JPH0676146A - Medal and its selector - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To identify a medal strictly by providing a constitution where a bar code reader reads a bar code pattern out of the medal and detects the identification data out of the pattern data to decide whether the identification data is identical with the prescribed out or not. CONSTITUTION:A medal is led to a prescribed position through a medal path, and the bar code pattern of the medal is read by a bar code reader. An identification data detector means detects the identification data out of the pattern read data, and an identification data deciding means decides whether the detected identification data is identifical with the prescribed one or not. In regard of a medal game machine, for example, the identification data on the medal thrown for the game is read based on the bar code pattern of the medal. Then a fact whether the medal is proper or not. Thus the medal of other game centers are excluded. Furthermore the reading error of the bar code pattern can be kept in a desired range and the medal exchanging cycle can be prolonged.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a medal and a medal selecting device used for games, vehicles and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a medal used for a game or a vehicle gate has a predetermined pattern formed by stamping metal into a disc shape and then pressing it.
Further, the device for selecting the medal has detected the features of the medal such as the outer shape, the material, and the weight to judge the suitability.

[0003]

However, in the conventional medal and the selection device for the medal, it is difficult to judge the suitability and the kind when the outer shape and material of the medal are similar. In other words, medals used for games and the like are almost the same except for the patterns on the surface if the game device makers are the same, so it was difficult to identify the medals strictly for each game field. Therefore, even if the medal was illegally used, it could not be eliminated.

Further, it is impossible to use a plurality of types of medals in the same game machine or the like. For this reason, it may be necessary to insert several medals for each game, and the player may find it annoying. An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for strictly selecting a medal or selecting a group to which the medal belongs.

[0005]

As shown in FIG. 1, the medal selecting device of the first invention guides the medal to a predetermined position in the medal selecting device for selecting whether the medal is a predetermined medal. A medal passage, a bar code reader for reading a bar code pattern from a medal guided to a predetermined position of the medal passage, an identification data detecting means for detecting identification data from the data read by the bar code reader, and the identification data detection The gist of the present invention is to include identification data determination means for determining whether the identification data detected by the means is predetermined identification data.

As shown in FIG. 2, the medal selecting device of the second invention is a medal selecting device for selecting a group to which a medal belongs, and a medal passage for guiding the medal to a predetermined position and a predetermined position of the medal passage. A bar code reader for reading a bar code pattern from a medal guided by the user, identification data detecting means for detecting identification data from the data read by the bar code reader, and a group to which the identification data detected by the identification data detecting means belongs. The gist is to include a belonging group judgment means for judging and a belonging group signal output means for outputting a belonging group signal of the medal in accordance with the judgment result of the belonging group judgment means.

The medal of the third invention is the medal of the first invention or the second invention.
It is a medal having a shape to be guided to a medal passage according to the invention, and is characterized in that a bar code pattern including predetermined identification data is provided on an outer surface.

[0008]

In the medal selecting device of the first invention, as shown in FIG. 1, when the medal of the third invention is guided to a predetermined position by the medal passage, the bar code reader reads the bar code pattern from the medal. Then, the identification data detection means detects the identification data from the read data, and the identification data determination means determines whether the identification data is predetermined identification data. Thus, for example, it is determined whether or not the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot is proper, that is, has a bar code pattern including predetermined identification data.

In the medal selection device of the second invention, as shown in FIG. 2, when the medal of the third invention is guided to a predetermined position by the medal passage, the bar code reader reads the bar code pattern from the medal. Next, the identification data detection means detects the identification data from the read data, the belonging group determination means determines the belonging group of the identification data, and the belonging group signal output means outputs the belonging group signal of the medal. With this, for example, the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot is known, whether it is an incorrect one, or whether there is more than one value, etc. It can be carried out.

[0010]

EXAMPLES Examples of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 3 shows a medal game machine 1 of the first embodiment corresponding to the first and third inventions.
FIG. The medal game machine 1 includes a main body 3, a medal selection device 5, a rotating type game mechanism 7, and a medal payout mechanism 9. The main body 3 includes a medal selecting device 5,
The rotating cylinder type game mechanism 7 and the medal payout mechanism 9 are housed, and the medal insertion port 11 and the return button 12 to the medal selecting device 5, the start lever 13 of the rotating cylinder type game mechanism 7, and the medal tank 14 are provided. And a tray 17 for receiving the medals 15 paid out from the medal payout mechanism 9.

