JP4202779B2 - Amusement stand - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine typified by a slot machine (pachislot machine), and more particularly to a gaming machine having a fraud prevention function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A gaming machine such as a slot machine has a front door that can be opened and closed on the front surface of a rectangular box-shaped cabinet that constitutes a housing body. In the cabinet, main components such as a control circuit of a game table are housed, and the front door is frequently opened and closed for the purpose of medal replenishment, maintenance and the like.
[0003]
By the way, in this kind of game machine, the illegal act which inserts foreign materials, such as a wire, from the clearance gap between a cabinet and a front door, and makes a game machine malfunction is a problem. In order to prevent such an illegal act, conventionally, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, a wall is formed by projecting the edge of the catch of the locking device forward from the abutting surface of the cabinet and the front door. In addition, it has been proposed to provide a metal fitting for a locking device that prevents foreign matter from being inserted (Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-200687
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, fraudulent acts are becoming more sophisticated year by year, and even in the above-described conventional example, it is not always possible to prevent fraudulent acts 100%. In the above conventional example, if a foreign object enters, there is no room for countermeasures thereafter, and it does not promote prevention of fraud itself.
[0006]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming table that can prevent fraudulent activity due to the intrusion of foreign matter and contribute to the suppression of fraudulent behavior itself.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising a housing body and a door body attached to the housing body so as to be openable and closable, the gaming machine being disposed inside the gaming machine, the housing body and the Detection means for detecting foreign matter entering from the outside of the game table through a mating portion with the door bodyA movable member that is disposed along the mating portion so as to come into contact with the foreign matter entering from the outside of the game table via the mating portion, and moves along with the intrusion of the foreign matter, Detecting means for detecting movement of the movable member;Is provided.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the slot machine, but can be applied to other game machines such as pachinko machines. For example, the present invention can be applied to detection of foreign matter inserted from a glass frame of a pachinko machine or a front frame.
[0009]
<Overall configuration>
In summary, the slot machine of the present embodiment roughly corresponds to each of the reels, lottery means for determining whether or not internal winning of a plurality of types of winning combinations is won by lottery, a start switch for starting rotation of the reels, and A combination of a stop switch for individually stopping the rotation of the reels and the combination of the patterns displayed by the reels at the time of the stop is a predetermined combination of patterns. Determining means for determining the slot machine. Hereinafter, the configuration will be described in detail.
[0010]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a slot machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 100 includes a cabinet 201 that constitutes a casing main body, and a front door 101 that constitutes a door that is attached to the cabinet 201 so as to be openable and closable, and these constitute a casing. The cabinet 201 has a rectangular box shape whose front is open, and a front door 101 is attached to the front of the cabinet 201. The front door 101 is attached to the cabinet 201 via a hinge or the like (not shown) at its left end, and its upper and lower ends and right end are free ends. Handles 201 c are provided on both side surfaces of the cabinet 201, and are used when the slot machine 100 is transported.
[0011]
The slot machine 100 is provided with a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of patterns are applied. Specifically, in the center of the slot machine 100, a cylindrical shape in which a plurality of types of patterns (for example, “7”, “Bar”, “Bell”, “Replay”, etc .: not shown) are arranged on the outer peripheral surface) is arranged. Three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112) are accommodated and configured to be rotatable inside the cabinet 201.
[0012]
The front door 101 is provided with a reel display window 113. When the reels 110 to 112 are viewed from the front, three patterns can be seen from the reel display window 113 in the vertical direction. That is, when all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the player can see a total of nine patterns of 3 × 3. As these reels 110 to 112 rotate and stop, various combinations of patterns are displayed. In the present embodiment, three reels are provided, but the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.
[0013]
On the back side of each of the reels 110 to 112, a backlight (not shown) for illuminating each picture displayed on the reel display window 113 is arranged. The backlight is capable of emitting light of, for example, seven colors (three primary colors of red, green, and bluish purple and a mixed color such as white) and includes an LED corresponding to each primary color. Is done.
