JP4565477B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention, when a display result on a variable display device whose display state can be changed is derived and displayed, one game is completed, and the display result of the variable display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode. The present invention relates to a slot machine that can be given a predetermined value to a player, and more particularly, to a slot machine that can prevent an illegal act related to detection of a game medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in this type of slot machine, what is generally known has a variable display device whose display state can be changed, and a display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed so that one game can be played. There is a slot machine that can be given a predetermined valuable value to the player when the display result of the variable display device is in a specific display mode determined in advance.
[0003]
In such a slot machine, if a coin as a game medium having a predetermined value is inserted from a coin insertion slot provided on the front surface of the slot machine, a predetermined number of inserted coins pass through a predetermined flow path. When a predetermined valuable value for the player to bet on one game is set and the display result of the variable display device is in a predetermined display mode, a predetermined number of coins are provided inside. It is to be paid out to the player from the storage section.
[0004]
However, in recent years, as described above, a signal line connecting the inserted coin sensor that detects coins inserted from the coin insertion slot and the control unit, and a payout coin sensor and control unit that detect coins paid out from the storage unit, A fraudulent act has occurred in which a special board is attached to the signal line connecting the, and the signal output to the control unit is manipulated to obtain an unfair advantage.
[0005]
Such a special board does not work when a general player plays a normal game after installation, and by performing a special insertion pattern or payout pattern that is not performed in a normal game It comes to work.
When this is activated, for example, in the inserted coin sensor, when one coin is inserted, a coin detection signal for three sheets is output to the control unit, and in the payout coin sensor, for example, Despite the payout of 15 coins, only 5 coin detection signals are output to the control unit.
[0006]
When such a special board is attached, the store side suffers a great loss. Usually, an employee or the like makes an internal inspection outside business hours and removes the special board that is found.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if these special boards are cleverly installed in an inconspicuous place so that they are not easily discovered by employees, etc., or if the control board of the control unit has been replaced, it is difficult to find that the special board has been installed, There was a risk of repeated fraud over the long term.
[0008]
Further, even if the control board is not replaced or the control unit is not illegally modified, the coin selector provided with the inserted coin sensor or the payout coin sensor is replaced with an illegal coin selector as described above. There is a possibility that fraud is carried out, and it is very difficult to discriminate the illegal coin selector replaced in this way on the appearance, and thus there is a risk of repeated fraud.
[0009]
The present invention has been made paying attention to such a problem, and even when a special board or the like is attached or an unauthorized modification is made, it is possible to clearly detect that the fraud has been made. The purpose is to provide a machine.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, in the slot machine of the present invention, a display result on a variable display device whose display state can be changed is derived and displayed, so that one game ends, and the display result of the variable display device is determined in advance. Specified value when the specified display mode is achieved Is given to the player A slot machine, Detection means for detecting the game medium is provided on the game medium transfer member that guides the game medium input from the game medium insertion port to the inside of the housing of the slot machine, and a cover member that covers the detection means is fixed. In the state where the game medium transfer member is fixed by the means and the cover member is fixed to the game medium transfer member by the fixing means, the detection means is covered unless it is broken from the outside and leaves a trace. Can not be released It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, In addition to making it difficult to tamper with the detection means for detecting the game medium by the cover member, the cover state of the detection means is destroyed from the outside when the cover member is fixed to the game medium transfer member by the fixing means. Since it cannot be released unless it leaves a trace, the detection means built into the game medium transfer member It becomes possible to immediately discover from the outside that there is a possibility that fraud has been done, and it is possible to effectively suppress fraud.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 shows a front view of a slot machine 1 as an example of the slot machine according to the present invention. A display window 71 is provided at a predetermined position on the front surface of the slot machine 1, and inside the display window 71, identification information such as symbols variably displayed by the variable display device 70 (see FIG. 2) is displayed. The left variable display portion 5L, the middle variable display portion 5C, and the right variable display portion 5R are configured so that the symbols can be variably displayed in three upper and lower stages.
[0021]
When the player plays a game, the player inserts a coin as an example of a value object from the coin insertion slot 18 when the insertion instruction lamp 19 is lit or blinking.
The insertion instruction lamp 19 is turned off when three coins are inserted. However, in a regular bonus game described later (hereinafter simply referred to as a bonus game), the light is turned off when one coin is inserted. When one or more coins are inserted, the start lamp 72 is turned on, thereby indicating that the start lever 12 can be pressed and operated.
[0022]
If the player inserts a coin and presses the start lever 12 in a state where the start lamp 72 is lit, the variable display device 70 is variably started, and a plurality of types of symbols are variable in the variable display portions 5L, 5C, and 5R. Is displayed. Next, if the player presses each stop button 9L (also referred to as a left stop button), 9C (also referred to as a middle stop button), and 9R (also referred to as a right stop button), the corresponding variable display portions 5L corresponding to the respective presses. The variable display of 5C, 5R is configured to be stopped. If the player does not press the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, the variable display sections 5L, 5C, 5R are automatically activated in the priority order of 5L, 5C, 5R, for example, with the passage of a predetermined variable display time. Stop sequentially. Therefore, when it is expected that the game result will be out of sync with the result of stopping some of the variable display sections, the variable based on the predetermined stop timer is not required to press the stop button 9R. Since the variable display of all the variable display units is automatically ended as the display time elapses, it is possible to prevent the player from being burdened with an extra game operation.
