JP2736806B2 - Information reader for recording media - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to information recording for reading information written in an information recording area of a recording medium by a method such as thermal printing, dot impact or thermal transfer. More specifically, the present invention relates to an information reading apparatus for a recording medium including an outer peripheral edge and an information recording area formed at a predetermined position inside the outer peripheral edge for recording predetermined information.

[Prior Art] As a technique for accessing an information recording area of a recording medium and reading recorded information in the information recording area, a technique generally known in the related art is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 54-98244. There was a thing of a statement. In this conventional apparatus, the outer peripheral edge of a recording medium is detected, the outer peripheral edge is set as an access reference position, and an information recording area formed at a predetermined position of the recording medium is moved to a reading unit to thereby obtain an information recording area. The recording unit is configured to read the recorded information.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] On the other hand, in this conventional technique, a dedicated detection unit for detecting the outer peripheral edge of the recording medium is provided separately from the reading unit for reading the recorded information. There was a disadvantage that the structure became complicated.

In order to solve this conventional drawback, for example, the recording information reading section itself detects and detects the outer edge of the recording medium, sets the outer edge as an access reference position, and moves the reading section relative to the information recording area of the recording medium. A method of moving is considered.

However, in such a configuration, the position of the outer peripheral edge of the recording medium can be accurately detected as long as the reading unit can read at a point or a line having almost no reading area. A new inconvenience arises in that the reading unit cannot be constituted by a flat reading type which has a reading area and collectively reads recorded information within the reading area. Conversely, when the reading unit is configured by the flat reading method, the reading sensitivity is changed depending on the reading sensitivity of the reading unit when the outer peripheral edge enters the reading area. In addition, a new disadvantage arises in that the detection position of the outer peripheral edge cannot be accurately determined.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its object is to form a reading unit of a flat reading type, and to provide an external device without providing a dedicated detecting unit for detecting the outer peripheral edge of a recording medium. An object of the present invention is to provide an information reading device capable of accurately detecting a peripheral position.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention relates to an information reading apparatus for a recording medium including an outer peripheral edge and an information recording area for recording predetermined information formed at a predetermined position inside the outer peripheral edge. A reading unit capable of reading the outer peripheral edge and the recorded information in the information recording area; a relative moving unit for relatively moving the reading unit and the recording medium; The relative position of the reading unit with respect to the information recording area at the time of output of the outer edge detection signal is set as the access reference position based on the outer edge detection signal output when the reading unit passes through the outer edge with the movement. Relative movement control means for relatively moving the information recording area and the reading unit based on the access reference position so that the information recording area matches the reading unit; and when the information recording area matches the reading unit. ,
Reading control means for reading the recording information of the information recording area by the reading unit, wherein the reading unit has a predetermined reading area, and the reading area has a boundary at an area ratio determined by reading sensitivity. When the outer peripheral edge has reached, the outer peripheral edge detection signal is output, and the relative movement control means is set to perform the relative movement control by regarding a boundary position of the area ratio as the access reference position. It is characterized by the following.

According to the present invention, the information recorded on the outer peripheral edge of the recording medium and the information recording area is read by the reading unit, and the reading unit and the recording medium are relatively moved by the relative moving means. The relative position of the reading unit with respect to the recording medium at the time of output of the outer peripheral edge detection signal output when the reading unit has passed the outer peripheral edge is determined as the access reference position, and the information recording area and the reading unit are determined based on the access reference position. The two are relatively moved by the relative movement control means so that they coincide with each other, and the reading control means controls the recording information in the information recording area to be read by the reading section when the recording area and the reading section match. The reading section has a predetermined reading area, and outputs the outer peripheral edge detection signal when the outer peripheral edge reaches a boundary of an area ratio determined by the reading sensitivity in the reading area. The relative movement control means is set to perform the relative movement control by regarding the boundary position of the area ratio as the access reference position.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall plan view showing the internal structure of a card reader / writer device as an example of an information reading / writing device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an overall side view showing the internal structure of the card reader / writer device 1.

The card reader / writer 1 has a card insertion / ejection port 11
Card 150 as an example of a recording medium inserted from FIG.
(See FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C.) It has a function of reading recorded information recorded in the card 150, writing necessary predetermined information to the card 150, and then discharging the card 150 from the card insertion / ejection port 11. The card reader / writer device 1 has a card insertion / ejection port 11, a DC motor (M _D ) 61 as a drive source,
A stepping motor (M _s ) 29 for transporting the card and various sensors are provided.

When the card 150 is inserted from the card insertion / ejection port 11, first, the card insertion sensor (SW1) 7 detects that the card has been inserted. Then, the stepping motor (M _s ) 29 rotates, and its rotating force is transmitted via the motor shaft 30, the gear 31a, the belt 33, the gear 28, the rotating shaft 22, the gear 20, the belt 21, the gear 19, and the rotating shaft 15. It is transmitted to the card feed roller 16, and the card feed roller 16 rotates. The card inserted by the rotation of the card feed roller 16 is drawn rightward in the figure. As the card is pulled in, the left vertical mark row read sensor (SW2) 4 and the right vertical mark row read sensor (S2)
W3) 5 reads the marks in the left vertical mark column mark column 153 and the right vertical mark column mark column 154 (see FIG. 5) recorded on the card. In the drawing, reference numeral 3 denotes an upper mounting portion, 9 denotes a regulating roller, 8 denotes an urging spring, and 12 and 13 denote leaf springs. Reference numeral 6 denotes a lower mounting plate, and 14 denotes a holding plate for holding the leaf spring 12 while holding it. Reference numeral 26 denotes a pressing spring, which has a function of pushing up the support shafts 17, 24 of the guide rollers 25, 18, and presses the guide rollers 25, 18 against the corresponding card feed rollers 16, 23, respectively. Is configured.

The card taken in by the card feed roller 16 is read by a reader / writer mechanism 51. The reader / writer mechanism 51 is provided with a DC mode (M _D ) 61 as an example of a drive source, and the rotational force of the DC motor (M _D ) 61 is applied to the head transport shaft via gears 59, 58 and 57. A spiral cut groove 56a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the head transport shaft 56, which is transmitted to and rotates the head transport shaft 56. Then, the head transport shaft 56 is inserted into a head transport shaft insertion hole (not shown) formed in the head transport member 80. In this state, a fixed plate 89 is provided on the upper surface of the head transport member 80, and a horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 as an example of an information reading unit and a thermal head 71 as an example of an information writing unit are provided. Further, a drive pin 86 is inserted into the head transport member 80 from above so that the tip of the drive pin 86 bites into the spiral cut groove 56a, and the drive pin 86 rotates with the rotation of the head transport shaft 56.
The tip of 86 is moved in the axial direction of the head transport shaft 56 along the spiral cut groove 56a, and the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 and the thermal head 71 are both moved in the axial direction of the head transport shaft 56. Have been. In the drawing, reference numeral 67 denotes a guide shaft, which is inserted into the head transport member 80 and guides the movement of the head transport member 80 in the axial direction. That is, the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 reads the mark of the horizontal mark row mark display field 155 (see FIG. 5) written on the conveyed card while moving in the horizontal direction with respect to the conveyed card. The horizontal mark row mark is written in the horizontal mark row mark display field 155 by moving the thermal head 71 in the horizontal direction with respect to the inserted card. In the drawing, reference numeral 92 denotes a head position detection sensor (SW5) for detecting that the head transport member 80 has been transported to the shaft end (position shown) of the head transport shaft 56. Incidentally, the stepping motor 29,
Head transport shaft 56, DC motor (M _D 61, the gear 57, 58, 59, the relative movement means for relatively moving the recording medium and the reading unit to be described later are configured.

The card taken in by the card feed roller 16 is
The paper is further conveyed rightward in the figure by a card feed roller 23 rotated by a stepping motor (M _s ) 29. The card transported by the card feed roller 23 is
It is configured to be further conveyed and taken in the right direction in the figure by a card feed roller 40 provided on the card conveyance end side. The card feed roller 40 is configured so that the driving force of the stepping motor (M _s ) 29 is transmitted via the gear 31b, the belt 35, the gear 44, and the rotating shaft 39, and the card feed roller 40 rotates.

In the drawing, reference numeral 32 denotes a motor mounting plate for mounting a stepping motor (M _s ) 29 on the mounting substrate 2 side.
Reference numeral 46 denotes a relay terminal board for controlling the card reader / writer 1. 45 is an upper cover plate for forming the upper surface of the card transport path. Reference numeral 36 denotes a rear mounting plate for mounting the card feed roller 40 to the mounting substrate 2 with the rotating shaft 39 pivotally supported. Reference numeral 38 denotes a cover plate. A guide roller 42 is provided below the card feed roller 40 so as to freely rotate, and a support shaft 41 of the guide roller 42 is
By the card feed roller 40 side. Reference numeral 47 denotes a wiring protection plate, which is a flexible lead wire 106.
3 (see FIG. 3) to prevent the rotary shaft 22 from being damaged by contact. 50 is a wiring escape hole,
When the head transport member 80 is transported to the lowermost end in FIG. 1, a flexible lead 88 (see FIG. 3)
Is to miss out.

3 and 4 are views for explaining the operation of the reader / writer mechanism 51. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which the head transport mechanism 68 has been transported to the transport stroke end in the back direction. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state where the head transport mechanism is at a position halfway in the transport direction.

In the figure, reference numeral 54 denotes a platen, which is constituted by a part of the mounting body 52 and is black. 150 is platen 54
This is the card placed on top. Motor body 61a and TG
The driving force of the DC motor (D _D ) 61 including the signal output unit 61b is transmitted to the head transport shaft 56 via gears 60, 59, 58, and 57, and the head transport shaft 56 is rotated to rotate the head transport mechanism. 68 is transported left and right. In the figure, 56a is a spiral cut groove, 66 and 67 are guide shafts, 70 is a horizontal mark row read sensor (S
W4), 71 is a thermal head, 79 is a press-contact spring, 89 is a fixed plate, 80 is a head transport member, 88 is a flexible lead wire, 69 is a mounting base, and 92 is a head position detection sensor (SW
5) and 93 are mounting bases, 105 is a metal plate, 73 is a head press lever, 91 is an engagement pin, 76 is an engagement concave surface, 106 is a flexible lead wire, and 88a is a terminal.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the head transport mechanism 68 is transported to the transport stroke end in the backward direction, that is, the rightward direction in the drawing, as described above, the engagement pin 91 is engaged with the engagement concave surface.
Then, the engagement concave surface 76 is pushed upward to push the head pressure lever 73 upward against the restoring force of the pressure spring 79.
In this state, the contact between the thermal head 71 and the card 150 is released, and the transport of the card 150 is performed smoothly. A support piece 107 protrudes from the mounting body 52, and the DC motor (M _D ) 61 is supported by the support piece 107.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, when the head transport mechanism 68 is located in the middle of the transport direction, the engaging pin 91
And the engagement with the engagement concave surface 76 are released. Then press-fit spring
The restoring force of 79 causes the head press lever 73 to swing downward, pressing the mounting base 69 downward, and
Contacts the surface of the card 150. In this state, the head transport mechanism 68 is transported in the horizontal direction, so that a mark including predetermined information is printed on the surface of the card 150 by the thermal head 71, and the card 150 is read by the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70. Is configured to read a mark written on the surface of the.