[0014]
The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating a winning line 114 that is valid for each game. The effective pay line 114 changes depending on the number of game media (in this embodiment, medals are assumed) inserted into the slot machine 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, in the case of having five winning lines 114, when one medal is inserted, the middle horizontal winning line, when two medals are inserted, the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are shown. When 3 sheets are added, 3 lines are added, and 5 lines including 2 diagonal lines are valid, and the winning combination is judged by the combination of the patterns on the effective line 114. It becomes. Of course, the number of winning lines is not limited to five.
[0015]
The start lamp 121 is a lamp that informs the player that the reels 110 to 112 are in a state of being able to rotate. When the replay lamp 122 wins a replay that is a winning combination (for example, when a combination of replay-replay-replay replay patterns is arranged on the winning line 114), the next game is replayed to the player. It is a lamp that informs that it is. In the case of a re-game, the medal that is a game medium is exempted in the next game.
[0016]
The notification lamp 123 is a lamp for notifying the player that a special winning combination (for example, a big bonus (BB) or a regular bonus (RB)) has been won internally. The medal insertion lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying the player that it is necessary to insert a medal at the start of the game. The medal insertion number display lamp 125 is a lamp for displaying the number of medals inserted by the player. In this embodiment, since up to three medals can be inserted in one game, the number of medals inserted is displayed using three vertically arranged lamps. Of course, in addition to displaying with a lamp, the number of inserted medals may be directly displayed on a 7-segment display or the like.
[0017]
The payout number display unit 126 is a display unit that displays the number of medals to be paid out to the player when winning a winning combination with a medal payout as a result of the game. The game number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of general games in the big bonus game. The stored number display 128 is a display that displays the number of medals stored electronically (credited). The effect lamp 129 is a lamp used for an effect for enhancing the interest of the game.
[0018]
The medal insertion buttons 131 and 132 are insertion buttons for electronically inserting the stored medals into the slot machine 100, and are so-called bet buttons. In the present embodiment, there is a maximum medal insertion button 131 (so-called “max bet button”) and a single medal insertion button 132 for inserting one medal every time the button is pressed, and one of these buttons is pressed. As a result, 1 to 3 medals necessary for the game are electronically inserted into the slot machine 100. When inserting two medals, the one-medal insertion button 131 is pressed twice. The number of inserted medals is subtracted from the current stored number, and the remaining number is displayed on the stored number display 128.
[0019]
The medal slot block 133 has an opening through which a player directly inserts medals when starting a game. When a medal is directly inserted and a medal is clogged in a medal selector unit (not shown) immediately below the medal insertion slot, the medal cancel switch 133a is operated to eliminate the clogging of the medal.
[0020]
The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch that starts the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 as a game start operation. The stop button unit 136 is provided with three stop buttons. Each stop button is a button-type switch that, when pressed, individually stops the rotation of the corresponding reel 110 to 112. These switches are not limited to lever type and button type, and other types of switches can be used.
[0021]
Each stop button is provided with a lamp (not shown). After the start lever 135 is operated, all the lamps are turned on when the reels 110 to 112 can be stopped. Notify that the stop operation has become possible. Each stop button lamp is turned off each time the stop button is pressed. Of course, it is also possible to change the light emission color of the lamp between the stop operation enabled state and other states.
[0022]
The settlement button 138 is a button that is pressed when performing a settlement process in which the medals acquired by the player are settled and discharged. The checkout button 138 is used to switch whether or not to store up to a maximum of 50 medals acquired by winning or winning a predetermined number (for example, three) of medals inserted from the medal slot block 133 by the player. For example, when the settlement button is pressed once and the settlement process is performed, the non-storage mode is set, and when the settlement button is pressed again, the storage mode is set. Here, storing medals means temporarily storing the number of medals temporarily in a control unit (to be described later) without directly paying out medals.
[0023]
The key hole 139 is a hole into which a door opening / closing key is inserted. When the key is inserted and turned clockwise, the lock is released and the front door 101 of the slot machine 100 can be opened. The medal discharge port 165 is an opening for discharging medals, and medals paid out at the time of winning a prize are discharged from here. The discharged medals are received and collected in a tray 170 provided at the lower part of the slot machine 100.
