Game system

Abstract

To provide a game system which can easily realize accurate transport of banknotes.SOLUTION: A game system comprises a joint device which is interposed between a banknote identification device and a banknote conveyance device, and configured so as to convey banknotes to which identification processing has been performed in the banknote identification device from the banknote identification device to the banknote conveyance device. Friction force F1 generated between a banknote identification device conveyance roller and the banknotes when transport of the banknotes is executed in the banknote identification device, friction force F2 generated between the joint device conveyance roller and the banknotes when the transport of the banknotes is executed in the joint device, and friction force F3 generated between the banknote conveyance device conveyance roller and the banknotes when the transport of the banknotes is executed in the banknote conveyance device, are configured to satisfy the relation of F2<F1, and F2<F3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In game parlors where gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines are installed, gaming media such as pachinko balls and medals are loaned to players, and the players use the gaming media to play on the gaming machines.

[0003] For example, a player inserts bills into a machine-to-machine interchanging device that is installed as a gaming device corresponding to a gaming machine. The machine-to-machine interchanging device then uses the points converted from the value of the bills to lend out the gaming media.

[0004] A banknote recognition device is installed in the inter-machine machine, and an identification process for identifying banknotes is performed in the banknote recognition device. Banknotes that have undergone the identification process in the banknote recognition device are carried into a banknote transport device. For example, in an island (section) where a plurality of gaming machines are arranged, banknotes are carried into the banknote transport device from the banknote recognition devices of a plurality of inter-machine machines installed corresponding to the plurality of gaming machines. The banknote transport device then transports the banknotes carried in from the banknote recognition devices to a safe installed, for example, at the end of the island. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4278195 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5323336 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The width of an island in an amusement parlor is determined according to the depth of the gaming machines. Therefore, the width of an island consisting only of gaming machines of a type with a short depth is relatively short, and the width of an island consisting only of gaming machines of a type with a long depth is relatively long. However, a plurality of types of gaming machines with different depths may be arranged in an island in an amusement parlor. Then, a plurality of inter-machine machines with a relatively short depth and the same length may be arranged for each of the plurality of types of gaming machines with different depths. In this case, the width of the island is configured according to the depth of the gaming machine of the type with the long depth. In addition, in an island in an amusement parlor, the gaming machines and the inter-machine machines are arranged so that the surface on which the game is played on the gaming machine and the surface on which the insertion of bills is executed on the inter-machine machine are almost flush with each other.

[0007] The depth of the inter-machine is generally configured to match the depth of the gaming machine of a type having a short depth. Therefore, the inter-machine is installed in an island with a width that matches the gaming machine of a type having a long depth, so that the space between the banknote recognition device outlet through which the banknotes are discharged in the banknote recognition device installed in the inter-machine and the banknote transport device inlet through which the banknotes are transported in the banknote transport device becomes wide. As a result, in an island where multiple types of gaming machines with different depths are arranged, it may be difficult to accurately transport banknotes from the banknote recognition device to the banknote transport device.

[0008] In addition to the above, if it is necessary to widen the space between the banknote recognition device outlet and the banknote transport device inlet, it may become difficult to accurately transport banknotes from the banknote recognition device to the banknote transport device.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming system that can easily realize accurate transfer of banknotes from a banknote recognition device to a banknote transport device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The gaming system of the present invention comprises: A bill discriminator configured to perform a discrimination process for discriminating bills carried in for playing a game on a gaming machine, A bill transport device configured to transport the bills on which the discrimination process has been performed in the bill discriminator, A gaming system comprising: A joint device interposed between the bill discriminator and the bill transport device and configured to transport the bills on which the discrimination process has been performed in the bill discriminator from the bill discriminator to the bill transport device, Comprising: The bill discriminator includes: Bill discriminator transport rollers for discharging the bills to the joint device, Having: The joint device includes: Joint device transport rollers for discharging the bills carried in from the bill discriminator to the bill transport device, Having: The bill transport device includes: Bill transport device transport rollers for carrying in the bills from the joint device, Having: When the bills are transported in the bill discriminator, the frictional force F1 generated between the bill discriminator transport rollers and the bills, when the bills are transported in the joint device, the frictional force F2 generated between the joint device transport rollers and the bills, and when the bills are transported in the bill transport device, the frictional force F3 generated between the bill transport device transport rollers and the bills are configured to satisfy the relationships of the following (Equation 1A) and (Equation 1B). F2 < F1 ···(Equation 1A) F2 < F3 ···(Equation 1B)

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming system that can easily and accurately transfer bills from a bill discriminator to a bill transport device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a gaming system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a main part of the banknote recognition device 10 in the gaming system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a main part of the banknote transport device 30 in the gaming system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a main part of the joint device 50 in the gaming system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram that illustrates a state in which the relationship shown in (Formula 1A) is not satisfied in the gaming system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram that illustrates a state in which the relationship shown in (Formula 1B) is not satisfied in the gaming system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] [A] Gaming system configuration Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic example of a configuration of a gaming system according to an embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a state in which a plurality of gaming machines 1 are arranged in an island (section) of a gaming establishment. In Fig. 1, the vertical direction is a first horizontal direction y, the horizontal direction is a second horizontal direction x perpendicular to the first horizontal direction y, and the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is a vertical direction z.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, in the gaming system of this embodiment, a gaming machine 1 and a machine-interval unit 3 are provided in an arena of a gaming establishment. A bill recognition device 10 is installed in the machine-interval unit 3. In addition, a bill transport device 30, a joint device 50, and a control device 70 are also provided in the arena of the gaming establishment.

[0015] Below, we will explain each part that makes up the gaming system in order.

