JP2017046905A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately detect whether or not there is fraudulence practice or token jamming.SOLUTION: A game machine has: a token selector 100; a token discharge guide 130 connected to an exit of the token selector; a first token sensor 120 which is provided in a token passage inside the token selector and detects tokens passing the token passage; a second token sensor 132 which is provided for the token discharge guide and detects tokens passing the token discharge guide; and a main control circuit 71 performing control including token put-out processing. The main control circuit counts the number of tokens passing the token discharge guide by discriminating that one or more tokens have passed on the basis of length of a detection duration at the time when the second token sensor keeps detecting tokens and determines that abnormality has occurred when a difference between the number of tokens counted by the first token sensor and the number of tokens counted by the second token sensor are a predetermined allowable number or larger.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachislot machine or a pachinko machine capable of playing a game using a game medium (medal / pachinko ball).

  Conventionally, a plurality of symbols arranged on each peripheral surface, and a part of the plurality of symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of each reel are provided to correspond to each reel. When a player's operation (hereinafter referred to as “start operation”) is detected on the condition that a player can visually recognize a plurality of display windows and a medal is inserted, a request is made to start rotation of each reel. A start switch that outputs a signal to perform, a stop switch that outputs a signal requesting stop of rotation of the reel according to the type of the reel when an operation by the player (hereinafter referred to as “stop operation”) is detected, and a start switch And a control unit for controlling the operation of the stepping motor based on the signal output from the stop switch, and for rotating and stopping each reel, and a gaming machine comprising a pachislot machine It is. Normally, in such a pachislot machine, it is determined whether or not a prize has been won based on a combination of symbols displayed by a plurality of display windows, and if it is determined that a prize has been won, medals are paid out from the hopper to the medal receiving part. Stored.

  Currently, in a mainstream pachislot machine, when a start operation by a player is detected, an internal lottery is performed, and based on the result of the lottery and the timing of the stop operation by the player, the reel rotation is stopped. Is done. In other words, it is a condition that a result related to winning is obtained by internal lottery (hereinafter, the internal lottery result type is referred to as “internal winning combination”), and the stop operation is performed at an appropriate timing. In other words, a winning will be established.

  In such a pachislot machine, inside the casing of the gaming machine, there are provided a medal selector for selecting medals inserted from the slot, and a hopper for paying out medals based on the result of the internal lottery and the player's operation. ing. The hopper includes a bucket for storing medals, and pays out the stored medals to the payout opening according to the winning combination.

  In addition, the medal selector selects the authenticity of the inserted medal, and when it is determined that the inserted medal is a regular medal, the medal is counted and the credit value is increased, and the medal discharge guide is used. If the shape and material of the medal are different from the regular medal, the medal is determined to be an illegal medal and discharged to the payout port via the cancel chute.

  By the way, in the conventional pachislot machine, a special instrument for fraud was inserted into the medal selector from the medal insertion slot, the medal sensor inside the medal selector was malfunctioned, and more medals were inserted than the actual number of inserted medals. In some cases, fraudulent acts pretending to be performed.

  As a countermeasure, a medal sensor is provided in the medal discharge guide connected to the outlet of the medal selector, and whether or not an illegal act is performed by comparing the medal number counted by the medal sensor provided in the medal selector. A means for confirming whether or not is proposed (Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-272012 A

  As described above, in a conventional gaming machine, a medal sensor is provided in the medal discharge guide connected to the outlet of the medal selector, and compared with the number of medals counted by the medal sensor provided in the medal selector. Means is provided for determining the presence or absence of fraud in the medal selector and generating an alarm if necessary.

  However, in general, in the medal discharge guide, the width of the passage of the medal discharge guide is wider than the thickness of the medal in order to discharge the medal to the hopper without causing clogging of the medal (see FIG. 4).

  For this reason, some of the medals passing through the medal discharge guide may pass through the medal discharge guide in an overlapped state, and at that time, the medal sensor erroneously counts the medals passing through as one piece. Therefore, there is a problem that the number of medals passing through the medal discharge guide cannot be accurately counted due to the inability to count.

  This makes it impossible to accurately determine the presence or absence of fraud in the medal selector, and increases the frequency of unnecessary alarms, which adversely affects the reliability and availability of gaming machines. It was.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and by accurately counting the number of medals passing through the medal discharge guide, it is possible to accurately determine the presence or absence of cheating or medals. In addition, an object is to provide a gaming machine in which the reliability and operating rate of the gaming machine are improved.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a gaming machine according to the present invention is provided at a game medium detection unit (in this embodiment, “medal selector 100”) and at an outlet of the game medium detection unit. Game medium discharge unit ("medal discharge guide 130") and first game medium detection means ("first medal sensor") for detecting the passage of the game medium provided in the game medium passage inside the game medium detection unit ”), A second game medium detection means (“ second medal sensor 132 ”) provided in the game medium discharge section for detecting a game medium passing through the game medium discharge section, and a control section (“ Main control circuit or main CPU 71 "), and the control unit passes one or more game media based on the detection duration time that the second game media detection means continuously detects the game media. What you did Separately, the number of game media passing through the game media discharge unit is counted, and the number of game media counted by the first game media detection means and the game counted by the second game media detection means It is determined that an abnormality has occurred when the difference from the number of media is equal to or greater than a predetermined allowable number.

  According to the present invention, the number of game media can be accurately counted by making it possible to determine whether the game media passing through the game media discharge section has passed alone or overlapping. The abnormality determination process based on the difference between the number of game media counted by the first game medium detection means and the number of game media counted by the second game medium detection means can be performed with high accuracy. As a result, it is possible to accurately determine the presence or absence of cheating or game media jamming, and the reliability and operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention is characterized in that the second game medium detecting means comprises an optical sensor, and light emitted from the optical sensor is emitted toward a central portion of the game medium.

  Thereby, it is possible to accurately determine whether the game medium passing through the game medium discharge section has passed alone or passed. The emission position is not necessarily limited to the central portion of the game medium, and may be near the central portion of the game medium.

  Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is characterized in that the detection duration time of the game medium is calculated based on a periodic interrupt processing time of the control unit.

  This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts and the control burden (program capacity and processing load) in order to use the periodic interrupt processing time by the existing control unit without preparing a new timer device or the like. it can.

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, the control unit divides the number of game media counted based on the detection of the game media by the first game media detection means into a plurality of ranges, and The permissible number is set in (1).

  Thereby, the control burden of the abnormality determination process can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, the number of game media can be accurately counted by making it possible to determine whether the game media passing through the game media discharge section have passed alone or overlapped. As a result, it is possible to accurately determine the presence or absence of cheating or clogging of gaming media, improving the reliability and operating rate of the gaming machine, and thus reducing damage to the gaming store due to cheating.