[0023]
The slot machine 1 can perform a credit game using credits, which will be described later, in addition to a normal game (coin game) in which coins are inserted and played. In the case of a coin game, if a player inserts one coin from the coin insertion slot 18 and presses the start lever 12, an effective line (one row in the middle of the variable display portions 5L, 5C, 5R) Only the winning line) is valid, and the valid line display lamp 21 is lit to notify the player that the line is valid. A game bet on the value of one coin is called a one-bet game. In a single betting game, when a symbol displayed when the variable display device 70 is stopped becomes a specific display mode predetermined on the active line in the middle row, a predetermined number of coins are paid out. A predetermined value can be assigned. In particular, when a special display mode determined in advance is used, coins are paid out and a big bonus game or bonus game described later is started.
[0024]
On the other hand, if the player presses the start lever 12 with two coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 18, the three rows of effective lines in the variable display portions 5L, 5C, and 5R become effective and display the effective lines. When the lamps 21 and 22 are turned on and the display result when the variable display device 70 is stopped becomes a specific display mode predetermined on any of the three rows of effective lines, a predetermined valuable value is obtained. Is ready to be granted. A game that is played with a value of two coins is called a game of two bets.
[0025]
Furthermore, if the player presses the start lever 12 with three coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 18, a total of five rows of three horizontal rows and two diagonal rows in the variable display portions 5L, 5C, and 5R are displayed. When the effective line is activated and the effective line display lamps 21, 22, and 23 are turned on and a predetermined display mode is set in advance on any of these five effective lines, It will be in a state where valuable value can be given. A game played with a value of three coins is called a game of three bets.
[0026]
That is, if the player inserts one coin and presses the start lever 12, the game becomes a so-called betting game, and one active line becomes effective, and two coins are inserted and the start lever 12 is inserted. Is operated as a so-called two-stake bet game, and the three active lines are activated. If three coins are inserted and the start button 12 is pressed, a so-called three-stake bet game is provided. All valid lines are valid.
[0027]
Note that the relationship between the number of inserted coins and the number of active lines in this case is an example, and is not limited to the above-described relationship. In addition, although the example in which the number of effective lines with respect to the number of inserted coins is fixed is shown, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of effective lines with respect to the number of inserted coins may be determined by lottery. Such a lottery may be performed for each game or for each predetermined number of games. Further, the maximum value of the number of active lines may be changed, for example, between 1 and 5 by lottery. Thus, if the relationship between the number of inserted coins and the number of active lines is varied, the game contents can be varied, and the player's interest can be improved.
[0028]
Next, a credit game will be described. In the credit game, coins are inserted in advance and accumulated in the slot machine 1 or the like as credits as an example of player-owned value, or coins awarded as prizes are accumulated in the slot machine 1 or the like as credits. It is a game in which a game is played using credits accumulated in advance without inserting coins. The player can switch from the coin game to the credit game by pressing the game switch button 16 once, and can switch from the credit game to the coin game by pressing the game switch button 16 again. In the case of a credit game, the value of 50 coins can be stored in advance as credits. The stored credit number (number of coins) is displayed on the credit display 26.
[0029]
In the credit game, by depressing the credit operation button 14a for three bets once, the credit number is subtracted by “3” from the credit display 26, and the game becomes a three bet game similar to the coin game. By depressing the credit operation button 14b for betting, the credit display unit 26 decrements the credit amount by “1” and becomes a single betting game similar to the coin game. If there is a credit operation button 14a for three bets, it is not necessary to press the credit operation button many times when a player wishes to play a three-wager game, which is the maximum bet number. Can be reduced. In particular, this configuration becomes more effective as the maximum bet number is set larger. A credit operation button is provided corresponding to each bet amount, and a one-bet game is made by pressing the one-bet credit operation button. Two bets are made by pressing the two-bet credit operation button. The game may be configured such that a game of three bets can be performed by pressing a credit operation button for three bets.
[0030]
Reference numeral 73 denotes an adjustment button for operating when the credited valuable value is paid back to the player. By pressing the adjustment button 73, coins corresponding to the number displayed on the credit display 26 are given to the player. It is supposed to be returned.
[0031]
Next, the relationship between the operation of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R and the operation of the slot machine 1 will be described. After the variable display is started by the variable display device 70, if the stop button 9L, 9C, 9R is pressed, the reel corresponding to the button is stopped. 11L, 11C, and 11R are a left operation effective lamp, a middle operation effective lamp, and a right operation effective lamp, respectively, which light up or indicate that the pressing operation of the corresponding stop buttons 9L, 9C, and 9R has been effectively received. It blinks and turns off in response to the pressing operation of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R. The order of pressing the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R is indefinite and can be arbitrarily selected by the player. For example, when the left stop button 9L is first pressed, the left operation effective lamp 11L is turned off and the variable display portion 5L is stopped.
[0032]
Next, when the middle stop button 9C is pressed, the middle operation effective lamp 11C is turned off and the variable display portion 5C is stopped. Reach is established when the same symbols are stopped and displayed on both variable display portions when the left variable display portion 5L and the middle variable display portion 5C are stopped.
[0033]
Further, if the stop button 9C is pressed within the time of the stop timer while the left variable display portion 5L and the middle variable display portion 5C are stopped, the right operation valid lamp 11R is turned off and the variable display portion 5R is stopped. The final display result is derived and displayed.
[0034]
In the figure, 25 is a game number display, which is configured to display the value of a big bonus game counter or bonus game counter, which will be described later, and to switch and display the number of big bonus games or bonus games currently being executed. Yes. Reference numeral 27 denotes a payout amount display for displaying the number of coins given when a winning is achieved. In the case of a coin game, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of coins is paid out from the coin payout exit 29 to the coin storage tray 30 when a winning is established, and in the case of a credit game, a storage upper limit (50). The number of coins to be awarded within a range not exceeding the number is stored. In addition, when the upper limit (50 sheets) of the memory is exceeded, the surplus coins are paid out into the coin storage tray 30.
