickly, but also the deterrence itself can be suppressed.

  According to the slot machine 1 having the above configuration, when the medal M inserted from the medal insertion slot 36 passes through the medal passage 52, the shielding of the optical path of the first insertion medal passage detection sensor 55a of the detection signal transmission means 50 is started. The total time P-1 until the shield state of the optical path of the second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b when the predetermined number of medals M pass through the medal passage 52 is calculated by the total time measuring timer 65. In addition to the measurement, the medal number counter 68 counts the number of medals passed based on the output of detection signals from the inserted medal passage detection sensors 55a and 55b.

  When the total time P-1 is measured and the number of passing medals is counted in this way, the MPU 61 executes the medal passing determination program so that the measured total time P-1 is counted by the medal number counter 68. Compared with the total reference time preset in the ROM 63 corresponding to the value, it is determined that a predetermined number of medals M have passed through the medal path 52 when the total time P-1 is equal to or greater than the total reference time. Therefore, it is possible to reliably recognize only the passage of the properly inserted medal M.

  On the other hand, when the total time P-1 is less than the total reference time, it can be determined that an illegal act has been performed in the selector 50.

  Therefore, for example, in the case of fraud using a special instrument having a light emitter on the tip side, which has been a problem in the slot machine 1 having the conventional selector 50, the flashing of light emitted from the light emitter is extremely short. Since the total time P-1 is measured by the total time measuring timer 65 and the total time P-1 as the measured value is compared with the total reference time, the total time P-1 is the total reference time. Therefore, it is determined that the fraudulent act is against the selector 50, and such a fraudulent act can be reliably detected.

  The difference between the total time P-1 due to such illegal acts and the total time P-1 due to proper insertion becomes more conspicuous as the number of medals M counted by the medal number counter 68 increases. For example, it is possible to reliably detect erroneous recognition of the detection signal transmission means 50 with respect to the upper limit number of insertions, which is frequently performed by the above-described fraudulent acts by the light emitter.

  Further, the total time P-1 is measured by measuring the passing interval of passing medals M passing through the medal passage 52 by the passing interval measuring timer 69, and the passing interval as the measured value (timing chart of FIG. 6). In the MPU 61, based on the total time P-1 obtained at the end of the measurement and the count value of the medal number counter 68, the passage interval P-2) shown in FIG. It is possible to quickly shift to the medal passage determination.

  For example, when trying to make the MPU 61 recognize that thirty medals have been inserted in the fraudulent act using the above-described light emitting means, the first 29 sheets are recognized as having inserted medals by an unauthorized means such as a light emitting means. The last one may be inserted from the medal slot 36 and 30 may be properly inserted.

  However, as in the present embodiment, the passage of the first 29 sheets and the remaining one sheet is measured by measuring the passing interval of the medals that follow each other by the passing interval measuring timer 69 while measuring the total time P-1. If the interval is relatively open, it can be determined that the insertion is not appropriate by measuring the total time of the first 29 sheets, and the passage interval between the first 29 sheets and the remaining one sheet is relatively close. In such a state, it is possible to determine that the insertion is not appropriate by measuring the total time of 30 sheets. Therefore, the MPU 61 can recognize that the medal has passed only when the medal is inserted one by one from the medal insertion slot 36 and properly passes through the medal passage 52, and it can be mistakenly recognized that the medal has passed due to an illegal act. It can be surely prevented.

  Further, since the medal passage determination is performed only based on the total time P-1 at the end of the measurement and the count value of the medal number counter 68 at that time, the medal passage determination can be performed accurately.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a timing chart when thirty medals M are inserted to explain the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the second embodiment, 30 medals M are continuously inserted from the medal insertion slot 36 in the first embodiment, whereas the 30 medals M are divided into a plurality of times to obtain the medal insertion slot 36. I am trying to input from. Specifically, in the present embodiment, 30 medals M are divided into 20 and 10 pieces, which are thrown in twice.

  For example, when a relatively large number of medals M such as 30 are inserted, medals are often inserted in order after being arranged in the palm. However, such a large number of medals are difficult to put all together in the palm and put in at once, so it is common to divide them into several times. In the present embodiment, the medal passage determination based on the total time is described in the case close to the actual medal insertion mode.

  As in the first embodiment, for the first 20 medals M, the leading medal M passes through the medal passage 52, and the tip thereof shields the optical path of the first inserted medal passage detection sensor 55a. Measurement of the total time P-3 is started by the total time measurement timer 65 at the time (time corresponding to t1 shown in the timing chart of FIG. 5). Similarly, the passing interval of passing medals passing through the medal passage 52 is measured by the passing interval measuring timer 69 in parallel with the measurement of the total time P-3.