[0016] [A-1] Gaming machine 1 The gaming machine 1 is, for example, a pachinko machine or a slot machine.

[0017] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the gaming machine 1 includes a plurality of types of gaming machines 1A and 1B having different depths. The gaming machine 1A has a depth D1A. The gaming machine 1B has a depth D1B, which is deeper than the gaming machine 1A. The gaming machines 1A and 1B are arranged side by side in the second horizontal direction x, and are arranged so that the surfaces on which the games are played (the upper surfaces in the figure) are substantially flush with each other.

[0018] [A-2] Machine 3 The inter-machine machine 3 is configured to lend out gaming media (pachinko balls, medals) to be used in playing the gaming machine 1. For example, the player inserts paper money B1 into the inter-machine machine 3, and lends out the gaming media using the points obtained by converting the value of the paper money B1.

[0019] 1, there are a plurality of inter-machine devices 3, and the plurality of inter-machine devices 3 are arranged side by side in the second horizontal direction x so as to correspond to the plurality of gaming machines 1, respectively. That is, a inter-machine device 3 is installed next to gaming machine 1A to lend gaming media to be used in a game on gaming machine 1A, and another inter-machine device 3 is installed next to gaming machine 1B to lend gaming media to be used in a game on gaming machine 1B.

[0020] The multiple inter-machine devices 3 have the same depth. In this embodiment, the inter-machine devices 3 have the same depth as the gaming machine 1A. Here, the multiple inter-machine devices 3 are arranged so that the surface (upper surface in the figure) on which the bills B1 are inserted in the inter-machine devices 3 is substantially flush with the surfaces on which the gaming machines 1A and 1B are played.

[0021] [A-3] Banknote identification device 10 1, the banknote recognition device 10 is provided in the inter-machine unit 3. The banknote recognition device 10 is configured to execute a recognition process in the inter-machine unit 3 for recognizing banknotes B1.

[0022] In addition, the banknote recognition device 10 is configured to discharge banknotes B1 carried in from a banknote recognition device inlet 101 to the joint device 50 from a banknote recognition device outlet 102. In this embodiment, the banknote recognition device 10 transports banknotes B1 in a first horizontal direction y.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a main part of the banknote recognition device 10 in the gaming system according to the embodiment. In Fig. 2, the vertical direction is the second horizontal direction x, the horizontal direction is the first horizontal direction y, and the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the vertical direction z.

[0024] 2, the banknote recognition device 10 has a housing unit 100, a transport roller 110 (banknote recognition device transport roller), a pressure roller 120, and a drive motor 130. In addition, the banknote recognition device 10 has an entrance side sensor S141, an exit side sensor S142, and a recognition processing sensor S150.

[0025] [A-3-1] Housing part 100 The housing 100 has a banknote recognition device inlet 101 and a banknote recognition device outlet 102 formed therein, and accommodates a transport roller 110, a pressure roller 120, and a drive motor 130 in the internal accommodation space.

[0026] [A-3-2] Conveyor roller 110 The conveying roller 110 is of a belt and pulley type, and has a driving pulley 111, a driven pulley 112, and a conveying belt 113, and is configured to convey the banknotes B1 from the banknote recognition device 10 to the joint device 50.

[0027] In the conveying roller 110, the driving pulley 111 is configured to be rotated by the driving motor 130. The driven pulley 112 is installed so as to be aligned with the driving pulley 111 in the first horizontal direction y. The conveying belt 113 is stretched between the driving pulley 111 and the driven pulley 112 with tension applied thereto, and the driven pulley 112 rotates when the power of the driving pulley 111 is transmitted to the driven pulley 112.

[0028] Although not shown in the figure, there are a plurality of conveying rollers 110, and for example, the plurality of conveying rollers 110 are connected to be aligned in the vertical direction z via a rotating shaft (not shown).

[0029] [A-3-3] Pressing roller 120 The pressure roller 120 is disposed so as to face the conveying roller 110 via the conveying path along which the banknotes B1 are conveyed, and is configured to press the banknotes B1 conveyed on the conveying path against the conveying roller 110.

[0030] Here, the pressure roller 120 includes a first pressure roller 121 and a second pressure roller 122. The first pressure roller 121 faces the drive pulley 111 in the second horizontal direction x, and is configured to apply a biasing force to the drive pulley 111 side by a biasing member such as a spring (not shown). The second pressure roller 122 faces the driven pulley 112 in the second horizontal direction x, and is configured to apply a biasing force to the driven pulley 112 side by a biasing member such as a spring (not shown).

[0031] Although not shown in the figure, similar to the transport rollers 110, the pressure rollers 120 are provided in plurality, and are connected to be aligned, for example, in the vertical direction z via a rotating shaft (not shown).

[0032] [A-3-4] Drive motor 130 The drive motor 130 is an electric motor, and is configured to transmit rotational power to the drive pulley 111 using a power transmission member such as a gear, thereby causing the transport roller 110 to transport the banknotes B1.

[0033] [A-3-5] Loading side sensor S141 The carry-in sensor S141 is provided inside the housing unit 100 to detect that the banknote B1 has been carried in.

[0034] The carry-in sensor S141 includes, for example, a mechanical switch. When the banknote B1 comes into contact with the mechanical switch, the mechanical switch is turned on, and when the banknote B1 leaves the mechanical switch, the mechanical switch is turned off.

[0035] The detection result of the carry-in sensor S141 is output to the drive motor 130. When the carry-in sensor S141 detects that the banknote B1 has been carried into the housing unit 100, the drive motor 130 is driven, and the conveyance roller 110 conveys the banknote B1.

[0036] [A-3-6] Unloading side sensor S142 The discharge side sensor S142 is provided to detect that the banknote B1 has been discharged from inside the housing unit 100.

