JP4225947B2 - Gaming machine, gaming machine fraud detection method and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine used in a gaming machine such as a slot machine, a fraud detection method for the gaming machine, and a program.

  A gaming machine such as a slot machine allows a player to enjoy a game by inserting a predetermined number of medals (game media) into the gaming machine. The medals necessary for the game can be borrowed by a medal lending machine provided in the game hall, and the game can be started by inserting medals into the medal slot of a desired gaming machine.

  The inserted medals are selected by a medal selector inside the gaming machine (defective medals are returned), and the number of inserted medals is counted. This count value is treated as the number of inserted medals, and the player can enjoy the game within this range. Even after the medal is inserted, it is possible to request the return of the inserted medal if it is before the credit is consumed by the game. A cancel button is provided on the front panel of the gaming machine for the return operation (see reference numeral 138 in FIG. 1).

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a conventional medal selector provided in the slot machine. In FIG. 7, 1 is a medal selector, 11 is a downwardly inclined medal passage, 12 is a medal exit of the medal selector 1, and S1 and S2 are photo interrupters (sensors for medal detection) provided in the medal passage 11. M indicates the inserted medal. The medal M inserted from the upper part of the medal selector 1 falls along the medal passage 11, the traveling direction thereof is changed to a slant sideways, and is discharged from the medal outlet 12. Note that irregular medals of different sizes fall in the middle of the medal passage and return to the medal return slot.

  In the vicinity of the medal outlet 12, two medal sensors S1, S2 are provided side by side along the direction in which the medal advances. The detection of medals is performed according to the detection order of the two sensors. Since S1 and S2 are provided adjacent to each other, it is possible to detect the passing speed and passing direction of medals, and based on these, not only the number of medals but also illegal acts using medals backflow or celluloid are detected. can do. Further, by providing the medal sensors S1 and S2 on the side far from the medal entrance, it is difficult to cheat.

  Fraudulent acts on game machines (so-called goto acts) are increasing and the damage caused by this is also increasing. Moreover, fraudulent methods have become more sophisticated over time. As one of them, there is a technique of inserting a device for cheating from the medal insertion slot, illegally operating the medal counting function of the medal selector and malfunctioning, and illegally obtaining a large number of credits even if no medal is inserted. is there.

  An instrument having two light emitting elements such as infrared LEDs at the tip is inserted and blinked toward the sensors S1 and S2, thereby generating the same signal as the medal detection, and it seems that an unauthorized credit is obtained. Although it is possible to play a game with credits obtained illegally, in many cases it seems that a medal is received by a cancel button. There are many cases where the discovery of fraud against medal selectors is often delayed, and there is concern about the spread of damage.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine, a gaming machine fraud detection method, and a program that can prevent the dishonest act.

The present invention includes a medal passage that rolls a medal from a medal insertion slot to a medal discharge slot, and a medal sensor that is provided on the medal discharge opening side of the medal path and detects a medal, and is inserted from the medal insertion section. A medal selector that sorts and discharges medals,
A control unit for counting the number of medals inserted based on the output of the medal sensor;
Timer,
An interrupt signal generator for generating an interrupt signal at a predetermined interval based on the output of the timer;
A fraud detection counter that adds a predetermined number of codes every time a medal is detected by the medal sensor, and adds a number of codes opposite to the codes each time the interrupt signal is generated,
And a fraud determination unit that determines fraud when the output of the fraud detection counter exceeds a predetermined threshold.

  When the initial value is provided in the fraud detection counter and the output of the fraud detection counter returns to the initial value, the control unit is opposite to the sign even when the interrupt signal is generated. It is preferable not to add the number of codes.

  The predetermined interval at which the interrupt signal generator generates the interrupt signal is predetermined based on an average insertion interval when the player inserts a medal by hand.

As the threshold value, a first threshold value and a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value are set,
The controller may perform a process that gives a player a slight disadvantage when the first threshold is exceeded, and performs a process that gives a player a severe penalty when the second threshold is exceeded. Good.

