JP4630657B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine having medal detection means, and more particularly to a gaming machine that can effectively prevent an act of illegally increasing the number of credits by inserting a special instrument into a medal slot.

  A gaming machine such as a slot machine that starts a game after medals are bet and pays out a predetermined number of medals in accordance with the winning contents of the game has become widespread. In this type of gaming machine, there are usually two methods for betting medals: one is to insert medals from the medal slot for each game, and the other is to bet medals stored by the credit function. Can be selected (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The credit function described above is a function that stores (stores) medals inserted from the medal slot and medals to be paid out according to the contents of the prize as credits inside the machine. Displayed in the section. The medals stored as credit can be bet on the game by operating the BET switch or MAXBET switch, and can be paid out by operating the credit settlement switch. This credit check is usually performed only once when leaving the platform.

  In recent years, fraudulent acts that abuse the credit function of slot machines have increased. For example, after inserting a special instrument having a light emitting element at the tip from the medal slot, and allowing the tip to reach the medal passage sensor (usually composed of two transmissive photo interrupters) of the medal selector, There has been known a fraudulent act in which a medal passage sensor is erroneously operated by blinking of a light emitting element, and the number of credits is instantaneously increased to a maximum value (for example, 50).

  In addition, by inserting a special instrument with a transmissive liquid crystal panel at the tip from the medal slot, reaching the tip through the medal passage sensor of the medal selector, and then repeating transmission / shading on the liquid crystal panel. There is also known a fraudulent act that causes the medal passage sensor to malfunction.

  Since this type of fraud is performed in a short time, it is extremely difficult to detect, and the act of raising the number of credits to the maximum value and paying it out with credit settlement is repeated. The medal may be pulled out and cause great damage.

In view of this, it has been proposed to add a second medal passage sensor to the medal selector and determine the appropriate medal insertion in consideration of the detection signal (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Patent Document 2 discloses a second medal passing sensor using a medal abutting member that can be retracted by receiving a medal passing force, and a medal passing detector that detects the protruding and retracting of the medal abutting member. For example, when the retreat continuation time of the medal abutting member is abnormally long, it can be determined that the special instrument has been inserted.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-360778 JP 2002-065951 A

  However, since the second medal passage sensor is configured by a mechanical switch in the one disclosed in Patent Document 2, the medal selector unit needs to be significantly modified to be applied to an existing slot machine. In addition, there is a problem that the structure of the medal selector section is complicated.

  In addition, the mechanical configuration in which the medal abutting member is raised and lowered with the passing force of the medal has a question of its operability. For example, if the medal abutment member does not appear and disappear smoothly due to dirt or wear at the fulcrum portion of the medal abutment member, the medal abutment member may obstruct the flow of the medal and cause troubles such as clogging of medals. There is sex.

  The present invention has been considered in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible to reliably determine credit fraud by a special instrument without complicating the structure of the medal selector unit or obstructing the flow of medals, and effectively An object is to provide a gaming machine that can be prevented.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a medal insertion path for guiding medals inserted from the medal insertion slot into the apparatus, and medal detection means for optically detecting the medals inserted from the medal insertion slot. The medal detection means includes a light emitting element that emits light toward the medal insertion path, and a first and a second that are arranged to face the light emitting element across the medal insertion path. A light receiving element, a light emitting side polarizing element that is disposed between the light emitting element and the medal insertion path, and transmits only a light component in a predetermined direction, and is disposed between the second light receiving element and the medal insertion path. The light receiving side polarizing element is configured to include a second light receiving side polarizing element that passes only light components in different directions.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the medal detection means is illegal based on the detection signal of the second light receiving element while determining the passage of the medal based on the detection signal of the first light receiving element. That is, since two polarizing elements having different polarization directions are arranged between the light emitting element and the second light receiving element, the second light receiving element usually detects almost no light from the light emitting element, but the tip portion In the case where an illegal act of inserting a special instrument provided with a light emitting element into the medal insertion slot and blinking at the medal detection position is performed, the second light receiving element detects this light. This makes it possible to reliably detect credit fraud caused by special instruments with an optical configuration without using mechanically operating configurations or members, and as a result, without significantly modifying the medal selector unit. However, it can be easily applied to existing gaming machines, and there is no inconvenience that obstructs the flow of medals due to mechanical malfunction.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, the angle formed by the polarization direction of the light emitting side polarizing element and the polarization direction of the second light receiving side polarizing element is a right angle.
With this configuration, since the amount of light received by the second light receiving element in the normal state is minimized, the difference from the amount of light received by the second light receiving element at the time of credit fraud can be increased, and the accuracy of credit fraud determination can be increased. it can.