[0037] The discharge side sensor S142 includes, for example, a mechanical switch. When the banknote B1 comes into contact with the mechanical switch, the mechanical switch is turned on, and when the banknote B1 leaves the mechanical switch, the mechanical switch is turned off.

[0038] The detection result of the discharge-side sensor S142 is output to the drive motor 130. When the discharge-side sensor S142 detects that the banknote B1 has been discharged from inside the housing unit 100, the drive motor 130 stops driving.

[0039] [A-3-7] Identification processing sensor S150 The recognition process sensor S150 has a light emitting element S151, a light receiving element S152, and a magnetic head S154, and is provided to perform recognition process for recognizing the banknote B1.

[0040] The light emitting element S151 is disposed between the driving pulley 111 and the driven pulley 112 in the first horizontal direction y, and is configured to emit light. The light receiving element S152 is disposed opposite the light emitting element S151 in the second horizontal direction x, and is configured to receive light emitted from the light emitting element S151. Here, the light emitted from the light emitting element S151 passes through the banknote B1 being transported by the transport roller 110. Then, the pattern of the light transmitted through the banknote B1 is received as optical information by the light receiving element S152.

[0041] The magnetic head S154 is disposed between the driving pulley 111 and the driven pulley 112 in the first horizontal direction y, and is configured to detect the magnetic characteristics of the banknote B1 being transported by the transport roller 110 as magnetic information.

[0042] The recognition process sensor S150 performs recognition process on the banknote B1 based on optical information of the banknote B1 detected by the light receiving element S152 and magnetic information of the banknote B1 detected by the magnetic head S154.

[0043] [A-4] Banknote transport device 30 1, the banknote transport device 30 is installed so as to be aligned with the multiple gaming machines 1 and the inter-machine unit 3 in the first horizontal direction y. The banknote transport device 30 is installed on the side of the gaming machine 1 on the side where games are played and the inter-machine unit 3 on the side where banknotes are inserted, which is opposite to the side where games are played and the inter-machine unit 3, respectively.

[0044] The banknote transport device 30 is provided to transport banknotes B1 that have been subjected to a recognition process in the banknote recognition device 10 installed in the inter-unit machine 3. The banknote transport device 30 is configured to transport banknotes B1 that have been carried in from a banknote transport device inlet 301, out from a banknote transport device outlet 302.

[0045] Here, the banknote transport device 30 transports banknotes B1 carried in from the banknote recognition device inlet 101 in a first horizontal direction y, and then transports the banknotes B1 in a second horizontal direction x to the banknote transport device outlet 302. Although a detailed description of the transport of banknotes B1 to the banknote transport device outlet 302 will be omitted, the transport is performed, for example, by pneumatic transport. The banknotes B1 transported from the banknote transport device outlet 302 are stored, for example, in a safe (not shown) installed at the end of the island.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a main part of the banknote transport device 30 in the gaming system according to the embodiment. In Fig. 3, the vertical direction is the second horizontal direction x, the horizontal direction is the first horizontal direction y, and the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the vertical direction z. Fig. 3 shows a part of the banknote transport device 30 where banknotes B1 are carried in.

[0047] 3, the banknote transport device 30 has a housing 300, a transport roller 310 (banknote transport device transport roller), a pressure roller 320, and a drive motor 330. In addition, the banknote transport device 30 has an entrance side sensor S341.

[0048] [A-4-1] Housing part 300 The housing unit 300 has a banknote transport device inlet 301 and a banknote transport device outlet 302 formed therein, and the internal storage space accommodates a transport roller 310 (banknote transport device transport roller), a pressure roller 320, and a drive motor 330.

[0049] [A-4-2] Conveyor roller 310 The transport roller 310 is configured to transport the banknote B1.

[0050] Although not shown in the figure, there are a plurality of conveying rollers 310, and for example, the plurality of conveying rollers 310 are connected to be aligned in the vertical direction z via a rotating shaft (not shown).

[0051] [A-4-3] Pressing roller 320 The pressure roller 320 is disposed so as to face the conveying roller 310 via the conveying path along which the banknotes B1 are conveyed, and is configured to press the banknotes B1 conveyed on the conveying path against the conveying roller 310.

[0052] Here, the pressure roller 320 faces the transport roller 310 in the second horizontal direction x, and is configured so that a biasing force is applied to the transport roller 310 side by a biasing member such as a spring (not shown).

[0053] Although not shown in the figure, similar to the transport rollers 310, the pressure rollers 320 are provided in plurality, and are connected to be aligned, for example, in the vertical direction z via a rotating shaft (not shown).

[0054] [A-4-4] Drive motor 330 The drive motor 330 is an electric motor, and is configured to transmit rotational power to the transport rollers 310 using a power transmission member such as a gear, so that the transport rollers 310 transport the banknotes B1.

[0055] [A-4-5] Loading side sensor S341 The carry-in sensor S341 is provided inside the housing unit 300 to detect that the banknote B1 has been carried in.

[0056] The carry-in sensor S341 includes, for example, a mechanical switch. When the banknote B1 comes into contact with the mechanical switch, the mechanical switch is turned on, and when the banknote B1 leaves the mechanical switch, the mechanical switch is turned off.

[0057] The detection result of the carry-in sensor S341 is output to the drive motor 330. When the carry-in sensor S341 detects that the banknote B1 has been carried into the housing unit 300, the drive motor 330 is driven, and the transport roller 310 transports the banknote B1. Then, when the carry-in sensor S341 detects that the banknote B1 has passed through the carry-in sensor S341, the drive motor 330 stops.