1 is an external view of a gaming machine according to the present embodiment. The internal block diagram of the front door which concerns on this embodiment. The internal block diagram of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. The block diagram of the selector and medal | token discharge guide which concern on Example 1 of this embodiment. The block diagram of the selector and medal | token discharge guide which concern on Example 2 of this embodiment. The block diagram of the selector which concerns on this embodiment. The block diagram of the reel which concerns on this embodiment. (A)-(c) is the schematic diagram of the medal which passes the medal discharge guide which concerns on Example 1 of this embodiment, and the on-off figure of a 2nd medal sensor. (A)-(c) is the schematic diagram of the medal which passes the medal discharge guide which concerns on Example 2 of this embodiment, and the on-off figure of a 2nd medal sensor. The block diagram of the main control circuit which concerns on this embodiment. The control flow figure of the main control circuit concerning this embodiment. The medal acceptance / start check processing flowchart of the main control circuit according to the present embodiment. The adjustment switch check processing flow figure of the main control circuit which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a periodic interrupt process of the main control circuit according to the present embodiment. The medal passage check process flowchart of the main control circuit which concerns on this embodiment. The medal passage number check processing flowchart of the main control circuit according to the present embodiment.

  Embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Composition of gaming machine]
First, the configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. 1 is an external view of a gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of the front door 2, and FIG. 3 is an internal configuration diagram of the gaming machine 1.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a box-shaped cabinet 1 a and a front door 2 that opens and closes an opening formed in the front portion of the cabinet 1 a. Speakers 6L and 6R are provided on the upper side of the gaming machine 1 at left and right symmetrical positions, and these speakers 6L and 6R are configured to output effect sounds such as sound effects and voices related to effects during games. ing.

  In addition, a panel display unit 2 a and a liquid crystal display unit 2 b that are substantially vertical surfaces are provided on the front surface of the gaming machine 1. The panel display unit 2a is provided with reel display windows 4L, 4C and 4R. The reel display windows 4L, 4C and 4R are provided with display lines of a top line 5b, a center line 5c and a bottom line 5d in the horizontal direction. In addition, display lines of a cross-up line 5a and a cross-down line 5e are provided in an oblique direction.

  As will be described later, when the player inserts one or two medals into the medal slot 12, one (center line 5c) or three (top line 5b, center line 5c, and bottom line 5d, respectively) ) Display line is enabled. Further, when the player presses the 3-BET button 15 or when the player inserts three medals into the medal slot 12, each of the five lines 5a to 5e becomes valid. Each of these lines 5a to 5e is related to the success or failure of the combination. In addition, the liquid crystal display unit 2b performs various effects during pachislot games, a demonstration display during standby, and the like.

  Inside the cabinet 1a, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R in which a plurality of kinds of symbols are drawn on each outer peripheral surface are rotatably provided in a horizontal row. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute). The reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be seen from the reel display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotating, and the stop buttons 18L, 18C, 18R can be pressed. In this case, the player enters a transparent state so that the player can visually recognize the symbols on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  A pedestal 11 having a substantially horizontal plane is provided below the panel display 2a and the liquid crystal display 2b. A medal insertion slot 12 for inserting medals is provided on the right side of the pedestal portion 11, and medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 12 are credited or bet on a game.

  The medal slot 12 is connected to the medal selector 100 shown in FIG. 2, and whether the medal inserted from the medal slot 12 by the medal selector 100 is a regular medal or an illegal medal, the size of the medal, magnetic characteristics, and the like. Can be determined. Further, by pressing the medal return button 12 a in the vicinity of the medal insertion slot 12, for example, medals jammed in the medal selector 100 can be returned from the medal payout exit 20. Details of the medal selector 100 will be described later.

  Further, on the left side of the pedestal portion 11, as shown in FIG. 1, a 1-BET button 13 for betting one piece for betting a credited medal, a 2-BET button 14 for betting two pieces, A 3-BET button 15 for three bets is provided. The 3-BET button 15 is a so-called MAX-BET button, and the maximum number of medals (usually three) that can be bet on one game from the medals credited by one pressing operation is bet. When these 1-BET button 13, 2-BET button 14, and 3-BET button 15 are pressed or three medals are inserted into the medal slot 12, predetermined lines 5a to 5e are activated. The

  A checkout (C / P) button 16 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal unit 11 to switch whether the player credits a medal acquired in the game or pays out the credited medal by a pressing operation. When the settlement button 16 is pressed in a state where a predetermined number of medals are credited, the credit is invalidated and the credited number of medals are thrown out to the medal receiving part 19 from the medal payout opening 20 opened at the lower front. It is. Further, when the settlement button 16 is pressed in a state where the credit is invalidated, the credit becomes valid. On the right side of the checkout button 16, a start lever 17 for rotating and driving the reels 3L to 3R by a player's operation is attached to be rotatable within a predetermined angle range.

  Three stop buttons 18L, 18C, and 18R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided on the right side of the start lever 17 at the center of the front surface portion of the pedestal portion 11, respectively. Note that one game (unit game) is started by operating the start lever 17, and is ended when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

  The panel display unit 2a is provided with a display unit including a bonus number display unit 8, BET lamps 7a to 7c, a credit display unit 9, and a payout number display unit 10. The bonus number display unit 8 is formed of 7 segment LEDs and displays game information in the bonus.

  The BET lamps 7a to 7c are lamps that are turned on according to the number of medals betted to play one game (hereinafter referred to as “BET number”). Specifically, the 1-BET lamp 7a has a BET number. It is lit when 1, the 2-BET lamp 7b is lit when the BET number is 2 or more, and the 3-BET lamp 7c is lit when the BET number is 3 or more.

  Each of the credit display unit 9 and the payout number display unit 10 is formed of 7-segment LEDs, and the credit display unit 9 displays the remaining number of medals that have been credited. Here, normally, since the maximum number credited to the pachislot machine 1 is 50, the credit number displayed on the credit display unit 9 is 50 or less. In addition, even if a medal is inserted in a state where the maximum number of medals is credited, it is paid out as it is. Further, the payout number display portion 10 displays the number of medal payouts when a winning is established.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a medal selector 100 and a cancel chute 150 connected to the downstream end of the medal selector 100 are provided on one side (left side in FIG. 2) of the front door 2. The medal selector 100 determines the authenticity of the medal when the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 12 passes through the medal passage formed in the medal selector 100, and the medal determined to be a regular medal is the first one. While being detected by the 1 medal sensor 120 (see medal M1 in FIG. 6), it is guided to the medal discharge guide 130 connected to the outlet 115 of the medal selector 100 and stored in the medal hopper 21 (FIG. 3). In this embodiment (Examples 1 to 3), the medal selector 100 constitutes a game medium detection unit that detects a medal that is a game medium, and the first medal sensor 120 is a game medium that is an inserted medal. The first game medium detecting means for detecting the game is configured.