[0035]
The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a box-shaped main body 2a (see FIG. 2) whose front surface is open, and a front panel 2b (see FIG. 3) pivotally supported on a side end of the main body 2a. Then, by inserting a predetermined key into the locking device 3 and rotating it clockwise, the locking is released and the front panel 2b can be opened. In addition, when a big bonus game, which will be described later, is ended or an error occurs during the game, the game cannot be resumed unless the reset operation is performed. This is done by inserting a predetermined key and operating it counterclockwise. The operation of the locking device 3 in the counterclockwise direction is detected by the reset switch 4 (see FIG. 4), and the slot machine 1 is reset based on the detection output, and the game can be played again.
[0036]
A plurality of game effect lamps 24 are provided around the display window 71 and are lit or blinked when a big bonus game or a bonus game is generated. A game overlamp 20 is lit or blinked when the slot machine is stopped (game over).
[0037]
FIG. 2 shows an internal structure diagram of the slot machine main body 2a. A variable display device 70 having a plurality of (three in the drawing) reel 6L, reel 6C, and reel 6R is provided at a substantially central portion in the main body 2a. Each reel 6L, 6C, 6R is provided with a reel drive motor 7L, 7C, 7R comprising a stepping motor, and each reel 6L, 6C, 6R is rotated by each reel drive motor 7L, 7C, 7R. Configured to stop. On the outer periphery of each of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R, identification information including a plurality of types of symbols as shown in FIG. 5 is drawn. The identification information drawn on the outer periphery of the reel is variably displayed on the variable display portions 5L, 5C, and 5R. Reference numerals 8L, 8C, and 8R are reel position detection sensors that detect the reference position of each reel. Each time the reels 6L to 6R make one rotation, the reference position is detected by the reel position detection sensors 8L, 8C, and 8R, and a detection output is derived.
[0038]
Below the variable display device 70, a coin storage tank 37 for storing coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 is pulled forward through a guide rail 80 fixed on the upper surface of the lower plate constituting the main body 2a. It is arranged to be possible. A coin payout motor 38 is provided in a lower portion of the coin storage tank 37, and coins in the coin storage tank 37 are discharged by rotating the coin payout motor 38, and a coin payout is made from a return coin flow path 95 described later. A single coin storage tray 30 is discharged through the outlet 29.
[0039]
On the side of the coin storage tank 37, the probability setting switch 44 that enables the winning probability to be changed, the power switch 81, the game can be continued again at the end of the big bonus game or when an error occurs during the game. A power supply unit 83 provided with a reset switch 82 and the like for resetting to a proper state is provided. Each of these switches can be operated by inserting a specific key possessed by a manager of the game hall into a key insertion slot 84 provided at the upper front of the power supply unit 83 and performing a predetermined key operation. It is configured. Reference numeral 45 denotes a control unit that controls the slot machine, including a microcomputer.
[0040]
FIG. 3 shows a back surface structure diagram of the front panel 2b. In the figure, reference numeral 35 denotes an inserted coin selector as a game medium transfer member, which is fixed below the coin insertion slot 18 in the front panel 2b as will be described later, and stores coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 as coin storage. It is led to the tank 37 or the coin payout exit 29. An illegal coin discharge portion 94 is provided on the upstream side of the inserted coin selector 35. An illegal coin having a size or thickness different from that of an appropriate coin is an upper opening of a return coin channel 95 provided below the inserted coin selector 35. And is returned to the coin storage tray 30 via the coin payout exit 29.
[0041]
A flow path switching solenoid 33 is provided on the downstream side of the illegal coin discharge unit 94 to selectively switch the coin flow path flowing down. Normally, the flow path switching solenoid 33 is energized, and the coins flowing down flow without switching the flow path, and are detected by the inserted coin sensor 36 provided on the downstream side, and then stored through the storage path. It is stored in the tank 37. When more than three coins are inserted during a coin game, or when the number of credits reaches 50 during a credit game, the flow path switching solenoid 33 is de-energized and the flow path is switched. The coins inserted thereafter are guided to the return coin channel 95 through the return channel. Further, a speaker 28 is provided on the side of the coin payout exit 29 for generating sound effects at the time of winning a prize, a big bonus game, a bonus game, an alarm sound at the time of abnormality, and the like.
[0042]
Next, the structure of the coin channel inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 and the coin channel discharged from the coin storage tank 37 will be described with reference to FIGS. The inserted coin selector 35 extends obliquely downward from the lower portion of the coin insertion slot 18 as shown in the figure, and at the lower portion of the inserted coin selector 35 is a return coin flow path 95 formed of a resin cover material. A guide member 102 is provided. The return coin flow path 95 is configured such that the upper opening is located below the illegal coin discharge portion 94 and the flow path switching solenoid 33 in the insertion coin selector 35 and the lower end opening communicates with the coin payout outlet 29. Coins discharged from the coin discharge portion 94 and the flow path switching solenoid 33 are guided into the coin storage tray 30 from the coin payout exit 29. In addition, the guide member 102 formed in an upward U-shape in the longitudinal section is arranged so that the downstream end of the inserted coin selector 35 is located below and the downstream end thereof is located above the rear coin storage tank 37. The coins discharged from the downstream end of the inserted coin selector 35 are discharged from the downstream opening and guided into the coin storage tank 37.
[0043]
An inserted coin sensor 36 is provided on the downstream side of the flow path switching solenoid 33 in the inserted coin selector 35, and the number of credits is increased to 50 when more than three coins are inserted in the coin game or in the credit game. In a normal time except when it reaches, coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 and guided into the coin storage tank 37 are detected. A detection signal output from the inserted coin sensor 36 is input to the control unit 45 as described later, and the number of inserted coins is counted by the control unit 45.