[0058] [A-5] Joint device 50 As shown in FIG. 1, the joint device 50 is interposed between the banknote recognition device 10 and the banknote transport device 30 installed in the inter-unit unit 3 in the first horizontal direction y.

[0059] The joint device 50 transports banknotes B1 that have been recognized by the banknote recognition device 10 in the first horizontal direction y from the banknote recognition device 10 to the banknote transport device 30. Here, the joint device 50 is configured to transport banknotes B1 carried in from a joint device carry-in entrance 501 in the first horizontal direction y and carry them out from a joint device carry-out exit 502.

[0060] 4 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a main part of the joint device 50 in the gaming system according to the embodiment. In FIG. 4, the vertical direction is the second horizontal direction x, the horizontal direction is the first horizontal direction y, and the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the vertical direction z.

[0061] 4, the joint device 50 has a housing unit 500, a conveying roller 510 (joint device conveying roller), a pressure roller 520, and a drive motor 530. In addition, the joint device 50 has an entrance side sensor S541 and an exit side sensor S542.

[0062] [A-5-1] Housing part 500 The housing 500 has a joint device entrance 501 and a joint device exit 502 formed therein, and accommodates a transport roller 510 (joint device transport roller), a pressure roller 520, and a drive motor 530 in the internal accommodation space.

[0063] In the housing unit 500, a flap F501 is provided at the joint device inlet 501. The flap F501 is rotatable at the joint device inlet 501, and closes the joint device inlet 501 before the banknotes B1 are carried into the joint device inlet 501. Then, when the banknotes B1 are carried into the joint device inlet 501, the flap F501 rotates inside the housing unit 500 to open the joint device inlet 501.

[0064] [A-5-2] Conveyor roller 510 The transport roller 510 is configured to transport the banknote B1.

[0065] Although not shown in the figure, there are a plurality of conveying rollers 510, and for example, the plurality of conveying rollers 510 are connected to be aligned in the vertical direction z via a rotating shaft (not shown).

[0066] [A-5-3] Pressing roller 520 The pressure roller 520 is disposed opposite the conveying roller 510 via the conveying path along which the banknotes B1 are conveyed, and is configured to press the banknotes B1 conveyed on the conveying path against the conveying roller 510.

[0067] Here, the pressure roller 520 faces the transport roller 510 in the second horizontal direction x, and is configured so that a biasing force is applied to the transport roller 510 side by a biasing member such as a spring (not shown).

[0068] Although not shown in the figure, similar to the transport rollers 510, the pressure rollers 520 are provided in plurality, and are connected to be aligned, for example, in the vertical direction z via a rotating shaft (not shown).

[0069] [A-5-4] Drive motor 530 The drive motor 530 is an electric motor, and is configured to transmit rotational power to the transport rollers 510 using a power transmission member such as a gear, so that the transport rollers 510 transport the banknotes B1.

[0070] [A-5-5] Loading side sensor S541 The carry-in sensor S541 is provided inside the housing unit 500 to detect that the banknote B1 has been carried in.

[0071] The entrance side sensor S541 includes, for example, a mechanical switch, and when the flap F501 comes into contact with the mechanical switch as the banknote B1 is entered, the mechanical switch is turned on, and when the flap F501 moves away from the mechanical switch as the banknote B1 is transported, the mechanical switch is turned off.

[0072] The detection result of the carry-in sensor S541 is output to the drive motor 530. When the carry-in sensor S541 detects that the banknote B1 has been carried into the housing unit 500, the drive motor 530 is driven, and the conveyance roller 510 conveys the banknote B1.

[0073] [A-5-6] Unloading sensor S542 The discharge side sensor S542 is provided to detect that the banknote B1 has been discharged from inside the housing unit 500.

[0074] The discharge side sensor S542 includes, for example, a mechanical switch. When the banknote B1 comes into contact with the mechanical switch, the mechanical switch is turned on, and when the banknote B1 leaves the mechanical switch, the mechanical switch is turned off.

[0075] The detection result of the discharge-side sensor S542 is output to the drive motor 530. When the discharge-side sensor S542 detects that the banknote B1 has been discharged from inside the housing unit 500, the drive motor 530 stops driving.

[0076] [A-6] Control device 70 As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 70 receives detection results as detection data DT70 from sensors provided in each part constituting the gaming system. Then, based on the input detection data DT70, the control device 70 is configured to control the operations of each part by outputting a control signal CTL70 to each part. The control device 70 includes electronic components such as an arithmetic device and a memory, and the arithmetic device performs arithmetic processing using programs and data stored in the memory to control the operations of each part.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the control device 70 receives detection results as detection data DT70 from the carry-in side sensor S141, the carry-out side sensor S142, and the discrimination processing sensor S150 that constitute the paper currency discrimination device 10. Also, the control device 70 receives detection results as detection data DT70 from the carry-in side sensor S541 and the carry-out side sensor S542 that constitute the joint device 50. Further, the control device 70 receives a detection result as detection data DT70 from the carry-in side sensor S341 that constitutes the paper currency transport device 30. Then, based on the input detection data DT70, the control device 70 controls the operations of the paper currency discrimination device 10, the paper currency transport device 30, the joint device 50, and each part.

[0078] [A-7] Friction during conveyance In the present embodiment, when the paper currency B1 is conveyed in the paper currency discrimination device 10, the frictional force F1 generated between the paper currency discrimination device conveyance roller 110 and the paper currency B1, and when the paper currency B1 is conveyed in the joint device 50, the frictional force F2 generated between the joint device conveyance roller 510 and the paper currency B1, and when the paper currency B1 is conveyed in the paper currency transport device 30, the frictional force F3 generated between the paper currency transport device conveyance roller 310 and the paper currency B1 are configured to satisfy the relationships of the following (Equation 1A) and (Equation 1B).