[0024]
The dot matrix LED display device 180 is a display device in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged in a matrix. Various information related to the game, for example, a game screen on which a character or the like is added to make the game appear, or an abnormality is found inside the slot machine 100. Displays an error screen that displays the contents of the error when it occurs. Instead of the dot matrix LED display device 180, an effect reel may be provided. Three effect reels may be provided corresponding to the reels 110 to 112.
[0025]
The upper light-emitting display unit 190, the side light-emitting display units (upper side light-emitting display units 151 and 152 and lower side light-emitting display units 155 and 156), and the saucer light-emitting display unit 160 all constitute a light-emitting display unit for effects. In this embodiment, a rectangular annular display portion is configured as a whole so as to border the front surface of the slot machine 100. Furthermore, middle light emitting display portions 153 and 154 and waist light emitting display portions 157 and 158 are provided to enable various light emitting displays. The sound hole 173 outputs various sounds from the speaker to the outside, and the panel 140 is drawn with characters of the slot machine 100 and the like.
[0026]
<Outline of locking mechanism>
FIG. 2 is a right side view of the slot machine 100 when the front door 101 is opened. The locking mechanism between the front door 101 and the cabinet 201 of the slot machine 100 is composed of a locking device 500 and a receiving metal fitting 610 so that the front door 101 is closed.
[0027]
In general, the locking device 500 includes a pair of hooks 500a that swing when a key is inserted into a cylinder lock of the keyhole 139 and rotated, and a guide roller 500b that guides the hooks 500a to a predetermined height. I have.
[0028]
The receiving metal fitting 610 is for bringing the front door 101 and the cabinet 201 into close contact with each other when the hook 500a of the locking device 500 is locked, and a pair of locking pieces 610b with which the hooks 500a are locked, And a guide plate 612 for guiding the guide roller 500b.
[0029]
When the front door 101 is closed, the guide roller 500b of the locking device 500 rolls on the guide plate 612 of the receiving bracket 610 and guides the hook 500a to the height of the locking piece 610b. Then, the pair of hooks 500a are locked to the locking pieces 610b of the corresponding metal fittings 610, respectively, and locked in a state where the front door 101 and the cabinet 201 are in close contact with each other.
[0030]
<Detection of foreign matter>
Next, the foreign matter detection mechanism of the slot machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The front door 101 and the cabinet 201 of the slot machine 100 are difficult to mechanically closely contact with each other depending on variations in component dimensions at the time of manufacture. A gap of greater or lesser is generated at the mating portion. In addition, the gap may be enlarged so that a person who performs an illegal act can apply force to the front door 101 to insert a foreign object such as a wire or a cell plate.
[0031]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, a detection unit that detects a foreign substance entering from the outside through a joint portion between the front door 101 and the cabinet 201 is provided in the slot machine 100. Providing such detection means not only prevents illegal acts as in the past, but also allows the administrator to know that illegal acts are taking place, and measures such as alarm notification and game stoppage. It is possible to take. In addition, since there is a possibility that the player may be aware of such illegal acts, he / she is cautious in executing the illegal acts. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it can also contribute to suppression of fraud itself.
[0032]
As such a detecting means, it is possible to adopt a variety of modes. For example, a light sensor is provided at a joint portion between the front door 101 and the cabinet 201, and light is blocked by the intrusion of foreign matter. It is possible to detect a foreign object using. On the other hand, the joint portion between the front door 101 and the cabinet 201 is relatively wide across the upper and lower surfaces and side surfaces of the slot machine 100. The height of the slot machine 100 is equal to the height of the slot machine 100 even at the side portion where the foreign object is most easily inserted. In this way, when detecting the invasion of foreign matter over a wide range of mating portions, there is a problem that if the foreign matter is detected directly using an optical sensor or the like, the number of parts, cost, etc. increase.