FIG. 5 is a front view for explaining various mark arrays on the surface of the card 150. FIG. On the surface of the card 150, a left vertical mark column mark column 153, a right vertical mark column mark column 154, a horizontal mark column mark column 155a, and a numerical value display column 155b are formed. The horizontal mark row mark display field is constituted by the horizontal mark row mark field 155a and the numerical value display field 155b. Below the horizontal mark row mark display section 155, a notice display section 156 for displaying predetermined precautions to the card holder is formed. Further, at the top of the horizontal mark column mark display column 155, a date display column 151 for displaying the date when the card 150 was released and an insertion direction display column 152 indicating the direction of inserting the card into the machine are formed. . In addition,
The left vertical mark column mark column 153, the right vertical mark column mark column 15
4. The horizontal mark row mark display field 155 forms an information recording area for recording predetermined information formed at a predetermined position inside the outer peripheral edge.

At the top of the left vertical mark column mark column 153, there is an index mark IM for determining the reference of the reading position of the card information.
_V is written. From one below the index mark IM _V, 44 pieces of mark column of from L ₁ to L ₄₄ are formed. On the other hand, the right vertical mark train mark column 154, a total of 44 marks number of from R ₁ R ₄₄ is formed. And it is configured so that a position and R ₁ in L ₁ and right longitudinal mark train mark column of the left vertical mark train mark column is spaced the same distance from the card edge 150a which is an example of the outer peripheral edge. The horizontal mark column mark display column 155 is composed of 10 rows, and at the left end of each row, the horizontal mark column index marks IM _{H1 to} IM _H
A mark column for writing _H10 is formed. The card edge 150a is positioned so that the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 is at the center of the IM _HI , as described later.
Used as a standard for transporting 50, card edge 150b
Is used as a reference for moving the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 to the last row of the horizontal mark row mark section 155a in order to read the horizontal mark row once written by the thermal head 71 again, as described later. Is done.

6A to 6C are front views showing the mark 150 after a ticket is issued in a state where predetermined marks are actually written in various mark rows. FIG. 6A shows a card that has been issued and is not yet used. When the card 150 in this state is inserted into the card reader / writer device 1, the respective vertical mark column mark fields are read by the left vertical mark column read sensor (SW2) 4 and the right vertical mark column read sensor (SW3) 5, and Next, the horizontal mark row mark field is read by the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70. Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, predetermined information required by the thermal head 71 is written in the second line of the horizontal mark column mark column. Further, if the card is inserted into the card reader / writer device 1 in order to use the card for the second time, after the predetermined write information is read as described above,
Necessary predetermined information is written by the thermal head 71 in the third line of the horizontal mark column mark column.

FIG. 7 shows a card reader / writer device 1 according to the present invention.
Is a front view showing a state in which is incorporated in a pachinko gaming machine 220 which is an example of a gaming machine.

The front frame 221 of the pachinko gaming machine 220 is provided with a door holding frame 222, and a glass door frame 223 and a front door plate 224 are attached to the door holding frame 222 so as to be freely opened and closed.
The glass door frame 223 incorporates a transparent glass,
Game board 223 for playing games with pachinko balls inserted
Is configured to cover the front surface of the. Pachinko machine 220
In the lower left corner of the figure, a card reader / writer device 1 according to the present invention is incorporated, and when a player inserts a card 150 from the card insertion / ejection port 11, the game possible display base 251 lights or blinks. The game can be played. When the player operates a hitting operation handle 226 provided at the lower right corner in the drawing of the pachinko gaming machine 220, the hitting motor 227 is operated and the hitting rod 228 swings intermittently. . Then, the pachinko balls within the hitting ball waiting gutter 232 are supplied one by one to the hitting ball firing position by the hitting ball supply device 231, and the hitting rods 228 intermittently swing one by one into the game area 235 on the front of the game board 233. It is configured to be driven. A hitting guide rail 234a and a game area forming lever 234b are provided on the front surface of the game board 233, and are configured to guide the pachinko balls hit by the hitting rod 228 into the game area 235. In the drawing, reference numeral 230 denotes a shooting ball sensor, which is fired by the hitting rod 228,
It is configured to detect the passage of a pachinko ball guided by 29. In addition, the resilience of the hitting rod 228 is too weak, and the pachinko ball that has flowed in the opposite direction on the hitting guide rail 234a without reaching the gaming area 235 is returned as a foul ball into the hitting ball 232. Therefore, the foul ball is configured to be detected by the foul ball sensor 236.

At a substantially central position of the game board 233, a variable winning ball device 237 is provided, and a starting winning port 238 is provided below the variable winning ball device 237. Further game board 233
, A prize winning device 239 is provided. When a pachinko ball hit in the game area 235 wins in the winning device 239, a predetermined number of points (for example, 13 points) are added to the points held and displayed by the contact display 245. Also, if the pachinko ball hit into the game area 235 wins one of the starting winning openings 238, the variable winning ball device 237 opens and closes a predetermined number of times (for example, once or twice), during which the number of hit balls is variable. If a prize is won in the winning prize ball device and a prize is won in a specific winning opening (not shown) provided in the variable prize ball device 237, a specific game state is established, and the variable prize ball device 237 opens and closes continuously, The earlier of the conditions of whether the number of times of opening and closing reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 18 times) or whether a predetermined number of pachinko balls (for example, 10 pieces) wins in the variable prize ball apparatus being continuously opened and closed, is satisfied. Until the opening and closing are performed continuously. When a pachinko ball wins in the variable winning ball apparatus 237, a predetermined number of points (for example, 13 points) are added to the points for each win and displayed by the point display 245.

In the figure, reference numeral 241 denotes a winning ball collecting gutter, which collects winning balls and guides them to the driving ball discharge gutter 243 from the driving ball discharging gutter 244 to a hit ball waiting gutter.
232 is configured to release the ball again. Also, at the lower position of the game board 233, an out port 240 is provided,
Out balls that were driven into the game area 235 and did not win any winning ports or winning ball devices are collected from the out ports 240 and guided to the driven ball discharge gutter 243, and the driven ball discharge port 2
It is released from 44 into the hitting waiting gutter 232. Then, the winning balls gathered by the winning ball collecting gutter are the winning ball sensor 24.
It is detected by 2 and used for game control described later.

In the drawing, reference numerals 246 and 247 denote game effect lamps which are turned on or blink when the specific game state is established, to improve the game effect. Reference numeral 248 denotes a speaker that emits a sound effect when the specific game state is established or emits a warning sound when an abnormal situation occurs.
Reference numeral 249 denotes a game control microcomputer, which includes the variable winning ball device 237, the game effect lamps 246 and 247, and the speaker 24.
It is for controlling 8 mag. Reference numeral 250 denotes a game end switch, and the game is ended when the player presses the game end switch 250, and the time at that time is written on the card, and the player inserts the card from the card insertion / ejection port 11 to the player side. It is configured to be discharged. Reference numeral 170 denotes a microcomputer for controlling the card reader / writer device. Reference numeral 200 denotes a microcomputer for controlling a pachinko gaming machine, the function of which will be described later. 225 is a lower decorative plate.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a microcomputer 170 for controlling the card reader / writer device and a control circuit including various devices connected to the microcomputer 170 for controlling the card reader / writer.

The control circuit is a microcomputer as the control center
Including 170. The microcomputer 170 has a function of controlling the operation of the card reader / writer device 1 described below. The microcomputer 170 is composed of, for example, an LSI of several chips, and includes a CPU 171 capable of executing a control operation in a predetermined procedure, a ROM 172 storing an operation program of the CPU 171, and writing of necessary data. A readable RAM 173 is included. In addition, CP
An input / output circuit 174 for ensuring signal consistency between the U171 and an external circuit; a power-on reset circuit 175 for providing a reset pulse to the CPU 171 when the power is turned on; a clock generation circuit 176 for providing a clock signal to the CPU 171; Circuit 1
Periodically generate interrupt pulses by dividing the clock signal from 76
A pulse frequency dividing circuit 177 for giving to the CPU 171 and an address decoding circuit 178 for decoding address data from the CPU 171
And

The CPU 171 can execute the operation of the interrupt control routine according to the interrupt pulse periodically given from the pulse dividing circuit 177. The address decode circuit 178
Decodes the address data from CPU 171 and stores
A chip select signal is supplied to the AM 173 and the input / output circuit 174.

In this embodiment, a programmable ROM 172 is used as the ROM 172 so that its contents can be rewritten, that is, the program for the CPU 171 stored therein can be changed when necessary. And CPU171
According to the program enabled in ROM172, and
In response to the input of each control signal described below, a control signal is given to the above-described thermal head and the like.

