JP6097502B2 - Medal counting device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a medal counting device for counting medals that are game media of a slot machine.

  Conventionally, in many game halls, medals acquired by a player through a game are counted by a counting device (medal counting device), and prizes are exchanged according to the counting result. If a medal or coin having a lower value than a regular medal is inserted into the counting device and counted, there is a possibility that an unfair prize can be obtained. Such an act is one of the malicious fraudulent acts performed in the game hall. Therefore, in recent years, a counting device has been proposed in which a fraudulent act is determined by detecting an illegal small-diameter medal by paying attention to the difference in size between a regular medal and an unauthorized medal (for example, see Patent Document 1). ).

  However, the conventional counting device has the following problems. That is, in order to detect small-diameter medals with high certainty, it is necessary to make the selection threshold diameter close to the regular medal diameter. On the other hand, if the selection threshold is strictly set in this way, regular medals are erroneously detected. The possibility increases. Therefore, if an illegal act is determined immediately in response to detection of a small-diameter medal, an erroneous determination is likely to occur.

JP-A-5-334532

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a medal counting device capable of more accurately determining an abnormality such as an illegal act.

The medal counting device related to the present invention is a medal counting machine provided corresponding to each gaming machine,
An introduction route for guiding the inserted medal to the hopper,
Sending means for sending out medals in the hopper one by one;
First detecting means for detecting all medals sent by the sending means;
Second detection means for detecting regular medals having a diameter equal to or larger than a predetermined value among medals sent by the sending means;
First counting means for counting the number of times detected by the first detecting means;
Second counting means for counting the number of times detected by the second detecting means;
When a predetermined abnormality determination condition is satisfied, a condition that an abnormality index that is a difference or a ratio between a count value by the first counting unit and a count value by the second counting unit has reached a predetermined abnormality determination value An abnormality determination means for determining an abnormality as
An informing means for informing the abnormality when the abnormality determining means determines that an abnormality has occurred,
The second detection means includes a projecting portion that is biased to the inside of the passage of medals sent out by the sending means,
When a regular medal passes through the passage, the medal is detected by being pushed by the medal regardless of the urging force. On the other hand, when an illegal medal passes through the passage, the medal is detected. There is a medal counting device characterized in that the protruding portion is not pushed in and the passage of medals is not detected as the value is detected (hereinafter referred to as the first mode) .

The present invention is a medal counting device provided corresponding to each gaming machine,
An introduction route for guiding the inserted medal to the hopper,
Sending means for sending out medals in the hopper one by one;
First detecting means for detecting all medals sent by the sending means;
Second detection means for detecting regular medals having a diameter equal to or larger than a predetermined value among medals sent by the sending means;
First counting means for counting the number of times detected by the first detecting means;
Second counting means for counting the number of times detected by the second detecting means;
A payout means for paying out medals within a range of count values by the first counting means in accordance with a predetermined payout operation by the player;
Issuing means for issuing a recording medium on which information capable of specifying a value obtained by subtracting the number of medals paid out by the payout means from the count value obtained by the first counting means when a game end operation is performed by the player When,
The first counting means in the period from the start of the game on the current day or the period after the customer change is determined when the game end operation or the payout operation is performed, whichever is earlier An abnormality determination means for determining an abnormality on the condition that an abnormality index that is a ratio of a count value by the second count means and a count value by the second counting means has reached a predetermined abnormality determination value;
The medal counting device includes an informing means for informing the abnormality when the abnormality determining means determines that there is an abnormality (Claim 1; hereinafter referred to as a second aspect ).

The medal counting device according to the first and second aspects selects a regular medal from among the inserted medals in addition to the combination of the first detecting means and the first counting means for detecting and counting all the inserted medals. A combination of second detecting means and second counting means for detecting and counting automatically is provided.
In this medal counting device, the difference or ratio between the count value obtained by the first counting means and the count value obtained by the second counting means is set as an abnormality index. The abnormality index is determined when a predetermined abnormality determination condition is satisfied, and is determined abnormal when the predetermined abnormality determination value is reached.

As a medal counting device related to the present invention , a path for guiding inserted medals,
Among the medals flowing down in the path, a selection means for guiding a regular medal having a diameter equal to or larger than a predetermined value to the first path, and guiding an illegal medal having a diameter less than the predetermined value to the second path;
Third detection means for detecting a regular medal flowing down the first path;
Fourth detecting means for detecting an illegal medal flowing down the second path;
Third counting means for counting the number of times detected by the third detecting means;
Fourth counting means for counting the number of times detected by the fourth detecting means;
When a predetermined abnormality determination condition is satisfied, an abnormality index that is a count value by the fourth counting unit or a ratio between the count value by the third counting unit and the count value by the fourth counting unit is a predetermined abnormality determination An abnormality determining means for determining an abnormality on condition that the value has been reached;
Notification means for notifying abnormality when the abnormality determination means determines abnormality,
The sorting means includes a centering mechanism for bringing a medal flowing down in the first path to the center of the first path,
When the regular medal flows down, the first path does not fall into the second path even if the medal is moved to the center by the centering mechanism, while the centering mechanism moves down when the illegal medal flows down. There is a medal counting device characterized in that the medal is formed so that the medal falls into the second path when the medal is moved to the center (hereinafter referred to as a third mode ).