[0079] F2 < F1 ···(Equation 1A) F2 < F3 ···(Equation 1B)

[0080] [B] Operations The operation of the gaming system of this embodiment will be described.

[0081] [B-1] Normal operation First, normal operation will be described.

[0082] When a player plays a game on a gaming machine 1 in a gaming establishment, the player inserts, for example, banknotes B1 into a machine-to-machine exchanger 3 installed corresponding to the gaming machine 1 in order to be loaned gaming media to be used in playing the game on the gaming machine 1. The banknotes B1 inserted into the machine-to-machine exchanger 3 are carried into a banknote recognition device 10 installed in the machine-to-machine exchanger 3 (see FIG. 1).

[0083] In the banknote recognition device 10, when the carry-in sensor S141 detects that the banknote B1 has been carried into the housing unit 100, the drive motor 130 is driven, and the conveyance roller 110 conveys the banknote B1. When the banknote B1 is being conveyed inside the housing unit 100, a recognition process of the banknote B1 is executed using the detection result of the recognition process sensor S150. Then, when the carry-out sensor S142 detects that the banknote B1 has been conveyed out of the housing unit 100, the drive of the drive motor 130 is stopped (see FIG. 2).

[0084] As a result, in the banknote recognition device 10, banknotes B1 are carried in through the banknote recognition device carry-in entrance 101 and are carried out through the banknote recognition device carry-out exit 102 to the joint device 50 (see FIG. 1).

[0085] In the joint device 50, when the carry-in sensor S541 detects that the banknote B1 has been carried into the housing unit 500, the drive motor 530 is driven, and the transport roller 510 transports the banknote B1. Then, when the carry-out sensor S542 detects that the banknote B1 has been transported out of the housing unit 500, the drive motor 530 stops (see FIG. 4).

[0086] As a result, in the joint device 50, the bills B1 are carried in from the joint device inlet 501 and carried out to the bill transport device 30 from the joint device outlet 502 (see Fig. 1).

[0087] In the bill transport device 30, when the carry-in side sensor S341 detects that the bills B1 have been carried into the inside of the housing portion 300, the drive motor 330 is driven and the bills B1 are transported by the transport roller 310. Then, when the carry-in side sensor S341 detects that the bills B1 have passed the carry-in side sensor S341, the drive of the drive motor 330 stops (see Fig. 3).

[0088] As a result, in the bill transport device 30, the bills B1 are carried in from the bill transport device inlet 301 and carried out from the bill transport device outlet 302 (see Fig. 1).

[0089] In the present embodiment, as already stated, when the bills B1 are transported in the bill identification device 10, the frictional force F1 generated between the bill identification device transport roller 110 and the bills B1, when the bills B1 are transported in the joint device 50, the frictional force F2 generated between the joint device transport roller 510 and the bills B1, and when the bills B1 are transported in the bill transport device 30, the frictional force F3 generated between the bill transport device transport roller 310 and the bills B1 are configured to satisfy the relationships of the following (Equation 1A) and (Equation 1B).

[0090] F2 < F1 ···(Equation 1A) F2 < F3 ···(Equation 1B)

[0091] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic state in which the relationship shown in (Formula 1A) is not satisfied in the gaming system according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, when the relationship shown in (Formula 1A) is not satisfied, when the banknote B1 is hanging on both the banknote recognition device transport roller 110 and the joint device transport roller 510 and the recognition process of the banknote B1 is being performed in the banknote recognition device 10, the banknote B1 may be forcibly pulled from the joint device entrance 501 to the joint device exit 502 in the joint device 50 even during the recognition process, which may make it difficult to perform the recognition process accurately. However, in this embodiment, since the relationship shown in (Formula 1A) is satisfied, the banknote B1 is not transported even if the joint device transport roller 510 rotates during the recognition process unless the banknote recognition device transport roller 110 rotates, so that the recognition process can be performed accurately.

[0092] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic state in which the relationship shown in (Formula 1B) is not satisfied in the gaming system according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, when the relationship shown in (Formula 1B) is not satisfied, in the conveying path in which the banknotes B1 are conveyed from the joint device 50 to the banknote conveying device 30, for example, the banknotes B1 are not conveyed well in the banknote conveying device conveying roller 310 with low friction force, causing idling, but the banknotes B1 are conveyed by the rotation of the joint device conveying roller 510 with high friction force, so that the banknotes B1 may become jammed. However, in this embodiment, the relationship shown in (Formula 1B) is satisfied, so that jamming of the banknotes B1 can be accurately prevented.

[0093] Therefore, in the gaming system of this embodiment, the banknote recognition device 10, the joint device 50, and the banknote transport device 30 can transport the banknotes B1 in a sequential and accurate manner.

[0094] [B-2] Operation during abnormality Next, the operation during an abnormality will be described.

[0095] In this embodiment, the control device 70 judges whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the recognition process in the banknote recognition device 10, and whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the operation of transporting banknotes B1 in the banknote recognition device 10. Also, in this embodiment, the control device 70 judges whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the operation of transporting banknotes B1 in the joint device 50, and whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the operation of transporting banknotes B1 in the banknote transport device 30.

[0096] An abnormality in the recognition process in the banknote recognition device 10 is, for example, a state in which banknotes other than banknotes B1 having value that can be converted into points are fed into the banknote recognition device 10 and recognition process cannot be executed. An abnormality in the recognition process in the banknote recognition device 10 is determined by the control device 70 according to the optical information of the banknotes B1 and the magnetic information of the banknotes B1.