[0033]
Various detection means can be used in the present invention. In this embodiment, in particular, by adopting the mechanism described below, it is possible to intrude foreign substances over a relatively small amount of parts and a wide range of fitting parts at low cost. It is something to detect. In the present embodiment, the detection mechanism is provided for the side joining portion where foreign matter is most easily inserted, but of course, a foreign matter detection mechanism may be provided over the entire joining portion. Conversely, a foreign object detection mechanism may be provided limited to a necessary predetermined area portion.
[0034]
<Foreign matter detection mechanism>
Hereinafter, the foreign object detection mechanism in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 3 is a side view of the vicinity of the metal fitting 610 (showing the back side of the structure in the vicinity of the metal fitting 610 in FIG. 2) and a partially enlarged view.
[0035]
The foreign object detection mechanism includes a movable plate 620 provided at a front edge portion of the receiving metal fitting 610 and a movable plate switch 630 that is attached to the receiving metal fitting 610 and detects the movement of the movable plate 620.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 2, the movable plate 620 is provided so as to protrude from the cabinet 201 toward the front door 101, and is disposed across the mating portion of the front door 101 and the cabinet 201. It consists of a single plate-like member (in this example, a metal plate) arranged along substantially the entire area along the side joining portion. Further, the movable plate 620 is disposed so that the surface thereof faces the side surface of the slot machine 100 so as to come into contact with a foreign substance that enters through the mating portion.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 3, the movable plate 620 has a shaft portion 620 b formed by drilling a part of the movable plate 620 held by a holding portion 610 a having an arc shape formed integrally with the front edge of the receiving metal fitting 610. . When the front door 101 and the cabinet 201 are closed in this state, the shaft portion 620b is inserted through an annular space formed by the holding portion 610a and the wall surface of the cabinet 201, and the movable plate is moved around the shaft portion 620b. 620 can be rotated.
[0038]
The movable plate 620 is provided with an L-shaped push plate 622 for transmitting the movement of the movable plate 620 to the movable plate switch 630. The movable plate switch 630 functions as a detection unit that detects the movement (rotation in this example) of the movable plate 620. The push plate 622 depresses the plunger of the movable plate switch 630 provided on the receiving metal fitting 610 side when the movable plate 620 rotates to the near side of the drawing. When the plunger is pressed, the movable plate switch 630 is turned on, and the movement of the movable plate 620 can be detected.
[0039]
In this embodiment, by using a movable plate switch 630 that is a plunger type switch, the movable plate 620 is constantly urged against the wall surface of the cabinet 201 by the return force of the plunger. Of course, an elastic member such as a spring may be provided separately and the movable plate 620 may be constantly urged against the wall surface of the cabinet 201 without using the return force of the plunger. In the present embodiment, the movable plate 620 is mounted on the receiving bracket 610. Of course, the movable plate 620 may be provided separately from the receiving bracket 610.
[0040]
<Operation of foreign object detection mechanism>
Next, the operation of the foreign matter detection mechanism described above will be described. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views in the vicinity of the mating portion between the front door 101 of the slot machine 100 and the side surface of the cabinet 201. FIG. 4A shows a normal state before inserting a foreign object, and FIG. Indicates.
[0041]
As described above, the front door 101 and the cabinet 201 of the slot machine 100 are difficult to mechanically adhere to each other, although depending on variations in component dimensions during manufacturing, etc., as shown in FIG. Thus, a gap S of greater or lesser is generated between the two. In the present embodiment, the movable plate 620 is disposed behind the gap S (inside the slot machine 100).
[0042]
When the wire is inserted into the gap S as shown in FIG. 4B, the inserted wire passes through the gap S and comes into contact with the movable plate 620. When the wire is inserted as it is, the wire pushes the movable plate 620 and rotates the movable plate 620. When the movable plate 620 rotates, the push plate 622 depresses the tip of the plunger of the movable plate switch 630 and a detection signal is output from the movable plate switch 630. The detection signal of the movable plate switch 630 is transmitted to the main control unit 300 described later. When the main control unit 300 receives the detection signal of the movable plate switch 630, the main control unit 300 determines that a foreign object has been inserted, and performs various processes such as interruption control such that the operation of the notification means that issues an alarm or the game is disabled. I do.