In the medal counting device of the third aspect, the regular medal is guided to the first path and the illegal medal is guided to the second path. A regular medal flowing down the first path is detected by the third detecting means and counted by the third counting means. An illegal medal flowing down the second path is detected by the fourth detecting means and counted by the fourth counting means.

  In this medal counting device, the count value by the fourth counting means or the ratio between the count value by the third counting means and the count value by the fourth counting means is set as an abnormality index. The abnormality index is determined when a predetermined abnormality determination condition is satisfied, and is determined abnormal when the predetermined abnormality determination value is reached.

  In the medal counting device of the present invention configured as described above, when a medal suspected of fraud is detected, it is not immediately determined to be abnormal. Whether or not there is an abnormality is determined based on the abnormality determination value when a predetermined abnormality determination condition is satisfied. Therefore, according to the medal counting device of the present invention, an abnormality can be determined with high accuracy, and erroneous determination can be suppressed.

As predetermined abnormality determination conditions in the present invention, for example, a game end operation, a medal payout operation, a count end, or the like can be set.
As a medal in the present invention, generally a metal circular shape such as a coin is adopted. In addition, a coin or a coin may be used.

A preferred aspect of the medal counting device of the first aspect is a medal counting device provided corresponding to a gaming machine,
A payout means for paying out medals within a range of count values by the first counting means in accordance with a predetermined payout operation by the player;
Issuing means for issuing a recording medium on which information capable of specifying a value obtained by subtracting the number of medals paid out by the payout means from the count value obtained by the first counting means when a game end operation is performed by the player And comprising
The abnormality determination means, when the game end operation is performed as the abnormality determination condition is satisfied, the abnormality index in a period from the start of the game of the day, or a period after the customer change is determined Is determined to be abnormal on the condition that the abnormality determination value has been reached .

  If the target period for abnormality determination is too short, erroneous determination is likely to occur. On the other hand, if the target period is too long, the game ends in the middle of the target period, and there is a problem that the number of cases in which a recording medium is issued without determining an abnormality occurs. On the other hand, if an abnormality is determined at the game end timing, the abnormality can be determined with high certainty while avoiding the above-described problem.

A preferred aspect of the medal counting device of the first aspect is a medal counting device provided corresponding to a gaming machine,
A payout means for paying out medals within a range of a count value by the first counting means in accordance with a predetermined payout operation by the player;
When the payout operation is performed as the establishment of the abnormality determination condition, the abnormality determination unit is configured such that the abnormality index in the period after the game of the day is started or in the period after the customer change is determined It is determined as abnormal on the condition that the abnormality determination value has been reached .

  As described above, there is a problem if the target period for abnormality determination is too short or too long. On the other hand, if an abnormality is determined at the timing of payout, the abnormality can be determined with high certainty while avoiding the occurrence of a problem.

In addition, in the configuration in which an abnormality is detected only at the timing of the end of the game, even if small medals are counted, if all are paid out as regular medals, the abnormality cannot be detected. If the recording medium is issued or paid out, whichever is earlier, the abnormality can be determined. According to such a configuration, an abnormality can be detected more accurately and reliably.

The sending means included in the medal counting device according to one preferred aspect of the first and second aspects starts sending medals in response to establishment of a predetermined start condition, while medals in response to establishment of a predetermined stop condition. Stop sending
The abnormality determination unit is configured such that, when the stop condition is satisfied as the abnormality determination condition is satisfied, the abnormality index in a period from when the immediately preceding start condition is satisfied to when the stop condition is satisfied is the abnormality determination value. It is determined as abnormal on the condition that it has reached .

  For example, the sending means starts sending medals on the condition that the medal is inserted into the counting hopper or the like, and then stops sending medals on the condition that the counting of the medals in the counting hopper is completed. Then, one counting process is executed. As described above, if an abnormality is determined based on the abnormality index in the period from when the immediately preceding start condition is satisfied to when the stop condition is satisfied, it is possible to perform abnormality determination with one counting process as the target period. .

1 is a system diagram showing a game hall management system including a counting device (medal counting device) in Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a counting device in Embodiment 1. FIG. The partial cross section figure which shows the accommodation structure of the counting hopper and the payout hopper in execution example 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the counting device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a counting hopper and a dispensing hopper in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a medal passage of a counting hopper in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a medal passage of a counting hopper in the first embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a regular medal passes a medal passage in Example 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the abnormality determination value in Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of counting processing in the first embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the count data corresponding to the 1st object period in Example 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the count data corresponding to the 2nd object period in Example 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the count data corresponding to the 3rd object period in Example 1. FIG. The perspective view which shows the medal path of the counting hopper in Example 2. FIG. The front view of the medal passage of the counting hopper in Example 2 (A arrow view in FIG. 14). FIG. 10 is a top view showing a medal passage of a counting hopper in the second embodiment.

The embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the following examples.
Example 1
This example is an example relating to a counting device (medal counting device) 1 capable of determining an abnormality according to detection of an illegal medal. The counting device 1 of this example determines abnormality according to detection of an illegal medal having a smaller diameter than a regular medal having an average diameter of 25 mm and a standard deviation (σ) of 0.1 mm. The contents will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The medal counting device (hereinafter, counting device) 1 of this example is a device for counting medals as game media as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and corresponds to each slot machine (game machine) 5. Installed. The counting device 1 is provided with a game medal payout function / lending function, and its installation shape is the same as that of a conventional sand-type payout device installed in a gap between adjacent slot machines 5.

  In the game hall, the combination of the counting device 1 and the slot machine 5 is managed by the management device 41, and the game hall management system 4 is formed as a whole. In this game hall management system 4, in addition to the management device 41, a relay device 42 installed for each of the two slot machines 5 is connected to the communication network 40. Two slot machines 5 and two counting devices 1 are connected to the relay device 42.

In the amusement hall, a plurality of slot machines 5 are arranged facing the passage to form a gaming machine island. In the gaming machine island, a supply basket for supplying medals used in the game from the upper rear side of each slot machine 5 and a recovery basket for collecting the collected medals from the lower rear side of each slot machine 5 (FIG. 3) is provided.
Hereinafter, after explaining each apparatus which comprises the game hall management system 4, the structure of the counting apparatus 1 of this example is demonstrated in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the management device 41 is a device that manages game data, sales, and the like of each slot machine 5 installed in the game hall. The management device 41 includes a control unit including a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, a storage unit including an HDD (hard disk drive), an output unit including a monitor 411 and a printer, an operation unit including a keyboard 412 and a mouse. It has.

  The management device 41 has a function of summing up the game data of each slot machine 5 to which a gaming machine ID is assigned, a function of managing the number of remaining credits and medals of a player for each gaming card, and the like. . In particular, the management device 41 of this example includes a function for setting an abnormality determination value (which will be described later with reference to FIG. 9), which is a threshold for determining whether or not an illegal medal has been inserted into the counting device 1. The abnormality determination value set on the management device 41 side is transmitted via the communication network 40 and set in each counting device 1.

  The slot machine 5 is a gaming machine in which a symbol starts to fluctuate in response to an operation of the start lever 51 and a game is started, and a winning is generated by a combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed in response to an operation of the stop button 52. As a winning combination, in addition to a small combination such as a five-piece combination and a replay combination, a bonus combination that triggers the occurrence of a bonus state is set.

  The slot machine 5 enters a state where a game can be started when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot or when a prescribed number of medals are used in the game (when a bet is placed) by operating a bet button. When the start lever 51 is operated in this state, the internal lottery is executed and the symbol variation by the three reels is started.

  In the slot machine 5, the corresponding reel symbol variation stops in response to the operation of the stop button 52. At this time, the internal winning flag of any combination is established, and the symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination (winning symbol) exists within a predetermined pull-in range based on the operation timing of the stop button 52. Then, the winning symbol is stopped and displayed by stop control including so-called pull-in control (slip control). When the game is finished in response to the stop of all three reels, if the winning symbol of any of the combinations is available in the symbol display window 55, the winning combination is won.

  The gaming state of the slot machine 5 includes a normal state that is disadvantageous to the player, a BB state that is a bonus state, an RB state, and the like. When a bonus combination (BB combination, RB combination) wins in a game under the normal state, a corresponding bonus state occurs. The bonus state ends when a bonus end condition for ending the bonus state is satisfied. The BB state in which more than 330 safes (medal payout according to winnings) are set as the bonus end condition is the most advantageous. For the RB state triggered by the RB role, more than 55 safes are the bonus end condition. Is set as

The game signals output from the slot machine 5 toward the relay device 42 include the following game signals. These game signals are transmitted to the communication network 40 via the relay device 42 and also transferred to the counting device 1.
(1) Safe signal: A signal that is output every time a medal is awarded in accordance with a prize.
(2) Out signal: A signal that is continuously output in response to the start of the game for the number of medals used in the game. For example, on the counting device 1 side, it is possible to detect the start of the game by detecting that the out signal is continuously output once to three times within a predetermined time.
(3) RB signal: a bonus signal output during occurrence of the RB state.
(4) BB signal: A bonus signal output during the occurrence of the BB state.