The rotating cylinder type game mechanism 7 includes rotating cylinders 7A, 7B,
7C and the start lever 13 are provided. When the start lever 13 is operated, the rotating body type game mechanism 7 plays a predetermined game in accordance with the number of medals 15 inserted from the medal insertion slot 11, and according to the result, the winning medals 15 The payout signal of is output to the medal payout mechanism 9. The medal payout mechanism 9 responds to the payout signal from the rotating body type game mechanism 7 by the medal 1 in the medal tank 14.
Dispose of 5 into the receiving tray 17.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a part of the medal selecting device 5, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the medal selecting device 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the medal selecting device 5 includes a control device 21, a bar code reader 23, a medal sensor 25, a receiving actuator 27, a returning actuator 29, a keyboard 31, and a display 33. The control device 21 includes a CPU 35, a ROM 37, and a RAM 3
9, an input / output interface 41, an input interface 43, an output interface 45, a drive device 47,
And 49. The input / output interface 41 includes
A bar code reader 23 is connected. The input interface 43 includes a medal sensor 25 and a keyboard 31.
And are connected. Driving devices 47 and 49 are connected to the output interface 45. The receiving actuator 27 includes a plunger 27A and a solenoid coil 27B. The return actuator 29 includes a plunger 29A and a solenoid coil 29B. The drive device 47 includes a receiving actuator 27.
The solenoid coil 27B of the return actuator 29 is connected to the drive device 49.

The keyboard 31 has an allowable range changing key 31.
A and a ten-key pad 31B are provided. RAM39 is
It has an input value memory 39A and a basic value memory 39B. The input value memory 39A is a part for storing data input from the outside, and the basic value memory 39B is a part for preliminarily storing various determination data.

The CPU 35 inputs data from the medal sensor 25 and the bar code reader 23 by the program stored in the ROM 35, and operates the receiving actuator 27 and the returning actuator 29. These operating states will be described later.

The medal selecting device 5 is provided with a medal passage 51 shown by a dotted line in FIG. The medal passage 51 is
The upper end 51A is connected to the medal slot 11, and the lower end 51B is connected to the medal tank 14. At the front part 51C of the medal passage 51, a return mechanism 53 shown by a dashed line is provided. The return mechanism 53 uses the medal passage 5
A structure for returning the medal 15 stopped or clogged in 1 to the receiving tray 17 and guiding the medal 15 removed from the medal passage 51 to the receiving tray 17 when the return button 12 is pushed. Have.

A plunger 29A of the return actuator 29 is connected to the return mechanism 53 via a link 53A. As a result, the return actuator 29 is
When the drive signal is applied, the return mechanism 53 is operated and the medals 15 in the medal passage 51 are discharged to the tray 17.

A medal stopper 61 is provided in the medal passage 51.
Is provided. The medal stopper 61 is for the medal 15
To temporarily stop in the medal passage 51, and includes a roller 63, a link 65, and a spring 67. The roller 63 is rotatably supported by the end portion 65A of the link 65. The end portion 65B of the link 65 is fixed to the main body 3 by a screw 65C. The spring 67 is
The link 65 is urged in the inner direction YA of the medal passage 51. The central portion 65D of the link 65 is made of a leaf spring material having a predetermined elastic force. With the above configuration,
The medal stopper 61 has an upper end 51 in the medal passage 51 when the roller 63 is positioned in the medal passage 51.
The medal 15 dropped from A is temporarily stopped at the barcode detection position 71.

A locking ring 73 is attached to the link 65. An end 75A of the link 75 is locked to the locking ring 73, and a plunger 27A of the receiving actuator 27 is connected to the other end 75B of the link 75. The receiving actuator 27 moves the plunger 27A in the retracting direction YB when the drive signal is applied. As a result, the roller 63 is moved to the outside of the medal passage 51, and the medal 15 can be dropped in the downward direction YC.

A medal sensor 25 is arranged in the medal passage 51 near the medal stopper 61. The medal sensor 25 has a limit switch structure and has a detection rod 25.
When the medal 15 comes into contact with A, a medal-on signal is output. The end portion 25B of the detection rod 25A has a roller 63
It is located at substantially the same level as that of and is configured to come into contact with the medal 15 temporarily stopped in the medal passage 51 by the roller 63.