First, the card 150 is inserted from the card insertion / ejection port 11, and the card insertion sensor (SW1) 7 detects the card, and the detection output is given to the microcomputer 170 via the detection circuit 179. Then, the microcomputer 170 outputs a control signal for driving the stepping motor, and the control signal is supplied to the stepping motor 29 (M _s ) via the motor driving circuit 186. As a result, the card 150 is conveyed as described above, and each mark of the left vertical mark column mark column 153 and the right vertical mark column mark column 154 (see FIG. 5) written on the card 150 with the conveyance. Is read by the left vertical mark row read sensor 4 (SW2) and the right vertical mark row read sensor 5 (SW3). Then, those read signals are respectively detected by the detection circuits 180, 18
1 to the microcomputer 170. Next, a control signal for driving the DC motor is output from the microcomputer 170, and the control signal is given to the DC motor (M _D ) 61 via the motor drive circuit 187, and the head transfer mechanism 68 transfers the control signal as described above. (See FIGS. 3 and 4). Along with the transport of the head transport mechanism 68, the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 reads the write information in the horizontal mark row mark column 155a (see FIG. 5) of the card 150,
The read signal is supplied to the microcomputer 170 via the detection circuit 182. Next, when the head transport mechanism 68 is transported to the transport stroke end in the back direction as described above, it is detected by the head position detection sensor (SW5) 92 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), and the detection signal is output. Is the detection circuit 18
3 to the microcomputer 170. Further, the output signal from the TG signal output section 61b is supplied to the waveform shaping circuit 184.
To the microcomputer 170 in a shaped form. Further, the microcomputer 170 outputs a write control signal for the thermal head, and the write control signal is given to each of the heating elements 71a to 71g of the thermal head 71 via the thermal head drive circuit 185. . As a result, the heating element 71a of the thermal head 71
Out of 71 g, only the heating element selectively generates heat in accordance with the writing control signal from the microcomputer 170, and a mark including predetermined information is written in the horizontal mark row mark column 155a (see FIG. 5) of the card 150. Be included. The thermal head drive circuit 185, the detection circuit 182 and the card reader / writer device control microcomputer 170 control the moving means and operate the information reading section to read information recorded on the recording medium. Further, read / write control means is provided for giving predetermined write information to the information writing section, causing the information writing section to perform a writing operation, and writing predetermined information to the recording medium. The microcomputer 170 for controlling the card reader / writer device and the microcomputer 200 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine are connected to each other so that signals can be exchanged with each other.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a microcomputer 200 for controlling a pachinko gaming machine and a control circuit including various devices connected to the microcomputer 200. The configuration of the pachinko gaming machine control microcomputer 200 is the same as the configuration of the card reader / writer device control microcomputer 170, and a description thereof will be omitted.

When the player presses the game end switch 250 (see FIG. 7), a detection signal from the game end switch 250 is given to the microcomputer 200 via the detection circuit 209. When a pachinko ball is fired and fired by the hitting rod 228 (see FIG. 7), it is detected by a fired ball sensor 230, and a detection signal is provided to the microcomputer 200 via a detection circuit 210. When the pachinko ball wins, it is detected by the winning ball sensor 242, and the detection signal is given to the microcomputer 200 via the detection circuit 211. Hitting rod 2
If the pachinko ball fired and fired by 28 becomes a foul ball, it is detected by a foul ball sensor 236, and the detection signal is given to the microcomputer 200 via the detection circuit 212.

The microcomputer 200 outputs a control signal for driving the hit ball firing motor, and the control signal is supplied to the hit ball firing motor 227 via the motor drive circuit 213. The microcomputer 200 outputs a control signal for turning on the playable display, and the control signal is supplied to the playable display 251 via the lamp drive circuit 214. The microcomputer 200 outputs a control signal for displaying the score, and the control signal is supplied to the score display 245 via the 7-segment LED drive circuit 215.

Pachinko gaming machine control microcomputer 200 and microcomputer for controlling the card reader / writer device
170 are connected to each other so that signals can be exchanged with each other. Further, a game hall management host computer 216 installed in the game hall and a pachinko gaming machine control microcomputer 200 are connected so that signals can be exchanged with each other. Pachinko gaming machine control microcomputer 200 sends information on the operating status of the pachinko gaming machine tables and the balance of the tables to gaming hall management host computer 216. For example, a forced stop command signal for stopping the hitting motor when an illegal act occurs is sent to the computer 200, or a hit command in a case where the hit determination is performed on the game management host computer 216 side. A signal is sent.

10A, 10B, 10D, 10E and 10F are:
9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 10C is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

Next, the operations of the card reader / writer device 1 and the pachinko gaming machine 220 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10F. First, in step S1, a card insertion sensor (SW1)
It is determined whether or not is turned on, and the process waits until it is turned on. Then, the player inserts the card into the card insertion / ejection port 11
(See FIG. 7), a YES determination is made in step S1 and the process proceeds to step S2, where the stepping motor is inserted.
Turn M _s forward to start capturing cards. Then, the process proceeds to a step S3, wherein the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 is set to the card 1
It is determined whether or not the 50 index mark IM _V has been detected. If it is determined that the index mark IM _V has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S4, and a predetermined number of pulses have been counted since the stepping motor (M _s ) was rotated forward. Is determined, and if it is determined that the count has not yet been performed, the above step is repeated.
A loop returning to S3 is formed. In the course circulation of this loop, the process proceeds to step S6 left longitudinal mark row read sensor SW2 is a determination of YES is made by the step S3 by detecting the index mark IM _V card 150. On the other hand, in the course circulation of the loop, when the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 has not detected the index mark IM _V to a predetermined number of pulses from the time of forward rotation of the stepping motor (M _s) are counted, the process proceeds to step ST5 in a determination of YES is made in step S4, the process proceeds to step S230 to be described later stops the stepping motor M _s, to reverse the steps Hing motor M _s controlled discharge the card is completed. The determination of YES in step S4 indicates that the card 150 is inserted in the wrong direction or that nothing is recorded on the card 150. That is, as shown in FIG. 14 to be described later, toward the card edge distance D ₁ of the to the left edge of the left vertical mark train is larger than the distance D ₂ from the card edge and the right edge of the right vertical mark row When the card is inserted into the card reader / writer device 1 from the opposite direction, the left vertical mark row read sensor SW
The vertical mark row deviates from the reading position of No. 2 and a state occurs in which the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 does not detect any mark. Similarly, when no mark is written on the card 150, no mark is detected by the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 at all. In order to detect such a condition, to forward the stepping motor M _s until counts a predetermined number of pulses left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 can detect the index mark IM _V with a margin, still left vertical marks in this state If the column read sensor SW2 does not detect the index mark IM _V, performs a determination of YES in step S4, so as to discharge the abnormal card or no mark insertion direction is wrong is not written to the outside of the apparatus It is controlling.

Next, if YES is determined in step S3, the process proceeds to step S6, where the left vertical mark row read sensor SW
2 performs determination of whether to count a predetermined number of pulses from the detection of the index mark IM _V, continued forward rotation of the stepping motor (M _s) Wait until the counts a predetermined number of pulses. When the predetermined number of pulses have been counted, the process proceeds to step S7, and the stepping motor _Ms is stopped. Reason left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 stops the index mark IM _V a and finished further counts a predetermined number of pulses from the detection of the first stepping motor M _s is the mark of such index mark IM _V center and left vertical This is for correcting a deviation from a mark detection position by a lead sensor such as the mark row read sensor SW2. That is, when the optical reading method is used, the mark needs to have a certain width so that the optical reading sensor can read with a sufficient margin. However, when the mark has a width,
When the reading sensor has not reached the center of the mark, a detection signal indicating that the mark has been detected may be output.
Therefore, the index mark IM _V sensor reading conveys the that much extra card expects minute the deviation from the reference position, such as is due to the need to control to reach the center of the mark. Incidentally, those serving as the reference position, step S19 which will be described later in addition to the index mark IM _V
It may be a card edge such as 0, or a timing mark written on the surface of the card 150.

Next, proceed to step S8, where the right vertical mark row read sensor
The state of the presence or absence of the first right mark (R1) is read and stored by SW3 (see FIG. 5). At this time, the left vertical mark row read sensor (SW2) 4 has not yet reached the position of the first left (L1) mark. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the right vertical mark row read sensor (SW3) 5 is shifted by one mark toward the card insertion / ejection port 11 side from the left vertical mark row read sensor (SW2) 4. It is. The process proceeds to step S9, by forward stepping motor M _s counts the pulses one mark worth proceeds to step S10, stops the stepping motor M _s proceeds when you have finished counting step S11, in step S12, The right / left mark row read sensor SW3 reads and stores the state of the presence / absence of the second right (R2) mark, and the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 reads the presence / absence state of the first left (L1) mark. Remember. Next, steps S9 to S1 are performed.
Step 2 is repeated 41 times, from the third right (R3) to the 43rd right (R
Up to 43) and from the second left (L2) to the 42nd left (L42)
The state of presence or absence of the mark up to is read and stored. The flow advances to step S177, to forward the stepping motor M _s, the flow advances to step S178, performs the determination whether or not the count of 1 mark minute pulse, the stepping motor M _s up to count the 1 mark minute pulse Waits in a state where is rotated forward. Then 1 counts the pulses of the mark content, the card proceeds to a determination of YES is made in step S178 to step S179 while being conveyed by the card taking-direction 1 mark minute, stopping the stepping motor M _s, step S180
Proceed to. In step S180, the right vertical mark column read sensor
The presence / absence of the 44th right (R44) mark is read and stored by SW3, and the presence / absence of the 43rd (L43) left mark is read and stored by the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2. The flow advances to step S181, to forward the stepping motor M _s, step S182 by performed determines whether or not the counting pulses of 1 mark worth, positive stepping motor M _s up to count the 1 mark minute pulse Wait in the inverted state. Then, the pulses for one mark are counted, and YES is determined in the step S182 in a state where the card is conveyed by one mark in the card taking-in direction, and the step S18 is performed.
Proceed to 3, stop the stepping motor _Ms, and
Proceed to 184. In step S184, the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 reads and stores the state of the presence / absence of the 44th (L44) left mark. Thus, the reading and storing of all the write data in the vertical mark row is completed.