  The minor disadvantage is, for example, extending the time interval per game.

  The minor disadvantage is to sound a warning sound for a predetermined time.

  The serious disadvantage is, for example, that a warning sound is sounded and the game is stopped until a predetermined release operation is performed.

  According to the present invention, since the means for detecting that the sensor of the medal selector has malfunctioned with the cheating tool is provided, the cheating can be detected. Providing profits to fraudsters.

  A slot machine and its fraud prevention method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door closed, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door opened 180 degrees.

  1 and 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a slot machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 100 can be opened and closed by a hinge or the like on the slot machine main body 120 and one side of the front surface of the slot machine main body 120. And a front door 130 attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 1, a game display unit 131 is provided substantially in the center of the front door 130, and a medal insertion slot 132 for a player to insert medals is provided at the lower right corner of the game display unit 131. Provided on the further left side of the medal insertion slot 132 is a reject button 133 for forcibly discharging the clogged medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 132 to the outside of the slot machine 100.

  A start switch 134 for starting a game is provided at the lower left of the game display unit 131, and three stop buttons 140 are provided corresponding to the three reels. A medal payout port 135 is provided at the center of the lower end of the front door. When a game medal is inserted into the medal slot 132 or when the start switch 134 is operated on condition that the bet switch 137 is operated, the three reels start to rotate and the game starts. A cancel switch (also referred to as a cancel button) 138 is for requesting the return of inserted medals.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine main body 120 is fixed to the inner bottom surface, stores a plurality of medals therein, and stores the stored medals at a payout port 135 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. A hopper device 121 for paying out the sheets one by one is installed. An upper portion of the hopper device 121 is provided with a hopper tank 122 that opens upward and stores a plurality of medals therein. Inside the slot machine main body 120, a reel unit 203 including three rotating reels is installed at a position where the game display unit 131 comes when the front door 130 is closed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the medal selector 1 is attached to the back side of the front door 130 on the back side of the medal slot 132 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. This medal selector 1 rolls the medal toward the hopper device 121 while detecting the passage of the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132, and has a different diameter medal or iron or iron whose outer diameter is different from the predetermined dimension. This is an apparatus for selecting and removing illegal medals made of an alloy and selecting and eliminating a predetermined number or more of medals that can be inserted per game.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a lead-out path 136 that covers the lower side and communicates with the payout port 135 of the front door 130 is provided below the medal selector 1. The medals distributed by the medal selector 1 are returned to the player from the payout port 135 via the derivation path 136.

  A player who wants to enjoy a game with a slot machine can first borrow a medal as a game medium from a medal lending machine (not shown) or the like, and insert a medal directly into the medal slot 132 of the medal slot device. A square window-like display window facing the player side is formed at the center and upper part of the casing of the slot machine. In the center of the central display window, a symbol display window through which the symbols of the three rotating reels can be seen is formed. The start switch 134 is a lever located obliquely below the rotating reel, and starts driving the reel unit on condition that a game medal is inserted. The reel unit is stopped from being driven by a stop switch. The reel unit is composed of three rotating reels. Each rotating reel includes a rotating drum made of a synthetic resin and a tape-like reel tape attached around the rotating drum. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the slot machine. Reference numerals 200 and 201 denote a main board and a sub board, each incorporating a CPU. The main board 200 performs medal insertion, payout, reel control, winning process, and the like. The sub-board 201 performs processing such as effect display. An operation unit 202 includes switches such as a start switch, a stop switch, and a bet switch. A reel unit 203 includes three rotating reels. An effect display unit 204 includes a game display unit, internal illumination of a reel, a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, and the like. The effect display unit 204 notifies the winning combination and the pressing order.

  The gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a fraud detection unit 200a on a main board (control unit) 200. The fraud detection unit 200a is realized by hardware (for example, a counter or shift register) or software (a program stored in the ROM of the main board 200), and may be provided in the main board 200 as shown in FIG. However, it may be provided independently. The fraud detector 200a detects fraud based on the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1.