[0044]
The coins stored in the coin storage tank 37 pass through a payout passage 103 provided in the lower portion of the tank by driving a coin payout motor 38 and are discharged from the opening 106 at the downstream end. The opening 106 faces the opening 104 formed in the lower part of the back surface of the cover material constituting the return coin channel 95 in a state where the front surface of the main body 2a is closed by the front panel 2b. The more discharged coins are guided into the return coin passage 95 through the opening 104.
[0045]
A payout coin sensor 39 is provided at a predetermined location in the payout flow path 103 to detect coins discharged from the coin storage tank 37. The detection signal output from the payout coin sensor 39 is input to the control unit 45 as described later, and the number of coins paid out is counted by the control unit 45. When the number of coins to be paid out reaches a predetermined number, the coin payout motor 38 is controlled to stop.
[0046]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the slot machine 1. The control circuit includes a control unit 45 as a control center. The control unit 45 has a function of controlling the operation of the slot machine 1 as described below. The control unit 45 is composed of, for example, several chips of LSI, and includes a CPU 46 capable of executing a control operation in a predetermined procedure, a ROM 47 storing an operation program of the CPU 46, and writing of necessary data. And a readable RAM 48. Further, an I / O port 49 for matching the signal between the CPU 46 and the external circuit, an initial reset circuit 51 that gives a reset pulse to the CPU 46 when the power is turned on, and a clock generation circuit 52 that gives a clock signal to the CPU 46. A pulse frequency dividing circuit (interrupt pulse generating circuit) 53 that divides the clock signal from the clock generating circuit 52 and periodically gives an interrupt pulse to the CPU 46; and an address decode circuit that decodes address data from the CPU 46 54.
[0047]
The CPU 46 can execute the operation of the interrupt control routine in accordance with the interrupt pulse periodically given from the pulse frequency dividing circuit 53. The address decode circuit 54 decodes the address data from the CPU 46 and gives a chip select signal to the ROM 47, RAM 48, I / O port 49, and sound generator 50, respectively.
[0048]
In this embodiment, the programmable ROM 47 is used as the ROM 47 so that the contents of the ROM 47 can be rewritten, that is, if necessary, the program for the CPU 46 stored therein can be changed. Then, the CPU 46 gives control signals to the above-described reel drive motor and various display lamps in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 47 and in response to input of each control signal described below.
[0049]
First, a coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 is detected by the inserted coin sensor 36, and its detection output is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. When a coin is paid out from the coin payout motor 38, the payout coin is detected by the payout coin sensor 39, and the detection output is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. The pressing operation of the start lever 12 is detected by the start switch 13, and the detection output is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. The operation of the settlement button 73 is detected by the settlement switch 76, and an operation signal is given to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. When the reset switch 4 of the locking device 3 is operated by a predetermined key operation, the operation signal is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. The operation of the credit operation button 14 is detected by the credit switch 15, and the detection output is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. A pressing operation of the game switch button 16 is detected by the game switch 17, and the detection signal is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. When a predetermined key is inserted into the key insertion slot 84 and the key switch 43 is operated, the operation signal is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. The key switch 43 accepts inputs from the probability setting switch 44 and the reset switch 82. The detection signals of the left stop button 9L, middle stop button 9C, and right stop button 9R are detected by the left stop switch 10L, middle stop switch 10C, and right stop switch 10R, and the respective detection signals are passed through the switch / sensor circuit 55. To the I / O port 49. When the coin storage tank 37 is full with the stored coins, the fact is detected by the full sensor 42, and the detection output is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. When the reels 6L, 6C, 6R rotate and the reference values (notches and the like are formed) of the respective reels are detected by the left, middle, and right reel position sensors 8L, 8C, 8R, the respective detection signals Is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. When the switch of the power switch 81 is turned off, the detection signal is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55.
[0050]
The control unit 45 outputs control signals to the following various devices. First, reel drive control signals (stepping motor step signals) are output to the left, middle and right reel drive motors 7L, 7C and 7R via the motor circuit 56, respectively. A coin payout control signal is output to the coin payout motor 38 via the motor circuit 57. A solenoid excitation control signal is output to the flow path switching solenoid 33 via the solenoid circuit 58. Display control signals are output to the game number display unit 25, the credit display unit 26, and the payout number display unit 27 through the LED circuit 59, respectively. Via the lamp circuit 60, the game effect lamp 24, the input instruction lamp 19, the effective line display lamps 21, 22, 23, the left operation effective lamp 11L, the middle operation effective lamp 11C, the right operation effective lamp 11R, the game overlamp 20, the start A lamp control signal is output to each of the lamps 72. A sound generation control signal is output to the speaker 28 via the sound generator 50 and the amplifier 61. A predetermined alternating current is supplied from the power supply circuit 62 to the various devices and control circuits described above. Further, the RAM 48 is configured to be supplied with a current for storing data from the backup power source 63. Even if the current is not supplied from the power source circuit 62 due to a power failure, the probability setting value and the game state are set. Can be stored for a predetermined period.
[0051]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, a relay board 105 (a part of the control board) connected to the control unit 45 is provided below the variable display units 5R, 5C, and 5L on the back surface of the front panel 2b. The switch / sensor circuit 55, motor circuits 56 and 57, solenoid circuit 58, LED circuit 59, lamp circuit 60, amplifier 61, reservation circuit 101 to be described later, and the like are configured on the relay substrate 105.
[0052]
The CPU 46 is connected with a communication unit 92 for performing data communication with a management computer 96 installed in the hall via a communication cable 93. As will be described later, the CPU 46 detects a signal from the power switch 81. Is transmitted to the management computer 96 that the power switch 81 is turned off, and a power OFF enable / disable signal output from the management computer 96 that receives this signal is sent to the I / O port 49. To the reservation circuit 101.