[0043]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, foreign object intrusion can be immediately detected. In the present embodiment, the movable plate 620 is configured to rotate as the foreign object enters. For example, the movable plate 620 is configured to move linearly in the foreign object intrusion direction and detect this. Needless to say, it may be.
[0044]
<Control block>
The configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit in the present embodiment includes a main control unit 300 that controls the whole, a sub-control unit 400 that performs control related to effects for exciting games, and a dot matrix LED display control that controls the dot matrix LED display device 180. (Not shown).
[0045]
<Main control unit 300>
The microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as “Main CPU”) 310 serves as a center of control in the slot machine 100, and exchanges control signals and data with peripheral units via the bus 370. A ROM (read-only memory) 312 is one of storage means for storing programs for performing various controls, various control data, and the like. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 313 has a work area for programs processed by the Main CPU 310 and is one of storage means for storing variable data and the like. In this embodiment, ROM and RAM are used, but other storage means may be used, and this is the same for other control units described later.
[0046]
The random number generator 311 generates a random number used for the internal lottery of the winning combination, and includes, for example, a plurality of counters, a clock oscillator, a frequency divider, a latch circuit, and the like. The random number value generated by the random number generator 311 is stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 313 via the bus 370 and is read by the Main CPU 310 as necessary.
[0047]
The main CPU 310 includes a medal sensor 320 that detects a medal inserted from the insertion slot of the medal insertion block 134 via the input interface 360 and the bus 370, a start lever sensor 321 that detects an operation of the start lever 135, and a stop button. When the button is pressed, the stop button sensor 322 that detects which stop button is pressed, and when one of the medal insertion buttons 131 and 132 is pressed, it detects which medal insertion button is pressed. The medal insertion button sensor 323, the adjustment button switch 324 that operates when the adjustment button 138 is pressed, and the movable plate switch 630 described above are connected.
[0048]
Further, an input / output interface 332 includes a motor control unit 330 that controls a motor (not shown) that rotates and stops the reels 110 to 112 and a hopper control unit 331 that controls a medal payout device (so-called hopper: not shown). The main CPU 310 is connected to the main CPU 310 via the bus 370. In FIG. 5, “display lamps / indicators” are lamps such as the winning line display lamp 120, the start lamp 121, and the replay lamp 122 shown in FIG. 1, the payout number display 125, and the number of games displayed. Various display devices such as the display device 126 are collectively shown, and are connected to the Main CPU 310 via the output interface 342 and the bus 370.
[0049]
The output interface 350 transmits various commands to the input interface 440 of the sub-control unit 400 based on instructions from the Main CPU 310. Examples of the command include a command indicating that a medal has been inserted, a command indicating that the start lever has been operated, a command indicating a pressed stop button, and a command defining the contents of various effects.
[0050]
<Sub-control unit 400>
The microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as SubCPU) 410 receives various commands transmitted from the main control unit 300 via the input interface 440 and the bus 430, and controls the sub-control unit 400 as a whole according to the contents of the received commands. To do. The ROM 411 is one of storage means for storing programs and data for controlling the sub-control unit 400 as a whole. The RAM 412 has a work area for programs processed by the SubCPU 410, and is one of storage means for storing variable data and the like. The backlight 420 is a light that illuminates the picture of the reel from the back, and is turned on / flashing / turned off according to an instruction from the SubCPU 410.
[0051]
The effect light-emitting display unit is a generic name of the light-emitting display units used for the effect, and includes an upper light-emitting display unit 190, side light-emitting display units 151, 152, 155, and 156, and middle light-emitting display units 153 and 154. , Waist light emission display portions 157 and 158, and a saucer light emission display portion 160, and lighting control is performed so that each light emission display portion is turned on / off / turned off for each display section in accordance with an instruction from the SubCPU 410.
