JP5106764B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing a game using game media.

A gaming machine such as a slot machine that can play a game using a game medium such as a medal (including coins) includes a medal sorting device that can determine whether a medal is true or false. In this medal sorting device, a pair of medal detection sensors for detecting the insertion of medals are arranged in parallel along the movement direction of the medals in a medal passage following a medal insertion portion provided on the front surface of the gaming machine. Is configured to accept medals by detecting the passage of medals. Generally, a medal detection sensor is formed of a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and a light transmission type is used to detect an object when an object such as a medal blocks light emitted from the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit does not receive light. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-248210 A

  However, in the gaming machine as described above, the same situation as the medal passed by flashing the LED in the state where the unauthorized device having the LED or the like attached to the transparent celluloid board is inserted into the medal passage from the medal insertion portion. May be illegally performed to increase the number of credits (the number of medals electrically stored in a memory provided in the gaming machine) to the maximum number.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can reliably detect an illegal act.

According to the present invention, the above problem is solved as follows.
A game medium capable of outputting a detection signal for detecting that the game medium has passed through the game medium path to the game medium path for guiding the game medium input from the game medium input unit provided in the front of the game machine into the game machine. In the gaming machine provided with the detection sensor, the game medium is provided in the game medium passage upstream of the game medium detection sensor, and moves from the projecting position to the immersion position when an object including the game medium passes. A movable member capable of returning from the retracted position to the projecting position after passing, a movable member detection sensor capable of detecting each position of the movable member, and a position where the movable member detection sensor projects from the retracted position of the movable member. In response to the detection of the movement to the first timer , the first timer that measures a predetermined time (T1) and the movable member detection sensor move from the projecting position of the movable member to the immersive position. And a control means having a second timer for timing a predetermined time (T2) when the movement is detected, and the control means is within the time (T2) timed by the second timer. The movable member detection sensor detects the movement of the movable member from the retracted position to the protruding position, and the game medium detection sensor outputs a detection signal within the time (T1) timed by the first timer. a, it is determined that the passage of a normal game medium, whereas, when the game medium detection sensor to the time (T1) after said first timer counts has output a detection signal, and said movable member detection sensor movable member While the immersion position is continuously detected, the game medium detection sensor outputs a detection signal, and the second timer counts the immersion position duration time of the movable member detected by the movable member detection sensor. Elapses (T2) When, an error process is executed by determining an abnormality.

In the above item (1 ) , the means outputs an error signal to the external centralized management computer provided in the game shop based on the execution of the error processing.

In the above item (1 ) or (2) , based on the execution of error processing by the control means, the notification means provided in the gaming machine is operated so as to notify that an error has occurred.

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
(A) According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not the signal is a detection signal from the game medium detection sensor due to the passage of a normal game medium. In addition, the unauthorized device is inserted into the game medium passage without continuously touching the movable member provided in the game medium passage, and the same situation as when the game medium passes through the game medium detection sensor is simulated. An illegal act can be reliably detected based on the error processing of the control means.
In addition, the unauthorized device is inserted into the game medium passage while continuously touching the movable member provided in the game medium passage, and the same situation as when the game medium passes through the game medium detection sensor is simulated. An illegal act can be reliably detected based on the error processing of the control means.

( B ) According to the invention described in claim 2 , an attendant of the game shop can easily find an illegal act based on the external centralized management computer.

( C ) According to the invention described in claim 3 , an illegal act can be reliably detected based on the operation of the notification means.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine (slot machine) to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine with a front door opened. In the following description, the front side of the page in FIG. 1, the lower left side in FIG. 2 is “front or front”, the rear side in FIG. 1, and the upper right side in FIG. 2 is “back or back”. The left side in FIG. 1 and the upper left in FIG. 2 are “left”, the right in FIG. 1 and the lower right in FIG. 2 are “right”.

  The gaming machine (1) uses a disk-shaped medal (including coins) as a game medium, and a medal slot (game medium slot) provided on the front right side of the front door (3) in the housing (2). By putting in (4), a game as described later is played.