[0053]
Next, the configuration of the inserted coin selector 35 will be described with reference to FIGS. The inserted coin selector 35 is formed of a metal material or the like as shown in FIG. 6, and is provided with a flow path switching solenoid 33 and a inserted coin sensor 36 at predetermined locations. 33 and the free ends of the cables C1 and C2 extended from the inserted coin sensor 36 are connected to the relay substrate 105 through connection means described later. In addition, an insertion port 35a into which a coin inserted from a coin insertion port 18 (not shown) is inserted is formed at the upper end of the inserted coin selector 35, and a discharge port 35b from which the coins that have flowed down are discharged at the lower end. Are formed respectively. In the vicinity of the insertion port 35a and the opening 35b, there are mounting pieces 112a and 112b that can be fixed via fixing rivets 110 as fixing means to fixing pieces 113a and 113b that are welded and fixed at predetermined positions on the back surface of the front panel 2b. It protrudes outward.
[0054]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the mounting pieces 112a and 112b and the fixing pieces 113a and 113b are formed with insertion holes 111a and 111b and insertion holes 114a and 114b, respectively, through which the rivet 110 can be inserted. The insertion coin selector 35 can be fixed to the front panel 2b by fixing the attachment piece 112a and the fixed piece 113a and the attachment piece 112b and the fixed piece 113b with the rivet 110.
[0055]
Here, a method of fixing the mounting piece 112a and the fixing piece 113a and the mounting piece 112b and the fixing piece 113b will be described with reference to FIG. The rivet 110 as a fixing means used in the present embodiment is called a blind rivet, and a through passage 115 is formed in the aluminum rivet 110, and a pulling pin 116 is inserted into the through passage 115. It is possible. At one end of the pulling pin 116, an enlarged diameter portion 116a having a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the through passage 115 is formed, and a bent portion having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the through passage 115 is formed at the base of the enlarged diameter portion 116a. A portion 116b is formed.
[0056]
Next, a method of fixing the mounting piece 112a and the fixing piece 113a using the rivet 110 will be described below. The fixing piece 113b and the attachment piece 112b are assumed to be fixed in the same manner as the fixing method of the fixing piece 113a and the attachment piece 112a described above, and description thereof will be omitted below. First, as shown in FIG. 7A, the rivets 110 are inserted after the insertion holes 111a and 114a are aligned with each other, and the pulling pin 116 is moved to the arrow in FIG. When pulled in the direction, the drawn-in enlarged diameter portion 116a is locked to the end of the rivet 110 as shown in FIG. 7B, and the end of the rivet 110 is deformed. Further, when the movement of the drawn-in enlarged diameter portion 116a is restricted at a position near the insertion hole 114a of the fixed piece 113a in the through passage 115, the attachment piece is formed by the deformed end of the rivet 110 and the head 110c of the rivet 110. 112a and the fixed piece 113a are sandwiched, and then the pulling pin 116 is pulled more strongly, whereby the tip portion is folded and separated from the bent portion 116b.
[0057]
In such a state, the rivet 110 cannot be deviated from the insertion holes 111a and 114a. Therefore, after the insertion coin selector 35 is once attached to the front panel 2b and both are fixed by the rivet 110, the insertion is performed. The coin selector 35 cannot be easily removed from the front panel 2a. If it is decided to remove this, the rivet 110, the fixed piece 113a, and a part of the attachment piece 112a are destroyed.
[0058]
In this manner, the inserted coin selector 35 in which the inserted coin sensor 36 is integrally assembled in advance is provided with the mounting piece 112a formed at a predetermined position of the fixed coin 113a on the front panel 2a to which the mounting piece 112a can be attached. Since it is fixed to the front panel 2b by a rivet 110 as a fixing means that cannot be released unless it is partially broken, the inserted coin selector 35 itself having the inserted coin sensor 36 is removed. Even if it is replaced, the fixed piece 113a, the mounting piece 112a, and further, the predetermined portion of the rivet 110 is deformed and destroyed, so that it is immediately known that an illegal act has been performed. .
[0059]
As described above, the fixing piece 113a and the attachment piece 112a are limited to the above-described fixing method as long as the fixing piece 113a and the attachment piece 112a are configured to be deformed, for example, when a part of them is released. However, the present invention can be variously modified, and another example of the fixing method will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0060]
First, as shown in FIG. 8, a fixing member 118 having a protruding piece 117 formed at the tip is welded and fixed at a predetermined position on the back surface of the front panel 2b, while the insertion hole of the mounting piece 112a of the insertion coin selector 35 is inserted. A taper surface 129 having a diameter increasing outward is formed on 111a. In a state where the resin protruding piece 112a is inserted into the insertion hole 111a formed in this way, as shown in FIG. 8B, the head of the protruding piece 117 is melted by the horn 119 of the welding apparatus and the welding is performed. The portion 117a extends on the tapered surface 129 of the insertion hole 112a and is welded to this. As a result, the fixing member 118 and the mounting piece 112a cannot be separated unless the welded portion 117a is destroyed. For this reason, there is no method other than destroying at least the welded portion 117a in order to take out the inserted coin selector 35. If the welded portion 117a is destroyed, it is immediately known that an illegal process has been performed.
[0061]
Further, the shape of the protruding piece 117 and the insertion hole 111a may be changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the protruding piece 117 protrudes without forming an inclined surface portion around the insertion hole 111 a, the shape of the horn 119 is formed in a Fuji aphrodisiac shape. It is good also as the welding part 117b which divides a front-end | tip into a forked shape and coats and welds the upper surface of the attachment piece 112a.