A bar code reader 23 is arranged near the detection rod 25A. The bar code reader 23 includes Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2-415790, 3-306647, 3-359030, and 4-11183.
No. 99 is a structural modification of the filed application to be incorporated in a device. Japanese Patent Application No. 2-415790
Japanese Patent Application No. 3-359030 is related to the structure of an optical system, and Japanese Patent Application No. 4-118399 is related to the structure of a bar code.
The present invention relates to a data compression method. A detailed description will be omitted here, and a brief description will be given.

The bar code reader 23 has a scanner section 81.
And a control unit 83. The scanner unit 81 includes optical system components 85 and 86, a light emitting element 87, and a CCD 89. The scanner unit 81 uses the light emitted from the light-emitting element 87 as an optical system component 85 to the front 81 of the scanner unit 81.
While irradiating A, the light reflected from the front 81A is condensed on the CCD 89 by the optical system components 85 and 86,
The CCD 89 converts the electric signal.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an electric signal system of the bar code reader 23. The bar code reader 23 is CC
The D89 and the light emitting element 87 are connected to the control unit 83.
The control unit 83 includes a CPU 91, a ROM 93, and a RAM 9
5, an input / output interface 97, an input interface 99, and an output interface 101.

The input / output interface 97 of the controller 21 is connected to the input / output interface 97. These perform data communication with each other. The CCD 89 is connected to the input interface 99. This allows
The control unit 83 inputs data from the CCD 89. A light emitting element 87 is connected to the output interface 101. The light emitting element 87 is supplied with power from the output interface 101 and emits light. The bar code reader 23
As shown in FIG. 4, the ring-shaped bar code pattern 103 on the medal 15 is read, and the bar code reading routine (not shown) operates according to the following specifications. Applicable code: Model code Interleave 2of5 (ITF) Number of digits 6, 8, 10 Resolution 100 microns Reading performance: PCS value 0.3 or more (white reflectance 85% or more) Reading angle -15 ° to + 45 ° to the vertical party Line Reference Scan Direction Forward / Reverse Bidirectional Transmission Format MBR Standard System FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the bar code pattern 103. In addition, what is used in this embodiment is formed in a ring shape. The bar code pattern 103 conforms to the ITF code, but has a thin line 103A and a thick line 103B.
The ratio of the line width of and the space interval of the thin space 103C and the thick space 103D is approximately 1: 2. Further, the thick line 103B and the thin space 103C are arranged at substantially the same intervals. As a result, adverse effects due to bleeding at the time of printing a pattern or printing a pattern, which occurs because the barcode pattern 103 is extremely small, can be prevented.

The width 103E of the bar code pattern 103
Is about 11 millimeters for 10 digits and about 6.5 millimeters for 6 digits. (Note that the conventional bar code pattern has a minimum bar width of 0.17 to 0.19 mm, due to the structural restrictions of the bar code reader.
The width is 32 millimeters. ) FIG. 8 shows the control unit 21 from the input / output interface 97 of the bar code reader 23.
3 is an explanatory diagram of signals output to the input / output interface 41 of FIG.

The output signal is a custom code CUSH: C.
USL, text length LEN, and barcode data Tx
t. 1-Txt. n and the XOR value BCC. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the medal 15, and FIG. 10 is
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the medal 15, and FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of the medal 15. The medal 15 is a metal medal base 10
5 and barcode disks 107 and 109.
The medal base 105 includes recesses 105A, 10A having a depth of dA.
5B is formed.

The bar code disks 107 and 109 include disk members 107A and 109A made of ceramics, bar code forming sections 107B and 109B, and an adhesive applying section 107C.
109C and. Disc members 107A, 109A
Is a disk-shaped member having a thickness of dB. Bar code forming section 1
07B and 109B are portions where the barcode pattern 103 is printed.

The adhesive application portions 107C and 109C are portions for adhering the disk members 107A and 109A to the medal base 105. The above-mentioned medal 15 has the barcode pattern 103 on both sides. 12 is a flowchart of the medal acceptance control processing routine, FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the appropriateness determination processing routine, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the allowable range changing processing routine.

The medal acceptance control of FIG. 12 is activated by the CPU 35 at predetermined time intervals. First, it is determined whether or not a medal is inserted (step 100, hereinafter, the step is simply referred to as S). The medal insertion is determined by whether or not the medal sensor 25 outputs a medal on signal. By outputting the medal-on signal, it is confirmed that the medal 15 is temporarily stopped at the barcode detection position 71. Until the medal 15 is inserted, this routine is temporarily terminated as it is. When the medal 15 is inserted, the bar code is input next (S110). When inputting a barcode, a scan start signal is first output to the barcode reader 23 via the input / output interface 41. Then
The input signal output from the bar code reader 23 is in a standby state.