The flow advances to step S185, performs the whether or not there is an abnormality in the data of the vertical mark row determination, the process proceeds to step S230 when it is determined that there is an abnormality, the card is discharged by reversing the stepping motor M _s Then the control ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no abnormality in the vertical mark string data, the process proceeds to step S186, to reverse the stepping motor, the flow proceeds to step S187, reversed the stepping motor M _s until counts a predetermined number of pulses Wait in state. This predetermined number of pulses means the card edge 150a (see FIG. 5).
Is a pulse necessary to convey the card until it has passed the position detected by the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4.
Then, the stepping motor _Ms is rotated in the reverse direction, the card is conveyed in the ejection direction, and in a state where the card edge 150a has passed the detection position by the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4, a determination of YES is made in step S187, and the process proceeds to step S188. advances, stops the stepping motor M _s, then step
The process proceeds to S189, slowly is rotated forward the stepping motor M _s. Next, proceed to step S190, where the horizontal mark row read sensor
It is determined whether SW4 has detected the card edge 150a (see FIG. 5), and the stepping motor until the detection is detected.
Stand by with M _s rotated forward. In this embodiment,
The read sensitivity of the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is set to detect the card edge when the card edge reaches the sensor surface 2/3 and 2/3 of the sensor surface is occupied by the area of the card. . Also, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW
Also when reading the mark by 4, it is set so that the mark can be read when 2/3 of the sensor surface is occupied by the mark. However, the reading sensitivity of the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is configured to be appropriately adjustable. The horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 (70) constitutes a reading unit capable of reading the outer peripheral edge and the information recorded in the information recording area. If the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 detects the card edge 150a, the process proceeds to step S19.
If the determination is 0, the process proceeds to step S191, where it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of pulses have been counted.
Stand by with M _s rotated forward. This predetermined number of pulses is a distance from the position where the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 detects the card edge 150a to the center of the IM _H1 (see FIG. 5).
Only the number of pulses needed to send the card. That is,
When the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 conveys the card so as to be at the center of the IM _H1, a reference position for determining the conveyance distance was obtained from the card edge 150a as described in the step S190. Since the edge of the card is used as a reference for positioning as described above, there is no need to provide a reference mark (index mark or timing mark) for positioning reference on the card surface, and the card surface is effective for writing other necessary information. Available to Then, in a state where the desired pulse has been counted and the card has been conveyed by a predetermined distance and the center of the IM _H1 has reached the detection position of the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4, a determination of YES is made in step S191 and the process proceeds to step S192. advances, processing for stopping the stepping motor M _s is made. Next, step S193
Accordingly, it is determined whether or not the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 has detected IM _H1 . When the falsification is performed on the card, if the IM _H1 does not exist in the matter of course to position, and a determination of NO is made in step S193 proceeds to step S230, the reversed stepping motor M _s To eject the card, and the control ends. On the other hand, step S193
If it is determined that IM _H1 has been detected by
Advances to S194, to convey the card is rotated forward the stepping motor M _s to the card taking-direction. Next, the process proceeds to step S195, and it is determined whether or not the number of pulses required to convey the card for one row in the horizontal mark column mark display field 155 (see FIGS. 5 and 14) has been counted. The control waits while the stepping motor _Ms is rotating forward until the pulses for one row are counted. Then, the process proceeds at step S195 in a state where a pulse for one row counted card is conveyed by one line in a determination of YES is made in step S196, the process proceeds to step S197 and stops the stepping motor M _s. In step S197, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4
Is determined whether has detected IM _H2 . If the second line to the information of the horizontal mark row mark display section 155 (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 14) has not been written at all writing, and a determination of NO is made in step S197 proceeds to step S231, the stepping motor M _s Is reversed and the card is conveyed in the card ejection direction, and the process proceeds to step S232, where it is determined whether or not the pulses for one row have been counted, and the stepping motor _Ms is reversed until the pulses for one row are counted. Wait in the state of being left. The card proceeds a determination of YES is made in step S232 to step S233 while being conveyed by the card ejecting direction one line, to stop the stepping motor M _s, the reading control of the horizontal mark string in step S234 and subsequent Later.

On the other hand, the horizontal mark column mark display field 155 (FIG. 5 and FIG. 1)
4 If the already predetermined information in the second line of FIG references) is written it is a determination of YES is made processing proceeds to step S198 in step 197, is rotated forward the stepping motor M _s, in step S199 1 It is determined whether or not the pulses for one row have been counted, and the apparatus stands by while the stepping motor _Ms is normally rotated until the pulses for one row are counted. Then, the pulse for one line is counted, and the card is conveyed by one line in the card taking-in direction.
And determination of S is made processing proceeds to step S200, the stepping motor M _s is stopped, the process proceeds to step S201, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is to detect how whether the determined IM _H3 is made. If the predetermined information on the third line of the horizontal mark column mark display field 155 has not been written, “NO” is determined in step S201.
Is determined and the process proceeds to step S231. If the predetermined information has already been written in the third row of the horizontal mark column mark display column, a determination of YES is made in step S201. When the determination of YES is made in step S201, the processes of steps S198 to S201 are repeated thereafter. Then, proceed to step S225,
It is determined whether or not the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 has detected IM _H9 , and if it is determined that it has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S231.
By forward stepping motor M _s to transport the card into the card taking-direction, in step S227 pulses for one line to wait in a state of being rotated forward stepping motor M _s to be counted. The card is a determination of YES is made in step S227 while being conveyed by one line, the process proceeds to step S228, the stepping motor M _s is stopped, in step S229, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 detect the IM _H10 When it is determined that the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 has detected IM _H10 , the process proceeds to step S231.
Proceeding to step 30, the stepping motor _Ms is rotated in the reverse direction to convey the card and the control is terminated.
In FIG. 14 and FIG. 14), the first empty space in which no information has been written is searched. If the empty space is found, the card is conveyed by one line in the card ejection direction by the above-mentioned steps S231 to S233. Is searched for the last row of the horizontal mark column in which the above information is written.

Next, in step S234, the DC motor M _D rotated to start, then TG signal output section of the DC motor M _D in step S235 starts counting the timing signals generated (TG signal). Strictly, the count of this timing signal is started when the head position detection sensor SW5 switches from OFF to ON. In step S234, the head transport shaft 56 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) starts rotating, and the head transport mechanism 68 is first transported in the front direction. Since the pitch of the spiral cut groove formed in the head transport shaft 56 has a ratio of 1: 2 between the front direction and the back direction as described above, the moving amount of the head transport shaft 68 in the front direction is is moved 2dot minute per revolution of the DC motor M _D, the amount of movement of the back direction of the head transport mechanism, the first DC motor M _D
Move 4 dots per rotation. One dot corresponds to the head transport mechanism 68 during one cycle of the timing signal (TG signal).
Corresponds to the distance traveled in the front direction. That is, TG
Signal generation period of the (timing signal), DC motor M _D is 1
With the rotating is output sinusoidal signals of two cycles as described above, DC motor M _D timing signal is output one cycle by to half turn, the head transport mechanism 68 is 1dot partial front It is conveyed in the direction.

Next, proceeding to step S236, it is determined whether or not the count value of the timing signal has reached a (x-1) + b + 1. Here, a is a value obtained by converting the distance between the centers of the marks into a count, and is 6 in this embodiment.
Also, b is a count conversion value of the distance from the count start position to the mark center in the first row, and is 9 in the present embodiment (see FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C). Furthermore, x
Is "n-" shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C.
1 ”,“ n−2 ”,...,“ N−19 ”. That is, "n-1" is the first column of the mark (x = 1), and "n-2" is the second column of the mark (x =
2). As can be seen from FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C, when the count value of the timing signal is N, x = 1 when 8 ≦ N ≦ 10 and x = 1 when 14 ≦ N ≦ 16. Sometimes x = 2. In other words, b + 6I-
When 1 ≦ N ≦ b + 6I + 1, x = I + 1. In addition,
I = 0, 1, 2, 3 ... 18.

In step S236, the count value N is set to a (x−
1) Wait until it becomes + b-1 and a (x-1) + b-
If it is determined that the value is 1, the process proceeds to step S237, and the first reading of the x-th column is performed by the horizontal mark column read sensor SW4. Then, the process proceeds to step S238, where the reading result is determined in step S237, and if it is determined that there is a mark, the process proceeds to step S239. If so, the process proceeds directly to step S240.

In step S240, it is determined whether the count value has reached a (x-1) + b, and the process waits until the count value becomes a (x-1) + b. Here, a, x, and b are the same as those described in step S236. If it is determined that the count value has become a (x-1) + b, the process proceeds to step S241, where the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 reads the mark in the x-th column for the second time, and proceeds to step S242. In step S242,
The reading result is determined in step S241, and if it is determined that the second reading has a mark, the process proceeds to step S243, and the determination count is incremented by one, and step S2
Continue to 44. If it is determined in step S242 that the second reading has no mark, the process proceeds directly to step S244.
Proceed to. In step S244, the count value is a (x-1)
It is determined whether or not + b + 1 has been reached, and the process stands by until it becomes. If it is determined that the count value has reached a (x-1) + b + 1, the process proceeds to step S245, in which the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 reads the mark in the Xth row for the third time, and proceeds to step S246. In step S246, step
The third reading result in S245 is determined, and if it is determined that there is a mark, the process proceeds to step S247, and the process proceeds to step S248 after incrementing the determination counter by 1. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S246 that the result of the third mark reading indicates no mark, the process directly proceeds to step S248. In steps S290, S193, S197, S201, S225, S229, S237, S241, S245 or S291, S294, S298, when the information recording area matches the reading unit, the recording information in the information recording area And reading control means for reading by the reading unit.

In step S248, it is determined whether or not the determination count is “2” or more. If it is determined that the count is “2” or more, the process proceeds to step S249, where it is determined that the x-th column has a mark, and step S251 is performed. When the determination counter is less than “2”, the process proceeds to step S250, where it is determined that there is no mark in the x-th column, and the process proceeds to step S251. That is, by the steps S237, S241 and S245, 1
One mark is read a total of three times, and if it is determined that there is a mark more than once out of the three reading results, it is finally determined that there is a mark in the x-th column in step S249 in total. If the determination of the presence of a mark is less than two times, that is, one or zero times among the determination results of the times, the final determination that there is no mark in the x-th column is performed in total in step S250.
If this is specifically illustrated, for example, it is as shown in FIG. 11A described later. That is, FIG. 11A shows the horizontal mark row read sensor SW corresponding to the timing signal count value.
4 shows the relationship between the position of No. 4 and the mark position in the horizontal mark row mark display column, and the timing signal count value is 1
Horizontal mark row read sensor SW as the count increases
4 moves in the direction of the arrow shown. When the count value of the timing signal is, for example, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 performs the first reading of the mark in the “n−1” th column, and when the count value of the timing signal is, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is turned on. The second reading of the "n-1" th column is performed, and the third reading is performed when the count value of the timing signal is. If it is determined that there is a mark of "2" or more among the three read results, a final determination is made that there is a mark in the "n-1" th column in total.