[0062]
In the present invention, although not particularly illustrated, the fixing pieces 113a and 113b and the attachment pieces 112a and 112b may be firmly fixed using an adhesive or the like, or the fixing pieces 113a and 113b and For example, the attachment pieces 112a and 112b may be formed of, for example, a thermoplastic resin material, and these may be welded and fixed.
[0063]
Next, a method of connecting the connector 120 provided at the free end of the cable C1 extended from the inserted coin sensor 36 and the connector 121 provided on the relay board 105 connected to the control unit 45 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 will be described.
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 10A, a recess 122 that allows the connector 121 of the relay board 105 to be fitted is formed on the connection surface of the connector 120 provided at the free end of the cable C1 of the inserted coin sensor 36. In the recess 122, an insertion piece 123 having a connection terminal (not shown) exposed on the outer surface is projected. An elastically deformable locking piece 124 having an inward locking claw 124a at the tip is formed at a predetermined position on the inner surface of the wall 120a constituting the recess 122. On the other hand, on the connection surface of the connector 121 fixed to the relay substrate 105, the insertion piece 123 of the connector 120 can be fitted, and a recess 125 is formed on the inner surface with the connection terminal (not shown) exposed. In addition, a locking groove 126 that can be engaged with and disengaged from the locking claw 124 a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connector 121. Reference numeral 127 denotes a cover body made of a plate material surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the connector 121, and is erected on the relay substrate 105.
[0065]
When the connector 120 configured in this manner is inserted into the connector 121 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10B, the insertion piece 123 of the connector 120 is inserted into the recess 125 of the connector 121 and is locked. The claw 124a and the locking groove 126 are locked, and the deviation of the connector 120 from the connector 121 is restricted. In this state, the locking piece 124 is covered with the wall portion 120a, and the outer periphery of the wall portion 120a is further covered with the cover body 127. It is impossible to release the engagement between 124a and the locking groove 126, that is, the connection between the two cannot be released except for destroying a part of the connector 120, the connector 121 or the cover body 127. . Therefore, if a predetermined portion of the connector 120, the connector 121, or the cover body 127 is destroyed, it is immediately known that an illegal act such as releasing these connections and replacing the inserted coin sensor 36 has been performed.
[0066]
The shape of these connectors 120 and 121, the locking mechanism, and the like are arbitrary, so long as the predetermined portion is deformed so that it can be seen that the predetermined portion has been destroyed in order to release the connection between them. The connection method is not limited to the above.
[0067]
Further, here, the method of connecting the cable C1 extended from the inserted coin sensor 36 to the relay board 105 has been described. However, in the present invention, the cable extended from the payout coin sensor 39 and the relay board 105 are: The connectors 121 and 120 may be connected in the same configuration. Further, the connector 120 of each cable is connected to the connector 121 of the relay board 105 connected to the control board of the control unit 45, but from the connector provided on the control board of the control part 45 or from the control board. You may connect with the structure similar to the above with respect to the connector (not shown) provided in the free end of the extended cable.
[0068]
Next, FIGS. 11 and 12 show an example in which a cover member for preventing unauthorized modification or replacement to the inserted coin selector 35 is attached. In FIG. 11, reference numeral 140 denotes a synthetic resin cover member that covers the inserted coin selector 35, and is composed of an upper cover 140a and a lower cover 140b. The inserted coin selector 35 is disposed at a predetermined position of the lower cover 140b via a plurality of guide pieces 141 projecting from the inner surface of the lower cover 140b with the mounting pieces 112a and 112b protruding to the outside. It is like that. In addition, sealing pieces 144 having screw holes 143 into which a one-way screw 142 (to be described later) can be screwed are protruded from the side surface of the lower cover 140b at a plurality of locations, and the upper cover is provided at four corners of the lower cover 140b. An insertion hole 153 into which the fixing screw 154 of 140a can be inserted is formed.
[0069]
At predetermined positions on the side plate 145 of the upper cover 140a, notches 146a and 146b for allowing the attachment pieces 112a and 112b of the inserted coin selector 35 disposed on the lower cover 140b to be inserted outside, and an illegal coin discharging portion 94 are provided. The coins that can be discharged from the notch 147 for allowing the coins to be discharged to the outside, the notch 148 for enabling the coins discharged from the discharge port 35b to be discharged to the outside, and the coins can be passed to the insertion port 35a. And a sealing piece 151 having an insertion hole 150 through which the one-way screw 142 can be inserted at a position corresponding to each sealing piece 144 formed in the lower cover 140b. It is installed. In addition, screw holes 152 into which fixing screws 154 are screwed are formed at four corners facing the insertion holes 153 of the lower cover 140b.
[0070]
The upper cover 140a and the lower cover 140b configured as described above are inserted into the insertion hole 153 from below the lower cover 140b after the upper coin 140a is attached after the insertion coin selector 35 is disposed on the lower cover 140b. The fixed screw 154 is integrated by screwing into the screw hole 152, and, as shown in FIG. 12, the one-way screw 142 is inserted through the insertion hole 150 of the sealing piece 151 of the upper cover 140a and is opposed thereto. It is integrated by screwing into the screw hole 143 of the sealing piece 144 of the lower cover 140b, and cannot be opened, and the entire inserted coin selector 35 is covered with the cover member 140 thus integrated. ing. The one-way screw 142 is a conventionally known one-way screw, and is not particularly shown, but cannot be removed once screwed, that is, can only be screwed in one direction.