In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a first light receiving side polarizing element that is disposed between the first light receiving element and the medal insertion path and allows only light components in the same direction as the light emitting side polarizing element to pass therethrough. It is as.
If comprised in this way, the credit fraud by the special instrument with which the transmission type liquid crystal panel was provided in the front-end | tip part can also be prevented. That is, the liquid crystal panel has a structure in which the transmitted light is polarized by 90 °, so that the light reception of the first light receiving element is regulated by the first light receiving side polarizing element. Further, when the polarization direction of the second light receiving side polarizing element is perpendicular to the light emitting side polarizing element, the second light receiving element receives the light transmitted through the liquid crystal panel, so that it can be determined that the credit is fraudulent.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, the polarization direction of the light emitting side polarizing element, the first light receiving side polarizing element, and / or the second light receiving side polarizing element is changed according to a predetermined condition.
With this configuration, it is difficult to estimate the polarization direction of each polarization element, and thus it is possible to strengthen measures for preventing credit fraud.
Examples of a method for changing the polarization direction of the polarizing element include a method in which the polarizing element is configured with a transmissive liquid crystal panel and the applied voltage is changed, and a method in which the mounting angle of the polarizing element is changed manually or automatically.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, the polarization direction of the light emitting side polarizing element, the first light receiving side polarizing element, and / or the second light receiving side polarizing element is changed as time passes.
If comprised in this way, since the polarization direction of a polarizing element changes with progress of time, estimation of a polarization direction becomes difficult and the measure against prevention of credit fraud can be strengthened.

The gaming machine of the present invention is configured such that the polarization direction of the light emitting side polarizing element, the first light receiving side polarizing element and / or the second light receiving side polarizing element is changed for each gaming machine.
If comprised in this way, since the polarization direction of a polarizing element will be changed for every game machine, estimation of a polarization direction will be difficult and the measure against credit fraud can be strengthened.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to determine an illegal act against the medal detection means based on the detection signal of the second light receiving element while determining the passage of the medal based on the detection signal of the first light receiving element. . Moreover, since the medal detection means can be configured without using mechanically operated components or members, it can be easily applied to existing gaming machines without significant modification of the medal selector, and mechanical There is no inconvenience that obstructs the flow of medals due to malfunction.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of the slot machine.

  As shown in these drawings, the slot machine 1 includes a medal slot 11, a credit display unit 12, a credit settlement switch 13, a BET switch 14, a MAXBET switch 15, and a start on the front side of the front door 10. A lever 16, a plurality of stop buttons 17 (17 a to 17 c), a medal payout port 18, a medal return button 19, and a lamp L are provided, and a speaker SP and a medal selector are provided on the rear side of the front door 10. And a drum unit 30, a hopper device 40, and a control unit 50 inside the machine body.

The medal slot 11 accepts medals bet on the game. The slot machine 1 has a medal insertion mode in which medals bet on a game are inserted from the medal insertion slot 11 for each game, and a credit mode in which medals stored as credits are bet on the game. The player can select.
In the credit mode, medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 11 and medals to be paid out according to the winning contents of the game are stored within the maximum credit number (for example, 50), and the number is displayed in the credit display section. 12 is displayed.