Next, the process proceeds to step S251, the determination counter is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S252, where it is determined whether or not the count value has reached a certain number.If it is determined that the count value has not become a certain number, The process proceeds to step S236 again, and the determination of the mark reading from step S236 to step S251 is performed. The “constant number” in step S252 is “118” in the present embodiment, and when the count value reaches “118”, for example, as shown in FIG. Since the reading of the mark is completed, it is not necessary to make a further reading determination of the mark. Therefore, if it is determined in step S252 that the count value has reached a certain number (for example, “118”), the process proceeds to step S253, ends the count of the timing signal, ends reading, and proceeds to step S254.

In step S254, it is determined whether or not the head position detection sensor SW5 has been turned off, and the process stands by until it is turned off. And if me head transport mechanism 68 is conveyed to the conveying stroke end of the front direction, the head position detecting sensor SW5 is made is YES determination by step S254 for switched to OFF proceeds to step S255, the DC motor M _D Then, the transport of the head transport mechanism 68 is stopped, and step S256
Proceed to. In step S256, a process of converting the data of the horizontal mark row into a numerical value based on the data of the vertical mark row is performed. That is, the reading format of the data of the horizontal mark row is recorded in the vertical mark row, and the data of the horizontal mark row is converted into a numerical value according to the reading format. The flow advances to step S257, whether or not there is an abnormality in the horizontal mark row determination is made by tampering of the card, when there is abnormality, the process proceeds to the step S230, the discharging the card to reverse the stepping motor M _s Control, and if it is determined that there is no abnormality, the card reception signal in step S258 and a numerical value representing the score recorded on the card are output to the pachinko gaming machine control microcomputer, and then the card The reception control ends. Thereafter, a game is played by the pachinko gaming machine, and the control of the pachinko gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG. 10C.

First, in step S259, it is determined whether or not a card acceptance signal and a numerical value representing the score are input from the microcomputer for controlling the card reader / writer device. If it is determined that an input has been made, the process proceeds to step S260, where the hitting ball motor is activated, and a hitting ball can be fired whenever the hitting ball operation handle 226 (see FIG. 7) is operated. Next step
Proceeding to S261, the game possible indicator 251 (see FIG. 7) is turned on to display a state in which the player can play a game, and step S262 is performed.
The numerical value indicating the player's score sent from the microcomputer for controlling the card reader / writer device is displayed on the score display 25 (see FIG. 7). Then, the process proceeds to step S263, where it is determined whether or not there is a firing ball.
If it is determined that there is no firing ball, the process proceeds to step S265, and it is determined whether there is a winning ball. If it is determined that there is no winning ball, the process proceeds to step S267 to determine whether there is a foul ball. If it is determined that there is no foul ball, the process proceeds to step S269, and it is determined whether or not the score is “0”, and it is determined that the score is not yet “0”. If it is determined that the stop has been established, the process proceeds to step S270, and if it is determined that the stop has not been established, the process proceeds to step S271, and the game end switch 250
(Refer to Fig. 7)
If it is determined that the condition is not
Is formed.

During the loop of this loop, the player
If the pachinko ball is fired and fired by operating 226 (see FIG. 7), the fired ball is detected by the fired ball sensor 230, and the determination of YES is made in step S263 and the step S264 is performed.
And a process of subtracting “1” from the score is performed. Next, if the pachinko ball hit in the game area wins,
The prize ball is detected by the prize ball sensor 242 (see FIG. 7), a YES determination is made in step S265, the process proceeds to step S266, and a predetermined number (for example, “13”) is given to the points.
Is added. Next, if the firing force of the pachinko ball fired and fired by the striking rod 228 is too weak and the fired ball becomes a foul ball, the foul ball is detected by the foul ball sensor 236, and by the step S267
If YES is determined, the process proceeds to step S268, and a process of adding “1” to the score is performed. In other words, hitting rod 228
When the ball passes the firing ball sensor 230, “1” is subtracted from the score. If the firing ball becomes a foul ball without reaching the game area 235, the step is performed. In S268, “1” is added to the score to make ± 0, so that the player is not dissatisfied. Next, if the player's score becomes “0”, step S269
Is determined as YES, the process proceeds to step S274, the hitting motor is deactivated, and the player cannot operate the hitting ball even if the player operates the hitting operation handle.

Next, the process proceeds to step S275, where the game possible indicator 250 (see FIG. 7) is turned off, and the process proceeds to step S276 to set a timer. Then, the process proceeds to step S277 to determine whether or not there is a winning ball. If not, the process proceeds to step S278,
A determination is made as to whether or not there is a foul ball. If not, the process proceeds to step S279, and a determination is made as to whether or not the timer has expired. If not, a loop is formed that returns to step S277. I have. In the middle of this loop,
If the remaining ball still remaining in the game area 235 wins, a YES determination is made in step S277 and a
Proceed to 266. In other words, even if the hitting motor is deactivated in the step S274, the pachinko ball may still remain in the game area at that time, and if there is a prize by the remaining ball, the score will be changed to `` 13 "is added, and the pachinko ball is fired and fired again on the basis thereof to control the game in a playable state, so that the player is not dissatisfied. If a foul ball is generated during the loop of the loop, a determination of YES is made in step S278, and the flow advances to step S268 to perform a process of adding "1" to the score. In other words, if a ball that flows down the ball guiding rail 234a (see FIG. 7) in the opposite direction occurs after the ball motor is deactivated, the process of adding “1” based on the ball is performed. Is performed so that the game based on the score "1" can be restarted, so that the player is not dissatisfied. If the timer expires without any prize ball and no foul ball being generated during the loop, step
A determination of YES is made in S279 and the process proceeds to step S280,
The card write command signal and the numerical value representing the score obtained by the player are output to the card reader / writer device control microcomputer, and the control ends. In addition, the timer is set to a time sufficient to determine all the game results (winning or collection to the out mouth) due to the remaining balls remaining in the game area after the inactivation of the hitting motor. .

Next, if it is determined in step S270 that the hit has been achieved, the process proceeds to step S272, in which the hit ball motor is deactivated and the player cannot operate the hit ball even if the player operates the hit ball operation handle. The pachinko gaming machine microcomputer may determine whether to stop in step S271, or the pachinko gaming machine microcomputer may receive a batting command signal from the gaming center management host computer. , It may be configured to control the hitting based on this. Next, the process proceeds to step S273, in which the game possible indicator 250 (see FIG. 7) is turned off, and the process proceeds to step S280, where the card write command signal and the numerical value indicating the player's score are used for controlling the card reader / writer device. The output is output to the microcomputer, and the control ends.

When the game by the pachinko game machine ends, control is performed to write the player's points changed by the pachinko game machine on a card and to discharge the score to the player. The writing / ejecting control of the card will be described with reference to FIG. 10D.

First, in step S281, it is determined whether a write command and a numerical signal have been input from the microcomputer for controlling a pachinko gaming machine, and the process waits until an input is made. If it is determined that there is an input, the process proceeds to step S282, and a process of converting the numerical value sent from the pachinko gaming machine control microcomputer into a mark sequence based on the data of the vertical mark sequence is performed. The flow advances to step S283, by forward stepping motor M _s to transport the card into the card taking-direction, in step S284, until the count of one row pulse to continue the forward rotation of the stepping motor M _s . And in a state where counting the one row pulse card is conveyed in the card taking-direction by one line, determination of YES is made in step S284 proceeds to step S285, it stops the stepping motor M _s, step S286 to start the rotation of the DC motor M _D by. The flow advances to step S287, and starts counting the timing signals generated by the DC motor M _D. Strictly speaking, the count is started from the time when the head position detection sensor SW5 switches from OFF to ON. The flow advances to step S288, writing processing is performed on the basis of IM _H and converted mark train and a number to the count value. Then, the process proceeds to step S289, where it is determined whether or not the count value has reached a certain value, and the process of step S288 is executed until the count value reaches a certain value. The fixed number in step S289 is “143” in the present embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the head transport mechanism is transported from the normal stop position of the thermal head to the last row of the horizontal mark row mark display field, the count value of the timing signal becomes “143”. In the case of writing, since it is necessary to write a predetermined numerical value also in the numerical value display field 155b (see FIGS. 5 and 14), the head transport mechanism is transported to the last row of the horizontal mark row mark display field. It becomes the count value necessary for. Then, when the count value becomes “143”, the process proceeds to step S290, where the counting of the timing signal is terminated and the writing is terminated. In this way, the updated numerical information is written each time the card is inserted, so that the updated information is written in the horizontal direction of the card, and the updated information is written like the reading format of the card. The missing information is written in the vertical mark column mark columns 153, 154 (see FIGS. 5 and 14), that is, in the vertical direction of the card. That is, since the card is vertically long as shown in FIG. 5, although a relatively large amount of information can be recorded in the vertical direction, it takes time to write and read. On the other hand, in the horizontal direction of the card, although not much information can be recorded, writing and reading do not take much time, and updated new information can be written over many lines. Therefore, there is an advantage that a large number of times of writing and updating information can be secured. As described above, since the types of information that can make use of the advantages of the vertical writing and the horizontal writing are respectively written, it is possible to record information using a rectangular card effectively.

Incidentally, the counting of the timing signal is completed in step S290, even writing is terminated, the rotation of the DC motor M _D by the step S286 is continued, the transport of the head transport mechanism are subsequently performed ,
When the head transport mechanism is transported to the end of the transport stroke in the front direction (right direction), the head transport mechanism is automatically transported in the back direction (left direction). Then, while the head transport mechanism is being transported in the back direction, it is determined in step S291 whether or not the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 has detected a card edge, and waits until a card edge is detected. If it is determined that the card edge has been detected, the process proceeds to step S292, where the count value of the timing signal is reset and a new count is started. By this step S292 or step S235,
A counting means for counting a relative movement amount of the mark reading unit with respect to the recording medium is configured.