In the bar code reader 23 which has input the scan start signal, the bar code pattern 10 on the medal 15 is read.
3, the bar code data is decoded, converted into a predetermined output signal, and transmitted to the input / output interface 41. In the control device 21, when the output signal is input,
The bar code data of the bar code pattern 103 is extracted from this output signal and stored in the RAM 39. The stored bar code data includes identification data of the medal 15.

After the bar code data is stored in the RAM 39, it is next judged whether or not it is proper (S120). The determination method will be described later with reference to FIG. If it is determined to be appropriate, the receiving actuator drive processing is performed (S130), and if it is determined to be incorrect, the return actuator drive processing is performed (S1).
40). When the receiving actuator 27 is driven, the medals 15 fall in the medal passage 51 and are stored in the medal tank 14. A medal passage sensor (not shown) is provided in the medal passage 51 and outputs a medal insertion signal each time a medal passes. The medal insertion signal is input to the rotating body type game mechanism 7 and is used as game data.

On the other hand, when the return actuator 29 is driven, the return mechanism 53 is activated, and the medal 15 does not pass through the medal passage sensor (not shown) and the tray 1
Returned to 7. Therefore, the game by using the medal 15 determined to be improper is not executed.

The adequacy determination process of FIG. 13 shows the detailed processing contents of S120. First, the input value and the basic value are input (S200). The input value is bar code data stored in the input value memory 39A in the RAM 39, and the basic value is reference identification data stored in advance in the basic value memory 39B. The barcode data is identification data for each medal 15. As the reference identification data, a value that is unique to the game field or a value that is unique to the game machine is set.

Next, the error rate is calculated (S210).
The error rate is an error rate of the input value with respect to the basic value, and includes the thin line 103A, the thick line 103B, and the bar code pattern 103.
It is a value obtained by comparing correctness with each of the thin space 103C and the thick space 103D. For example, if all are positive, the error rate is "0". If half is erroneous, the error rate is “0.5”.

After the error rate is calculated, it is determined whether the obtained error rate is larger than the reference error rate (S220). The reference error rate is a value preset in the basic value memory 39B, and a desired value is set by a person in charge of the game field or the like by the allowable range changing processing routine shown in FIG. Normally, the reference error rate is set to the value “0”.

If the error rate is greater than the reference error rate,
It is determined that it is not appropriate (S240). On the other hand, if the error rate is equal to or lower than the reference error rate, it is determined to be appropriate (S230). Accordingly, for example, if the reference error rate is the value “0” and the error rate of the barcode data of the read medal 15 is “0”, the medal 15 is determined to be appropriate. Also, for example, if the error rate is the value "0.
If it is "1", it is determined that the medal 15 is not appropriate.

The allowable range change processing routine of FIG. 14 is C
It is activated by the PU 35 at predetermined intervals. First, it is determined whether the allowable range is changed (S300). The allowable range change is determined by whether or not the allowable range change key 31A is pressed. Until it is determined that the allowable range has been changed, this routine is temporarily terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the allowable range has been changed, then the reference error rate is input (S310). The reference error rate is set with the ten key 31B. For example, when it is desired to set the reference error rate to 50%, the value "0.5" is input.

When the reference error rate is entered from the keyboard 31, the reference error rate changing process is executed (S32).
0). In the changing process, the reference error rate in the basic value memory 39B is replaced with a new value. This completes the change of the standard error rate. Even if the read data of the bar code pattern 103 has many errors due to the medal 15 being worn or soiled, or the bar code pattern 103 beginning to disappear due to this allowable range changing process, the reference error rate is increased. Can be dealt with by increasing.

The medal game machine 1 described above reads the identification data of the medal 15 inserted for playing the game from the bar code pattern 103, and the medal 1
It is judged whether or not 5 is proper. Therefore, medals and the like of other game fields are excluded. As a result, illegal use of medals can be eliminated. Moreover, the reading error of the barcode pattern 103 can be set within a desired range.
Therefore, the replacement cycle of the medals 15 can be extended and the maintenance cycle such as cleaning work can be extended. As a result, operating costs can be reduced.