[0097] An abnormality in the operation of transporting the banknote B1 in the banknote recognition device 10 is, for example, when the banknote B1 gets stuck in the transport path. The control device 70 determines an abnormality in the operation of transporting the banknote B1 in the banknote recognition device 10 based on the time during which the banknote B1 is in contact with the carry-in sensor S141 and the time during which the banknote B1 is in contact with the carry-out sensor S142. For example, when at least one of the time during which the banknote B1 is in contact with the carry-in sensor S141 and the time during which the banknote B1 is in contact with the carry-out sensor S142 exceeds a preset time, the control device 70 determines that an abnormality has occurred in which the banknote B1 gets stuck in the transport path.

[0098] An abnormality in the operation of conveying the banknotes B1 in the joint device 50 is, for example, when the banknotes B1 are jammed in the conveying path. The control device 70 judges the abnormality in the operation of conveying the banknotes B1 in the joint device 50 based on the time when the banknotes B1 are in contact with the carry-in side sensor S541 and the time when the banknotes B1 are in contact with the carry-out side sensor S542. For example, when at least one of the time when the banknotes B1 are in contact with the carry-in side sensor S541 and the time when the banknotes B1 are in contact with the carry-out side sensor S542 exceeds a preset time, the control device 70 judges that an abnormality has occurred in which the banknotes B1 are jammed and stagnated in the conveying path.

[0099] An abnormality in the operation of transporting the banknote B1 in the banknote transport device 30 is, for example, when the banknote B1 gets stuck in the transport path. The control device 70 determines an abnormality in the operation of transporting the banknote B1 in the banknote transport device 30 based on the time the banknote B1 is in contact with the carry-in sensor S341. For example, when the time the banknote B1 is in contact with the carry-in sensor S341 exceeds a preset time, the control device 70 determines that an abnormality has occurred in which the banknote B1 gets stuck and stagnates in the transport path.

[0100] Then, the control device 70 controls the operation of each part according to the abnormality determination result as described below.

[0101] [B-2-1] Case 1 When at least one of an abnormality in the recognition process and an abnormality in the operation of transporting banknotes B1 occurs in the banknote recognition device 10, no abnormality occurs in the operation of transporting banknotes B1 in the joint device 50, and no abnormality occurs in the operation of transporting banknotes in the banknote transport device 30 (case 1), the control device 70 drives the transport rollers 110 of the banknote recognition device 10 to transport the banknotes B1 from the side of the banknote recognition device outlet 102 to the side of the banknote recognition device inlet 101, so that the banknotes B1 are transported out of the banknote recognition device inlet 101.

[0102] In this embodiment, as described above, when an abnormality occurs in the banknote recognition device 10, the banknote B1 can be returned to the player by carrying out the banknote B1 from the banknote recognition device carry-in port 101.

[0103] [B-2-2] Case 2 When at least one of an abnormality in the recognition process and an abnormality in the operation of transporting banknotes B1 occurs in the banknote recognition device 10, and an abnormality occurs in the operation of transporting banknotes B1 in the joint device 50, but no abnormality occurs in the operation of transporting banknotes B1 in the banknote transport device 30, the control device 70 drives at least the transport rollers 110 of the banknote recognition device 10 to transport banknotes B1 from the joint device outlet 502 side to the joint device inlet 501 side, and transport banknotes B1 from the banknote recognition device outlet 102 side to the banknote recognition device inlet 101 side, so that the banknotes B1 are transported out of the banknote recognition device inlet 101.

[0104] In this embodiment, as described above, when an abnormality occurs in the banknote recognition device 10 and the joint device 50, the banknote B1 can be returned to the player by removing the banknote B1 from the banknote recognition device entrance 101.

[0105] When the banknote B1 is carried out from the banknote recognition device entrance 101, the transport rollers 510 of the joint device 50 may be driven together with the transport rollers 110 of the banknote recognition device 10, if necessary.

[0106] [B-2-2] Case 3 If there is no abnormality in the recognition process or in the operation of transporting banknotes B1 in the banknote recognition device 10, but an abnormality occurs in the operation of transporting banknotes B1 in the joint device 50, and an abnormality occurs in the operation of transporting banknotes B1 in the banknote transport device 30, the control device 70 drives at least the transport rollers 310 of the banknote transport device 30 to transport banknotes B1 from the joint device entrance 501 side to the joint device exit 502 side, and transport banknotes B1 from the banknote transport device entrance 301 side to the banknote transport device exit 302 side, so that the banknotes B1 are transported from the joint device exit 502 to the banknote transport device entrance 301.

[0107] In this embodiment, as described above, when an abnormality occurs in the joint device 50 and the banknote transport device 30, banknotes B1 for which the recognition process has been properly performed can be transported from the joint device outlet 502 to the banknote transport device inlet 301.

[0108] When the banknotes B1 are conveyed from the joint device outlet 502 to the banknote conveying device inlet 301, the conveying rollers 510 of the joint device 50 may be driven together with the conveying rollers 310 of the banknote conveying device 30, if necessary.

[0109] [C] Variation The above embodiment is merely an example, and various modified examples shown below can be adopted.

[0110] [C-1] Variation 1 In the above-described embodiment, the case where the frictional force F1 generated between the currency note transport roller 110 and the currency notes B1 when the currency notes B1 are transported in the currency note discriminator 10, the frictional force F2 generated between the joint device transport roller 510 and the currency notes B1 when the currency notes B1 are transported in the joint device 50, and the frictional force F3 generated between the currency note transport device transport roller 310 and the currency notes B1 when the currency notes B1 are transported in the currency note transport device 30 are configured to satisfy the relationships of (Equation 1A) and (Equation 1B) has been described, but it is not limited thereto. In addition to this, it is preferable to satisfy the relationship shown in the following (Equation 1C).