Next, the process proceeds to step S293, where the count value counted based on step S292 is a '(x'-1) +
It is determined whether or not the count value has reached b ', and the process waits until the count value reaches a'(x'-1) + b '. Here, a 'is a value obtained by converting the distance between mark centers into a count, and is "3" in this embodiment. Step S2
In the description of 40, although a was “6”, a ′ is a state in which the head transport mechanism is being transported in the back direction, and is transported by 2 dots at one count compared to the front direction.
a ′ = 3. X 'is a horizontal mark row read sensor
This is the number of columns read by SW4, for a total of 19 columns. b 'is a value obtained by converting the distance from the count start position to the mark reading position in the first row (the last row when counted from the front direction) into a count, and is "31" in this embodiment (see FIG. 13). ). As can be seen from FIG. 13, when the count value is N, x ′ = 1 when 31 ≦ N ≦ 32, and
When ≦ N ≦ 35, x ′ = 2. That is, if the relationship with the count value x 'is expressed by a general formula, b' + 3I≤N≤'b '
X = I + 1 when + 3I + 1. Where I = 0,1,2, ...
It is 18. And the count value is a '(x'-1) +
If b 'is reached, YES is determined in the step S293, and the process proceeds to the step S294. The first reading of the x'th column is performed by the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4. The determination is performed, and if it is determined that the first reading result indicates that there is a mark, the process proceeds to step S296, and the determination counter is incremented by 1 and then to step S297.
If it is determined that the first reading result is no mark, the process directly proceeds to step S297. Next, in step S297,
It is determined whether or not the count value has reached a '(x'-1) + b' + 1, and waits until it reaches a '(x'-1) + b' + 1. Then, the count value is a '(x'-
1) If + b '+ 1 is reached, the process proceeds to step S298, where the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 performs the second reading of the x'th column, and proceeds to step S299 to determine the result of the second reading. This step S298, step S294, step S2
37, By step S241 or step S245, a read command signal generating means for generating a read command signal to the mark reading unit based on the count value of the counting means reaching a predetermined value is configured. I have. The `` predetermined value '' of the count value, which is a condition for the read command signal generating means to generate a read command signal, refers to the steps S236, S240, S244, S293, and S297. Value. Note that the steps S190, S191, S192 or steps S291, S292, S293, S297,
By S298, the information recording of the reading unit at the time of outputting the outer edge detection signal based on the outer edge detection signal output when the reading unit passes through the outer edge along with the relative movement by the relative moving unit. Relative movement control means for determining a relative position with respect to an area as an access reference position and relatively moving the information recording area and the reading unit based on the access reference position so that the information recording area and the reading unit coincide with each other.

Next, in step S299, the second read result is determined. If the second read result is determined to have a mark, the process proceeds to step S300, and the process proceeds to step S301 after incrementing the determination counter by one. If it is determined that the result of the second reading has no mark, the process directly proceeds to step S301. Then, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the determination counter is equal to or greater than "1".
Proceeding to 02, it is determined that there is a mark in the x'th column, and if the determination counter is less than "1", that is, if it is 0, step S3
The process proceeds to 03, and the process proceeds to step S304 where it is determined that there is no mark in the x'th column. That is, when the head transport mechanism is transported in the back direction, as shown in FIG. 13 described later, one mark is read twice and it is determined that at least one of the marks is present. In other words, it is finally determined that there is a mark as a total. Step S248 to Step
By S250 and steps S301 to S303, the mark reading unit receives the read command signal and reads one mark position a plurality of times. A determining means for determining whether or not the information is recorded is configured. The “predetermined criterion” to be compared by the determination means is determined in step S248 when the head transport mechanism is being transported in the front direction, and is determined in step S248. In this case, it is determined in step S301.

Next, the process proceeds to step S304, where the determination counter is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S305, where it is determined whether the reading of the last row of the conversion mark row has been completed. The last row of the conversion mark row is the mark row indicated by (n + 1) -1 in FIG. If it is determined that the reading of the last row has not been completed yet, the process proceeds to step S293.
The mark reading determination control in steps S293 to S304 is repeatedly performed. If it is determined that reading of the last row of the conversion mark row has been completed, step S306 is performed.
Then, it is determined whether or not the count value has reached a certain value, and the process waits until the count value reaches a certain value. This step S306
Is "90" in the present embodiment. That is,
This is because the head transport mechanism reaches IM _H (see FIG. 5) when the count value reaches “90” as shown in FIG. And if the count value in step S306 is determined to have become "90", the flow proceeds to step S307, the process proceeds to IM _H to read step S308, and ends the read to terminate the counting of the timing signal. At this point, the DC motor M _D
Is spinning. Then, in step S309, it is determined whether or not the head position detection sensor SW5 has been turned off, and the process waits until the head position detection sensor SW5 is turned off. Then, when the head transport mechanism me is conveyed to the conveying stroke end back direction travels a determination of YES is made in step S309 to the step S310, the DC motors M _D is stopped, the mark string read in step S311 The data is converted in the reverse direction, and the process proceeds to step S312. In step S312, it is determined whether or not the written contents match the read contents. If not, it is expected that a writing error has occurred. Done. This error processing may be processing such as rewriting information in the next line. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S312 that the written content matches the read content, the process proceeds to step S314,
Determining the written contents of whether the numerical value "0" information is performed, the process proceeds to step S315 if it is judged NO, and the card is discharged by reversing the stepping motor M _s, write discharge control finish. Also, YES in step S314
If the decision is made, since runner information recorded on the card does not need to be discharged and the player becomes "0", the flow proceeds to step S316, by forward stepping motor M _s After the card is collected in the machine, the writing / ejecting control ends.

In the above description, it is assumed that the mark reading unit reads one mark position a plurality of times, and comprehensively determines the results of the plurality of readings to determine whether a mark is recorded at the mark position. However, another embodiment different from the mark reading determination method will be described with reference to FIGS. 10E and 10F.

FIG. 10E is a flowchart showing mark reading determination control when the head transport mechanism is being transported in the front direction. After step S235 in FIG. 10B, the process proceeds to step S236 ', where the count value is a (x-1).
+ B is determined, and a (x-1) + b
A is a value obtained by converting the distance between the mark centers into a count, and is "6". In addition, x is the number of rows of marks, and b is a value obtained by converting the distance from the count start position to the mark center of the first row into counts, which is "10" in this alternative embodiment. That is, in the case of the other embodiment shown in FIGS. 10E and 10F, a card having the arrangement of the mark columns shown in FIGS. 17A to 18C described later is used. Specifically, FIGS.
3 as compared to that shown in FIG., The interval between the mark display column of IM _H and (n + 1) -1 is formed on 1dot minute spread. Therefore, in this alternative embodiment, b = 10.

Next, when the count value becomes a (x-1) + b, the process proceeds to step S237 ', the x-th column is read by the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4, and the process proceeds to step S238', where the read result is determined and a mark is present. Proceeds to step S239 ', it is determined that there is a mark in the x-th column, and the process proceeds to step S241'.
The process proceeds to 40 ', where it is determined that there is no mark in the x-th column, and the process proceeds to step S241'. Then, in step S241 ', it is determined whether or not the count value has reached a certain number, and if it is determined that the count value has reached a certain number ("118" in the present embodiment), the determination in FIG. The process proceeds to step S253. If it is determined that the count value has not yet reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S236 'again, and the mark reading determination control is repeatedly executed.

Next, mark reading determination control when the head transport mechanism is transported in the back direction will be described with reference to FIG. 10F. Steps S292 to S293 'in FIG. 10D
It is determined whether or not the count value has reached a '(x'-1) + b', and waits until it reaches a '(x'-1) + b'. Here, a 'is a value obtained by converting the distance between mark centers into a count, and is "3". And x '
Is the number of rows of marks. b 'is 1 from the count start position
This is a value obtained by converting the distance to the mark reading position in the column (the last column when counted from the front direction) into a count, and is “32” in this alternative embodiment. The reason why b '= 32 in this alternative embodiment is the same as that described in step S236'. Then, the count value is a '(x'-1) + b'
If so, the flow advances to step S294 'to read the x'th column with the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4, and the flow advances to step S295' to judge the read result. If it is determined that there is a mark, the process proceeds to step S296 ', where it is determined that there is a mark in the x'th column, and the process proceeds to step S298'.If it is determined that there is no mark, the process proceeds to step S297', It is determined that there is no mark in the x'th column, and the flow advances to step S298 '.
In step S298 ', it is determined whether reading of the last row of the conversion mark row has been completed. The last row of the conversion mark row is the mark row indicated by (n + 1) -1 shown in FIG. 18A. If the reading of this last row has not been completed yet, the process proceeds to step S293 'again. The above-described mark reading determination control is repeatedly performed, and when it is determined that reading of the last row of the conversion mark row has been completed, the process proceeds to step S306 in FIG. 10D.

That is, the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 10E and 10F
In the normal state, the center of one mark position is read only once, and whether or not a mark is recorded at the mark position is determined based on the read result.

11A to 11C show the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 corresponding to the horizontal mark row and the count value of the timing signal.
FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining the position of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the mark written in the horizontal mark row mark display field 155 has a size of 5 dots × 7 dots. The horizontal mark row read sensor 70 has a size of 3 dots × 3 dots. Then, when the count value of the timing signal is 0, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is located at the central position in the horizontal width direction (the portion indicated by the grid in the drawing) of IM _Hn . Then, as shown by the arrows in the drawing, the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 moves in the front direction (rightward) by one dot each time the count value of the timing signal increases by one. When the count value of the timing signal is, for example, 8, 9, 10, the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW
4) 70 overlaps the mark writing position in the horizontal mark row mark display section 155, and when the count value of the timing signal becomes a round numeral value (for example, 8, 9, 10), the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 The mark is read. In this embodiment, one mark is read three times, and as a result, when it is determined that the mark is two or more times, it is determined that the mark exists at that position. The reading is terminated when the count value of the timing signal reaches 118, and reading is not performed for n-20 to n-24. This is because n-20 to n-24 are display marks written to make the card holder visually recognize the contents of the write information.

FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a case where the mark position is separated from the regular mark position by 1 dot in the sensor movement direction (front direction).

When the count value of the timing signal is 0, the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 exists at the position indicated by the grid in the IM _Hn . In this state, the head transport mechanism moves, the horizontal mark row read sensor moves in the front direction,
Reading starts when the timing signal count value becomes “8”. Then, as shown in the figure, when the count values are “9” and “10”, all of the reading surfaces of the horizontal mark row read sensor are located on the n−1 mark,
When the count value of the timing signal is "8", one-third of the read area of the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 is leftward from the mark of n-1. Because it protrudes, the horizontal mark row lead sensor
Depending on the setting of the reading accuracy of 70, there is a possibility that the judgment of no mark is output. However, even if it is determined that there is no mark, that is, a space when the count value of the timing signal is "8", the timing signal count value is 3 to 8 from "8" to "10".
When it is determined that there is a mark at two or more locations among the detection results detected at the locations, it is determined that there is a mark as a total as described above. In this way, the mark position is 1 dot
Accurate reading is possible even in the case of deviation.