  In the present embodiment, the gaming machine (1) is described as a slot machine whose game medium is a medal. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the gaming machine (1) is a pachinko ball. It may be a pachinko machine or a slot machine.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the housing (2), there are three rotary reels (5) on the outer peripheral surface on which the identification information composed of a plurality of types of symbols, numbers, etc. is drawn, Based on the commands of the hopper unit (6) capable of storing and paying out medals, the main control board (control means) (7) for overall control of the entire game, and the main control board (7), the front door (3 ), A liquid crystal display unit (31) that can display various game information and effects, a speaker (32) that generates sound effects, a lamp (33) that enhances effect effects by light (see FIG. 1), etc. A sub-control board (8) capable of outputting a control signal and a power supply device (9) for supplying power to the main control board (7) and other electric devices are accommodated.

  As shown in FIG. 1, on the front surface of the front door (3), there is a game information display section (34) through which the game information and effects displayed on the liquid crystal display unit (31) can be seen through, and each rotary reel (5). The identification information display part (35) through which three pieces of identification information can be seen through, and the number of medals paid out and credits displayed on the middle board (3a) (see FIG. 2) provided on the back surface of the front door (3) An information display section (36) through which various information such as numbers can be seen through, the medal insertion section (4) into which medals are inserted when playing a game, and medals inserted into the medal insertion section (4) are described later. A return button (3b) that is pushed in when the medal sorting device (10) is jammed, a switch operation unit (37) in which various switches are arranged, and a tray (39) that can receive medals are provided. ing.

  The number of credits means that the number of medals awarded as a prize when the game is won and the number of medals inserted in the medal insertion unit (4) are electrically stored in a memory provided on the main control board (7). It is a number.

  The switch operation unit (37) includes a settlement switch button (40) which is operated when a medal in the credit state is settled, and a one-bet switch button which is operated when investing one credit state medal into the game one by one. (41), a MAX bet switch button (42) operated when investing the maximum number of three medals in the game, a start switch lever (43) operated when rotating each rotary reel (5), In addition, a stop switch button (44) operated to stop the rotation of each rotary reel (5) is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the front door (3), a medal positioned below the medal insertion part (4) and capable of determining the authenticity of the medal inserted into the medal insertion part (4). Sorting device (10), medal shooter (20) for guiding true medals released from medal sorting device (10) into hopper unit (6), and fake medal discharged from medal sorting device (10) And a return duct (21) for guiding the to the medal tray (39) of the front door (3).

  In the game of the gaming machine (1), after the player inserts a medal into the medal insertion section (4), the number of medals bet is set by the single bet switch button (41) or the MAX bet switch button (42). The operation is started by operating the start switch lever (43) to rotate all the rotating reels (5).

  After a predetermined time has elapsed after the rotating reel (5) has rotated, the three stop switch buttons (44) are operated in sequence to stop the rotation of each rotating reel (5), and the stopped three rotating reels The combination of identification information in (5) determines the number of medals to be paid according to the presence / absence of a prize and the size of the prize. When winning a prize, it is added to the credit number at that time by a predetermined number of winning prizes. When the number of credits exceeds the limit number (for example, 50), the number of medals corresponding to the excess is paid out from the hopper unit (6) to the medal tray (39).

  3 is a rear view of the medal sorting device (10), FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of an arrow V portion in FIG. The medal sorting device (10) includes a synthetic resin selector base (11) fixed to the back side of the front door (3), and an open / close guide plate (12) pivotally supported on the rear surface of the selector base (11). And a medal blocker (13) to be described later.

  On the rear surface of the selector base (11), there is a substantially L-shaped medal passage (game medium passage) (14) for guiding the medal (M) inserted into the medal insertion portion (4) into the gaming machine (1). Is formed. On the upstream side of the medal passage (14), there is provided a movable member (15) which can be moved in and out of the passage surface, and on the downstream side, first and second medal detection sensors for detecting passage of the medal (M). (Game medium detection sensors) (24) and (25) are provided. A movable member detection sensor (16) capable of detecting each position of the movable member (15) is provided on the front side of the selector base (11). The width of the medal passage (14) is substantially equal to the diameter of the medal (M), and only the true medal (M) is guided.

  Mainly as shown in FIG. 5, the movable member (15) is supported by a pivot (15a) whose upper part faces the front of the selector base (11) in the left-right direction, and enters the medal passage (14) (M ) Or an improper instrument abuts against the downward tongue-shaped detection part (15b), so that the detection part (15b) protrudes from the protruding position (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 5) into the medal passage (14). The detecting portion (15b) is immersed in the opening (14b) provided in the medal passage (14), and is an immersion position (a position indicated by an imaginary line in FIG. 5) that is substantially flat with the passage surface of the medal passage (14). When the object passes through the detection unit (15b), the movable member (15) is configured to return from the immersive position to the protruding position by the torsion spring (23) biasing the protruding position. .