  In short, the fraud detection unit 200a includes a pointer (typically a fraud detection counter shown in FIG. 4) used for detecting fraud related to the number of medals, and each time the medal sensors S1 and S2 detect medals. Is moved in a predetermined direction (for example, +1), and the pointer is moved at a predetermined interval in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction (for example, -1) (typically, as shown in FIG. 4). Move repeatedly (by generating an interrupt). Then, when the pointer exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it is determined as an illegal act. An initial value (for example, 0) is set for the pointer, and when the pointer is repeatedly moved at a predetermined interval in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, the pointer is initialized when the pointer returns to the initial value. Keep the value (for example, 0 is the lower limit, not minus). This is because if the pointer becomes a large negative value when a medal is not inserted for a long time, it cannot be detected even if an illegal act is performed.

  The apparatus and method according to the embodiment of the present invention inserts an instrument provided with two light emitting elements such as infrared LEDs at the tip, and blinks them toward the sensors S1 and S2, thereby generating the same signal as the medal detection. It creates fraud and detects fraudulent activities such as obtaining fraudulent credits. The fraudulent act is to cause the main board (control unit) 200 to erroneously determine that a medal has been detected by performing an electronic operation instead of a mechanical operation on the medal selector. The medal detection speed (the number of medal detections per hour) is very high compared to normal medal detection. The apparatus and the method according to the embodiment of the present invention utilize this feature.

  However, the level of the medal detection speed by manual insertion varies, and it is difficult to accurately determine fraud based on the detection speed of the medal when one medal is detected. For this reason, the approximate detection speed for manual insertion should be determined in advance, and for a group of inserted medals, if the difference between the timing and the actual detection speed of manually inserted medals exceeds a specified level, it will be determined as an illegal act. Is preferred. Therefore, the interval at which the pointer is repeatedly moved in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction is determined based on the average insertion interval when the player inserts medals by hand (for example, 40 ms).

  An apparatus and a method according to an embodiment of the present invention are based on the above principle. This principle can be easily compared to storing hot water with a bucket in a bathtub whose stopper is not completely closed. In the bathtub, the amount of water on the water supply side (actual manual input) changes to some extent, but the drain side (predetermined medal detection speed) always drains a constant amount of water. However, if the water supply side continues too fast, the water in the bathtub accumulates to a certain level. When the specified water level is reached (for example, when it overflows), a warning is issued or the game is stopped.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the fraud detector 200a.
S1 and S2 are medal sensors that are provided on the medal discharge port side of the medal passage of the medal selector 1 and detect medals.
A medal detection signal generator 20 generates a medal detection signal based on the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2. The medal detection signal generator 20 may be realized by processing of the CPU of the main board 200 (the same applies to each part below).

A medal credit counter 21 counts the number of medals inserted based on the medal detection signal.
22 counts in a predetermined direction every time a medal is detected based on the medal detection signal (for example, +1), and counts in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction every time an interrupt signal is generated (for example, −1). It is a fraud detection counter.
23 is a timer, and 24 is an interrupt signal generator for generating an interrupt signal at a predetermined interval based on the output of the timer 23 and counting the fraud detection counter 22 in the opposite direction. Reference numeral 25 denotes a timer adjustment unit (for example, a frequency-adjustable resonance circuit or oscillator) for adjusting the generation interval of the interrupt signal.

  Reference numeral 26 denotes a penalty level determining unit that determines whether or not to impose a penalty (disadvantage) based on a predetermined penalty level threshold and, if so, which level to use. The penalty level determination unit 26 functions as a fraud determination unit. Although the penalty level threshold value is stored in the penalty level threshold value storage unit 27, the threshold value is not limited to one and may be plural. FIG. 4 shows a case where three threshold values (threshold value 1, threshold value 2, threshold value 3) are set. The penalty level determination unit 26 determines the penalty level as follows. However, it is assumed that threshold 1 <threshold 2 <threshold 3.