  Details of the medal discharge guide 130 will be described later.

  On the other hand, a medal determined as an illegal medal by the medal selector 100 has a function of dropping into the cancel chute 150 through a cancel shooter 140 provided below the medal selector 100 (see medal M2 in FIG. 6).

  The cancel chute 150 has a function of discharging the medal dropped through the cancel chute 140 from the medal payout opening 20 and returning it. The cancel chute 150 has a function of paying out medals paid out from the medal hopper 21 from the medal payout opening 20 to the medal receiving unit 19. As shown in FIG. 3, a medal hopper 21 is installed below the reel unit 3 provided in the cabinet 1a.

  The medal hopper 21 includes a hopper tank 21a for storing medals and a hopper body 22 for discharging medals stored in the hopper tank 21a. Inside the hopper body 22, a medal discharge mechanism (not shown) is provided, and medals paid out according to the game result (winning combination) by the pachislot game are discharged to the cancel chute 150 through the discharge nozzle 23. It is configured as follows. As described above, the medals discharged from the discharge nozzle 23 of the hopper main body 22 are paid out to the medal receiving part 19 through the cancel chute 150 through the medal payout opening 20 opened to the lower part of the front door 2.

  In addition, on the left side of the bottom of the cabinet 1a, a power supply unit 24 that supplies power to each component mounted in the cabinet 1a of the pachislot machine 1 is provided.

(Reel configuration)
FIG. 7 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number “00” to “20”. Information on the correspondence between each symbol and code number is stored in a ROM 32 described later as a symbol arrangement table (not shown). The code number is information for identifying the position of the symbol on the outer peripheral surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  On each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, "Red 7 (design 91)", "BAR (design 92)", "Bell (design 93)", "Watermelon (design 94)", "Cherry (design 95) ”,“ Replay (symbol 96) ”, and“ blank (symbol 97) ”are displayed. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

(Internal winning role and gaming status)
In the present embodiment, BB1, BB2, cherry, bell, watermelon, replay, and lose are provided as internal lotteries. Hereinafter, BB1 and BB2 are collectively referred to as “BB (big bonus)”. Cherry, bell, and watermelon are collectively referred to as “small role” hereinafter.

  The gaming state of the present embodiment basically includes a general gaming state and a regular bonus gaming state (hereinafter abbreviated as “RB gaming state”) constituting a regular bonus game which is a bonus game. The gaming state is the type of internal lottery that may be determined in the internal lottery process described later for determining the internal lottery, the probability that the internal lottery will be determined in the internal lottery process described later, and the maximum sliding piece The state is distinguished by the number, whether or not the bonus game is activated, and the like.

  In the general gaming state, the expected value of the gaming value given to the player with respect to the unit gaming value betted on the game (for example, one medal consumed to play one game) is more than “1”. It is a small gaming state, which is a disadvantageous gaming state for the player.

  In the general gaming state, when BB is determined as an internal lottery in an internal lottery process described later, a combination of symbols corresponding to BB (ie, “red 7-red 7-red 7” or “BAR-BAR-BAR”). ") May be allowed to be displayed along the active line across one or more games.

  Here, when the combination of symbols corresponding to BB is displayed along the active line, a big bonus game composed of a plurality of regular bonus games starts (activates). This big bonus game is ended on condition that the number of medals paid out (hereinafter referred to as “paid-out number”) exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 350).

  The RB gaming state is a gaming state in which the expected value of the gaming value given to the player with respect to the unit gaming value bet on the game is larger than “1”, which is an advantageous gaming state for the player. is there. This RB gaming state can be identified by turning on or off the RB operating flag.

  Also, the RB gaming state starts on condition that the BB operating flag is on. In this RB gaming state, the number of unit games that can be performed in the RB gaming state (hereinafter referred to as “the number of possible games”) is 0, or the number of winnings that can be performed in the RB gaming state (hereinafter referred to as “winning”). The process is terminated on condition that the number of possible times is 0).

[Composition of medal selector]
FIGS. 4 and 5 are configuration diagrams of a medal selector 100 and a medal discharge guide 130 according to first and second embodiments, respectively, which will be described later, and FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of the medal selector 100 in which the cancel shooter 140 is omitted. In this embodiment (Examples 1 to 3), the medal discharge guide 130 constitutes a game medium discharge unit that discharges medals that are game media.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the medal selector 100 includes a base plate portion 110 formed in a U-shape that constitutes an outer frame housing of the medal selector 100 main body, a medal inlet portion 112, a medal rail 111, and the like. The selection plate 113, the medal pusher 114, the first medal sensor 120, the cancel shooter 140 (FIG. 4) that discharges medals determined to be illegal medals, and the medal outlet 115.

  A cancel chute 150 (FIG. 2) that pays out to the medal payout opening 20 a medal determined to be an illegal medal and a medal discharged from the medal hopper 21 is connected below the medal selector 100.

  4 and 5, the base plate portion 110 has a guide passage 130c for guiding the medals discharged from the medal outlet portion 115 of the medal selector 100 to the medal hopper 21 (FIG. 3). A guide 130 is connected and fixed.

  At the upstream end of the base plate portion 110, a medal entrance portion 112 that accepts medals inserted from the medal insertion port 12 is provided, and medals inserted from the medal entrance portion 112 into the medal selector 100 are placed on the medal rail 111. And is guided toward the downstream end. Further, a select plate 113 that guides a regular-sized medal downstream of the medal rail 111 is disposed at a substantially intermediate position of the medal rail 111. A medal pusher 114 that is pushed downward by a passing medal is disposed on the surface position of the medal rail 111 where the select plate 113 is disposed.

  The select plate 113 and the medal pusher 114 are configured to push out the medal to the cancel shooter 140 by the medal pusher 114 without guiding the medal by the select plate 113 when the inserted medal is smaller than the regular standard size. (See medal M2 in FIG. 6). If the inserted medal is a proper medal (regular medal), the medal is guided along the select plate 113 (see medal M1 in FIG. 6), and the medal pressure 114 is pushed down while the medal pressure 111 is pushed downstream. Be guided to.

  Normally, the select plate 113 is positioned at the guide position of the medal. However, under a predetermined condition (for example, when a predetermined number of medals are inserted, when an error occurs, when a game is started, etc.), the select plate 113 is placed on the medal. After moving to the discharge position, the medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 21 are forcibly discharged to the cancel shooter 140. In addition, a magnet is arranged on the medal rail 111 (not shown), and the medal attracted to the magnet is discharged to the cancel shooter 140 as a non-standard medal (illegal medal).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a first medal sensor 120 including two medal detection sensors (for example, double reflection type photosensors) 120a and 120b is disposed on the downstream side of the medal rail 111. The first medal sensor 120 detects the number of medals passing on the medal rail 111 of the medal selector 100 and abnormal operations such as clogging of medals and unauthorized operations. The medals that have passed through the first medal sensor 120 are discharged from the medal outlet 115 to the medal discharge guide 130 and stored in the medal hopper 21 through the medal discharge guide 130.