  The movable member detection sensor (16) is formed by, for example, a transmission type photomicrosensor including a projector (16a) and a light receiver (16b). When the movable member (15) is in the immersive position, it is turned off when the light receiver (16b) receives light emitted from the projector (16a). Light is blocked by the movable part (15c) of the movable body (15) and the light receiver (16b) becomes incapable of receiving light.

  The first and second medal detection sensors (24) and (25) are juxtaposed along the movement direction of the medal (M), and the first and second light emitters (24a) and (25a) are connected to the first and second light emitters. Each light emitter (24a) (25a) is formed by a light transmission type photomicrosensor comprising first and second light receivers (24b) (25b) capable of receiving light emitted from the light emitters (24a) (25a). OFF when each light receiver (24b) (25b) is receiving light emitted from the light source, and from each light emitter (24a) (25a) by the medal (M) moving in the medal passage (14) Turns on when emitted light is blocked.

  The medal (M) that moves from the upstream side toward the downstream side of the medal passage (14) is detected in the order of the movable member detection sensor (16) and the first and second medal detection sensors (24) and (25). Guided by the medal chute (20) from the outlet (14a) of the medal passage (14) and discharged into the hopper unit (6).

  The medal blocker (13) includes a solenoid (13a) disposed on the front surface of the selector base (11), and a block pin (13b) that can be moved into and out of the medal passage (14) following the operation of the solenoid (13a). have.

  The block pin (13b) is provided slightly upstream (left side in FIG. 3) of the first medal detection sensor (24) in the medal passage (14), and when the solenoid (13a) is in the OFF (demagnetization) state, The medal (M) inserted in the medal insertion portion (4) is prevented from passing by being held in a projecting position protruding from the passage surface of the medal passage (14) by an urging force (not shown), and a solenoid When (13a) is in the ON (excited) state, the medal (M) is allowed to pass by being held in the immersive position where it immerses into the medal passage (14) against the biasing force of the spring.

  The solenoid (13a) is OFF-controlled when the gaming machine (1) is not in operation, when the number of credits reaches a limit, and when an error occurs in the gaming machine (1). ) Is ON and is controlled when a game is possible.

  The open / close guide plate (12) has an upper end pivotally attached to the selector base (11) by a pivot (18) and is biased toward the rear surface of the selector base (11) by a torsion spring (19). The medal (M) inserted into the medal insertion portion (4) is held in the closed position (solid line position shown in FIG. 4) where the rear side of the medal passage (14) is closed so that it does not fall from the medal passage (14). When the return button (3b) is pushed in, the medal passage (14) and the medal passage (14) are moved by moving to the open position (imaginary line position shown in FIG. 4) against the biasing force of the torsion spring (19). The medals (M) jammed in the medal passage (14) are dropped from the medal passage (14).

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control circuit according to the present embodiment. The main control board (7) controls the entire game in a centralized manner, a CPU capable of executing control operations in a predetermined procedure, a ROM storing a CPU operation program, writing of necessary data and Readable RAM, inserted medal counter and credit counter for counting detection signals output from the first and second medal detection sensors (24) and (25), and medal passage monitoring for monitoring whether or not a normal medal has passed Circuit part (game medium passage monitoring circuit part) (71).

  On the input port of the main control board (7), there are a settlement switch button (40), a single bet switch button (41), a MAX bet switch button (42), a start switch lever (43), a stop switch button (44), The first and second medal detection sensors (24) and (25) and the movable member detection sensor (16) are connected. The output port includes a hopper unit (6), a sub-control board (8), a solenoid (13a), An external centralized management computer (50) installed in the gaming machine store is connected. The output port of the sub control board (8) includes a rotating reel motor (5a) for rotating the rotating reel (5), a liquid crystal display unit (31), a speaker (32), and a lamp (33). Connected.

  The main control board (7) accepts the detection signal when the normal movable member detection sensor (16) and the first and second medal detection sensors (24) and (25) receive the medal passage detection signal (ON signal). Each time the medal input counter or the credit counter is incremented and an operation signal of the start switch lever (43) and the stop switch button (44) is received, a command is transmitted to the sub-control board (8). When the operation signal for the single bet switch button (41) or the MAX bet switch button (42) is accepted, the credit counter is decremented according to the number of bets, and further, the settlement signal for the settlement switch button (40) is accepted. In this case, a control signal is transmitted to the hopper unit (6) so that the number of medals corresponding to the number of accumulated credits can be discharged from the hopper unit (6).