Next, the configuration of the counting device 1 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the counting device 1 of this example is a vertically long device disposed in a space between adjacent slot machines 5, and is disposed on the right side with respect to the corresponding slot machine 5. ing. The counting device 1 is connected to a supply basket (not shown) via a supply port 301 (FIG. 3), and connected to a recovery basket 305 via a discharge port 303. The game medals used for the game are supplied from the supply basket and paid out to the medal payout tray 16. The counting medals thrown into the medal throwing tray 17 for counting are counted and then sent out to the collecting basket 305 and carried by the collecting conveyor 307 to be collected.

  On the front panel (FIG. 2) of the counting device 1, from the upper side, a status display lamp 11 for notifying employees of device errors, out of stock of cards, etc., a card insertion slot 12 for inserting a game card, money An insertion slot 13, an operation panel 15 on which various operation buttons are arranged, a remaining credit display unit 141, a medal display unit 142, a medal payout tray 16, a medal insertion tray 17, and the like are disposed. The medal insertion tray 17 constitutes an introduction path for guiding the inserted medal to a counting hopper 32 described later.

  A game card such as a membership card or a visitor card on which an IC chip is mounted can be inserted into the card insertion slot 12. The membership card is a gaming card distributed to a player registered as a gaming member. In addition to a card ID, a password for using a stored medal service, etc., the membership card records the number of remaining credits representing the amount of charge, the number of medals representing the number of medals already counted, and the like. In addition to the card ID, the visitor card records the number of remaining credits and the number of medals.

The remaining credit display unit 141 is a display unit that displays a remaining amount of money inserted into the money insertion slot 13 or a remaining credit number representing a charge amount recorded on the inserted game card.
The medal display section 142 is a display section for the medal count that is the medal count acquired and counted by the player through the game. When a game card is inserted at the start of the game, the number of medals recorded on the game card is displayed on the medal display unit 142, and then subtracted by paying out the medal for gaming, and the acquired medal is It is added when counted.

  The operation panel 15 includes a numeric keypad 151 having numeric buttons 0 to 9 arranged therein, a game card return button 153, a payout button 154 for requesting a game medal and a lending button 155, and a count for counting medals. A button 156, a stored medal button 157, and the like are arranged. The numeric keypad 151 is used for entering a password necessary for using the medal saving service.

The payout button 154 is an operation button for paying out game medals from the number of medals held. When the payout button 154 is operated, 50 medals are paid out within the range of the number of medals. If the number of medals is less than 50, all of them are paid out.
The lending button 155 is an operation button for lending out gaming medals using cash corresponding to the number of remaining credits as a consideration. When money such as a thousand yen bill or 10,000 yen bill is inserted, 50 medals are lent regardless of the operation of the lending button 155. When there is a balance, it is added as the number of remaining credits.

  The counting button 156 is an operation button when the counting process is not automatically started in response to the insertion of a counting medal. When the medal insertion is not detected and the counting process is not started, the counting process can be forcibly started according to the operation of the counting button 156.

  The return button 153 is an operation button for returning and issuing a game card. In the case of a game using a membership card, the membership card is returned according to the operation of the return button 153. The number of medals and the number of remaining credits at this time are recorded on the member card to be returned, and are transmitted to the management device 41 in association with the card ID. On the other hand, in the case of a game that does not use a membership card, a visitor card that records the number of medals and the number of remaining credits is issued according to the operation of the return button 153. The card information such as the number of medals recorded and the card ID of the issued visitor card is transmitted to the management device 41 and managed.

  The medal saving button 157 is an operation button for depositing all or part of the medal medal as a medal at the game hall side. The operation of the medal saving button 157 is effective only in a game in which a member card is inserted. When the medal saving button 157 is operated effectively, the medal saving data associated with the card ID is transmitted to the management device 41 and managed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the medal payout tray 16 and the medal insertion tray 17 are provided so as to project toward the passage side. A gaming medal is paid out to the medal payout tray 16 in accordance with the operation of the payout button 154. When a medal is inserted into the medal insertion tray 17, the insertion detection sensor detects the medal and starts the counting process.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a payout hopper (payout means) 31 for paying out gaming medals and a counting hopper 32 for counting medals inserted in the medal insertion tray 17 are accommodated in the counting device 1. . The payout hopper 31 is stored with the medal passage 317 facing the front side (passage side) so that medals can be paid out to the medal payout tray 16. The counting hopper 32 is accommodated with the medal passage 327 facing the back side so that the medal can be sent to the collecting basket 305.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the counting device 1 includes a control board (not shown) on which an electric circuit forming the control unit 2 is formed. In addition to the configuration of the status display lamp 11, the medal display unit 142, the payout hopper 31, the counting hopper 32, and the like for the control unit 2, the game card (recording medium) inserted into the card insertion slot 12 is recorded. A card unit (issuing means) 121 that reads / writes (reads / writes) data and returns, a money reader 131 that determines the type of money inserted into the money slot 13, and the like are electrically connected.