The credit settlement switch 13 is a switch for paying out medals stored as credits. In this embodiment, the credit settlement switch 13 is also used for an ON / OFF operation in the credit mode. For example, when the credit settlement switch 13 is pressed while the credit mode is OFF, the credit mode is turned ON. When the credit settlement switch 13 is pressed while the credit mode is ON, after the stored medal is paid out, the credit mode Is turned off.
It is also possible to configure such that medals are always stored up to the maximum number of credits (for example, 50) without switching the credit mode.

  The BET switch 14 and the MAXBET switch 15 are switches for betting medals stored as credits on the game. The BET switch 14 can bet medals stored as credits one by one for each operation, and the MAXBET switch 15 sets the maximum number (for example, three) bet on one game at a time. Can bet on operation.

The start lever 16 is operated after a medal is bet. When the start lever 16 is operated, rotation of the rotating drums 31a to 31c provided in the drum unit 30 is started.
The stop buttons 17a to 17c are provided in the same number (usually three) as the rotating drums 31a to 31c. When these stop buttons 17a to 17c are pressed, the rotation of the corresponding spinning cylinders 31a to 31c is stopped, and winning or losing of the game is determined.

The medal payout opening 18 is a portion where a predetermined number of medals are paid out according to the winning content of the game. Also, the settled medal is paid out from here.
The medal return button 19 is operated when medals remain in the medal selector unit 20. When the medal return button 19 is operated, the medals staying in the medal selector unit 20 are returned from the medal payout exit 18.
The lamp L performs a game effect by lighting or flashing.
The speaker SP performs a game with sound output such as sound effects, payout sounds, and voice messages.

3 is a front view of the medal selector section, FIG. 4 is a front view of the medal selector section with the selector cover and blocker removed, FIG. 5 is a sectional side view of the medal selector section, and FIG. It is a cross-sectional side view of a selector part.
As shown in these figures, the medal selector unit 20 forms an inclined medal insertion path from the medal insertion slot 11 to the hopper device 40. Specifically, the selector base 21 and the lower medal guide 22 The upper medal guide 23, the selector cover 24, the return plate 25, the blocker 26, and a medal passage sensor (medal detection means) 27 are provided.

The selector base 21 is a plate material that constitutes one side surface of the medal insertion path, and a rectangular opening 21a is formed in an intermediate portion.
The lower medal guide 22 is fixed along the lower end of the selector base 21. The medal M inserted from the medal insertion slot 11 rolls on the lower medal guide 22 while being guided by the selector base 21 and guided to the hopper device 40 side. The lower medal guide 22 has a wide portion corresponding to the opening 21a in order to prevent the regular medal from falling off.

The upper medal guide 23 is fixed along the upper end portion of the selector base 21. At this time, by setting the interval between the lower medal guide 22 and the upper medal guide 23 slightly larger than the diameter of the regular medal, the passage of the large medal is restricted. The large-diameter medal whose passage is restricted here falls from the middle portion of the medal selector unit 20 and is returned from the medal payout port 18.
On the other hand, the small-diameter medal is not restricted by the passage of the upper medal guide 23, but falls down into the opening 21a of the selector base 21, so that it falls from the middle portion of the medal selector section 20 like the large-diameter medal, and the medal payout exit 18 will be returned.

  The selector cover 24 is provided at the upper end of the selector base 21 so as to be openable and closable via a support shaft 24a, and is biased in the closing direction by a spring 24b. The selector cover 24 configured in this way is normally opposed to the selector base 21 through a predetermined gap to prevent the regular medal from falling. However, when a large-diameter medal is inserted, In the case of clogging, the medals are retracted in the opening direction by the weight of the medal or the operation force of the medal return button 19, and the medal is allowed to fall. The selector cover 24 has a notch 24c at a portion corresponding to the opening 21a of the selector base 21, and the small diameter medal is actively dropped by the notch 24c.