  The sub-control board (8) sends a control signal to the rotation control signal and stop control signal of the rotary reel motor (5a), and the control signal to the speaker (32) and the lamp (33) based on the command of the main control board (7). Send.

  The inserted medal counter counts the first three medals (M) inserted into the medal insertion unit (4) as insertion medals up to the upper limit “3” and stores them in the insertion counter memory.

  When the insertion counter memory stores the upper limit “3”, the credit counter receives a normal medal passage detection signal, and the medal (M) inserted into the medal insertion unit (4) is used as a credit. Count up to the upper limit “50” and store it in the credit counter memory.

  The medal passage monitoring circuit unit (71) has a first timer (72) and a second timer (73). The first timer (72) indicates that the movable member detection sensor (16) has detected the movement of the movable member (15) from the retracted position to the protruding position, that is, the medal (M) has passed the movable member (15). At the timing, and measures a predetermined time (T1) (for example, 2 seconds) set in advance. The second timer (73) detects that the movable member detection sensor (16) detects the movement of the movable member (15) from the protruding position to the immersive position, that is, the medal (M) contacts the movable member (15). In response to this, a predetermined time (T2) (for example, 2 seconds) determined in advance is counted.

  Next, the medal detection of the medal passage monitoring circuit unit (71) in the main control board (7) will be described based on the time charts shown in FIGS. FIG. 7 shows medal detection in a normal case. First, when a true medal (M) is inserted into the medal insertion unit (4), the medal (M) moves from the upstream side to the downstream side through the medal passage (14). In this process, the medal (M) abuts on the detection part (15b) of the movable member (15) at the protruding position, so that the movable member (15) moves from the protruding position to the immersive position. At the same time, the movable member detection sensor (16) is switched from OFF to ON. In response to this, the second timer (73) starts measuring time (T2).

  When the medal (M) passes through the movable member (15) and the movable member (15) returns from the immersive position to the protruding position, the movable member detection sensor (16) is switched from ON to OFF. In response to this, the first timer (72) starts measuring time (T1). Subsequently, when the medal (M) passes the first and second medal detection sensors (24) and (25), the first and second medals correspond to the switching of the movable member detection sensor (16) between OFF-ON-OFF. The detection sensors (24) and (25) output detection signals that are sequentially switched from OFF to ON to OFF.

  In this case, the immersion time duration (t2) of the movable member (15) detected by the movable member detection sensor (16) is shorter than the time (T2) measured by the second timer (73), and the medal (M) is The time (t1) from when the movable member (15) passes until the first and second medal detection sensors (24) and (25) detect the medal (M) is the time that the first timer (72) measures ( If it is shorter than T1), it is determined that the normal medal (M) has passed.

  However, as shown in FIG. 8, while the movable member detection sensor (16) continues to detect (turns on) the immersion position of the movable member (15), the first and second medal detection sensors (24) When (25) outputs a detection signal and the immersion position duration (t3) of the movable member (15) detected by the movable member detection sensor (16) is longer than the time (T2), it is in an abnormal state. When the second timer 73 is timed out, the main control board 7 executes error processing.

  The state shown in FIG. 8 is obtained by inserting an unauthorized instrument into the medal passage (14) in contact with the movable member (15) and blinking an LED attached to the unauthorized instrument. ) Is assumed to be in a state of fraud, such as creating the same situation as it passed.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, when the first and second medal detection sensors (24) and (25) output detection signals after the time (T1) has elapsed, it is determined that the state is abnormal, and Thus, the main control board (7) executes error processing. In such a state, when the return button (3b) is pushed in and inserted into the medal passage (14) so that the unauthorized device does not continuously touch the movable member (15), it is attached to the unauthorized device. By blinking the LED, it is assumed that a fraudulent act such as creating the same situation as a true medal (M) passing is simulated.