  The control unit 2 includes a CPU 21 that is arithmetic means for executing various arithmetic processes, a storage means such as a ROM 22 and a RAM 23, an I / O 24 that inputs / outputs various signals or information, and the like. The control unit 2 includes a counting unit 201 that counts medals, a count data generating unit 202 that generates medal count data, an abnormality determination unit 203 that determines an abnormality according to detection of a small-diameter medal, and a management device 41. A function as notifying means 204 for notifying abnormality is realized. In particular, the counting means 201 of this example functions as a first counting means for counting all medals inserted into the medal insertion tray 17, and counts regular medals having a diameter of 24.8 mm (average diameter 25 mm-2σ) or more. Function as a second counting means.

  The counting device 1 is connected to the relay device 42 via the I / O 24 that is input / output means. The counting device 1 inputs game signals such as a safe signal, an out signal, a BB signal, and an RB signal of the slot machine 5 via the relay device 42. When the game card is inserted or the game card is ejected, the read or written data such as the remaining credit number and the medal number is output to the management device 41 together with the card ID.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the payout hopper 31 is a hopper device that pays out medals supplied from a supply port 301 branched from a supply basket (not shown) toward the medal payout tray 16.
The counting hopper 32 is a hopper device that counts medals (counting medals) inserted in the medal insertion tray 17 and sends them out to the collection basket 305.

  As shown in FIG. 5, each of the hoppers 31 and 32 is configured by combining trumpet-shaped hopper tanks 311 and 321 that open upward in the vertical direction and hopper main body portions 313 and 323. On the bottom side of the hopper tanks 311 and 321, holes (not shown) for supplying medals to the hopper main body portions 313 and 323 are provided.

  The hopper tanks 311 and 321 store medals supplied from the supply port 301 (in the case of the payout hopper 31) or the medal insertion tray 17 (in the case of the counting hopper 32). The hopper tank 321 of the counting hopper 32 is arranged directly below the medal insertion tray 17 so that the medals thrown into the medal insertion tray 17 flow down. The hopper tank 321 of the counting hopper 32 is provided with a closing detection sensor (not shown).

  The hopper main body portions 313 and 323 are units that constitute sending means for sending medals stored in the hopper tanks 311 and 321 one by one. In particular, the hopper body 323 of the counting hopper 32 starts sending medals in response to the establishment of the start condition of detection of inserted medals by the insertion detection sensor, and the stop condition is that all medals in the hopper tank 321 are gone. The sending of medals is stopped according to the establishment.

  The hopper main body portions 313 and 323 include substantially disc-shaped hopper disks 316 and 326 that are rotated by motors 315 and 325. Medal passages 317 and 327 connected to the hopper disks 316 and 326 are provided on the upper surfaces of the hopper main body portions 313 and 323. The passage widths of the medal passages 317 and 327 are set to 26 mm so that normal medals having a normal distribution with an average diameter of 25 mm and a standard deviation of 0.1 mm can pass without problems.

  The hopper discs 316 and 326 are rotating members provided with five medal recess holes 310 and 320 for receiving medals placed flat one by one at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The medals in the medal recess holes 310 and 320 are sent one by one to the medal passages 317 and 327 according to the rotation of the hopper discs 316 and 326. The hopper disks 316 and 326 are rotationally driven in units of steps for each rotational position at which medals are sent out to the medal paths 317 and 327. According to each of the hoppers 31 and 32, the number of medals corresponding to the number of rotation steps of the hopper disks 316 and 326 can be sent to the medal paths 317 and 327. The diameters of the medal concave holes 310 and 320 are set to 25.5 mm (average diameter 25 mm + 5σ (standard deviation)) so that regular medals (average diameter 25 mm, standard deviation 0.1 mm) can be accommodated. Therefore, an illegal medal exceeding 25.5 mm is not sent to the medal passage 327 and is not counted.

  The hopper disk 326 of the counting hopper 32 is reversely rotated for 1 second and further forwardly rotated for 5 seconds when 5 seconds have passed since the last medal passed the medal path 327. This is an operation for confirming that all medals have been counted. If there are no medals passing through the medal passage 327 according to this operation, the counting process is ended as it is. Note that the reverse rotation during this operation is an operation for eliminating clogging of medals in the hopper tank 321.

  On the bottom surface of the medal passage 327, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a sensor surface 331S of a first sensor 331 serving as a first detecting means for detecting a passing medal is disposed. The first sensor 331 in this example is a magnetic induction type proximity sensor including a detection coil that generates an alternating magnetic field. The first sensor 331 detects a medal using an impedance change generated in the detection coil due to an eddy current generated inside the conductor when an AC magnetic field is applied.

  The sensor surface 331 </ b> S of the first sensor 331 is located approximately at the center in the width direction of the medal passage 327. According to the first sensor 331 having such an arrangement, all passing medals can be detected unless the medals have a very small diameter. As the first sensor 331, another proximity sensor having a different detection principle such as a capacitance type, a non-contact sensor such as a photo sensor or an infrared sensor, or the like may be employed.