[0052]
The musical tone signal forming unit 460 forms a musical tone signal based on the control signal and data delivered from the SubCPU 410 and outputs the musical tone signal. This musical sound signal is amplified by an amplifier 461 and then output as a sound from a speaker (such as an upper speaker or a rear speaker) 462. The output interface 450 transmits various control data to a dot matrix LED display control unit (not shown) based on an instruction from the SubCPU 410. Based on this control data, the dot matrix LED display control unit controls the dot matrix LED display device 170.
[0053]
The processing at the time of foreign object detection of the control block having such a configuration will be described. The detection output of the movable plate switch 630 is input to the Main CPU 310 via the input interface 360 and the bus 370. In the Main CPU 310, for example, notification is performed in accordance with the detection output of the movable plate switch 630. For the notification, a control command is transmitted from the Main CPU 310 to the sub-control unit 400, and the Sub CPU 410 of the sub-control unit 400 reads out, for example, lamp control data and tone data in a notification mode according to the control command from the ROM 411, and the work area of the RAM 412 Set to. Based on the set data, the SubCPU 410 outputs a control signal to the effect light emitting display unit and the musical tone signal forming unit, causes the lamp to emit light, and outputs a sound or the like from the speaker for notification.
[0054]
In addition, the Main CPU 310 detects the medal sensor 320, the start lever sensor 321, the stop button sensor 322, the medal insertion button sensor 323, and the checkout button switch 324 while the detection signal of the movable plate switch 630 continues to be output. The game is controlled to be disabled by not accepting the output.
[0055]
<Control flow>
Next, processing of the slot machine 100 will be described. FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing the basic control of the game in the slot machine 100. The basic control of the game is performed mainly by the Main CPU 310, and the process shown in FIG.
[0056]
In ST101, medal insertion processing is performed. The medal can be inserted by either bet button insertion or actual medal insertion from the medal slot. When a medal is inserted, the winning line display lamp is turned on according to the number of medals inserted. In ST102, processing relating to a game start operation is performed. When the start lever 135 is operated by the player, the number of inserted medals is determined and the effective pay line 114 is determined.
[0057]
In ST103, a random number generated by the random number generator 311 is acquired, and an internal lottery that determines whether the winning combination is won or not is performed using the lottery data table stored in the ROM 312 and the acquired random number value. The lottery data table stores in advance data according to the lottery probability of each winning combination such as BB, RB, and small winning combination, and based on this, whether or not the internal winning of each winning combination is determined.
[0058]
In ST104, effect lottery processing is performed. Here, a lottery process for determining various types of light-emitting effects performed in the backlight, the dot matrix display, and the light-emitting display unit for effects is performed. In ST105, based on the internal lottery result in ST103, this is selected from a plurality of types of reel stop control tables stored in the ROM 312, and rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is started. In ST106, a stop button can be received, and a reel stop control process is performed according to the operation of the stop button. When any one of the stop buttons is pressed, the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped based on the reel stop control table selected in ST105. When all the reels are stopped, the process proceeds to ST107.
[0059]
In ST107, a winning determination process is performed. Here, when a combination of pictures corresponding to each winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that the winning combination is won. For example, if “bell-bell-bell” is arranged on the activated winning line 114, for example, it is determined that a bell is won. Further, for example, if “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” are prepared, it is determined that the BB winning is achieved.
[0060]
In ST108, as a result of the determination in ST107, if a winning combination with a payout has been won, a predetermined number of medals are paid out. In ST109, the gaming state is controlled. For example, at the time of winning a BB, preparation is made so that a BB game is started from the next game, and at the end of BB, preparation is made so that a normal game is started from the next game. Thus, one game process is completed, and the above-described process is repeated thereafter.
[0061]
Next, notification control and game interruption control based on the foreign object detection mechanism of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail.
[0062]
FIG. 6B is a flowchart of the interrupt process of the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100. The slot machine 100 monitors input states of various sensors and switches by interrupt processing executed at a constant interrupt cycle, and according to switch inputs, medal acceptance processing, medal payout processing, reel control processing, and sub-control unit 400. Execute command transmission processing to. In addition, various processes such as display control of display lamps and indicators are performed, but the description thereof is omitted here.