Next, a second embodiment corresponding to the second and third inventions will be described. FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of the medal game machine 201, and FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a schematic configuration of the medal game machine 201. The medal game machine 201 includes a main body 203,
A medal selecting device 205, a rotating type game mechanism 207,
The medal payout mechanisms 208 and 209 are provided. Body 2
Reference numeral 03 designates the medal selection device 205 and the rotating body type game mechanism 2
07 and the medal payout mechanism 209 are accommodated,
A medal slot 211 and a return button 212 to the medal selection device 205, a start handle 213 of the rotating body type game mechanism 207, a medal tank 214 shown in FIG.
216 and a tray 217 for the medals 215A and 215B paid out from the medal payout mechanisms 208 and 209.

The rotating drum type game mechanism 207
A, 207B, 207C, 207D, 207E and a start handle 213 are provided. When the start handle 213 is operated, the rotating body type game mechanism 207 plays a predetermined game in accordance with the number of medals 215A and 215A inserted from the medal insertion slot 211, and in accordance with the result,
The payout signals of the winning medals 215A and 215B are output to the medal payout mechanisms 208 and 209. Medal payout mechanism 2
08 and 209 pay out the medals 215A and B in the medal tanks 214 and 216 to the receiving tray 217 in response to the payout signal from the rotating body type game mechanism 207.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the medal selection device 205. The medal selection device 205 includes a control device 221.
, Bar code reader 223, and medal sensor 225
A receiving actuator 227, a sorting actuator 228, a returning actuator 229, a keyboard 231, and a display 233. The control device 221 includes a CPU 235, a ROM 237, and an RA.
An M239, an input / output interface 241, an input interface 243, an output interface 245, and driving devices 247, 248, and 249 are provided. A barcode reader 223 is connected to the input / output interface 241. The medal sensor 225 and the keyboard 231 are connected to the input interface 243. The output interface 245 includes a driving device 247,
248 and 249 are connected. The receiving actuator 227 includes a plunger 227A and a solenoid coil 227B. Separation actuator 228
Is a plunger 228A and a solenoid coil 228B.
It has and. The return actuator 229 includes a plunger 229A and a solenoid coil 229B. The drive device 247 includes a receiving actuator 2
No. 27 solenoid coil 227B is connected, and drive device 248 is connected to solenoid coil 228B of classification actuator 228, and drive device 249 is connected.
The solenoid coil 2 of the return actuator 229.
29B is connected.

The keyboard 231 has an allowable range change key 2
31A and ten keys 231B are provided. RAM2
39 is an input value memory 239A and a basic value memory 239
B and. The input value memory 239A is a portion for storing data input from the outside, and the basic value memory 2
Reference numeral 39B is a portion for preliminarily storing various determination data.

The CPU 235 uses the program stored in the ROM 237 to detect the medal sensor 225,
Data is input from the barcode reader 223, and the receiving actuator 227 and the sorting actuator 228 are input.
And the return actuator 229 is operated.

The medal selecting device 205 has a medal passage 251 as shown in FIG. Medal passage 251
The upper end 251A is connected to the medal slot 211, and the lower end 251B is connected to the medal sorting device 252. The medal sorting device 252 is a medal tank 214.
And the sorting medal tank 216. The medal sorting device 252 guides the dropped medals 215A to the medal tank 214 in the medal passage 251 as shown by the dotted lines in FIG. Guide to the medal tank 216. Switching the fall path of this medal,
This is performed by the sorting actuator 228.

At the front part 251C of the medal passage 251,
A return mechanism 253 is provided. The return mechanism 253
It is for returning the medals 215A, B stopped or clogged in the medal passage 251 to the tray 217, and when the return button 212 is pushed, the medals 215A, B eliminated from the medal passage 251 are returned. Figure 1
As shown by the two-dot broken line in FIG.

The return mechanism 253 is driven by the return actuator 229 to eject the illegal medals in the medal passage 251 to the tray 217. Medal tank 21
The medal passage sensor 311 is arranged at the entrance of No. 4, and the classification medal passage sensor 313 is arranged at the entrance of the classification medal tank 216. Medal passage sensor 3
11 and the sorting medal passage sensor 313 are connected to the control device 207AA of the rotating body type game mechanism 207.
Thereby, the rotating body type game mechanism 207 detects the number of inserted medals.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the medal 215B. The medal 215B has a medal base 305, bar code discs 307 and 309, and a bar code pattern 303B as almost the same structure as the medal 15 of the first embodiment, and here, the medal 215B has a "5 A multiple display 215BA is added.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the medal 215A. The medal 215A has substantially the same configuration as the medal 15 of the first embodiment, and has a medal base 305.
, Barcode disks 307 and 309, and a barcode pattern 303A. Bar code pattern 303A
Has data of magnification "1", and the barcode pattern 303B of FIG. 18 has data of magnification "5" here.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the medal classification processing routine. This processing is executed by the CPU 235. Note that the CPU 235 performs substantially the same processing as the medal acceptance control of FIG. 12, the appropriateness determination control of FIG. 13, and the allowable range change control of FIG. 14 shown in the first embodiment.