The return plate 25 is disposed on the back side of the selector base 21 so as to rotate with the support shaft 24a as a fulcrum as the medal return button 19 is operated.
When the return plate 25 is rotated, the tip end portion projects into the medal insertion path through the opening 21a, and the medal staying in the medal insertion path is pushed out (see FIG. 6). At this time, the selector cover 24 is also opened in conjunction with it, and the falling of the staying medal is promoted.

  The blocker 26 includes an L-shaped blocker plate 26a that can be freely opened and closed, and an electromagnet 26b that electromagnetically opens and closes the blocker plate 26a. In a state where the blocker plate 26a is closed, the inserted medal rolls on the tip of the blocker plate 26a and is guided to the hopper device 40 side. On the other hand, when the blocker plate 26 a is opened, the inserted medal falls from the middle part of the medal selector unit 20 and is returned from the medal payout opening 18.

The medal passage sensor 27 optically detects inserted medals, and is usually configured using two transmissive photointerrupters (transmissive photosensors) arranged in the medal passage direction. Based on the state change patterns of (5) to (5), the passage of medals is determined. Note that OFF indicates a transmission state, and ON indicates a light shielding state.
(1) Upstream photo interrupter OFF, downstream photo interrupter OFF
(2) Upstream photo interrupter ON, downstream photo interrupter OFF
(3) Upstream photo interrupter ON, downstream photo interrupter ON
(4) Upstream photo interrupter OFF, downstream photo interrupter ON
(5) Upstream photo interrupter OFF, downstream photo interrupter OFF
In recent years, fraudulent acts in which a special instrument having a light emitting element or a transmissive liquid crystal panel at the tip portion is inserted from the medal insertion slot 11 and the above-described state change pattern is simulated in the medal passage sensor 27 are increasing.

Next, the medal passage sensor 27 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. However, since the two photo interrupters included in the medal passage sensor 27 have the same configuration, only one photo interrupter will be described, and the other description will be omitted.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a first embodiment of the medal passage sensor, FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory view of the medal passage sensor when the light emitting element is inserted, and FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view of the medal passage sensor when the liquid crystal panel is inserted. It is.

As shown in FIG. 7, the medal passage sensor 27 includes a light emitting element 27a, a first light receiving element 27b, a second light receiving element 27c, a light emitting side polarizing element 27d, a first light receiving side polarizing element 27e, and a second light receiving side polarizing element 27f. It is configured with.
The light emitting element 27a is arranged on one side of the medal insertion path, and emits medal detection light toward the medal insertion path.
The first light receiving element 27b and the second light receiving element 27c are arranged to face the light emitting element 27a across the medal insertion path.
In the present embodiment, one light emitting element 27a common to the first and second light receiving elements 27b and 27c is provided. However, the light emitting element 27a is one-to-one for the two light receiving elements 27b and 27c. It is also possible to provide two light emitting elements corresponding to the above, and may further include three or more light emitting elements. By providing a plurality of light emitting elements, a more reliable light receiving and emitting operation can be performed with respect to the light receiving elements. In this case, a plurality of light-emitting side polarization elements 27d to be described later are provided corresponding to the light-emitting elements 27a.

The light emitting side polarizing element 27d is disposed between the light emitting element 27a and the medal insertion path, and allows only a light component in a predetermined direction (for example, a vertical direction) to pass therethrough. A polarizing plate or a polarizing film can be used as the polarizing elements 27d to 27f.
The first light receiving side polarizing element 27e is disposed between the first light receiving element 27b and the medal insertion path, and allows only light components in the same direction as the light emitting side polarizing element 27d to pass therethrough.
The second light receiving side polarizing element 27f is disposed between the second light receiving element 27c and the medal insertion path, and allows only light components in a direction (for example, a horizontal direction) different from that of the light emitting side polarizing element 27d to pass therethrough. The angle formed by the polarization direction of the second light-receiving side polarizing element 27f and the polarization direction of the light-emitting side polarizing element 27d needs to be a predetermined angle or more, and is preferably a right angle.