  Based on the execution of error processing, the main control board (7) transmits an error signal to the sub control board (8) and the external centralized management computer (50) installed in the game store. Based on the error signal, the sub-control board (8) has an error in at least one of the liquid crystal display unit (31), the speaker (32), and the lamp (33), which is a notification means provided in the gaming machine (1). A control signal that operates so as to notify that it has occurred is transmitted. For example, the liquid crystal display unit (31) displays an error, the speaker (32) generates a sound effect different from that during the game, and the lamp (33) is different from that during the game. Lights up or flashes. Also, the external centralized management computer (50) informs the staff of the amusement store that it is in an abnormal state based on the error signal. Based on this notification, an attendant at the amusement store can easily find out that there is a risk of fraudulent activity.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the following various modifications and changes can be made to the present embodiment without departing from the gist of the present invention.
(I) The first timer (72) is replaced with one that operates when the movable member detection sensor (16) detects the movement of the movable member (15) from the retracted position to the protruding position. It is assumed that the sensor (16) is activated when the movement of the movable member (15) from the protruding position to the immersive position is detected.
(Ii) The number of sensors for detecting the passage of medals is one of the first and second medal detection sensors (24) and (25).

It is a front view of a gaming machine to which the present invention is applied. It is a perspective view of the gaming machine with the front door opened. It is a rear view of a medal sorting device. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which follows the IV-IV line in FIG. It is an enlarged view of the V section in FIG. It is a block diagram of a control circuit. It is a time chart at the time of normal. It is a time chart at the time of abnormality. It is a time chart at the time of other abnormalities.

Explanation of symbols

(1) Pachislot machines
(2) Housing
(3) Front door
(3a) Central board
(3b) Return button
(4) Medal slot (game media slot)
(5) Rotating reel
(5a) Rotary reel motor
(6) Hopper unit
(7) Main control board (control means)
(8) Sub control board
(9) Power supply
(10) Medal sorting device
(11) Selector base
(12) Open / close guide plate
(13) Medal blocker
(13a) Solenoid
(13b) Block pin
(14) Medal passage (game media passage)
(14a) Exit
(14b) Opening
(15) Movable member
(15a) Axis
(15b) Detector
(15c) Moving parts
(16) Moving member detection sensor
(16a) Floodlight
(16b) Receiver
(18) Axis
(19) Torsion spring
(20) Medal Shoot
(21) Return duct
(23) Torsion spring
(24) 1st medal detection sensor (game medium detection sensor)
(24a) First projector
(24b) Second receiver
(25) Second medal detection sensor (game medium detection sensor)
(25a) Second floodlight
(25b) Second floodlight
(31) Liquid crystal display unit (notification means)
(32) Speaker (notification means)
(33) Lamp (notification means)
(34) Game information display section
(35) Identification information display
(36) Information display section
(37) Switch operation section
(39) Medal tray
(40) Checkout switch button
(41) Single bet switch button
(42) MAX bet switch button
(43) Start switch lever
(44) Stop switch button
(50) External central management computer
(71) Medal passage monitoring circuit (game media passage monitoring circuit)
(72) 1st timer
(73) Second timer
(M) Medal

Claims (3)

A game medium capable of outputting a detection signal for detecting that the game medium has passed through the game medium path to the game medium path for guiding the game medium input from the game medium input unit provided in the front of the game machine into the game machine. In a gaming machine provided with a detection sensor,
The game medium passage is provided on the upstream side of the game medium detection sensor so as to be able to move in and out, and moves from the projecting position to the immersive position when an object including the game medium passes, and after the game medium passes, A movable member capable of returning to the protruding position;
A movable member detection sensor capable of detecting each position of the movable member;
When the movable member detection sensor detects the movement of the movable member from the retracted position to the projecting position, a first timer for measuring a predetermined time (T1), and the movable member detection sensor And a control means having a second timer for measuring a predetermined time (T2) when the movement of the movable member from the protruding position to the immersive position is detected .
The control means detects the movement of the movable member from the retracted position to the protruding position within the time (T2) timed by the second timer, and the first timer times. When the game medium detection sensor outputs a detection signal within time (T1), it is determined that the normal game medium has passed ,
On the other hand, when the game medium detection sensor outputs a detection signal after the time (T1) timed by the first timer has elapsed, and when the movable member detection sensor continuously detects the immersion position of the movable member. If the game medium detection sensor outputs a detection signal, and the immersive position duration time of the movable member detected by the movable member detection sensor has passed the time (T2) measured by the second timer, an abnormality occurs. A gaming machine characterized by executing error processing based on the judgment . Control means, based on the execution of the error handling, the gaming machine according to claim 1 Symbol placement and outputs an error signal to an external centralized management computer provided in the game arcade. 3. A gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein, based on execution of error processing by the control means, the notifying means provided in the gaming machine is operated so as to notify that an error has occurred.

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