FIG. 11C is a diagram showing a case where the actual mark position is shifted by one dot in the direction opposite to the sensor movement direction (front direction) from the regular mark position. In this case,
Contrary to FIG. 11B, when the count value of the timing signal is, for example, "10", that is, at the time of the third detection, the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 protrudes from the mark position. If it is determined twice that there is a mark, it is determined that there is a mark as a whole, so that accurate reading is possible.

As shown in the figure, since the mark has a margin of 1 dot upward with respect to the horizontal mark row read sensor 70, even if the actual mark position is shifted down by 1 dot from the regular mark position, the horizontal mark Accurate reading by the column read sensor 70 is performed.

As described above, when the reading sensor and the mark position overlap, the reading sensor detects the mark position a plurality of times, and comprehensively judges the detection results of the plurality of times to determine the presence or absence of the mark. Therefore, even when the mark position with respect to the reading sensor is slightly shifted in the reading direction, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of the mark, and there is an advantage that reading errors are reduced.

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the relationship between the written contents and the ON / OFF state of each heating element of the thermal head. As shown, a thermal head 71 having seven heating elements 71a to 71g moves rightward (frontward). Then, when the thermal head 71 is moved in the front direction (rightward) by 22 dots from the normal stop position, the thermal head 71 comes to the left end position of IN _H (n + 1). Start writing from there. The horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 is located 24 dots away from the thermal head 71 in the front direction (right direction).
When it is desired to write a mark at the mark position of IM _H (n + 1) as shown in FIG. 12B, only the heating elements of numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 out of the seven heating elements are used. Select and turn on, write heat to the card surface by heating only the selected heating element. Next, when the count value of the timing signal is "23", all seven heating elements are heated. Next, when the timing signal count value is "24",
Only 2,3,4,5 heating elements generate heat. Further, when the count value of the timing signal is "25", all seven heating elements are heated. When the count value of the timing signal is "26", only the heating elements 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 are selectively heated to record information on the card surface. In this way, a mark having a shape as shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C is written on the card surface.

Next, while the count value of the timing signal is between "27" and "30", it is between the mark positions, so that all the heating elements are turned off during this time.
Next, if you want to mark the mark position on the first line,
In the same manner as described above, the seven heating elements are selectively and appropriately heated between the timing signal count values "31" and "35", and a mark of a predetermined shape is written on the card surface. When the timing signal is “36”, the timing signal is located at the interval between the mark position in the first column and the mark position in the second column.
Turn off all heating elements. Next, when it is desired to set the mark position in the second column to a space, all the heating elements are turned off while the count value of the timing signal ranges from "37" to "41".

Next, a case where a predetermined numerical value for display is written in the numerical value display field 155b (see FIG. 5) will be described. First, "4" in the 23rd column
If you want to print the numerical value of, when the timing signal count value is “133”, 4,5 heating elements are selectively heated, and when the timing signal count value is “134”, 3,5 heating elements Are selectively heated, and when the count value is "135", the 2,5 heating elements are selectively heated. further,
When the count value is “136”, all the heating elements are heated, and when the count value is “137”, only the fifth heating element is selectively heated. Thus, “4” is printed in the 23rd column. Next, “2” in the 24th column
In the same manner as described above, when the timing signal count value is between "139" and "143", only the heating elements corresponding to the display of "1" are selectively generated. And print. The interval between the normal stop position of the thermal head and the right end of the (n + 1) -24 mark position is 143 dots. Then, after writing the information when the timing signal count value is “143”, the writing ends.

FIG. 13 is, as described in FIGS. 12A and 12B,
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an operation in a case where read information of write information written by the thermal head is confirmed while moving the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 in the back direction (left direction in the figure).

In the figure, 150b is the right edge of the card, and in the figure
54 is the platen. And the horizontal mark row read sensor
70 moves in the back direction (left direction in the figure), and as shown, the right card edge 150b is located at a position 2/3 of the reading area of the horizontal mark row read sensor 70, and the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 With 2/3 of the read area occupied by the card, the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 detects the card edge 150b. In this state, as described above, the determination of YES is made in step S273, and the process proceeds to step S274, in which the count of the timing signal is reset and a new count is started. The count value of the timing signal becomes “0” at the position.
Then, the spiral cut groove 56a of the head transport shaft 56 (third
(See FIG. 4 and FIG. 4.) Since the pitch in the back direction is twice as long as the pitch in the front direction, the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 is conveyed in the back direction by one count value of the timing signal. In contrast to this, the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 moves in the back direction by 2 dots at a time. As a result, the count value of the timing signal becomes "3
When the value of a circle number such as “1”, “32” or “34”, “35”, etc. is reached, the mark position and the sensor are completely overlapped, and the number of overlaps is 2 for one mark position. Times. In this embodiment, one mark is read twice, and as a result, if the mark is detected one or more times, it is determined that the mark exists at that position (however, IM _H (n + 1)
Read only once). Therefore, even if the positional relationship between the reading sensor and the mark is shifted to some extent, a reading error can be prevented as much as possible. In the reading in the back direction, the count value of the timing signal starts from "31", that is, (n +
1) Reading is started from -19, and (n + 1) -24 to
No reading is performed for (n + 1) -20. Then, when the count value of the timing signal reaches "90", the last reading is performed, and the reading is completed.

Since the reading speed in the back direction is set to an integral multiple of the writing speed in the front direction (twice in this embodiment), the reading confirmation while moving in the back direction is rapidly performed and the speed change is made. Since it is an integral multiple, there is no inconvenience that the relationship between the timing signal and the reading position of the reading sensor is out of order, and accurate reading is possible.
In addition, as a result of reading confirmation accompanying the movement in the back direction,
Only when an error is detected, the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 is turned on by 1d for an increase in the count value of the timing signal.
It may be configured to move in the front direction by ot minutes, and slowly and carefully check the reading again.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged front view of a main part in which a part of the card shown in FIG. 5 is enlarged. The same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 5 among the reference numerals shown in FIG. 14 denote the same names, and thus detailed description will be omitted here.

The distance D ₁ of the from the card edge to the left edge of the left vertical mark train mark column 153, the relationship between the distance D ₂ from the card edge 150b to the left side of the right vertical mark train mark column 154, D _1> D ₂ related It has become. As a result, step S4 in FIG.
As described in step S5, when the card is inserted in the wrong direction, the left vertical mark column read sensor SW2 is not located at a position where the right vertical mark column mark column 154 can be read. there marks the advantage that processing time can be shortened until the error discharge to not mistaken IM _V. Note by adjusting the reading sensitivity of the ,, left vertical mark row read sensor SW2, _{D '1>} D' if ₂ D ₁ <
D ₂ also exhibits the same effect as was (part of left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 is such a state on the right vertical mark row). Here, D ′ ₁ is the distance from the card edge to the center of the mark in the left vertical mark column mark field,
D' ₂ is the right vertical mark column mark column from the card edge 150b
This is the distance to the center of the 154 mark.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged mark explanatory diagram for explaining a mark 300 recorded on a recording medium and readable by an optical reading means. The mark 300 is composed of a set of visually recognizable mark components (Aa to Ge). Then, in a normal state, the optical reading unit that can be read by the optical reading unit is a Cb shown by a lattice part in the drawing.
~ Ed. Optical reading means such as a visible light sensor or a near-infrared sensor reads this optical reading section, determines whether or not a mark is recorded in a mark display column, and reads information recorded on a recording medium. .
Next, by a mark component other than the optical reading unit,
A visual shape expressing section for giving the shape of the mark individuality is configured. That is, no matter what shape the visual shape expression section is arranged, the optical reading section normally reads only the optical reading section, so that the reading by the optical reading section is not affected at all. . As a result, by making effective use of this visual shape expression part,
By arranging the marks 300 of various shapes and forming marks of a unique shape according to the type of business and store, there is an advantage that differentiation from other types of business and other stores can be achieved.

Further, a part of the visual shape expressing part (the part shown by diagonal lines in the figure) is configured as an optical reading auxiliary part for absorbing a deviation in the positional relationship between the optical reading means and the optical reading part. I have. By providing this optical reading auxiliary part, the optical reading means such as a visible light sensor or a near infrared sensor can be used as a mark.
Even if the positional relationship with 300 is slightly deviated from the regular positional relationship, occurrence of erroneous reading by the optical reading means can be prevented.

Further, the shape of the visual shape expression section may be changed for each mark or for each row or each column in the card shown in FIG. 5, for example. Further, the optical reading unit may be configured to be invisible to the naked eye. For example, a paint that generates infrared rays that cannot be recognized by the naked eye may be applied to the optical reading unit, and the presence or absence of the mark may be read and determined by an optical reading unit that detects the infrared rays.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing various shapes of the mark 300. In this figure, the marks shown in (V) to (X) have blanks formed in a part of the optical reading section, but the read sensitivity of the optical reading means such as the read sensor 70 is adjusted. Then, such a mark can also be read.

17A to 17C correspond to another embodiment of the above-described FIG.10E, and are for explaining the horizontal mark row and the position of the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 corresponding to the count value of the timing signal. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing.

As shown in FIG. 17A, when the count value of the timing signal is 0, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is located at the central position in the horizontal direction in IM _Hn (the portion indicated by the grid in the drawing). Then, as shown in the direction of the arrow in the figure, each time the count value of the timing signal increases by one, the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 moves in the front direction (right direction) by one dot. When the count value of the timing signal is, for example, 10, 16, 112, or 118, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 reads the mark.
As described above, in this alternative embodiment, the center position of one mark is read only once, and as a result, the presence or absence of the mark is determined. As described above, when the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 and the position of the mark have a regular positional relationship, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 reads the center of each mark.

FIG. 17B is a diagram showing a case where the mark position is shifted by 1 dot from the regular mark position in the sensor movement direction (front direction).

When the count value of the timing signal is 0, the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 exists at the position indicated by the grid in the IM _Hn . In this state, the head transport mechanism moves, the horizontal mark row read sensor moves in the front direction,
Reading starts when the timing signal count value becomes "10". Then, as shown in the figure, when the count value is "10", the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 reads a portion shifted left by 1 dot from the center position of the mark.
However, since the above-described optical reading auxiliary portion is formed on the mark, no reading error occurs even if the horizontal mark row read sensor is shifted left by one dot to read the mark.