  In the medal passage sensor 27 configured as described above, when the light emitting element 27a is driven, unpolarized light is emitted from the light emitting element 27a. This light is polarized by the light emitting side polarization element 27d and is projected onto the medal insertion path as a light component in a predetermined direction. The light from the light emitting element 27a projected on the medal insertion path reaches the first light receiving side polarizing element 27e and the second light receiving side polarizing element 27f. Here, since the polarization direction of the first light receiving side polarizing element 27e is the same as that of the light emitting side polarizing element 27d, the light from the light emitting element 27a passes therethrough. Thereby, a detection optical path is formed between the light emitting element 27a and the first light receiving element 27b, and a medal that crosses the detection optical path can be detected. On the other hand, since the polarization direction of the second light receiving side polarizing element 27f is different from that of the light emitting side polarizing element 27d, the light from the light emitting element 27a hardly passes. As a result, the second light receiving element 27c maintains a non-light receiving state during normal operation.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when an illegal act of inserting a special instrument having a light emitting element at the tip from the medal insertion slot 11 and blinking at the medal detection position is performed, this light is transmitted to the first light receiving side. It passes through the polarizing element 27e and reaches the first light receiving element 27b. However, since the light emitted from the light emitting element of the special instrument is not polarized, it passes through the second light receiving side polarizing element 27f and reaches the second light receiving element 27c. Thereby, the 2nd light receiving element 27c detects light emission of a special instrument, and determination of an improper act is attained.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a case is considered in which a fraudulent act is performed in which a special instrument having a transmissive liquid crystal panel at the tip is inserted from the medal insertion slot 11 and transmission / shading is repeated at the medal detection position. Try. Transmissive liquid crystal panel has a pair of front and rear polarizing plates whose polarization directions are perpendicular to each other, the sequence control of the liquid crystal molecules sandwiched therebetween, configured to perform transmission / light shielding. Therefore, as a minimum condition for the liquid crystal panel to transmit light emitted from the light emitting element 27a, it is necessary to match the direction of the polarizing plate forming the light emitting element facing surface of the liquid crystal panel with the polarization direction of the light emitting side polarizing element 27d. Is expensive. Even if the liquid crystal panel is aligned with the polarization direction of the light emitting side polarizing element 27d, the liquid crystal panel, because of its structure, polarizes the transmitted light by 90 °, so that the first light receiving element 27b receives light by the first light receiving side polarizing element 27e. Is restricted and credit fraud is prevented. When the polarization direction of the second light receiving side polarizing element 27f is perpendicular to the light emitting side polarizing element 27d, the transmitted light of the liquid crystal panel passes through the second light receiving side polarizing element 27f and reaches the second light receiving element 27c. Therefore, it is possible to determine credit fraud based on the light detection of the second light receiving element 27c.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the slot machine.
As shown in this figure, the drum unit 30 includes a plurality of spinning cylinders 31a to 31c, a motor drive circuit 32, a plurality of stepping motors 33a to 33c, and a spinning cylinder position detection unit 34.
A plurality of symbols are drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the rotating drums 31a to 31c. These symbols are visually recognized by the player through the display window 10a of the front door 10.

The motor drive circuit 32 drives and controls the stepping motors 33a to 33c based on the pulse signal from the control unit 50, and starts and stops the rotation of the rotating drums 31a to 31c.
When the rotation of the rotation cylinders 31a to 31c stops, the rotation position detection unit 34 detects and stops the rotation stop positions of the rotation cylinders 31a to 31c based on the markers written on the rotation cylinders 31a to 31c. Send to part 50.

The hopper device 40 includes a hopper 41, a hopper drive circuit 42, and a medal detection unit 43.
The hopper 41 is a part for storing medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 11 and medals supplied from the outside.
When receiving a payout signal from the control unit 50, the hopper drive circuit 42 drives a medal discharge unit (not shown) provided at the bottom of the hopper 41 to pay out a predetermined number of medals.
The medal detection unit 43 counts the number of medals paid out from the medal discharge unit, and sends this to the control unit 50.