  As described above, the medal selector 100 determines the authenticity of the medal, detects the medal determined to be a regular medal by the first medal sensor 120, counts the number of medals, and passes the medal through the medal discharge guide 130. A function of discharging to the hopper 21 and a function of returning a medal determined as an illegal medal from the cancel shooter 140 through the cancel chute 150 from the medal payout exit 20 are provided.

[Medal Ejection Guide (Game Media Ejection Section)]
Embodiments 1 to 3 of the medal discharge guide 130 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 8 and 9.

Example 1
The medal discharge guide 130 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 8.
<Configuration>
As shown in FIG. 4, the medal discharge guide 130 according to the first embodiment is connected to the base plate portion 110 of the medal selector 100 by being fixed or integrally formed. The medal discharge guide 130 is curved and inclined downward, and a concave guide passage 130c is formed between the outer wall 130a and the inner wall 130b of the medal discharge guide 130.

  The entrance side of the medal discharge guide 130 communicates with the medal outlet portion 115 of the medal selector 100, and the exit side is disposed above the medal hopper 21.

  The width of the recess-shaped guide passage 130c is designed to be larger than the width of the medal so that the medal discharged from the medal selector 100 can pass smoothly, and the height of the outer wall 130a and the inner wall 130b is also determined by the medal. The height is designed not to deviate from the guide passage 130c.

  The inner wall 130b of the medal discharge guide 130 is provided with a second medal sensor 132 made up of a reflective or transmissive optical sensor that detects the passage of medals. In the present embodiment (Examples 1 to 3), the second medal sensor 132 constitutes a second game medium detecting unit that detects a game medium that is a medal discharged from the medal discharge guide.

  In the present embodiment, the second medal sensor 132 is provided at a height position such that the detection light is incident on the center of the medal that passes through the guide passage 130c.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the second medal sensor 132 is provided on the exit side of the guide passage 132c. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second medal sensor 132 may be provided on the central portion or the entrance side. Further, the second medal sensor 132 may be provided on the outer wall 130a instead of the inner wall 130b.

<Action>
In the medal discharge guide 130 according to the first embodiment configured as described above, the medal discharged from the medal outlet portion 115 of the medal selector 100 is a concave guide that is curved and inclined downward from the inlet side of the medal discharge guide 130. It passes through the passage 130c and is finally discharged from the outlet side to the medal hopper 21.

  In the process of the medal passing through the guide passage 130c of the medal discharge guide 130, the second medal sensor 132 detects the passage of the medal.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the second medal sensor 132 outputs an on signal when a medal is detected, and outputs an off signal when the medal is not detected.

  Incidentally, as described above, the width of the guide passage 130c is larger than the thickness of the medal, and the guide passage 130 is curved as shown in FIG. For this reason, the second medal sensor 132 according to the first embodiment is not only when medals pass alone, but also when two or three medals pass through the second medal sensor 132 and passes through the second medal sensor 132. Can be counted.

  Hereinafter, a method for counting medals passing through the guide passage 130c of the medal discharge guide 130 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, an example will be described in which two medals pass and overlap, but counting is possible even when three or more medals overlap.

  8A shows a case where medals pass alone, FIG. 8B shows a case where medals pass by overlapping (low overlapping degree), and FIG. 8C shows a case where medals similarly pass through each other (overlapping degree). In the schematic diagram of the high) medal and the on / off output diagram of the second medal sensor 132, the broken line in the center indicates the position where the detection light of the second medal sensor 132 is incident on the medal. Incident in the approximate center of the medal.

  As a precondition, each medal moves at the same speed when passing through the second medal sensor 132 in the guide passage 130c. Further, when the time for one (single) medal to pass through the second medal sensor 132 is defined as the unit detection continuation time, it has been experimentally confirmed that the time is about 33 to 34 milliseconds.

(1) Example of Single Passage As shown in FIG. 8A, the second medal sensor 132 emits detection light to a substantially central portion of the medal, so that the ON state continues until the diameter portion of the medal passes.

  In the first embodiment, in order to simplify the control element and reduce the control burden, the number of medals is counted as one when the second medal sensor 132 is turned on from the off state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the ON duration is 0.8 times or more and less than 1.3 times the unit detection duration, it may be counted as one.

(2) Example of overlap passing (high overlap and low overlap)
As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the ON state continues for a longer time than in the case of the single passage of (1) (unit detection duration).

  In the first embodiment, when the on duration is about 42.5 milliseconds (about 1.3 times the unit detection duration), the number of passing medals is counted as two.

  Hereinafter, it is possible to count the number of medals passing by overlapping three or more by the same method. However, when the degree of overlap is high, for example, there is a possibility that three medals are miscounted to two, but since such miscounts are considered to occur less frequently, they are processed as counting errors.

  In addition, when the on duration time is equal to or longer than a certain time (for example, when the on duration time is 100 milliseconds or more), it is possible to process that the tokens are jammed.

  In the first embodiment, the periodic interrupt processing time of the main control circuit 71 is used for detecting the ON / OFF detection duration of the second medal sensor 132 without using a timer. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and the control burden. Details of the specific counting process flow performed by the main control circuit 71 will be described later (FIG. 15).

<Effect>
As described above, according to the first embodiment, by measuring and analyzing the ON duration time of the second medal sensor 132, it is possible to determine whether one medal or plural medals have passed. It is possible to count accurately. Further, since a periodic interrupt process by the existing main control circuit is used without preparing a new timer device or the like for counting the duration time, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and the control burden.

(Example 2)
A medal discharge guide 130 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9.
<Configuration>
In the second embodiment, in order to reduce erroneous counting, as shown in FIG. 5, two second medal sensors 132a and 132b are provided in the height direction of the inner wall 130b of the guide passage.

  The two second medal sensors are arranged at a predetermined interval in the height direction of the inner wall 130b, and the second medal sensor 132a has the second medal sensor 132b so that the detection light is incident on the substantially central portion. Is provided on the inner wall 130b so that the detection light is incident on the top of the medal. In the present embodiment (Example 2), the second medal sensors 132a and 132b constitute a plurality of detection devices of second game medium detecting means for detecting a game medium that is a medal discharged from the medal discharge guide.

<Action>
FIGS. 9A to 9C show ON / OFF output diagrams of the two second medal sensors 132a and 132b in the second embodiment configured as described above.

  The on / off diagram of the second medal sensor 132a is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the second medal sensor 132b has an ON duration longer than that of the 132a as shown in FIG. short. Further, when the overlapping degree of medals is low, an off state occurs between medals in the upper part of the medals, so an on / off diagram as shown in FIG. 9C is obtained.