  The medal passage 327 of the counting hopper 32 is further provided with second detection means for detecting a regular medal. The second detection means includes a leaf spring 333 bent in a wedge shape and cantilevered in a state of protruding toward the inside of the medal passage 327, a second sensor 332 disposed on the free end 333T side of the leaf spring 333, It is comprised including. The free end 333T of the leaf spring 333 is formed by being bent toward the outside of the medal passage 327. The second sensor 332 includes a light emitting unit 332L and a light receiving unit 332R that are arranged to face each other through a space in which the free end 333T advances and retreats according to the passage of the medal. The light receiving unit 332R, which is a photosensor, detects incident light from the light emitting unit 332L.

  When the medal 100 passes through the medal passage 327 as shown in FIG. 8, the protruding portion of the leaf spring 333 circumscribes the medal 100 and is pushed outside the medal passage 327, whereby the free end 333T of the leaf spring 333 is directed outward. Displace. The second sensor 332 is attached corresponding to a position where the free end 333T of the leaf spring 333 is displaced when a regular medal having a diameter of 24.8 mm (average diameter 25 mm−2σ) or more passes. The second sensor 332 detects the passage of the medal according to the blocking of the incident light with respect to the light receiving unit 332R that occurs when the regular medal passes. On the other hand, an illegal medal having a diameter of less than 24.8 mm is urged by the elastic force of the leaf spring 333 and pressed against the side wall on the opposite side of the medal passage 327. Therefore, when an illegal medal passes, the free end 333T of the leaf spring 333 is not displaced to the position where the incident light on the light receiving part 332R of the second sensor 332 is blocked, and the medal is not detected.

The operation of the counting device 1 of the present example configured as described above will be described.
First, in the counting device 1 of this example, the abnormality determination value distributed from the management device 41 side is set as shown in FIG. In this example, an abnormality determination value can be set for each of three types of target periods for abnormality determination. In the figure, x is the number of medals detected by the first sensor 331 as the first detecting means, and y is the number of medals detected by the second sensor 332 as the second detecting means. In the following description, x and y are referred to as the total number of medals and the number of regular medals, respectively.

  In this example, as the target period, a first target period from the game start time to the game end time (abnormality determination condition), a second target period from the count start time to the count end time (abnormality determination condition), and A third target period from the game start time to the payout time (abnormality determination condition) is set.

The game start time is a non-game (when no game card is accepted, the remaining credits and the number of medals are 0, and the game signal has not been received for a predetermined time or more). Or the time when a new game card is received during non-game.
The game end time is the time when the non-reception period of the game signal continues for a predetermined time or more, or when the game card is returned and issued according to the operation of the return button 153.
The counting start time is the time when the inserted medal is detected by the insertion detection sensor of the counting hopper 32 and the counting process is started.
The counting end time is the time when the counting of medals inserted into the counting hopper 32 is completed and all the medals in the hopper tank 321 are sent out.
The payout time is the time when a game medal is paid out according to the operation of the payout button 154.

  The administrator side can arbitrarily determine which of the three types of target periods the abnormality determination value is set for. FIG. 9 is an example when the abnormality determination value is set for the first and third target periods, while the abnormality determination value is not set for the second target period. In this case, the abnormality determination relating to the insertion of the small diameter illegal medal is executed only for the first and third target periods.

  As the abnormality determination value, two types of threshold values respectively corresponding to two types of abnormality indicators can be set. For example, in FIG. 9, for the first target period at the top, an abnormality determination of 10 for an abnormality index “xy” that is the difference between the total number of medals (x) and the number of regular medals (y). A value is set, and when it is 10 or more, it is determined to be abnormal. On the other hand, an abnormality determination value of 90% is set for the abnormality index “y / x”, which is the ratio of the number of regular medals (y) to the total number of medals (x). . For the third target period in the lowermost stage, abnormality determination values of 10 and 95% are set for the abnormality indexes “xy” and “y / x”, respectively. In the figure, an abnormality determination value is set for both of the two types of abnormality indicators, but instead, an abnormality determination value is set only for one of “xy” and “y / x”. It may be set and the abnormality determination value for the other abnormality index may not be set.

  Next, the flow of counting processing by the counting device 1 and the counting data will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the counting process. FIG. 11 to FIG. 13 are count data totaled by the count process, and correspond to the first to third target periods, respectively. In the counting device 1, the total number of medals (x) and the number of regular medals (y) are tabulated and managed for each type of target period. The total number of medals (x) and the number of regular medals (y) in each figure are numerical values that start counting at zero start according to the start of the corresponding target period. The “held medal” in the figure is the number of medals that have been acquired through the game and have already been counted. “Abnormality determination” represents the result of abnormality determination, and an abnormality flag is set when it is determined as abnormal.

  When a throwing medal is detected by a throwing detection sensor (not shown) of the counting hopper 32, a counting process (FIG. 10) by the counting device 1 is started. Here, in the counting device 1 of this example, since the diameter of the medal recess hole 320 of the counting hopper 32 is set to 25.5 mm, a medal having a diameter larger than this is not sent to the medal passage 327 and counted. Not done.