The control unit 50 includes a display drive circuit 51, a sound circuit 52, a lamp drive circuit 53, a CPU 54, a clock generation circuit 55, a random number generation circuit 56, a ROM 57, and a RAM 58.
The display drive circuit 51 displays the number of credits on the credit display unit 12 in accordance with a signal from the CPU 54.
The sound circuit 52 causes the speaker SP to output a sound effect, a payout sound, a voice message, and the like according to a signal (command) from the CPU 54.
The lamp driving circuit 53 turns on and blinks the lamp L in response to a signal (command) from the CPU 54.

The CPU 54 inputs signals from the credit settlement switch 13, the BET switch 14, the MAXBET switch 15, the start lever (start switch) 16, stop buttons (stop switches) 17a to 17c, the medal passing sensor 27, and the like, and inputs these signals. Based on this, the drum unit 30, the hopper device 40, the display drive circuit 51, the sound circuit 52, the lamp drive circuit 53, and the like are controlled.
The ROM 57 stores a predetermined program, and the CPU 54 is operated according to this program.
The RAM 58 stores various data relating to the game. This includes data on the number of medals stored as credits.

Next, the control procedure of the control unit 50 will be described with reference to FIGS.
11 is a flowchart showing the main routine, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing medal insertion processing, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing fraud determination processing.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the main routine executes the initial setting (S101) at the time of startup, and then performs a credit settlement process (S102), a medal insertion process (S103), a BET process (S104), a start process (S105), The trunk stop process (S106), the winning process (S107), the prize medal payout process (S108), etc. are repeatedly executed.

Initial settings include initialization of various setting values and memory clear.
In the credit settlement process, in accordance with the operation of the credit settlement switch 13, payout of stored medals and ON / OFF switching of the credit mode are performed.
The medal insertion process includes a determination process of inserted medals and fraud, a process of incrementing the number of credits (when the credit mode is ON), and the like.

In the BET process, a process for betting a stored medal on the game (when the credit mode is ON) is performed in accordance with the operation of the BET switch 14 or the MAXBET switch 15.
In the start process, a random number for lottery is acquired in accordance with the operation of the start lever 16, and the rotation of the rotating drum 31a to the rotating drum 31c is started.
In the rotation stopping process, the rotation of the rotation cylinder 31a to the rotation cylinder 31c is stopped according to the operation of the stop buttons 17a to 17c. At this time, the amount of slip when rotation is stopped is controlled based on a random number for lottery.

In the winning process, a winning of a big bonus, a regular bonus, a small role or the like is determined based on the stop positions (stop symbols) of the rotating drum 31a to the rotating drum 31c, and the number of medals to be paid out is determined according to the winning content. decide.
The award medal payout process controls the hopper device 40 and pays out medals. At this time, if the credit mode is ON, medals to be paid out are added to the number of credits.

Next, the medal insertion process, which is a main part of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in this figure, in the medal insertion process, first, it is determined whether or not the game is in progress (S201), and it is determined whether or not the number of credits is smaller than the maximum number (S202). Here, when the game is in progress or when the number of credits is the maximum number, the blocker 26 is turned off (S203), and the insertion of medals is restricted.
Next, after setting the address of the input signal ON counter (S204), it is determined whether the blocker 26 is ON / OFF (S205). If the blocker 26 is ON, an illegality determination process (S206) described later is performed. Execute.

After returning from the fraud determination process, it is determined whether or not the medal insertion signal is ON / OFF (S207). If the determination result is ON, error checking is performed (S208), and then the insertion signal ON counter is incremented (S209). . After incrementing the insertion signal ON counter, it is determined whether or not the medal is jammed (S210). If the determination result is YES, an error flag is set (S211) and the insertion signal ON counter is cleared (S212). ).
If the credit mode is ON (S213), credit processing (S214) for incrementing the number of credits is also executed in accordance with the insertion signal ON counter.