(1) Output of fraud detection counter <threshold 1: no penalty (2) Output of threshold 1 ≦ fault detection counter <threshold 2: minor penalty (extend one game time interval, for example, 6 seconds between 5 games) Players will not be able to play many games)
(3) Threshold value 2 ≤ Output of fraud detection counter <Threshold value 3: Moderate penalty (alarm is sounded for a certain period of time, but it automatically recovers. It can be said that it is a minor penalty in that the game can be continued)
(4) Threshold value 3 ≤ Output of fraud detection counter: Severe penalty (a warning sound is sounded and the game is stopped until the error is released by a predetermined procedure. Only the hall staff can release the error. Yes)

  Reference numerals 28 to 30 denote processing units for imposing a corresponding penalty based on the determination result of the penalty level determination unit 26.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  The processing according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a fraud detection counter 22 used to detect fraud related to the number of medals. In the gaming machine, (1) fraud detection each time a medal is detected by the medal sensors S1 and S2. The counter 22 is incremented by 1, and (2) the fraud detection counter 22 is decremented by 1 at predetermined intervals by timer interruption. (3) When the value of the fraud detection counter 22 exceeds a predetermined threshold (5, 8, 12), it is determined that the act is fraudulent. FIG. 5 is a flowchart regarding the process (1), and FIG. 6 is a flowchart regarding the processes (2) and (3). Although the determination process (3) is performed in FIG. 6, it may be performed in FIG. 5 (specifically, the timing after the fraud detection counter 22 in S3 is incremented by 1).

  Regarding (1), it is not limited to +1. You may make it +2 and +3. The probability of detection and the probability of false detection can be adjusted by changing the weight. Increasing the weight increases the probability of detection, but also increases the probability of false detection. The reverse is true if the weight is reduced. The same applies to -1 in (2). Needless to say, the signs of + and-are for convenience, and the signs may be reversed. In short, the moving direction in (1) and the moving direction in (2) may be reversed.

  As can be seen from S10 in FIG. 6, when the fraud detection counter 22 is set to an initial value (for example, 0) and the fraud detection counter 22 returns to the initial value = 0 in the process (2), Don't make it negative. The initial value is not limited to 0.

The flowchart of FIG. 5 will be described.
When the medal sensors S1 and S2 detect a medal (YES in S1), the medal credit number counter 21 is incremented by 1 (S2) and the fraud detection counter 22 is incremented by 1 (S3). The medal credit number counter 21 is used for medal counting.

  It is determined whether or not the value of the medal credit number counter 21, that is, the number of credits is equal to or less than the upper limit (for example, 50) (S4). If the number of medal credits exceeds the upper limit (NO in S4), a medal blocker (not shown) is closed so that no more medals are accepted (S5). If the number of medal credits is less than or equal to the upper limit (YES in S4), it is further determined whether or not the number of inserted coins is a specified number (S6), and if the specified number has not been reached (NO in S6), the processes in S1 and subsequent steps are repeated. If the specified number has been reached (YES in S6), it is determined whether or not the start lever has been pressed (S7). YES), and the game process is performed by rotating the reel.

The flowchart of FIG. 6 will be described.
It is checked whether or not the value of the fraud detection counter 22 is 1 or more (S10). If not (= 0), the following processing is skipped (NO in S10). This is because the value of the fraud detection counter 22 is not negative.
Next, the fraud detection counter 22 is decremented by 1 (S11).

  As a result, if the value of the fraud detection counter 22 is less than 5, it is determined that there is no fraud, and the following processing is skipped (YES in S12).

  If the value of the fraud detection counter 22 is 5 or more and less than 8, the penalty level is set to 1 (YES in S13, S14). Penalty level 1 is a slight penalty, specifically, extending the interval of one game time. For example, the time between 5 games is 6 seconds. Players will not be able to play many games.