In the medal sorting process, it is first determined whether or not the receiving actuator is driven (S400). The determination of the acceptance actuator drive is made when the process of S130 in the medal acceptance control is executed.
If it is determined that the receiving actuator is not being driven, the routine is temporarily terminated as it is, and if it is determined that the driving is being performed, then the receiving actuator driving temporary stop process is performed (S410). The suspension of the receiving actuator 227 is executed by outputting a drive stop signal to the drive device 247 via the output interface 245.

After the receiving actuator drive temporary stop processing, the magnification is calculated (S420). Magnification is RAM
It is calculated based on the bar code data stored in the input value memory 239A in 239. Here, the calculation is performed by reading the magnification data, "1", or "5" included in the barcode data.

After calculating the magnification, the magnification is next determined (S
430). When judging the magnification, whether the magnification is "1",
It is determined whether it is “5” or unknown. If the result of the determination of the magnification is unknown, the return actuator is driven (S440). As a result, the return mechanism 253 operates and the medals 215A or 2 in the medal passage 251 are operated.
15B is returned to the tray 217. As a result, even if the medal is confirmed to be the proper medal 215A or 215B, if the data regarding the magnification cannot be read, the medal is returned without being accepted.

If it is determined in S430 that the magnification is "1", then the receiving actuator drive processing is executed. In this case, it is considered that the medal 215A with the magnification “1” is being accepted, and the medal 215A is being accepted.
Falls in the medal passage 251 as shown by the dotted line in FIG. The medal 215A is detected by the medal passing sensor 311 while falling. As a result, the rotating body type game mechanism 207 detects that one medal 215A having a multiplication factor of “1” has been inserted.

If the magnification is "5" in S430, the sorting actuator is driven (S46).
0), and then the acceptance actuator drive is executed (S470). In this case, it is assumed that the medal 215B with a magnification of “5” is being accepted, and the medal 215 is being accepted.
B falls in the medal passage 251 as shown by the dashed line in FIG. The medal 215B is detected by the sorting medal passage sensor 313 while falling. As a result, the rotating body type game mechanism 207 detects that one medal 215B having a multiplication factor of “5” has been inserted.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the group to which the inserted medal belongs has a magnification of "1" or a magnification of "5". As a result, by inserting one medal, the game can be played in the same manner as when five coins are inserted, and the progress of the game is promoted. Moreover, it is possible to reliably determine whether the magnification is "1" or the magnification is "5", and
Since illegal medals can be ejected, it is possible to exclude an illegal game using a non-genuine medal.

Next, a modified example will be described. FIG. 21 is a front view of the medal 415, and FIG. 22 is a BB cross-sectional view of the medal 415. The medal 415 is used similarly to the medals 15, 215A and 215B of the first or second embodiment.

The medal 415 is a metal medal base 4
17 and bar code forming sections 419 and 421. The bar code forming portions 419 and 421 are composed of a predetermined number of ring-shaped grooves 423. This ring-shaped groove 423
Is formed by a medal marking technique such as embossing, cutting and etching. The shape and specifications of the ring-shaped groove 423 can be changed by combining with the barcode reader.
Set appropriately.

An example of processing the waveform for the interrib 2of5 from the bar code forming portion 419 in which the ring-shaped groove 423 is combined will be described. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a method of processing read data by the barcode forming units 419 and 421.

FIG. 23 shows a state diagram of the bar code forming section 419, an edge detection waveform of the bar code forming section 419, and an explanatory diagram of a signal subjected to the waveform processing. First, the detection angles of the irradiation light and the reflected light are adjusted so that the intensity of the reflected light at the edge of the ring-shaped groove 423 greatly changes. Then
An edge detection wave is obtained from the change rate of the reflected light. next,
An edge peak-to-peak waveform processed signal is obtained. Bar code data is generated from this waveform processed signal. Here, the bar code data “3, 6” is obtained. When the bar code data of the medal 415 is detected, the start mark and end mark are omitted.