  Therefore, by comparing the on / off continuation times of the second medal sensors 132a and 132b, it is possible to more accurately count the number of medals passing through. That is, by adding the second medal sensor 132b, it is possible to accurately determine and count the overlap of two or more medals.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the number of medals passing through two or more medals can be counted more accurately by using the two second medal sensors 132a and 132b.

  In the above description, the example in which the second medal sensor 132b is arranged so that the detection light of the second medal sensor 132b is incident on the upper part of the medal is described. However, the second medal sensor 132b may be arranged to be incident on the lower part of the medal. Further, a plurality of second medal sensors 132b may be arranged so as to enter both the upper part and the lower part.

<Effect>
As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to more reliably determine whether or not one medal has passed by measuring and analyzing the ON duration time of the plurality of second medal sensors 132a and 132b. Therefore, the number of medals can be counted with high accuracy. Further, since a periodic interrupt process by the existing main control circuit is used without preparing a new timer device or the like for counting the duration time, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and the control burden.

(Example 3)
The number of medals passing through the medal discharge guide 130 is counted by the second medal sensor 132 based on the method described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the method described in the first embodiment is used. Based on this, the medal number check process for determining the presence or absence of cheating or a clogged medal by comparing the count value detected by the second medal sensor 132 with the count value detected by the first medal sensor 120 will be described.

  In the medal number check process of the third embodiment, the medal number detected by the first medal sensor 120 provided in the medal selector 100 and counted by the first medal counter is divided into three ranges in order to reduce the control burden. That is, it is divided into three ranges of 1 to 4 sheets, 5 to 14 sheets, and 15 sheets or more, and the allowable number of sheets (0 sheet, 2 sheets, and 3 sheets in the third embodiment) is defined respectively. .

  Then, in each range, the number of medals detected by the second medal sensor 132 and compared with the number of medals counted by the second medal counter is determined to be normal if the difference is equal to or less than the tolerance number, and if the tolerance number is exceeded. It is determined that an abnormality such as an illegal act or a clogged medal has occurred, and error processing is executed.

According to the third embodiment, the number of medals passing through the medal discharge guide 130 is counted with higher accuracy because the second medal sensor 132 determines whether or not the medals pass individually and overlaps and counts the number of medals. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately determine the presence or absence of abnormality, and the frequency of erroneous determinations and false alarms can be reduced.
Thereby, the reliability and operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved.

In the third embodiment, the number of medals detected by the first medal sensor 120 and counted by the first medal counter is determined by dividing it into three ranges. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of sheets can be changed as appropriate. Further, without dividing the number of medals into a plurality of ranges, a certain percentage of the number detected by the first medal sensor 120 and counted by the first medal counter, for example, about 20% or less may be set as the allowable difference number.
Details of the medal number check processing flow will be described later (FIG. 16).

[Configuration of main CPU]
FIG. 10 shows a main CPU (main control circuit, control unit) 71 that controls the operation of the gaming machine 1, peripheral devices (such as actuators) that are electrically connected to the main CPU 71, and control signals transmitted from the main CPU 71. A circuit configuration including a liquid crystal display device 160, speakers 6L and 96, LEDs 151, and sub-control circuit 72 for controlling lamps 152 is shown.

  The main CPU 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is configured by adding a circuit for extracting a random number value thereto. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, and a RAM 33.

  The main CPU 71 executes a program stored in the ROM 32 to perform processing related to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls the operation of each actuator. The main CPU 71 includes a clock pulse generation circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 36 for generating a random number, and a sampling circuit 37 for extracting a random value from the generated random number. Is connected. The main CPU 71 may generate a random number and extract a random number value. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 may be omitted, but may be left for preliminary use.

  The ROM 32 stores programs (FIG. 11 and the like) executed by the main CPU 71 and fixed data. In the ROM 32, for example, an internal lottery table (not shown) for determining an internal lottery combination based on the extracted random number value and a display combination expected storage area for determining a reel stop mode according to a stop operation (Not shown) and the like are stored. In addition, various control signals to be transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 are stored. Note that commands and information are not transmitted from the sub control circuit 72 to the main CPU 71, and communication is performed in one direction from the main CPU 71 to the sub control circuit 72.

  The RAM 33 is used for temporarily storing data when the main CPU 71 executes a program. The RAM 33 stores, for example, information on an internal lottery, current game status, and the like.

  In FIG. 10, BET lamps (1-BET lamp 7a, 2-BET lamp 7b, maximum BET lamp 7c) and bonus number display section 8 are the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from microcomputer 30. , A display unit such as a credit display unit 9 and a payout number display unit 10, a hopper 21 for storing medals and paying out a predetermined number of medals according to a command of the hopper driving circuit 41, and a stepping for rotating the reels 3L, 3C, 3R There are motors 49L, 49C, 49R.

  Furthermore, a motor drive circuit 39 that controls the rotation operation of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R by outputting a pulse (for example, an excitation signal) to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R, and a hopper drive circuit that controls the operation of the hopper 21 41, control of display by a lamp driving circuit 45 for controlling turning on and off of the BET lamps 7a, 7b and 7c and a display unit (that is, a bonus bonus number display unit 8, a credit display unit 9, a payout number display unit 10, etc.) The display unit driving circuit 48 is connected to the main CPU 71. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal output from the main CPU 71 and controls the operation of each actuator.

  Further, as means for generating an input signal transmitted to the microcomputer 30 in order for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control signal, a start switch 17S, stop switches 18LS, 18CS, 18RS, 1-BET switches 13S, 2- There are a BET switch 14S, a maximum BET switch 15S, a settlement (C / P) switch 16S, a reel position detection circuit 50, a payout completion signal circuit 51, a first medal sensor 120, a second medal sensor 132, and the like.

  The start switch 17S detects an operation in which the start lever 17 is tilted, and outputs a game start command signal for instructing the start of the game. The stop switches 18LS, 18CS, and 18RS generate a stop command signal for instructing to stop the change of symbols in accordance with the operation of the corresponding stop buttons 18L, 18C, and 18R.

  The reel position detection circuit 50 receives a pulse from a reel rotation sensor provided on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and supplies a signal for detecting the rotation position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the main CPU 71. The payout completion signal circuit 51 pays out medals when the total number of medals detected by the payout medal detection unit 218 (that is, the number of medals paid out from the payout mechanism 212 of the medal hopper 21) reaches a designated value. Generate a signal to detect completion.

  The main CPU 71 counts the number of medals determined to be normal by the medal selector 100 by the first medal sensor 120 as described above. Further, the main CPU 71 counts the number of medals passing through the medal discharge guide 130 as described above by the second medal sensor 132.