[0111] F3 < F1 ···(Equation 1C)

[0112] The length of the currency notes B1 may be the length that spans all the transport paths of the currency note discriminator 10, the joint device 50, and the currency note transport device 30. At this time, unlike this modified example, if the relationship shown in (Equation 1C) is not satisfied, during the identification process of the currency notes B1 in the currency note discriminator 10, the currency notes B1 may be forcibly pulled from the currency note transport device inlet 301 to the currency note transport device outlet 302 in the currency note transport device 30, making it difficult to accurately execute the identification process. However, in this embodiment, since the relationship shown in (Equation 1C) is satisfied, the identification process can be accurately executed.

[0113] Also, it is preferable that each of the frictional force F1, the frictional force F2, and the frictional force F3 is configured to be adjustable. Thereby, the identification process can be executed more accurately.

[0114] The adjustment of the frictional force F1 is executed, for example, by replacing the transport belt 113 that constitutes the transport roller 110 in the currency note discriminator 10. For example, the frictional force F1 can be adjusted by replacing the transport belt 113 with a different coefficient of friction on the surface where the frictional force is generated with the currency notes B1.

[0115] The adjustment of the frictional force F2 is carried out, for example, by replacing the transport roller 510 in the joint device 50. For example, the adjustment of the frictional force F2 can be achieved by replacing the transport roller 510 with a different coefficient of friction on the surface where the frictional force occurs between the bills B1.

[0116] The adjustment of the frictional force F3 is carried out, for example, by replacing the transport roller 310 in the bill transport device 30. For example, the adjustment of the frictional force F3 can be achieved by replacing the transport roller 310 with a different coefficient of friction on the surface where the frictional force occurs between the bills B1.

[0117] [C-2] Modification Example 2 When the bill B1 is transported in the bill identification device 10, the torque T1 acting on the bill B1 by the bill identification device transport roller 110, when the bill B1 is transported in the joint device 50, the torque T2 acting on the bill B1 by the joint device transport roller 510, and when the bill B1 is transported in the bill transport device 30, the torque T3 acting on the bill B1 by the bill transport device transport roller 310 are preferably configured to further satisfy the relationships of the following (Equation 2A) and (Equation 2B).

[0118] T2 < T1 ··· (Equation 2A) T2 < T3 ··· (Equation 2B)

[0119] By satisfying the relationship shown in (Equation 2A), during the identification process of the bill B1 in the bill identification device 10, the bill B1 is prevented from being forcibly pulled by the joint device 50, so that the identification process can be accurately executed. Also, by satisfying the relationship shown in (Equation 2B), in the transport path where the bill B1 is transported from the joint device 50 to the bill transport device 30, it is possible to prevent the bill B1 from jamming.

[0120] Furthermore, it is more preferably configured to satisfy the relationship shown in the following (Equation 2C).

[0121] T3 < T1 ···(Equation 2C)

[0122] Even when the length of the paper currency B1 is the length that spans all the conveyance paths of the paper currency identification device 10, the joint device 50, and the paper currency conveyance device 30, by satisfying the relationship shown in (Equation 2C), it is suppressed that the paper currency is forcibly pulled by the paper currency conveyance device 30. Therefore, the identification process can be executed more accurately.

[0123] Also, it is preferable that each of the torque T1, the torque T2, and the torque T3 is configured to be adjustable. Thereby, the identification process can be executed more accurately.

[0124] The adjustment of the torque T1 is executed, for example, by replacing the conveyance belt 113 that constitutes the conveyance roller 110 in the paper currency identification device 10. For example, by replacing it with a conveyance belt 113 having a different diameter, the torque T1 can be adjusted.

[0125] The adjustment of the torque T2 is executed, for example, by replacing the conveyance roller 510 in the joint device 50. For example, by replacing it with a conveyance roller 510 having a different diameter, the torque T2 can be adjusted.

[0126] The adjustment of the torque T3 is executed, for example, by replacing the conveyance roller 310 in the paper currency conveyance device 30. For example, by replacing it with a conveyance roller 310 having a different diameter, the torque T3 can be adjusted.

[0127] [C-3] Modification Example 3 It is more preferable that the conveyance speed S1 at which the paper currency B1 is conveyed by the paper currency identification device conveyance roller 110, the conveyance speed S2 at which the paper currency B1 is conveyed by the joint device conveyance roller 510, and the conveyance speed S3 at which the paper currency B1 is conveyed by the paper currency conveyance device conveyance roller 310 are configured to satisfy the following relationship of (Equation 3).

[0128] S1 < S2 < S3 ···(Equation 3)

[0129] By satisfying the relationship shown in (Formula 3), it is possible to transport the banknotes B1 in the banknote recognition device 10, the joint device 50, and the banknote transport device 30 in a sequential and accurate manner.

[0130] It is also preferable that each of the conveying speeds S1, S2, and S3 is adjustable, so that the conveying of the banknotes B1 can be performed more accurately.

[0131] The conveying speed S1 is adjusted, for example, by controlling the operation of the drive motor 130 in the banknote recognition device 10 to change the rotation speed of the conveying roller 110.

[0132] The conveying speed S2 is adjusted, for example, by controlling the operation of the drive motor 530 in the joint device 50 to change the rotation speed of the conveying roller 510.

[0133] The conveying speed S3 is adjusted, for example, by controlling the operation of the drive motor 330 in the banknote conveying device 30 to change the rotation speed of the conveying roller 310.