[0063]
In ST2002, data of input ports to which signal states of various sensors and switches are input are acquired, and output states of the sensors and switches are acquired. In ST2004, the output state of the movable plate switch 630 is first determined. If the output of the movable plate switch 630 is OFF, the process proceeds to ST2006 as normal. If the detection output of the movable plate switch 630 is ON, the process proceeds to ST2100 because an illegal act has been performed, which will be described later.
[0064]
In ST2006, it is determined whether the slot machine 100 is in the medal insertion process. This means a state of waiting for medal insertion and start lever operation reception. If no medal is inserted when starting the game, the medal insertion wait state is set, and the medal sensor 320 and the medal insertion sensor 323 are set to input wait states.
[0065]
In ST2200, when the medal sensor 320 outputs a medal detection signal by inserting a medal from the medal insertion port 133, or when the medal insertion buttons 131 and 132 are operated and the medal insertion signal is output, the medal corresponding to the detection output Execute the input process. If there is no output, the interrupt processing is terminated as it is, and the presence / absence of output is determined again in the next interrupt processing. Further, detection signals from sensors and switches other than the medal sensor 320 and the medal insertion sensor 323 are ignored. When the medal insertion is completed, the operation of the start lever 135 is awaited. When the start lever 135 is operated and the output of the start lever sensor 321 is detected, the state is shifted during the reel control and the medal insertion process is ended. .
[0066]
In ST2008, it is determined whether or not the medal payout processing state is set. In the medal payout process, it is determined that the medal payout process is in progress when the number of medals to be paid out is not 0 as a result of the game. The determination is made based on the value of the medal payout number counter written at a predetermined address in the RAM 313. If the medal payout number counter is not 0, the process proceeds to ST2300, and medal payout processing is executed. The medal payout process outputs a drive signal to the hopper control unit 331 and subtracts the value of the medal payout number counter every time a medal paid out from the hopper is detected. When the value of the medal payout number counter becomes 0, the hopper drive signal is stopped and the medal payout process is terminated.
[0067]
In ST2010, it is determined whether the reel is being controlled. If it is determined that it is a reel control process, the process proceeds to ST2400, and a reel control process is performed. The reel control process controls the acceleration, constant speed, and stop of each reel 110 to 112. Schematically, acceleration processing is performed based on reception of the start lever sensor 321 in the medal reception processing of ST2200. When a stepping motor is used to drive each of the reels 110 to 112, a drive pulse is supplied to the reel 110 to 112, and rotation of each of the reels 110 to 112 is started. The drive pulses supplied to the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating are gradually increased from a frequency of about once every 30 interrupts at the start of rotation, thereby accelerating the rotation. Finally, by supplying a drive pulse at the same timing as the interrupt cycle, it is controlled to a constant speed state that rotates at a constant speed. When the constant speed state is reached, the stop operation of each of the reels 110 to 112 is permitted and the stop button is ready to be received. When any one of the stop buttons is operated, the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that a pattern combination according to the lottery result is obtained. The reel control process is performed until all reels are stopped.
[0068]
In ST2012, the command set in each of ST2100, ST2200, ST2300, and ST2400 is transmitted to sub-control section 400 at every interrupt cycle.
[0069]
In such an interruption process, a description will be given of a control in a case where an illegal act in which a foreign object is inserted from a mating surface between the front door 101 and the cabinet 201 is described. If there is an illegal act, a detection signal is output from movable plate switch 630 in ST2004. In this case, the process proceeds to ST2100, an error command is set, and the interrupt process is terminated without going through the processes of ST2006 to ST2010.
[0070]
The set error command is transmitted to the sub-control unit in ST2912. The sub-control unit performs error notification processing based on the transmitted error command. In this way, it is possible to stop the illegal act by immediately informing that there has been an illegal act of inserting a foreign object. In addition, since it does not go through ST2006 to 2010 at the same time, even if there is an input from each sensor / switch, no processing is performed. For this reason, even if a medal is inserted or a start lever is operated, the main control unit 300 ignores these detection signals and the game is interrupted. Thus, by making control so as not to accept a gaming operation and making the game impossible, the illegal act itself can be made meaningless, and it is possible to abandon performing the illegal act.