  Further, the main CPU 71 detects medals passing through the medal discharge guide 130 with the second medal sensor 132 and counts them with the second medal counter. Based on the signal, the main CPU 71 counts with the first medal counter and the second medal counter. By checking the consistency of the number of medals, it is checked whether fraud has been performed or whether an abnormality such as clogging has occurred. Details thereof will be described later.

  In the circuit of FIG. 10, the random number generator 36 generates random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 37 is generated by the random number generator 36 at an appropriate timing after the operation of tilting the start lever 17. One random number value is extracted from the random number. The random number value extracted in this way is stored in a random value storage area provided in the RAM 33. For example, in order to determine an internal lottery role based on an internal lottery table (not shown) stored in the ROM 32, etc. Referenced.

  The reels 3L, 3C, and 3R basically rotate once by outputting a pulse (that is, an excitation signal) a predetermined number of times (for example, 336 times) to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R. The number of pulses output to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 as a pulse count value.

  On the other hand, a reset pulse is obtained from the reels 3L, 3C, 3R every rotation. When the reset pulse is input to the main CPU 71 via the reel position detection circuit 50, the count value of the pulse stored in the RAM 33 is updated to “0”. As a result, the count value of the pulse corresponds to the rotation position within one rotation range for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The symbol arrangement table stored in the ROM 32 is used for associating the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol arrangement table, the code number assigned sequentially for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R with respect to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated (reference position) corresponds to each code number. A symbol code that is information indicating a symbol is associated with the symbol.

  The ROM 32 stores a symbol combination table (not shown). This symbol combination table is given to the display combination and the player after the stop of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R when controlling to stop the rotation of the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C, and the right reel 3R. This is referred to in order to determine the profit (for example, the number of medals paid out).

  When the internal lottery is determined by the internal lottery process described later based on the extraction of the random number value, the main CPU 71 determines from the stop switches 18LS, 18CS, 18RS at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 18L, 18C, 18R. A signal for controlling the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is sent to the motor drive circuit 39 based on the input signal sent and the determined stop table (not shown).

  If the combination of symbols corresponding to the small combination is displayed along the active line, the main CPU 71 supplies a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 41 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the payout mechanism 212 of the medal hopper 21. Do. At that time, the payout completion signal circuit 51 counts the number of medals to be paid out from the payout mechanism 212, and inputs the medal payout completion signal to the main CPU 71 when the count value reaches a designated number. As a result, the main CPU 71 stops driving the payout mechanism 212 via the hopper drive circuit 41 and ends the medal payout process.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an operation unit for adjusting the sound volume on the pedestal unit 11 or for displaying game information as means for generating an input signal transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. (Not shown). This operation unit can be operated by employees, players, etc. of the game hall, and adjusts the volume output from the speakers 6L, 6R, for example. The sub-control circuit 72 performs control to adjust the sound output from the speakers 6L and 6R to a volume corresponding to the transmitted input signal based on the input signal from the operation unit.

[Control flow of main CPU (main control circuit)]
A control flow performed by the main CPU 71 (main control circuit) will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 performs an initialization process (S1). Specifically, the main CPU 71 initializes the contents stored in the RAM 33.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 71 designates a specified storage area in the RAM 33 (for example, information on a storage area for storing information on an internal lottery combination, a value of a medal passing timer described later, values of first and second medal counters, etc.) Is erased (ie, cleared) (S2). Specifically, the main CPU 71 erases data in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 used for the previous game.

  In S3, the main CPU 71 performs a bonus operation monitoring process, and subsequently performs a process in S4. In this bonus operation monitoring process, the main CPU 71 operates the RB gaming state based on the BB operating flag and the RB operating flag. The BB operating flag is information for identifying whether or not to operate the RB gaming state. The RB operating flag is information for identifying whether or not the gaming state is the RB gaming state.

  Specifically, when the BB operating flag is on, the main CPU 71 updates the RB operating flag to on when the RB gaming state ends, and performs processing so that the RB gaming state starts again. I do. That is, after the symbol combination corresponding to BB is displayed along the active line, the RB gaming state is set until the BB operating flag is updated to OFF. Further, the main CPU 71 stores an initial value (for example, 12 times) of the possible number of games and an initial value (for example, 8 times) of the possible number of winnings in the RAM 33.

  In S4, the main CPU 71 performs medal acceptance / start check processing, and then performs processing in S5. Here, the main CPU 71 turns on the BET lamps 7a to 7c, processing for updating the information on the number of inserted sheets based on inputs (signals) from the start switch 17S, the first medal sensor 120, or the BET switches 13 to 15. Processing to turn off, processing to transmit a bet command and a demo command to the sub-control circuit 72, and the like are performed. The sub-control circuit 72 that has received the bet command performs control to display an image as an effect performed at the time of the making operation on the liquid crystal display unit 2b. The sub-control circuit 72 that has received the demo command performs a control to display a so-called demo image on the liquid crystal display unit 2b.

  In S5, the main CPU 71 extracts a random value and stores it in the random value storage area, and then performs the process in S6. The random value extracted in this process is used in the internal lottery process (S7 described later).

  In S6, the main CPU 71 performs a gaming state monitoring process, and subsequently performs the process of S7. In this gaming state monitoring process, the main CPU 71 determines (transfers) the gaming state based on the RB operating flag. Specifically, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the RB operating flag is on. If the RB operating flag is on, an identifier (information) indicating the RB gaming state is predetermined in the RAM 33. Store in the storage area. On the other hand, if the RB operating flag is off, an identifier (information) indicating the general gaming state is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 33.

  In S7, the main CPU 71 performs the internal lottery process described above, and subsequently performs the process of S8. In this internal lottery process, the main CPU 71 determines the number of lotteries according to the gaming state. Specifically, when the gaming state is the RB gaming state, the main CPU 71 determines “3” as the number of lotteries.

  On the other hand, when the gaming state is the general gaming state, the main CPU 71 basically determines “6” as the number of lotteries. However, if the combination of symbols corresponding to BB is allowed to be displayed along the active line over one or more games, the main CPU 71 determines “4” as the number of lotteries. Accordingly, when it is allowed over one or a plurality of games that a combination of symbols corresponding to BB is displayed along the active line, “5” or “6” is not determined as the lottery number. Or BB2 is not determined as an internal lottery.

  In S8, the main CPU 71 performs a process of transmitting a start command to the sub-control circuit 72, and subsequently performs a process of S9. The start command includes information such as a gaming state and an internal lottery combination and is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. In S9, the main CPU 71 requests the start of rotation of all reels, and subsequently performs the process of S10.

  In S10, the main CPU 71 performs a reel stop control process, and subsequently performs a process of S11. In this reel stop control process, the main CPU 71 performs control to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R based on the internal lottery, the timing of the stop operation by the player, and the like.