[0134] <Other> Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1: gaming machine, 3: machine spacing, 10: banknote recognition device, 30: banknote transport device, 50: joint device, 70: control device, 100: housing, 101: banknote recognition device entrance, 102: banknote recognition device exit, 110: transport roller, 110: paper recognition device transport roller, 111: drive pulley, 112: driven pulley, 113: transport belt, 120: pressure roller, 121: first pressure roller, 122: second pressure roller, 130: drive motor, 300: housing, 301: banknote transport device entrance, 302: banknote transport device placement / receiving exit, 310: conveying roller, 320: pressure roller, 330: drive motor, 500: housing, 501: joint device entrance, 502: joint device exit, 510: conveying roller, 520: pressure roller, 530: drive motor, B1: banknote B1, F501: flap, S141: carry-in sensor, S142: carry-out sensor, S150: recognition sensor, S151: light-emitting element, S152: light-receiving element, S154: magnetic head, S341: carry-in sensor, S541: carry-in sensor, S542: carry-out sensor

Claims

1. A banknote recognition device configured to perform a recognition process for identifying banknotes introduced for playing a game on the gaming machine; a banknote transport device configured to transport the banknotes that have been subjected to the recognition process in the banknote recognition device; A gaming system comprising: a joint device that is interposed between the banknote recognition device and the banknote transport device and is configured to transport the banknotes that have been subjected to the recognition process in the banknote recognition device from the banknote recognition device to the banknote transport device. Equipped with The banknote identification device is A paper currency identification device conveying roller for conveying the paper currency to the joint device having The joint device comprises: A joint device conveying roller for conveying the banknotes conveyed from the banknote recognition device to the banknote conveying device. having The banknote transport device is A conveying roller of a bill conveying device for conveying the bills from the joint device having a frictional force F1 generated between the banknote recognition device transport roller and the banknote when transporting the banknote in the banknote recognition device, a frictional force F2 generated between the joint device transport roller and the banknote when transporting the banknote in the joint device, and a frictional force F3 generated between the banknote transport device transport roller and the banknote when transporting the banknote in the banknote transport device are configured to satisfy the relationships of the following (Formula 1A) and (Formula 1B): Gaming system. F2<F1...(Formula 1A) F2<F3...(Formula 1B)

2. It is configured to satisfy the relationship shown in the following (Formula 1C), The gaming system according to claim 1 . F3<F1...(Formula 1C)

3. A banknote recognition device configured to perform a recognition process for identifying banknotes introduced for playing a game on the gaming machine; a banknote transport device configured to transport the banknotes that have been subjected to the recognition process in the banknote recognition device; A gaming system comprising: a joint device that is interposed between the banknote recognition device and the banknote transport device and is configured to transport the banknotes that have been subjected to the recognition process in the banknote recognition device from the banknote recognition device to the banknote transport device. Equipped with The banknote identification device is A paper currency identification device conveying roller for conveying the paper currency to the joint device having The joint device is, a joint device transfer roller for discharging the bills carried in from the bill identification device to the bill transfer device and has, the bill transfer device is, a bill transfer device transfer roller for carrying in the bills from the joint device and has, when the bills are being transferred in the bill identification device, the torque T1 acting on the bills by the bill identification device transfer roller, when the bills are being transferred in the joint device, the torque T2 acting on the bills by the joint device transfer roller, and when the bills are being transferred in the bill transfer device, the torque T3 acting on the bills by the bill transfer device transfer roller are configured to satisfy the relationships of the following (Equation 2A) and (Equation 2B), a gaming system. T2 < T1... (Equation 2A) T2 < T3... (Equation 2B)

4. configured to satisfy the relationship shown in the following (Equation 2C), the gaming system according to claim 3. T3 < T1... (Equation 2C)

5. the conveyance speed S1 at which the bills are conveyed by the bill identification device transfer roller, the conveyance speed S2 at which the bills are conveyed by the joint device transfer roller, and the conveyance speed S3 at which the bills are conveyed by the bill transfer device transfer roller are configured to satisfy the relationship of the following (Equation 3), the gaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. S1 < S2 < S3... (Equation 3)

6. a control device for controlling the operations of the bill identification device, the joint device, and the bill transfer device is provided, the bill identification device is, a bill identification device inlet where the bills are carried in, a bill identification device outlet where the bills are discharged and includes, the joint device is, a joint device inlet where the bills are carried in, a joint device outlet where the bills are discharged and includes, the bill transfer device is, a bill transfer device inlet where the bills are carried in, a bill transfer device outlet where the bills are discharged and includes, the control device is, when at least one of an abnormality in the recognition process and an abnormality in the operation of transporting the banknotes occurs in the banknote recognition device, and no abnormality occurs in the operation of transporting the banknotes in the joint device and no abnormality occurs in the operation of transporting the banknotes in the banknote transport device, drive the banknote recognition device transport rollers to transport the banknotes from the banknote recognition device outlet side to the banknote recognition device inlet side so that the banknotes are transported from the banknote recognition device inlet, when at least one of an abnormality in the recognition process and an abnormality in the operation of transporting the banknotes occurs in the banknote recognition device, and an abnormality occurs in the operation of transporting the banknotes in the joint device, but no abnormality occurs in the operation of transporting the banknotes in the banknote transport device, drive at least the banknote recognition device transport rollers to transport the banknotes from the joint device outlet side to the joint device inlet side, and transport the banknotes from the banknote recognition device outlet side to the banknote recognition device inlet side, so that the banknotes are transported from the banknote recognition device inlet, when neither the recognition process nor the operation of conveying the banknotes occurs in the banknote recognition device, and when an abnormality occurs in the operation of conveying the banknotes in the joint device, or when an abnormality occurs in the operation of conveying the banknotes in the banknote conveying device, at least a conveying roller of the banknote conveying device is driven so that the banknotes are conveyed from the joint device outlet to an inlet of the banknote conveying device. The gaming system according to claim 1 .

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