[0071]
Thus, the inserted coin selector 35 having the inserted coin sensor 36 for detecting the inserted coin is covered with the cover member 140, so that the inserted coin sensor 36 cannot be easily tampered with. In order to open the cover member 140, the sealing pieces 144 and 151 into which the one-way screws 142 as fixing means are screwed must be separated from the upper cover 140a and the lower cover 140b, respectively, and the fixing screws 154 must be removed. That is, if the cover member 140 is opened, one of the sealing pieces 144 and 151 is cut and a trace remains, so that it is possible to easily confirm that an illegal act has been performed from the outside.
[0072]
If a plurality of such sealing pieces 144 and 151 are provided in a protruding manner and only one of the plurality of sealing pieces 144 and 151 is fixed with the one-way screw 142 when fixing, the cover It can be immediately confirmed how many times the member 140 has been opened. In addition, although the shape of these sealing pieces 144 and 151 is arbitrary and can be variously deformed, it is preferable to have a shape in which the cut portion can be easily confirmed as shown in the figure.
[0073]
Further, the cover member 140 may be any member as long as it can cover the entire inserted coin selector 35. For example, the cover member 140 includes only the upper cover 140a, and the upper cover 140a covers the sealing piece 151. 6 may be directly fixed to fixing pieces 113a, 113b and the like fixed to a predetermined portion of the front panel 2b as shown in FIG. 6 by a one-way screw 142 as fixing means.
[0074]
Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a cover member 155 capable of covering the inserted coin sensor 36 is inserted through an insertion hole 157 of a sealing piece 156 formed around the cover member 155 and provided at a predetermined position of the inserted coin selector 35. It may be fixed by a one-way screw 142 or the like screwed into a screw hole (not shown). Thus, even if the entire inserted coin selector 35 is not covered, it is possible to prevent unauthorized modification and replacement of the inserted coin sensor 36 in particular. The upper cover 140a and the lower cover 140b and the cover member 155 and the inserted coin selector 35 are fixed by the one-way screw 142. However, the above-described rivet or welding may be used.
[0075]
Next, FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power supply circuit. In the figure, 130 indicates a switch circuit that can switch power supplied to the control unit 45 to either an external power source or a battery 131 as a power storage means, and 132 detects a change in voltage at the external power source. The voltage detection circuit is shown. When the supply of power from the external power supply is stopped and the voltage becomes a predetermined value or less, the switch circuit 130 is switched to the battery 131 side, and the power of the battery 131 is transferred to the control unit 45. As described later, a predetermined signal indicating that the supply of power has been stopped is sent to the control unit 45 as will be described later. At this time, the voltage detection circuit 132 is energized by the battery 131 so that it can operate even when the power is cut off.
[0076]
In the figure, reference numeral 128 denotes a transistor constituting the reservation circuit 101, which is provided in parallel with the power switch 81, and the power supplied from the switch circuit 130 is controlled by the control unit 45 when the power switch 81 is turned on. It is supplied to the substrate. When the power switch 81 is turned off, the switch / sensor circuit 55 receives power through the reservation circuit 101 having the transistor 128 and detects that the power switch 81 is turned off. The CPU 46 of the control unit 45 that has received power via the communication unit 92 sends a power supply stop signal to the management computer 96 via the communication unit 92. Here, the fact that the power supply stop signal has been input is displayed on the display screen of the management computer 96 so that it can be seen that the power switch 81 has been operated in the predetermined slot machine 1. When the management computer 96 permits the power supply stop, a power supply stop permission signal is sent to the CPU 46, and the CPU 46 that receives this signal stops the power supply via the reservation circuit 101.
[0077]
Here, for example, a slot machine 1 that outputs a predetermined error sound when the connector of the cable of the inserted coin sensor 36 and the connector of the payout coin sensor 39 is released or inserted. It is conceivable that a person who intends to perform an illegal process on each sensor in (1) turns off the power when performing an illegal action in order to avoid the output of an error sound.
[0078]
However, for example, even when an operation for stopping the supply of power is performed by the power switch 81, the supply of power is stopped in the reservation circuit 101 having the power switch 81 and the transistor 128 configured in parallel with the power switch 81. During this time, the control unit 45 sends a signal indicating that the power supply to the management computer 96 has been stopped to the external management computer 96, so that the power supply stop operation is performed in the management computer 96. It can be confirmed surely. Therefore, it is possible to discover that there is a possibility that an operation of stopping power supply is performed by the power switch, that is, an illegal act has been performed.
[0079]
Regardless of the switch operation of the power switch 81, for example, when the power supply is stopped because the power plug is removed, the switch circuit 130 is switched to the battery side by the voltage detection circuit 132. Electric power is supplied from the battery 131. Therefore, upon receiving this power, the voltage detection circuit 132 directly sends a signal to the control unit 45 that the supply of power has been stopped, and the control unit 45 that is also supplied with power from the battery 131 The signal can be output to the management computer 96. The voltage detection circuit 132 may output a signal indicating that the supply of power has been stopped directly to the external management computer 96 without passing through the control unit 45.
[0080]
By providing such a battery 131 as a power storage means, even when an operation for stopping the supply of power by the power switch 81 is performed instead of the reservation circuit 101 and the supply of power is stopped, the switch / sensor circuit. 55 can receive power from the battery 131 to detect the operation of the power switch 81 and output to the outside that power supply has been stopped. In this embodiment, the battery 131 is used as the power storage means. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a capacitor or the like that can store predetermined power may be used.
[0081]
Here, a signal indicating that the supply of power has been stopped is sent to the external management computer 96 so that the management computer 96 can confirm that the supply of power has been stopped. Is displayed as an error on an appropriate display device provided in the slot machine 2, for example, by turning on the game effect lamp 24 or the like, or as error data in a predetermined storage unit It is only necessary to be able to confirm from the outside, such as recording and making it possible to output it to a recording medium or the like as appropriate.