  In the counting process, as shown in FIG. 10, detection of medals by the first sensor 331 (S101) and detection of medals by the second sensor 332 (S112) are on standby. When a medal is detected by the first sensor 331 (S101: YES), when a medal is detected by the second sensor 332 (S112: YES), the total number of medals (x) or the number of regular medals (y) The number of medals is updated (S102).

  Thereafter, when the game end (S103), the count end (S124), and the payout execution (S134) are specified, a corresponding target period end process is executed. For example, when the end of the game is specified according to the return of the membership card or the issuance of the visitor card (S103: YES), the first target period ends according to the determination of the game end time, and the count data of FIG. An updating end process is executed. In addition, for example, when the payout execution is specified according to the valid operation of the payout button 154 (S134: YES) and the second target period ends according to the confirmation of the payout time, the update of the count data in FIG. 13 is ended. Processing is executed.

  In this end process, an abnormality index (xy, y / x) for the target period is calculated, and an abnormality determination process is executed for the abnormality index (S104). When it is determined that there is an abnormality (S105: YES), an abnormality flag is set in “abnormality determination”, and a message to that effect is output to the management device 41 (S106: YES). The management device 41 that has received the abnormality notification can appropriately refer to the count data (FIGS. 11 to 13) of the corresponding counting device 1 according to the terminal operation.

  For example, NO. For the count data of 2 (10:50:25 to 11:33:50), the abnormality index (xy) representing the difference between the total number of medals (x) and the number of regular medals (y) is determined to be abnormal. While the value has not been reached, the abnormality index (y / x) representing the ratio between the two has reached the abnormality determination value (90% or less in FIG. 9), and is thus determined to be abnormal.

  NO. In FIG. The count data No. 2 corresponds to the count data of No. 5 and No. 6 in FIG. In this example, since the abnormality determination value is not set for each counting process (see FIG. 9), abnormality determination is not performed on the No. 5 and 6 count data in FIG. .

  NO. In FIG. No. 2 in FIG. While the count data of 3 and the game start time are common, this NO. For the count data of 3, the payout time is not fixed and the counting is suspended. The count data interrupted by the counting is the NO. In FIG. 13 corresponding to the start of a new game. The count data of 4 is taken over, and thereafter, counting is completed in accordance with the payout at 13:54:57. That is, the NO. 2 is the NO. 2 in FIG. 4 included as part of the count data. This NO. For the count data of 4, the abnormality index (y / x) representing the ratio between the total number of medals (x) and the number of regular medals (y) has reached the abnormality determination value (95% or less in FIG. 9). Therefore, it is determined as abnormal.

  As described above, the counting device 1 of this example does not immediately determine that there is an abnormality when a medal that is suspected of fraud is detected, but does not notify it, but determines that an abnormality has occurred when a predetermined abnormality determination condition is satisfied. To inform you. According to this counting device 1, it is possible to determine and notify an abnormality with high accuracy while suppressing erroneous notification.

  This example is an example in which when one of two types of abnormality indicators (xy, y / x) reaches the abnormality determination value, it is determined as abnormal. Instead, it may be determined as abnormal when both of the two types of abnormality indicators reach the abnormality determination value. When the total number of medals (x) or the number of regular medals (y) in one counting process is less than or equal to a predetermined value, or when the total number of medals (x) or the number of regular medals (y) is greater than or equal to a predetermined value In addition, the abnormality determination may be performed for the abnormality index (y / x).

The abnormality notification method is not limited to the aspect of this example. For example, the abnormality may be notified by voice output to the employee's income, lighting of the status display lamp 11 of the counting device 1, or a pop-up display on the display screen of the monitor 411 of the management device 41. The methods may be appropriately combined.
In this example, the counting device includes an abnormality determination unit, but other devices such as a relay device and a management device may also be included.

  In this example, when the non-reception period of the game signal continues for a predetermined time or longer, the customer change is determined when the game card is returned and issued, but other methods, for example, reception of money, face Determination by authentication or the like may be used.

(Example 2)
In this example, the counting hopper 32 is changed based on the counting device 1 of the first embodiment. The contents will be described with reference to FIGS.
The change of the counting hopper 32 of this example is in the passage structure of the medal passage 327 and the arrangement structure of the sensor for detecting the medal.

  In the counting hopper 32 of this example, shelf surfaces 327T are formed on the side walls 327G on both sides forming the medal passage 327, thereby forming two-step passages having different bottom surfaces. The overhang widths of the shelf surfaces 327T on both sides are set to be equal, and thereby, the center line 327C (FIG. 16) of the first passage (first route) 327A in the shallow direction and the second passage (second route) 327B in the deeper direction. Match. The width W1 (FIG. 15) of the first passage 327A is set to 26 mm, which is the same as the passage width of the first embodiment. The width W2 (FIG. 15) of the second passage 327B is set to be slightly narrower than 24.8 mm (average diameter of regular medals 25 mm−2σ). Therefore, medals having a diameter of 24.8 mm or more do not fall into the second passage 327B, while illegal medals having a diameter of less than 24.8 mm fall into the second passage 327B.