FIG. 17C is a diagram showing a case where the actual mark position is shifted by 1 dot from the normal mark position in the direction opposite to the sensor movement direction (front direction). In this case,
Contrary to FIG. 17b, when the count value of the timing signal is, for example, "10", the horizontal mark row read sensor
The mark is read shifted to the right by ot. But,
As described above, since the mark is provided with the optical reading auxiliary portion, no reading error occurs even if the mark is read shifted to the right by one dot.

As shown in the figure, since the optical reading unit auxiliary portion is formed one dot above the horizontal mark row read sensor 70, the actual mark position is temporarily lowered by one dot from the regular mark position. Even if it is shifted, accurate reading by the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 is performed.

FIGS. 18A to 18C correspond to another embodiment shown in FIG. 10F, and write information written by the thermal head is moved in the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 in the back direction (left direction in the figure). FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an operation when reading is confirmed while moving to.

In the figure, 150b is the right edge of the card, and 54 is the platen. Then, the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 moves in the back direction (left direction in the figure), and as shown, the right card edge 150b is located at a position 2/3 of the reading area of the horizontal mark row read sensor 70, With the reading area 2/3 of the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 closed with a card, the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 detects the card edge 150b. In this state, as described above, YE
The determination of S is made, the process proceeds to step S292, and the count of the timing signal is reset and a new count is started. The count value of the timing signal is "0" at this position of the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 as shown. Becomes When the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 is transported in the back direction, the count value of the timing signal increases by 1 while the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 moves in the back direction by 2 dots. value,
When the value of a round numeral such as "32", "35", "38" or the like is reached, reading by the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 is performed. As described above, when the positional relationship between the reading sensor and the mark is a regular relationship, the horizontal mark row read sensor reads the center of each mark.

FIG. 18B is a diagram showing a case where the mark position is shifted by 1 dot to the right (front direction) in the figure. In this case, if the horizontal mark row read sensor reads the mark when the count value of the timing signal is a predetermined value such as “32” or “35”, the mark is read at a position shifted left by 1 dot. Become. However, as described above, this mark is provided with an optical reading auxiliary part, and the horizontal mark row read sensor is provided.
Even if 70 is shifted 1 dot to the left,
No reading error occurs.

FIG. 18C is a diagram showing a case where the actual mark position is shifted by 1 dot in the back direction (right direction in the figure) from the normal mark position. In this case, contrary to FIG. 18B, the horizontal mark row read sensor shifts the mark to the right by one dot to read the mark. No reading error occurs.

As shown in the figure, since the optical reading auxiliary portion is formed one dot above the horizontal mark row read sensor 70, the actual mark position may temporarily correspond to the regular mark position.
Horizontal mark row read sensor even if shifted down by 1 dot
An accurate reading by 70 is performed.

As described above, since the mark is provided with the optical reading auxiliary unit in addition to the optical reading unit, even when the positional relationship between the optical reading unit and the optical reading unit is slightly shifted at the time of reading the mark. Since the optical reading means can read the mark as a result by reading the optical reading auxiliary part, there is an advantage without causing a reading error.

In the above description, the mark width (5 dots in the embodiment) is wider than that of the mark reading unit (3 dots in the embodiment in the relative movement direction). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the following may be used.

The width of both the mark reading unit and the mark is set to the same width (for example, 3 dots), and the reading sensitivity of the mark reading unit is adjusted so that the mark can be read if 2/3 of the reading surface covers the mark. Adjusted and read 3 times 2
If a determination criterion is set so as to determine that there is a mark at the mark position if a result with a mark is obtained more than once, a reading error does not occur if the displacement in the relative movement direction is within ± 1 dot. As still another example, the width of the mark reading unit is, for example, 3 dots, and the width of the mark is, for example, 2 dots.
The width of the mark reading section is made wider than the width of the mark, and the reading sensitivity is adjusted so that the mark can be read if the mark covers 2/3 of the reading surface.
If the result of reading one time indicates that there is a mark one or more times, a determination criterion is set so as to judge that there is a mark at the mark position. If the positional deviation in the relative movement direction is within ± 1 dot, a reading error will occur. Don't wake up.

That is, as described above, after adjusting the sensitivity so that the mark can be read even if the entire reading surface of the mark reading unit does not cover the mark, the width of the mark reading unit in the relative movement direction and the relative movement of the mark are adjusted. The width in the direction may be the same width,
Alternatively, the width of the mark reading unit in the relative movement direction may be made larger than the width of the mark in the relative movement direction, and the relationship between the mark reading unit and the width of the mark is not limited to the above embodiment.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, for example, the width of the optical reading auxiliary portion of the mark is 1 dot. The width of the optical reading auxiliary unit may be smaller than 1 dot.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, the outer peripheral edge is detected in order to read and detect the outer peripheral edge of the recording medium by the reading unit itself for reading the recorded information in the information recording area of the recording medium. It is not necessary to provide a dedicated detection unit for the operation. Moreover, when the outer peripheral edge reaches the boundary of the area ratio determined by the reading sensitivity in the reading area of the reading section, the outer peripheral edge detection signal is output, and the boundary position of the area ratio is regarded as the access reference position, and the relative movement control means is set. Is set to perform relative movement control, so that it is possible to accurately determine the outer peripheral edge position as an access reference position and perform accurate relative movement control while employing an area reading type reading unit. Become.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the structure of a card reader / writer device as an example of an information reading / writing device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the structure of the card reader / writer device. FIG. 3 is a front view of the reader / writer mechanism showing a state in which the head transport mechanism has been transported to the transport stroke end in the back direction. FIG. 4 is a front view of the reader / writer mechanism showing a state in which the head transport mechanism is located at a position halfway in the transport direction. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a card as an example of a recording medium used in the present invention, and showing various mark row mark columns formed on the card. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C are front views showing a card on which information is actually written, and FIG.
Fig. 6C shows the state after one use, and Fig. 6C shows the state after two uses. FIG. 7 is an overall front view showing a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the gaming machine in which the reader / writer device according to the present invention is incorporated. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for controlling the card reader / writer device. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for controlling the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 10A, 10B and 10D to 10F are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 8, and show another embodiment of FIGS. 10E and 10F. It is a flowchart. FIG. 10C is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 11A to 11C are operation explanatory diagrams for explaining the relationship between the position of the horizontal mark row read sensor corresponding to the timing signal count value and the mark position in the horizontal mark row mark display section. Fig. 11B shows a case where the mark position in the horizontal mark row mark display section is at a regular position, and Fig. 11B shows a case where the position of the horizontal mark row mark display section is shifted by 1 dot in the sensor movement direction (front direction). FIG. 11C is a diagram showing a case where the mark position in the horizontal mark row mark display column is shifted by 1 dot in the reverse direction (back direction) of the sensor movement direction. 12A and 12B are operation explanatory diagrams for explaining an operation of writing predetermined information in a horizontal mark row mark display field by the thermal head. FIG. 13 shows a state in which the horizontal mark row read sensor is checking the written mark while moving in the back direction, and the position and horizontal position of the horizontal mark row read sensor that moves in response to the timing signal. It is an operation explanatory view for explaining a relative relationship with a mark position in a mark row mark display field. FIG. 14 is an enlarged front view of a main part of a part of a card as an example of the recording medium shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of marks for describing marks recorded on a recording medium. (A) to (X) of FIG. 16 are diagrams showing types of marks recorded on a recording medium. FIGS. 17A to 17C show another embodiment, and are explanatory diagrams for explaining the relationship between the position of the horizontal mark column read sensor corresponding to the timing signal count value and the mark position of the horizontal mark column mark display column. 17A shows a case where the mark position of the horizontal mark column mark display column is at a regular position, and FIG. 17B shows a case where the position of the horizontal mark column mark display column is shifted by 1 dot in the sensor movement direction (front direction). FIG. 17C is a diagram showing a case where the mark position in the horizontal mark row mark display column is shifted by 1 dot in the opposite direction (back direction) of the sensor movement direction. 18A to 18C show another embodiment, and show a state in which the horizontal mark row read sensor is reading and checking the written mark while moving in the back direction. FIG. 18A is an operational explanatory diagram for explaining a relative positional relationship between the position of the horizontal mark row read sensor that moves correspondingly and the mark position in the horizontal mark row mark display field, and FIG.
The figure shows the case where the mark position of the horizontal mark column mark display column is at the regular position, and FIG. 18B shows the case where the position of the horizontal mark column mark display column is shifted by 1 dot in the front direction (right direction in the figure). FIG. 18C is a diagram showing a case where the mark position in the horizontal mark row mark display column is shifted by 1 dot in the back direction (left direction in the figure). In the figure, 70 is a horizontal mark row read sensor as an example of an information reading unit, 71 is a thermal head as an example of an information writing unit, 68 is a head transport mechanism, 61 is a DC motor as an example of a driving source, and 182 is a detection. Circuit, 185 is a thermal head drive circuit, 170 is a microcomputer for controlling a card reader / writer device, 56 is a head transport shaft, 56a is a spiral cutting groove, 51 is a reader / writer mechanism, 29 is a stepping motor, 11 is a card insertion / ejection The exit, 300 is a mark, 1 is a card reader / writer device as an example of an information reading device, and 150 is a card as an example of a recording medium.

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. An information reading apparatus for a recording medium, comprising: an outer peripheral edge; and an information recording area for recording predetermined information formed at a predetermined position inside the outer peripheral edge. A reading unit capable of reading recorded information in an information recording area; a relative moving unit for relatively moving the reading unit and the recording medium; and a reading unit that moves with the relative movement by the relative moving unit. Based on an outer edge detection signal output when passing through the outer edge, a relative position of the reading unit to the information recording area at the time of output of the outer edge detection signal is determined as an access reference position, and based on the access reference position. Relative movement control means for relatively moving the information recording area and the reading unit so that the two coincide with each other; and, when the information recording area and the reading unit match, the recording information of the information recording area. Reading control means for reading information by the reading unit, wherein the reading unit has a predetermined reading area, and the outer peripheral edge reaches a boundary of an area ratio determined by reading sensitivity in the reading area. Wherein the relative movement control means is set to perform the relative movement control by regarding a boundary position of the area ratio as the access reference position. Information reading equipment value of recording medium.