  Then, for the 20th medal M, when the medal passage 52 is moved and the shielding of the optical path of the second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b is completed (a time corresponding to t4 shown in the timing chart of FIG. 5). Similarly, the passage interval measurement timer 69 starts measuring the passage interval P-4 up to the next medal M. At this point, the measurement of the total time P-3 until the 20th medal M is continued as in the first embodiment.

  However, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 7, from the start of measurement of the passage interval P-4 until the output signal related to the next medal M is detected, the passage interval is detected. Since P-4 exceeds the passage reference time, the MPU 61 ends the measurement with the total time P-3 until the 20th medal M. Then, the MPU 61 performs medal passage determination based on the count value “20” of the medal number counter 68 and the total time P-3. Then, with the shift to the medal passage determination, the measured values of the total time measurement timer 65 and the medal number counter 68 are reset.

  Thereafter, the passage interval P-4 elapses, and for the next ten medals M, the leading medal M similarly passes through the medal passage 52, and the leading end thereof shields the optical path of the first inserted medal passage detection sensor 55a. The measurement of the total time P-5 is started by the total time measurement timer 65 at the time of performing the above (at the time corresponding to t1 shown in the timing chart of FIG. 5). Similarly, in parallel with the measurement of the total time P-5, the passing interval of passing medals passing through the medal passage 52 is measured by the passing interval measuring timer 69.

  Then, for the tenth medal M, when the medal passage 52 is moved and the shielding of the optical path of the second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b is finished (at a time corresponding to t4 shown in the timing chart of FIG. 5). The measurement of the passage interval P-6 up to the next medal M is started by the passage interval measurement timer 69. At this time, the measurement of the total time P-5 until the tenth medal M is continued as described above.

  However, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 7, from the start of measurement of the passage interval P-6 until the output signal relating to the next medal M is detected, the passage interval is detected. Since P-6 exceeds the passage reference time, the MPU 61 ends the measurement with the total time P-5 until the tenth medal M. Then, the MPU 61 performs medal passage determination based on the count value “10” of the medal number counter 68 and the total time P-5.

  As described above, by setting the passage reference time that forms the characteristic configuration of the present application with respect to the passage intervals of the consecutive medals M, the actual number of inserted medals M is 30. Then, it is recognized that 20 medals M and 10 medals M are inserted. Then, by providing the end of measurement of the total time clearly by measuring the passage intervals P-4 and P-6 of the characteristic configuration of the present application, a quick medal based on each measurement value P-3 and P-5 Can be determined. Further, like the medal passage determination based on the total times P-3 and P-5, the medal passage determination based on the total time is performed in detail, that is, divided into two times. Therefore, the medal passage determination can be performed with higher accuracy than when the medal passage determination is performed.

  As in the first embodiment, the total times P-3 and P measured by the total time measurement timer 65 when the passage interval measured by the passage interval measurement timer 69 exceeds the passage reference time. It is also possible to determine whether or not the medal has passed properly based on −5 and the time for the measured passing interval.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a timing chart when 23 medals are inserted to explain the third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment describes the medal passage determination based on the total time when 53 medals set as the upper limit number of medals M are inserted.

  The slot machine 1 of the present invention is configured such that up to 53 cards including the number of medals M already inserted can be inserted. However, except when the medal M is inserted for the first time through the medal insertion slot 36, the number of credits already displayed in the slot machine 1 is displayed on the credit number display unit 25 during the game. It is common. In the present embodiment, the medal passage determination based on the total time is described in the case close to the actual medal insertion mode. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that 30 medals M have already been inserted.

  Similar to the above embodiment, the medal M is inserted from the medal insertion slot 36, the leading medal M passes through the medal passage 52, and the tip thereof shields the optical path of the first insertion medal passage detection sensor 55a. Measurement of the total time P-7 is started by the total time measurement timer 65 at this time (time corresponding to t1 shown in the timing chart of FIG. 5). Similarly, the passing interval of passing medals passing through the medal passage 52 is measured by the passing interval measuring timer 69 in parallel with the measurement of the total time P-7.

  Similarly, when the first medal M further moves and the shielding of the optical path of the second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b is completed (at a time corresponding to t4 shown in the timing chart of FIG. 5), The medal number counter 68 adds +1 and counts “1”. At this time, the MPU 61 counts “1” on the medal number counter 68, but recognizes a total of “31” as the number of inserted medals M including 30 already inserted.