  In S11, the main CPU 71 determines the display combination and the number of payouts based on the symbol combination table, and then performs the processing in S12. Specifically, the main CPU 71 determines a display combination and a payout number based on a combination of symbols displayed on the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R and a symbol combination table.

  In S12, the main CPU 71 performs a process of transmitting a display combination command to the sub-control circuit 72, and subsequently performs a process of S13. This display combination command includes information on the display combination determined in S11. Receiving the display combination command, the sub-control circuit 72 performs control to display an image as an effect performed after all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped on the liquid crystal display unit 2b.

  In S13, the main CPU 71 performs a process of checking the number of medals passing through the medal discharge guide 130, and then performs a process of S14. In this medal passing number check process, it is determined whether or not medals passing through the medal discharge guide 130 are passing alone or overlapping based on the detection value of the second medal sensor 132, and the medal passing number is accurately determined. While counting, it compares with the count value of the 1st medal sensor 120, it judges abnormalities, such as an illegal act and a clog, and raises an alarm as needed.

  In S14, the main CPU 71 performs a medal payout process, and subsequently performs a process in S15.

  In S15, the main CPU 71 updates the bonus end number counter for counting information on the bonus end number based on the payout number, and then performs the process in S16. Here, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not either the RB operating flag or the BB operating flag is on. When this determination is “YES”, the process of S17 is subsequently performed, and when “NO”, the process of S18 is subsequently performed.

In S17, the main CPU 71 performs a bonus end check process, and then performs a process in S18.
In the bonus end check process of S17, the main CPU 71 ends the bonus game when the bonus game end condition is satisfied.

  Specifically, when the value of the bonus end number counter is “0”, the main CPU 71 performs an RB end process and a BB end process, and information on the number of wins possible is “0” or the number of games allowed When the information is “0”, processing at the end of RB is performed. In the RB end process, the main CPU 71 clears the RB operating flag, the information on the number of possible winnings, the information on the number of possible games, and the like. In the BB end process, the main CPU 71 clears the BB operating flag, the bonus end number counter, and the like.

  In S18, the main CPU 71 performs a bonus operation check process, and then returns to S2. In the bonus operation check process of S18, the main CPU 71 starts the bonus game when the bonus game start condition is satisfied. In the embodiment, the main CPU 71 determines that a combination of symbols corresponding to BB (“red 7-red 7-red 7” or “BAR-BAR-BAR”) is displayed along the active line. Performs processing during operation.

  In this BB operation process, the main CPU 71 updates the BB operation flag corresponding to BB1 or BB2 to ON, and sets a predetermined value (eg, “350”) defined in advance as the initial value of the bonus end number counter. .

[Medal reception / start check processing]
The medal acceptance / start check process S4 of FIG. 11 performed by the main CPU 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in S20, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not there is a request for automatic medal insertion. If “YES”, the process proceeds to S21, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to S28.

  If there is an automatic input request in S20, the main CPU 71 executes an automatic input process, and the process proceeds to S28.

  On the other hand, if there is no automatic insertion request, the main CPU 71 performs a medal acceptance permission process in S22, and proceeds to S23.

  Next, in step S23, the main CPU performs a process of setting the maximum number of inserted sheets according to the gaming state, and proceeds to step S24.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the medal acceptance is permitted in S24. If “YES”, the process proceeds to S25, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to S28.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a medal insertion check process in S25. In the medal insertion check process, the inserted medal is detected by the first medal sensor 120, and the detection result is output to a first medal counter (hereinafter referred to as "first medal counter") provided in the RAM 33 as the number of medals. Store. Next, a medal insertion command transmission process is performed in S26, and the process proceeds to S27.

  Next, in S27, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the inserted number is a game start possible number. If “YES”, the process proceeds to S28, and if “NO”, the process proceeds to S29.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a settlement switch check process in S28, and proceeds to S29.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the start switch is on in S29. If “YES”, the main CPU 71 proceeds to S30 to perform a medal acceptance prohibition process, and ends the medal acceptance / start check process.

  On the other hand, if “NO”, the process returns to S24.

[Checkout switch check processing]
The settlement switch check process S28 in the medal acceptance / start check process of FIG. 12 performed by the main CPU 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the settlement (C / P) switch 16S is on in S40.

  If “YES”, the process proceeds to S41, and if “NO”, the settlement switch check process is terminated.

  Next, the CPU 71 performs medal payout processing in S41, and proceeds to S42.

  Next, the CPU 71 performs a medal passing number check process in S42, and then ends the settlement switch check process.

[Periodic interrupt processing under the control of the main control circuit (main CPU)]
The periodic interrupt process S50 controlled by the main CPU 71 will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, this interrupt process is performed every 1.1172 milliseconds.

  First, the main CPU 71 saves the register (S51). Next, the main CPU 71 performs an input port check process (S52). In this process, signals input from various switches such as the stop switch 18LS are checked.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs timer update processing (S53), and then the main CPU 71 performs communication data transmission processing (S54). In this process, various command data are transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 saved by the communication data storage process.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a reel control process (S55). In this process, the driving of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R is controlled so that the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is started when rotation of all reels is requested, and then rotated at a constant speed. Is done. When the number of sliding symbols is determined, the symbol counter of the corresponding reel is updated by the number of sliding symbols. Then, after the updated symbol counter matches the value corresponding to the planned stop position (the symbol at the planned stop position reaches the middle stage of the display window), the rotation of the corresponding reel is decelerated and stopped. The driving of the stepping motor is controlled.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a lamp and 7-segment driving process (S56). In this processing, drive control of the 7-segment display 6 is performed to display the number of payouts and the number of credits.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a medal passage check process based on the output value of the second medal sensor 132 provided in the medal discharge guide 130 (S57). Details thereof will be described later.

  After the end of S57, the main CPU 71 performs a register restoration process (S58). When this process ends, the main CPU 71 ends the interrupt process.

[Medal passing check process]
The medal passage check process performed in S57 of the interrupt process under the control of the main control circuit (main CPU) in FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in S71, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the second medal sensor 132 that is provided in the medal guide passage 102 and detects a medal passing through the medal discharge guide 130 is ON, and “YES” (that is, ON state). If YES, the process proceeds to S72, and if “NO” (ie, OFF state), the process proceeds to S76.

  If "YES" in S71, the main CPU 71 decrements the value of a medal passing timer (hereinafter referred to as "medal passing timer") provided in the RAM 33 in S72 (S72). At this time, if the previous medal passage check process is “NO”, “1” is added to a second medal counter (hereinafter referred to as “second medal counter”) provided in the RAM 33. That is, when the second medal sensor 132 changes from the off state to the on state (also referred to as when an on edge is detected), the value of the second medal counter (“0” in this example) is assumed that one medal has passed. The value of the second medal counter is changed from “0” to “1”.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the value of the medal passing timer is zero (0) in S73. If it is zero, the process proceeds to S74, and if not, the process returns to S57.