  Centering mechanisms 34 are disposed on the side walls 327G on both sides of the first passage 327A to bring the position of the passing medal in the width direction to the center. The centering mechanism 34 is formed by arranging leaf springs 341 having the same specifications as the leaf springs (reference numeral 333 in FIG. 6) of the second sensor of the first embodiment on both sides. As will be described in detail later, in the counting device 1 of this example, a sorting means for sorting small medals is formed by the passage structure of the centering mechanism 34 and the medal passage 327.

  The medal passage 327 is provided with a sensor holder 335 that bridges the passage in a bridge shape. On the lower surface of the sensor holder 335, that is, the surface facing the medal passage 327, a third sensor 336 (third detecting means) which is a proximity sensor for detecting a medal passing through the shallower first passage 327A. A sensor surface (not shown) is provided. A sensor surface 338S of a fourth sensor 338 (fourth detection means) that is a proximity sensor is disposed on the bottom surface of the deeper second narrow passage 327B.

  When the counting medals are inserted into the counting device, the medals stored in the hopper tank 321 of the counting hopper 32 are sent one by one to the medal passage 327. The medals sent to the medal passage 327 are evenly biased from both sides by a pair of leaf springs 341 forming the centering mechanism 34, and thereby adjusted to the center in the width direction of the medal passage 327.

  Since regular medals having a diameter of 24.8 mm or more are supported by the shelf surface 327T of the second passage 327, they do not fall into the second passage 327B. The regular medal is sent out along the first passage 327A and detected by the third sensor 336. On the other hand, an illegal medal whose diameter is less than 24.8 mm and smaller than the width W2 of the second passage 327B falls into the second passage 327B and is detected by the fourth sensor 338. The number of detections by the third sensor 336 is counted as the number of regular medals (y) by the third counting means. The number of times of detection by the fourth sensor 338 is counted as the number of illegal medals (z) by the fourth counting means.

In this example, the number of unauthorized medals (z) itself, the ratio (z / y) between the number of regular medals (y) and the number of unauthorized medals (z) can be set as an abnormality index. Alternatively, as in the first embodiment, the difference or ratio between the total number of medals (x) and the number of regular medals (y), which is the sum of the number of regular medals (y) and the number of illegal medals (z), is treated as an abnormality index. It is also good.
Other configurations and operational effects are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As described above, specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as in the embodiments. However, these specific examples merely disclose an example of the technology included in the scope of claims. Needless to say, the scope of the claims should not be construed as limited by the configuration, numerical values, or the like of the specific examples. The scope of the claims includes techniques obtained by variously modifying or changing the specific examples using known techniques, knowledge of those skilled in the art, and the like.

1 Counting device (medal counting device)
121 Card unit (issuing means)
142 medal display section 15 operation panel 153 return button 154 payout button 155 lending button 156 counting button 157 saving medal button 16 medal payout tray 17 medal insertion tray 2 control section 201 counting means 202 counting data generating means 203 abnormality determining means 204 notifying means 31 Dispensing hopper (dispensing means)
32 Counting hoppers 311, 321 Hopper tank 313, 323 Hopper main body 316, 326 Hopper disk 317, 327 Medal passage 327A First passage 327B Second passage 331 First sensor (first detection means)
332 Second sensor (second detecting means)
336 Third sensor (third detection means)
338 Fourth sensor (fourth detecting means)
4 game hall management system 41 management device 42 relay device 5 slot machine (game machine)

Claims (1)

A medal counting device provided for each gaming machine,
An introduction route for guiding the inserted medal to the hopper,
Sending means for sending out medals in the hopper one by one;
First detecting means for detecting all medals sent by the sending means;
Second detection means for detecting regular medals having a diameter equal to or larger than a predetermined value among medals sent by the sending means;
First counting means for counting the number of times detected by the first detecting means;
Second counting means for counting the number of times detected by the second detecting means;
A payout means for paying out medals within a range of count values by the first counting means in accordance with a predetermined payout operation by the player;
Issuing means for issuing a recording medium on which information capable of specifying a value obtained by subtracting the number of medals paid out by the payout means from the count value obtained by the first counting means when a game end operation is performed by the player When,
The first counting means in the period from the start of the game on the current day or the period after the customer change is determined when the game end operation or the payout operation is performed, whichever is earlier An abnormality determination means for determining an abnormality on the condition that an abnormality index that is a ratio of a count value by the second count means and a count value by the second counting means has reached a predetermined abnormality determination value;
A medal counting device comprising: an informing unit for informing an abnormality when the abnormality determining unit determines that an abnormality has occurred.

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