Next, fraud determination processing, which is a subroutine of medal insertion processing, will be described with reference to FIG.
In the fraud determination process, first, ON / OFF determination of the second light receiving element 27c (S301) and light reception level determination of the first light receiving element 27b are performed (S302). If these are normal, the medal passage determination process is performed. Execute (S303). This process is for determining the state change pattern shown in paragraph [0033]. After execution of the determination process, it is determined whether or not a medal has passed (S304). If the medal passage determination is YES, the medal insertion signal is turned ON to return to the upper routine (S305). If NO, the medal insertion signal is turned OFF and the upper routine is returned (S307).

On the other hand, when the second light receiving element 27c is ON (light receiving state) or when the light receiving level of the first light receiving element 27b is out of the normal range, a predetermined alarm process is performed without performing the medal passage determination process. Execute (S306). That is, when the second light receiving element 27c is in a light receiving state, or when the first light receiving element 27b receives too much light (or too little), it is determined that the fraud is caused by inserting the special instrument described above. Alarm.
In addition, as alarm processing for notifying an illegal act, a method of emitting an alarm sound from the speaker SP, a method of lighting the lamp L in a pattern different from normal, an alarm signal is output from an external output terminal, and notified to the hall computer Or the like can be used.

  According to the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the medal passage sensor 27 is opposed to the light emitting element 27a that emits light toward the medal insertion path and the light emitting element 27a across the medal insertion path. First and second light receiving elements 27b and 27c, a light emitting side polarizing element 27d that is disposed between the light emitting element 27a and the medal insertion path and transmits only a light component in a predetermined direction, and a second light receiving element 27c and the medal insertion path, and the second light receiving side polarizing element 27f that passes only the light component in the direction different from that of the light emitting side polarizing element 27d is provided. Therefore, based on the detection signal of the first light receiving element 27b. While judging the passage of the medal, it is possible to determine an illegal act against the medal passage sensor 27 based on the detection signal of the second light receiving element 27c. As a result, it becomes possible to detect credit fraud due to special instruments with an optical configuration without using mechanically operating configurations or members, and as a result, the medal selector unit 20 can be greatly modified without any modification. However, it can be easily applied to existing gaming machines, and there is no inconvenience that obstructs the flow of medals due to mechanical malfunction.

  In addition, since the angle formed by the polarization direction of the light-emitting side polarizing element 27d and the polarization direction of the second light-receiving side polarizing element 27f is a right angle, the amount of light received by the second light-receiving element 27c in the normal state is minimized. Thereby, the difference with the light-receiving amount of the second light receiving element 27c at the time of credit fraud can be increased, and the credit fraud determination accuracy can be increased.

  In addition, since the first light receiving side polarizing element 27e that is disposed between the first light receiving element 27b and the medal insertion path and passes only the light component in the same direction as the light emitting side polarizing element 27d is provided, a transmissive liquid crystal is provided at the tip. Credit fraud by special equipment provided with panels can also be prevented.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. However, about the same structure as 1st embodiment, the same code | symbol as 1st embodiment is attached | subjected and description of 1st embodiment is used.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing a second embodiment of the medal passage sensor.
As shown in this figure, the medal passage sensor 27 of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the polarization directions of the polarization elements 27d to 27f can be changed with the passage of time. . Specifically, the polarizing elements 27d to 27f are constituted by transmissive liquid crystal panels, and the polarization direction of the polarizing elements 27d to 27f is changed by changing the applied voltage with time. The method for changing the polarization direction is not limited to this. For example, a mechanical device that rotatably supports the polarizing elements 27d to 27f and rotates them with a gear mechanism or the like may be used. However, it is necessary to always match the polarization directions of the light emitting side polarizing element 27d and the first light receiving side polarizing element 27e, and to always change the polarization directions of the light emitting side polarizing element 27d and the second light receiving side polarizing element 27f.
According to the second embodiment configured as described above, the polarization direction of the polarization elements 27d to 27f is changed according to the passage of time, thereby making it difficult to estimate the polarization direction and taking measures to prevent credit fraud. Can be strengthened.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. However, about the same structure as 1st embodiment, the same code | symbol as 1st embodiment is attached | subjected and description of 1st embodiment is used.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement pattern of polarizing elements according to the third embodiment.
As shown in this figure, the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the polarization directions of the polarizing elements 27d to 27f can be changed for each gaming machine. Specifically, for example, the polarizing elements 27d to 27f are polygonal, and the installation angle is changed for each gaming machine. However, it is necessary to match the polarization directions of the light emitting side polarizing element 27d and the first light receiving side polarizing element 27e, and to make the polarization directions of the light emitting side polarizing element 27d and the second light receiving side polarizing element 27f different.
According to the third embodiment configured as described above, by changing the polarization direction of the polarization elements 27d to 27f for each gaming machine, it is difficult to estimate the polarization direction, and measures for preventing credit fraud can be strengthened.