  Next, in S74, the main CPU 71 adds 1 to the value of the second medal counter, and proceeds to S75. That is, in this example, the value of the second medal counter is changed from “1” to “2”.

  Next, in S75, the main CPU sets the medal passing timer to an initial value (“38” in the present embodiment), and returns to S57.

  This initial value “38” of the medal passing timer means the number of interrupt processing times. If the medal passing timer value becomes “0” in S73, the interrupt processing is performed 38 times, That is, it means that the second medal sensor 132 is in an on state for 42.4536 msec (38 times × 1.1172 msec), that is, continues to detect medals.

  Next, the main CPU 71 sets the medal passing timer to “0” in S76, and returns to S57.

  Thus, in the medal passage check process, the number of medals can be accurately counted even when two or more medals pass.

  However, as described above, when the degree of overlap is high (FIG. 8B, FIG. 9B), for example, there is a possibility that 3 or 4 medals are miscounted to 2 or 3. Since such an erroneous count is considered to occur less frequently, it is processed as a counting error.

  As a modified example, in the medal passage check process immediately after the medal passage timer is set to the initial value (38) in S75, the second medal sensor 132 is turned on (in the case of “YES”) in S71, the second You may make it add "1" to the value of a 2 medal counter. For example, if the value of the second medal counter is “2” when the number of interrupts reaches 38 while the second medal sensor 132 is on (approximately 42.5 milliseconds have elapsed), the medal passing immediately after that If the second medal sensor 132 is still on in the check process, “1” is added to the value of the second medal counter to “3”, and if the on state continues 38 times, the second medal is detected at that time. “1” is added to the counter value to be “4”, and the value of the second medal counter is set to “1” in order to correct the value of the second medal counter at the time when the counter is turned off after 30 times. You may make it subtract.

  In addition, when the on duration time is equal to or longer than a certain time (for example, when the on duration time is 100 milliseconds or more), it is possible to process that the tokens are jammed.

[Medal number check processing]
The medal passing number check process performed by the main CPU 71 in S13 of FIG. 11 and S42 of FIG. 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the second medal sensor 132 is on in S80. If “NO”, the process proceeds to S81, and if “YES”, the process proceeds to S88.

  In S81, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the value of the first medal counter is “zero”. If “NO”, the process proceeds to S82, and if “YES”, the process proceeds to S89. Here, the value of the first medal counter is the number of medals detected by the first medal sensor 120.

  In S82, the main CPU 71 sets the allowable number of sheets to “0”, and proceeds to S83.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the value of the first medal counter is within a range of 1 to 4 in S83. If “NO”, the process proceeds to S83, and the allowable number of sheets is set to “1” in S83, and the process proceeds to S87. On the other hand, if “YES”, the process proceeds to S87.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the value of the first medal counter is within the range of 5 to 14 in S85. If “NO”, the process proceeds to S86, and the allowable number of sheets is set to “2” in S86, and the process proceeds to S87. On the other hand, if “YES”, the process proceeds to S87.

  Next, the main CPU 71 subtracts the value of the second medal counter from the value of the first medal counter in S87, and determines whether the subtraction value is equal to or smaller than the allowable difference number. Here, the value of the second medal counter is the number of medals counted by the second medal sensor.

  If the determination result is “NO”, the process proceeds to S88, and if “YES”, the process returns to S81.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines that an abnormality has occurred in S88, performs error processing, and proceeds to S89. In the error processing, a two-digit error code (for example, “CC”) is displayed on the 7-segment LED of the payout number display unit 10. In the error processing, the progress of the game is interrupted until the generated error factor is canceled, and after the error factor is canceled, the progress of the game is resumed from the point of interruption.

  In S89, the main CPU 71 sets the value of the first medal counter and the value of the second medal counter to “0”, and proceeds to S90.

  In S90, the main CPU 71 sets the medal passing switch timer to “0” and ends the medal passing number check process.

  In this medal number check process, in order to reduce the control burden, the medal number detected by the first medal sensor 120 and counted by the first medal counter is divided into three ranges, that is, 1 to 4, It is divided into three ranges of 5 to 14 sheets and 15 sheets or more, and the allowable number of sheets (that is, 0 sheet, 1 sheet, 2 sheets) is specified respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The difference number can be changed as appropriate. Further, without dividing the number of medals into a plurality of ranges, a certain percentage of the number counted by the first medal counter detected by the first medal sensor 120, for example, about 20% or less may be used as the tolerance difference number.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, combinations, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof. In the embodiment and the modification described above, a pachislot machine has been described as an example of a gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine called a “pachinko machine”. For example, the same effect can be obtained by providing the second sensor at the discharge port of the game ball of the upper plate in the ball payout of the game ball payout device of the pachinko machine.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 2 ... Front door, 3L-3C ... Reel, 4L-4R ... Reel display window, 7a-7c ... Bet lamp, 8-10 ... Display part, 12 ... Medal slot, 13-15 ... Bet button 16 ... Settlement (C / P) button, 17 ... Start lever, 18L-18R ... Stop button, 19 ... Medal receiving part, 20 ... Medal payout port, 21 ... Medal hopper, 71 ... Main control circuit (main CPU, control) Part), 72 ... sub-control circuit, 100 ... medal selector (game medium detecting part), 110 ... base plate part, 111 ... medal rail, 112 ... medal entrance part, 113 ... select plate, 114 ... medal pusher, 115 ... medal Exit part 120 ... 1st medal sensor (1st game medium detection part), 130 ... Medal discharge guide (game medium discharge part), 132 ... 2nd medal sensor (2nd game medium) Body detection unit), 140... Cancel shooter, 150.

Claims (4)

A game medium detection unit;
A game medium discharge section provided at an outlet of the game medium detection section;
First game medium detection means for detecting the passage of game media provided in a game media path inside the game media detection unit;
A second game medium detecting means provided in the game medium discharge section for detecting a game medium passing through the game medium discharge section;
A control unit for performing various controls,
The controller is
Based on the detection duration time that the second game medium detecting means continuously detects the game medium, it is determined that one or a plurality of game media have passed through the game medium discharge section. Count the number,
And when the difference between the number of game media counted by the first game media detection means and the number of game media counted by the second game media detection means is greater than or equal to a predetermined allowable number, A gaming machine characterized in that it is determined that a problem has occurred.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second game medium detection unit includes an optical sensor, and light emitted from the optical sensor is emitted toward a substantially central portion of the game medium.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the detection duration time is calculated based on a periodic interrupt processing time of the control unit.   The control unit divides the number of the game media counted based on the detection of the game media by the first game media detection means into a plurality of ranges, and sets the allowable number for each range. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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