  If the value of the fraud detection counter 22 is 8 or more and less than 12, the penalty level is set to 2 (YES in S15, S16). Penalty level 2 is a moderate penalty. Specifically, a warning sound is sounded for a certain period of time, but it automatically returns. Penalty level 2 is a minor penalty in that the game can be continued.

  If the value of the fraud detection counter 22 is 12 or more, the highest penalty level is set to 3 (NO in S15, S17). Penalty level 3 is a severe penalty. Specifically, a warning sound is sounded and the game is stopped until the error is released by a predetermined procedure. Only hall personnel can cancel the error.

  In the above description, the timing at which the counter is decremented and the maximum value of the counter may be determined arbitrarily.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, a fraudulent act can be detected by a fraud detection counter. In addition, the timing at which the counter is decremented, its weight, threshold values, etc. can be selected as appropriate so that fraud detection processing can be easily adjusted according to the situation, and the penalty level can be set mildly and severely, so it can be handled for each situation of fraud Can also be changed. At the severe penalty level, an error is notified and the game reception and the medal payout are stopped, so that it is possible to prevent a fraudulent person from being profited.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

  Further, in the present specification, the term “unit” does not necessarily mean a physical means, and includes a case where the function of each unit is realized by software. Furthermore, the function of one part may be realized by two or more physical means, or the function of two or more parts may be realized by one physical means.

It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a front view which shows the state which opened the front surface of the gaming machine. 1 is a block diagram of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram of the fraud detection part which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart of the medal detection process which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a perspective view of a medal selector.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Medal selector 11 Medal passage 12 Medal exit 20 Medal detection signal generator 21 Medal credit number counter 22 Fraud detection counter 23 Timer 24 Interrupt signal generator 25 Timer adjustment unit 26 Penalty level determination unit (fraud act determination unit)
27 Penalty level threshold storage unit 28 One game time interval extension unit 29 Error notification unit 30 Game stop processing unit 100 Slot machine 120 Slot machine body 121 Hopper device 130 Front door 131 Game display unit 132 Medal slot 133 Reject button 134 Start switch ( Start lever)
135 medal payout port 136 lead-out path 137 bet switch 138 cancel switch (cancel button)
140 Stop button 200 Main board 200a Fraud detection part 201 Sub board 202 Operation part 203 Reel unit 204 Effect display part S1 Medal sensor S2 Medal sensor M Medal

Claims (6)

A medal passage for rolling medals from a medal insertion port to a medal discharge port, and a medal sensor provided on the medal discharge port side of the medal passage for detecting a medal, and selecting a medal inserted from the medal insertion portion And a medal selector for discharging
A control unit for counting the number of medals inserted based on the output of the medal sensor;
Timer,
An interrupt signal generator for generating an interrupt signal at a predetermined interval based on the output of the timer;
A fraud detection counter that adds a predetermined number of codes every time a medal is detected by the medal sensor, and adds a number of codes opposite to the codes each time the interrupt signal is generated,
A gaming machine comprising: a fraud determination unit that determines fraud when an output of the fraud detection counter exceeds a predetermined threshold . Wherein, when the initial value is provided in the fraud detection counter, when the output of the fraud detection counter is returned to the initial value, contrary to the code, even when the interrupt signal is generated 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the number of signs is not added . The interval predetermined said interrupt signal generator generates the interrupt signal, claim player, characterized in that the predetermined based on the average loading interval upon inserting a medal by hand 1 The gaming machine described. As the threshold value, a first threshold value and a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value are set,
The control unit performs a process that gives a player a slight disadvantage when the first threshold is exceeded, and performs a process that gives a player a severe penalty when the second threshold is exceeded. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the minor disadvantage is to sound a warning sound for a predetermined time.   5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the serious disadvantage is that a warning sound is sounded and the game is stopped until a predetermined release operation is performed.

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