Therefore, the medal 415 having the bar code forming section 419 shown in FIG. 23 uses the bar code data "3, 6" as the identification number. Medal 4 described above
15 is whether it is appropriate due to the engraved ring-shaped groove,
The belonging group is surely identified. As a result, the manufacturing man-hours and costs are almost the same as those of conventional game medals,
The merit that can be surely identified can be provided.

FIG. 24 is a front view of the medal 515, and FIG.
Is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of the medal 515, and FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of a barcode pattern detecting method. The medal 515 is
Metal medal base 517 and bar code forming section 51
9 and 9. The bar code forming portion 519 is formed substantially in the middle between the outer peripheral edge portion 517A of the medal base 517 and the central portion 517B, and is composed of a predetermined number of ring-shaped grooves 523. By being positioned in the middle in this way, a predetermined uncoated portion 519A is formed before and after the barcode forming portion 519. As a result, as shown in FIG. 26, the bar code readers 5 are provided on both sides of the medal 515.
When 43 and 545 are provided to detect the barcode pattern, the reading error of the barcode forming unit 519 is reduced.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the medal 615.
The medal 615 includes a metal medal base 617, bar code forming portions 619 and 621, and pattern portions 623 and 625.
It has and. The medal 615 is integrally formed by pressing.

As a result, the bar code pattern and the pattern such as the game field can be created only by the medal engraving process, and the number of manufacturing steps and the cost can be reduced.

[0064]

The medal selection device of the first invention judges, for example, whether the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot is proper, that is, has a bar code pattern including predetermined identification data. be able to. As a result,
It is possible to eliminate games with illegal medals. Therefore, there is no clogging or failure due to illegal use of medals, so that it is possible to reduce maintenance cost and monitoring cost, which is an extremely excellent effect.

The medal selection device of the second invention knows the belonging group such as whether the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot is proper, improper, or has plural values. , It is possible to return medals and accept the medals. As a result, it is possible to prevent the illegal use of medals and also reduce the number of inserted medals. Therefore, in addition to the effect of reducing the maintenance cost and the monitoring cost, there is an extremely excellent effect that the speed of the game can be increased and the profit can be increased.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a medal selection device of a first invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a medal selection device of a second invention.

FIG. 3 is an external view of the medal game machine 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a part of the medal selection device 5.

5 is a block diagram of a medal selection device 5. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an electric system of the barcode reader 23.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a barcode pattern 103.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an output signal of the barcode reader 23.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the medal 15.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a medal 15.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of the medal.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a medal acceptance control processing routine.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an appropriateness determination processing routine.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a permissible range change processing routine.

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of the medal game machine 201.

16 is an explanatory diagram of a schematic configuration of the medal game machine 201. FIG.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a medal selection device 205.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the medal 215B.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the medal 215A.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a medal classification processing routine.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the medal 415.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the medal 415 taken along the line BB.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of read data of a barcode forming unit.

FIG. 24 is a front view of the medal 515.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of the medal 515.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of a method of reading barcode data of a medal 515.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the medal 615.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 201 ... Medal game machine 5, 205 ... Medal selection device 7, 207 ... Spinning-type game mechanism 9, 208, 209 ... Medal payout mechanism 15, 215A, 215B, 415, 515, 615 ...
Medals 23, 223 ... Bar code reader

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A medal selecting device for selecting whether or not a medal is a predetermined one, and a bar code pattern is read from a medal passage for guiding the medal to a predetermined position and a medal guided to the predetermined position of the medal passage. Bar code reader, identification data detecting means for detecting identification data from the data read by the bar code reader, and identification data determining means for determining whether the identification data detected by the identification data detecting means is predetermined identification data And a medal selecting device. 2. A medal selecting device for selecting a group to which a medal belongs, a medal passage for guiding the medal to a predetermined position, and a bar code reader for reading a bar code pattern from the medal guided to the predetermined position of the medal passage. Identification data detecting means for detecting identification data from the data read by the barcode reader, belonging group judging means for judging a belonging group of the identification data detected by the identification data detecting means, and judgment of the belonging group judging means A medal selection device, comprising: belonging group signal output means for outputting a belonging group signal of the medal according to a result. 3. A medal having a shape guided by the medal passage according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer surface has a bar code pattern including predetermined identification data.