[0082]
Each element in each of the embodiments corresponds to the present invention as follows.
[0083]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a display result of the variable display device (70) whose display state can be changed is derived and displayed, so that one game is completed, and the display result of the variable display device (70) is predetermined. A certain valuable value when a specific display mode is obtained Is given to the player A slot machine, Detection of a game medium (coin) to a game medium transfer member (insert coin selector 35) for guiding the game medium (coin) inserted from the game medium insertion slot (coin insertion slot 18) into the inside of the casing of the slot machine (1). Detection means (inserted coin sensor 36) is provided, and a cover member (155) covering the detection means (inserted coin sensor 36) is fixed by fixing means (rivet 110, protruding piece 117, one-way screw 142). When the game medium transfer member is fixed to the game medium transfer member, and the cover member is fixed to the game medium transfer member by the fixing means, the cover of the detection means is released as long as it is not damaged and leaves no trace. Impossible .
[0093]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. It is.
[0094]
For example, the number, shape and material of the fixing pieces 113a and 113b formed on the front panel 2b constituting the mounting pieces 112a and 112b of the inserted coin selector 35 and a part of the housing of the slot machine 1 in the above embodiment, The fixing position and the like are arbitrary and can be variously modified.
[0095]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention has the following effects.
[0096]
(A) According to the invention of claim 1, In addition to making it difficult to tamper with the detection means for detecting the game medium by the cover member, the cover state of the detection means is destroyed from the outside when the cover member is fixed to the game medium transfer member by the fixing means. Since it cannot be released unless it leaves a trace, the detection means built into the game medium transfer member It becomes possible to immediately discover from the outside that there is a possibility that fraud has been done, and it is possible to effectively suppress fraud.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a slot machine to which the present invention is applied.
2 is an internal structural diagram of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG.
3 is a rear view of the front panel of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view showing the internal structure of the slot machine.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the slot machine of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a mounted state of the inserted coin selector.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a fixing structure of an attachment piece and a fixing piece.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of another fixing structure of an attachment piece and a fixing piece.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of another fixing structure of the mounting piece and the fixing piece.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector connection structure.
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing configurations of an inserted coin selector and its cover member.
12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of FIG.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an inserted coin sensor and its cover member.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of a power supply circuit.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 slot machine
2 coins
2a Body
2b Front panel
3 Locking device
4 Reset switch
5R right variable display
5L variable display
5C variable display
6L reel
6C reel
6R reel
7L reel drive motor
8L reel position detection sensor
9R Right stop button
9L Left stop button
9C Middle stop button
10R Right stop switch
10L Left stop switch
10C middle stop switch
11R Right operation enable lamp
11L Left operation enable lamp
11C Medium operation effective lamp
12 Start lever
13 Start switch
14a Credit operation button
14b Credit operation button
15 Credit switch
16 Game switch button
17 Game selector switch
18 coin slot
19 Input lamp
20 Game Overramp
21, 22, 23 Effective line indicator lamp
24 game effect lamp
25 game number display
26 Credit indicator
27 Discharge number indicator
28 Speaker
29 Coin payment exit
30 coin storage tray
33 Flow path switching solenoid
35 Insert coin selector
35a inlet
35b outlet
36 Inserted coin sensor
37 Coin storage tank
38 Coin payout motor
39 Payout coin sensor
42 Full sensor
43 Key switch
21, 22 Effective line indicator lamp
44 Probability setting switch
45 Control unit
49 I / O port
50 sound generator
51 Initial reset circuit
52 Clock generation circuit
53 Pulse divider
54 Address decode circuit
55 Switch sensor circuit
56, 57 Motor circuit
58 Solenoid circuit
59 LED circuit
60 Lamp circuit
61 amplifier
62 Power supply circuit
63 Backup power supply
70 Variable display device
71 Display window
72 Start lamp
73 Checkout button
76 Checkout switch
80 guide rail
81 Power switch
82 Reset switch
83 Setting unit
84 Key slot
92 Communication Department
93 Communication cable
94 Unauthorized coin ejector
95 Return coin flow path
96 Management computer
101 Reserved circuit
102 Guide member
103 Dispensing channel
104 opening
105 Relay board
106 opening
110 rivets
111a, 111b insertion hole
112a, 112b Mounting piece
113a, 113b Fixed piece
114a, 114b insertion hole
115 Throughway
116 Pull pin
116a Diameter expansion part
116b Bent part
117 Protruding piece
117a welded part
118 Fixing member
119 Horn
120, 121 connector
120a wall
122 recess
123 Insertion piece
124 Locking piece
125 recess
126 Locking groove
127 Cover body
128 transistors
129 Tapered surface
130 Switch circuit
131 battery
132 Voltage detection circuit
140 Cover member
140a top cover
140b bottom cover
141 Guide piece
142 One-way screw
143 Screw hole
144 Sealing piece
145 side plate
146a, 146b Notch
147-149 Notch
150 insertion hole
151 Sealing piece
152 Screw hole
153 Insertion hole
154 Fixing screw
155 Cover member
156 sealing piece
157 Insertion hole

Claims (1)

When a display result on the variable display device whose display state can be changed is derived and displayed, one game is completed, and a predetermined valuable value is obtained when the display result of the variable display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode. Is a slot machine given to a player ,
Detection means for detecting the game medium is provided on the game medium transfer member that guides the game medium input from the game medium insertion port to the inside of the housing of the slot machine, and a cover member that covers the detection means is fixed. In the state where the game medium transfer member is fixed by the means and the cover member is fixed to the game medium transfer member by the fixing means, the detection means is covered unless it is broken from the outside and leaves a trace. A slot machine characterized by being unreleasable .

Images