The slot machine of the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. However, the slot machine according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that it is possible.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the slot machine capable of switching the medal credit mode ON / OFF has been described as an example. However, depending on the type of the slot machine, the credit mode is not switched, and the maximum number of credits (for example, 50). Until then there are slot machines where medals are always stored. The present invention can also be applied to a slot machine without such a credit mode switching function.

  The present invention can be applied to a gaming machine such as a slot machine that is played by inserting medals. In particular, it is useful in a gaming machine in which a fraudulent act using the credit function may be performed.

It is a front view of a slot machine. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of a slot machine. It is a front view showing a medal selector part of the slot machine. It is a front view of the medal selector part which removed the selector cover and the blocker. It is a cross-sectional side view of a medal selector part. It is a cross-sectional side view of a medal selector section showing the large diameter medal exclusion action. It is explanatory drawing which shows 1st embodiment of a medal passage sensor. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a medal passage sensor at the time of light emitting element insertion. It is action | operation explanatory drawing of a medal passage sensor at the time of liquid crystal panel insertion. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of a slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows a main routine. It is a flowchart which shows medal insertion processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fraud determination process. It is explanatory drawing which shows 2nd embodiment of a medal passage sensor. It is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement pattern of the polarizing element which concerns on 3rd embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 11 Medal insertion slot 20 Medal selector part 27 Medal passage sensor 27a Light emitting element 27b First light receiving element 27c Second light receiving element 27d Light emitting side polarizing element 27e First light receiving side polarizing element 27f Second light receiving side polarizing element 50 Control part

Claims (6)

A gaming machine comprising a medal insertion path for guiding a medal inserted from a medal insertion slot into the apparatus, and medal detection means for optically detecting the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot,
The medal detection means is
A light emitting element that emits light toward the medal insertion path;
First and second light receiving elements arranged to face the light emitting elements across the medal insertion path;
A light emitting side polarizing element that is disposed between the light emitting element and the medal insertion path and transmits only a light component in a predetermined direction;
A second light receiving side polarizing element that is disposed between the second light receiving element and the medal insertion path and allows only light components in a direction different from the light emitting side polarizing element to pass through ,
When the light emitting element emits light, a detection optical path is formed between the light emitting element and the first light receiving element, and light from the light emitting element is not received by the second light receiving element. .   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein an angle formed by a polarization direction of the light emitting side polarizing element and a polarization direction of the second light receiving side polarizing element is a right angle.   3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a first light receiving side polarizing element that is disposed between the first light receiving element and the medal insertion path and passes only a light component in the same direction as the light emitting side polarizing element.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a polarization direction of the light emitting side polarizing element, the first light receiving side polarizing element, and / or the second light receiving side polarizing element is changed according to a predetermined condition. .   The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein a polarization direction of the light emitting side polarizing element, the first light receiving side polarizing element, and / or the second light receiving side polarizing element is changed with time.   The gaming machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a polarization direction of the light emitting side polarizing element, the first light receiving side polarizing element and / or the second light receiving side polarizing element is changed for each gaming machine.

Images