[0071]
In the above embodiment, the control for simultaneously performing error notification and inoperable control for fraudulent behavior has been described, but only one of them may be performed. When only error notification is performed, ST2004 and ST2100 in FIG. 6 may be provided immediately before ST2012. Conversely, if it is desired to execute only non-game control, ST2100 may be deleted.
[0072]
Second Embodiment
Next, another embodiment of the foreign matter detection mechanism will be described. FIG. 7 is a side view and a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the receiving metal fitting 610 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In order to make the difference between the above embodiment and this embodiment easier to understand, it corresponds to FIG. 3 described above. It is shown in the figure. In FIG. 7, the same parts as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0073]
In the present embodiment, the movable plate switch 633 is configured by a non-contact type photo interrupter. The movable plate 620 is formed with a long shaft portion 620c and a short shaft portion 620d that are rotatably held by the holding portion 610a of the receiving metal fitting 610. On the long shaft portion 620c side, a return spring 640 for mounting the movable plate 620 against the wall surface of the cabinet 201 is attached. The return spring 640 is fitted into the long shaft portion 620c through a gap provided between the long shaft portion 620c and the short shaft portion 620d. The remaining portion of the long shaft portion 620 c and the short shaft portion 620 d after the return spring 640 is mounted are held by the holding portion 610 a of the receiving metal fitting 610. Of course, the arrangement of the long shaft portion 620c and the short shaft portion 620d may be upside down.
[0074]
A seat 610d for fixing the photo interrupter of the movable plate switch 633 is formed on the receiving metal fitting 610 side. On the movable plate 620, a detection tongue piece 620e that is detected by the detection unit 633a of the movable plate switch 633 is formed. The movable plate 620 rotates, and the detection tongue piece 620e blocks the detection unit 633a, so that the rotation of the movable plate 620 is detected. The detection signal is transmitted to the main control unit 300 via the connection unit 633b.
[0075]
In this embodiment, by providing the return spring 640, the movable plate 620 can be biased toward the wall surface of the cabinet 201, and a non-contact type sensor such as a photo interrupter can be used as the movable plate switch 633. .
[0076]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can prevent an illegal act due to an intrusion of a foreign object and contribute to the suppression of the illegal act itself.Further, it is possible to detect the intrusion of foreign matter over a relatively small amount of parts and a wide range of mating parts at low cost.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a slot machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a right side view of the slot machine 100 when the front door 101 is opened.
FIG. 3 is a side view and a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of a receiving metal fitting 610;
4 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the mating portion between the front door 101 of the slot machine 100 and the side surface of the cabinet 201. FIG. Indicates.
FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the slot machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
6A is a flowchart showing basic control of a game in the slot machine 100, and FIG. 6B is a flowchart of interrupt processing of the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100. FIG.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are a side view and a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of a receiving metal fitting 610 in a second embodiment of the present invention. FIGS.

Claims (5)

A gaming machine comprising a housing body and a door attached to the housing body so as to be openable and closable,
A detecting means disposed inside the gaming table, for detecting a foreign substance entering from outside the gaming table via a mating portion of the housing body and the door body ;
The detection means is
A movable member that is arranged along the mating portion so as to come into contact with the foreign matter that enters from the outside of the game table via the mating portion, and moves with the intrusion of the foreign matter;
Detecting means for detecting movement of the movable member;
Amusement machine, characterized in that it comprises a. The game table according to claim 1 , wherein the movable member is disposed across the mating portion. The game table according to claim 1 , wherein the movable member is provided so as to rotate as the foreign object enters, and the detection unit detects the rotation of the movable member. 2. The game table according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for performing notification based on a detection result of the detection means. 2. The game table according to claim 1, wherein a game interruption control is performed based on a detection result of the detection means.

Images