  Thereafter, the insertion operation of the medal M is continued, and when the 23rd medal M is moved through the medal passage 52 and the shielding of the optical path of the second insertion medal passage detection sensor 55b is finished (in the timing chart of FIG. 5). At the time corresponding to t4 shown), +1 is further added by the medal number counter 68 and “23” is counted as described above. At this time, as described above, the MPU 61 recognizes a total of “53” as the number of inserted medals M including the 30 already inserted.

  When the MPU 61 recognizes 53, which is the upper limit number of medals M, it does not wait for the passage interval measurement timer 69 to measure the passage interval P-8 up to the 24th passage interval by the passage interval measurement timer 69. The measurement of the total time P-7 is finished.

  Since the upper limit of the number of inserted medals M in the slot machine 1 of the present invention is 53, if 53 are recognized as the number of inserted medals in the MPU 61, even if the medals M are further inserted from the medal insertion slot 36, Since it cannot be received, it is guided to the discharge passage 7 by the switching piece 54 a provided in the medal passage 52. In order to be able to accept the medal M again as an inserted medal in the slot machine 1, it is necessary to perform at least one game and reduce the number of inserted medals recognized by the MPU 61.

  Therefore, at least once after the time point when the 23rd medal M has finished shielding the optical path of the second inserted medal passage detection sensor 55b (the time point corresponding to t4 shown in the timing chart of FIG. 5). When a game is performed and a new medal M is inserted from the medal insertion slot 36, the top medal M moves through the medal path 52 and starts shielding the optical path of the first inserted medal passage detection sensor 55a (see FIG. When the passage interval P-8 is measured by the passage interval measurement timer 69, the passage interval P-8 as a measured value greatly exceeds the passage reference time. It becomes clear.

  Therefore, based on the fact that the MPU 61 recognizes the upper limit number of sheets that can be inserted, the total time P-7 is measured by the total time measurement timer 65 without waiting for the measurement result of the passage interval P-8 by the passage interval measurement timer 69. It is configured to be the end of. Thereby, the MPU 61 starts the medal passage determination program at an early stage, that is, quickly shifts to the medal passage determination, the count value “23” by the medal number counter 68 and the total time P-7 by the total time measuring timer 65. It is possible to determine whether or not the medal has passed properly based on the above.

  In the present embodiment, it does not mean that the passage interval P-8 is not measured by the passage interval measurement timer 69, and the total time P-7 is reached when the MPU 61 recognizes the upper limit number of inserted coins as a inserted medal. By ending the measurement, it is ensured that the transition to the medal passage determination can be made quickly without waiting for the measurement result of the passage interval P-8.

  Further, the medal passage determination is made based only on the count value “23” by the medal number counter 68 and the total time P-7 by the total time measuring timer 65, so it is accurately determined whether or not the medal has passed properly. Can be judged.

  Further, the medal passage determination according to the present embodiment can be used when the medal M is selected not to be stored by operating the credit button 34. As described above, when the medal M is not stored, three medals can be inserted from the medal insertion slot 36 and the fourth and subsequent medals are returned. Therefore, the medal number counter 68 counts “3”. Then, the same medal passage determination is performed based on the total time when the count value “3” is obtained.

1 Slot machine 1 (game machine)
12 Substrate storage box 21 Speaker 28 Upper lamp 36 Medal slot (medal slot)
37 start lever 41 medal payout exit 50 selector 52 medal passage (medal passage)
55 detection signal transmission means 55a first insertion medal passage detection sensor 55b second insertion medal passage detection sensor 60 main control board 61 MPU (medal passage determination unit)
65 Total time measuring timer (elapsed time measuring means)
66 Sub control board 68 Medal number counter (Medal number counting means)
69 Passing interval measuring timer (passing interval measuring means)
81 External concentration terminal board (Illegal signal transmission means)
M medal

Claims (1)

A medal insertion part where medals are inserted;
A medal passage section through which the medal inserted into the medal insertion section passes;
Detection signal transmission means provided in the medal passage section, each for outputting a detection signal at a plurality of passing positions in the passing process of the inserted medal;
Medal number counting means for detecting passage of medals by detection of the plurality of detection signals;
Passing interval measuring means for measuring the passing interval of passing medals that are detected by the medal number counting means;
An elapsed time measuring means for measuring the total time for which a predetermined number of medals pass;
When the passage interval exceeds a preset passage reference time, the measurement of the total time by the elapsed time measuring means is terminated, and the total time is handled for each number of medals detected by the medal number counting means. When the total time is equal to or greater than the total reference time, it is determined that the predetermined number of medals have properly passed through the medal passage section, and the total time is A medal passage determination unit that determines that the predetermined number of medals do not properly pass through the medal passage unit when less than the total reference time;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: