JP2001079142A - Automatic game ball replenishing device and game ball replenishment controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To limit game ball payout to a residual amount number inside a game ball housing hopper and to minimize a damage even in the case that game balls are paid out by a malfunction or an illegal action by inhibiting game ball supply in the case that the game balls are paid out even though winning signals based on the establishment of a prescribed winning condition are not generated. SOLUTION: This automatic game ball replenishing device A is provided with a game ball residual amount detection sensor 2 for detecting the amount of the game balls inside the game ball housing hopper 13, a game ball supplier 3 for supplying the game balls to the hopper 13, a replenishment instruction device 4 for outputting game ball replenishment instruction signals for instructing the game ball supply to the hopper 13 to the supplier 3, a display device 5 for displaying the residual amount of the hopper 13 and a game ball replenishment controller 6 for instructing the replenishment instruction device 4 to output the game ball replenishment instruction signals. Thus, by the input of both residual amount little signals from the sensor 2 and the winning signals from a game machine, the controller 6 instructs the replenishment instruction device 4 to output the game ball replenishment instruction signals.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic game ball replenishing device for a game machine such as a pachislot machine and a game ball replenishing controller used in the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a gaming machine allows a player to play a game with a game ball, and outputs a hit signal when a predetermined hit condition is satisfied during the game, and pays out a game ball from a game ball housing hopper according to the applicable condition. . The game ball is called a medal or a coin in the case of a pachislot machine, for example.

A hit signal issued when a predetermined hit condition is satisfied during a game is input to a computer that manages the game machine, and a so-called prohibiting further game for a game machine in which the number of game balls paid out reaches a predetermined value. It is used for a predetermined purpose such as setting a stop state or displaying a predetermined hit condition satisfaction on a display device. In such a conventional gaming machine, for example, in the case of a pachislot machine, when the remaining amount of game balls in a game ball storage hopper for paying out game balls becomes smaller than a predetermined amount, game balls are supplied to the hopper. Is done.

In order to supply such game balls, a game ball remaining amount detecting sensor which detects the amount of game balls in the game ball storage hopper and outputs a signal indicating that the amount of the game balls is smaller than a predetermined amount. Are provided, and a game ball supply device for supplying game balls to the game ball storage hopper, and a supply instruction device for instructing the game ball supply device to supply game balls to the game ball storage hopper are provided.

When the amount of game balls in the game ball storage hopper becomes smaller than a predetermined amount, a signal notifying the fact is output from the game ball remaining amount detection sensor to the replenishment instruction device, and the replenishment instruction device receives this signal and supplies the game balls. Instruct the device to supply game balls to the hopper.

[0006]

As described above, when the game balls are supplied to the hopper, the game ball remaining amount detecting sensor provided for the hopper detects that the game ball remaining amount in the hopper is smaller than a predetermined amount. It is executed simply by outputting a signal to inform the supply instruction device. Therefore, the dispensing machine malfunctions or the unauthorized player uses radio waves or some kind of signal transmitting means, even though the predetermined winning condition is not satisfied and the dispensing machine does not normally operate. Is operated, game balls are paid out. As a result, when the remaining amount of the game balls in the hopper becomes smaller than a predetermined amount, the game balls are supplied. Then, the payout of the game balls due to the malfunction or the illegal act and the supply of the game balls to the hopper are repeated, and a large amount of the game balls are paid out.

[0007] Even when display means such as a lamp being turned on and blinking when a game ball is paid out is provided, such a conventional display means outputs a hit signal emitted by a gaming machine when a predetermined hit condition is satisfied. Since it is limited to those that receive and display, it is difficult for a pachinko hall clerk or the like to discover a malfunction or an improper act of the dispensing machine.
Therefore, the present invention provides a game machine for allowing a player to play a game with a game ball, outputting a hit signal when a predetermined hit condition is satisfied during the game, and paying out a game ball from a game ball housing hopper according to the applicable condition. In the automatic game ball replenishing device, when the game ball is paid out even though the hit signal is not issued based on the establishment of the predetermined hit condition, the supply of the game ball to the game ball storage hopper is prohibited. Therefore, the payout of the game balls can be limited to the number of remaining balls in the game ball storage hopper, so that even if the game balls are paid out due to malfunction or improper operation without generating a hit signal, the damage can be minimized. It is an object to provide an automatic replenishing device.

Further, the present invention relates to such an automatic game ball replenishing apparatus, wherein a game ball is paid out due to a malfunction or an improper act even though no hit signal is issued based on the establishment of a predetermined hit condition. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic game ball replenishing device that can easily detect the malfunction or the wrongdoing. Further, the present invention provides an automatic game ball replenishing apparatus which is an automatic game ball automatic replenishing apparatus which can be easily and inexpensively formed by using an existing apparatus for replenishing game balls to a game ball storing hopper in a gaming machine. As an issue.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a game ball replenishment controller which can easily upgrade an existing device for replenishing game balls to a game ball accommodating hopper in a game machine to an automatic game ball replenishing device according to the present invention. And

[0010]

Means for Solving the Problems The present inventor has repeated studies to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has come to the following point. That is, the game balls are normally paid out from the game ball storage hopper when the predetermined hit condition is satisfied, and it is normal for the payout based on the hit condition to reduce the game balls in the hopper. It should be considered that the supply of the game balls to the hopper in a state where no hit signal is generated based on the establishment of the predetermined hit condition is abnormal. Focusing on these points, the present invention has been completed.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention allows a player to play a game with a game ball, outputs a hit signal when a predetermined hit condition is satisfied during the game, and outputs a hit signal from the game ball storage hopper according to the applicable condition. A game ball automatic replenishing device for a game machine that pays out a game ball, detects a game ball amount in the game ball storage hopper, and outputs a remaining amount small signal when the game ball amount becomes smaller than a predetermined amount. An amount detection sensor, a game ball supply device for supplying game balls to the game ball storage hopper, and a supply for outputting a game ball supply instruction signal for instructing the game ball supply device to supply game balls to the game ball storage hopper. An instruction device and a game ball replenishment instruction signal are sent to the replenishment instruction device by inputting both the remaining amount low signal from the game ball residual amount detection sensor and the hit signal from the gaming machine. A game ball automatic supply device, comprising: a game ball replenishment control unit that instructs the player to play a game ball; and a player playing a game with a game ball, and outputting a hit signal when a predetermined hit condition is satisfied during the game. A game ball replenishment controller for a game machine that pays out game balls from a game ball storage hopper according to applicable or conditions, detects a game ball amount in the game ball storage hopper and determines the game ball amount. The game ball supply hopper is supplied to the game ball supply device by inputting both the game remaining amount signal from the game ball remaining amount detection sensor that outputs a game remaining amount signal and a hitting signal from the game machine when the amount is smaller than the fixed amount. A game ball replenishment control means for instructing a replenishment instruction device for instructing the supply of game balls to output a game ball replenishment instruction signal.

According to the automatic game ball replenishing device according to the present invention or the automatic game ball replenishing device employing the game ball replenishing controller according to the present invention, the game ball accommodating for paying out the game ball of the gaming machine is provided. The amount of game balls in the hopper is monitored by a game ball remaining amount detection sensor, and when the amount of game balls in the hopper becomes smaller than a predetermined amount, the sensor outputs a signal indicating that the remaining amount is small to the game ball supply control means.

When a predetermined hit condition is satisfied during the game in the gaming machine, a hit signal is generated, which is also output to the game ball supply control means. The game ball replenishment control unit instructs the replenishment instruction device to output a game ball replenishment instruction signal on condition that both the remaining amount small signal and the hit signal are both input. Accordingly, the replenishment instruction device outputs a game ball replenishment instruction signal to the game ball supply device, and supplies the game balls from the game ball supply device to the hopper.

As described above, both the small remaining amount signal generated when the remaining amount of the game balls in the game ball storing hopper is smaller than the predetermined amount and the hit signal generated based on the establishment of the predetermined hitting condition in the game machine are both generated. When both are input to the game ball supply control means, the game balls are supplied to the hopper. If there is no input of the hit signal even if the signal of the remaining amount is input to the game ball supply control means, the game ball is not supplied to the hopper.

Therefore, when a game ball is paid out even if no hit signal is issued based on the establishment of a predetermined hit condition in the gaming machine, supply of the game ball to the game ball storage hopper is prohibited, The payout of the game balls is stopped by the remaining number in the game ball storage hopper. Thereby, even if the payout machine that pays out the game balls from the game ball storage hopper malfunctions or is operated improperly, even if the game balls are paid out without generating a hit signal, the damage can be minimized. .

The game ball replenishment controller according to the present invention can easily convert an existing device for refilling game balls into a payout game ball storage hopper in a game machine into a game ball automatic replenishment device according to the present invention. Can be improved. The game ball supply control means in the game ball automatic supply device and the game ball supply controller according to the present invention can be variously formed. It may be formed using a computer. Further, it may be formed by an electric circuit without using a computer. It may be formed by a combination thereof.
For example, a relay circuit having a relay contact that operates in response to a low remaining signal from the game ball remaining amount detection sensor and a relay contact that operates in response to a hit signal from a gaming machine being input A signal that instructs the replenishment instruction device to output a game ball replenishment instruction signal by having both the low remaining signal input and the hit signal input, whereby both relay contacts are operated together. May be output.

The automatic game ball replenishing device and the game ball replenishment controller according to the present invention are provided with a display control for displaying an indication when the remaining amount signal is input from the game ball remaining amount detection sensor. Means may be provided. In this case, the indicator may be provided in the automatic game ball replenishing device. In addition,
When the gaming machine is provided with a display device for displaying the establishment of a hit condition or the like, the display device may be used as a display for a part or all of the display device. When a signal indicating that the remaining amount is low is displayed on the display unit, the game ball is paid out due to malfunction or improper operation of the game ball dispenser even though there is no normal hit signal. When the game is being taken out, the staff at the game hall visually recognizes the display and can easily notice and find it.

In the case where the payout of the game balls from the game ball storage hopper is normally performed without malfunction or improper operation of the payout machine or the like, a situation in which the remaining amount detection signal is output from the game ball remaining amount detection sensor, for example, When the game ball is paid out when the hit condition is satisfied, a signal indicating that the remaining amount is low is output, but in preparation for a situation where the next hit condition is not yet satisfied, the game ball replenishment control means sets the gaming machine to A signal instructing the replenishment instruction device to output a game ball replenishment instruction signal on condition that there is an input of a low remaining amount signal from the game ball remaining amount detection sensor even when no hit signal is input. May be provided.

Further, the game ball replenishment control means may have a signal relay output means for relaying and outputting a signal (hit signal or the like) inputted from the gaming machine. By providing such signal relay output means, conventionally, in a gaming machine, a signal emitted when a predetermined winning condition is satisfied is output to a gaming machine management computer, and a signal is output to a display device for displaying occurrence of a winning. An advantage that a control board (for example, a board generally called a multi-board) connected to a game machine for outputting or the like can be connected to the signal relay output means, and processing based on the signal can be executed as in the related art. In addition, it is possible to easily provide the game ball automatic replenishing apparatus according to the present invention by utilizing existing gaming machines and peripheral devices thereof.

In this case, the game ball replenishment control means has an input terminal portion connectable to an output terminal portion for outputting a signal (hit signal or the like) to the game ball replenishment control means in the gaming machine. The game ball remaining amount detection sensor further includes an input terminal portion connectable to an output terminal portion for outputting a remaining amount signal, and the output terminal portion for signal relay output is provided with the game ball replenishment control means of a game machine. Connectable to an input terminal section of a control board for a predetermined purpose, which can be connected to an output terminal section for outputting a signal (hit signal, etc.) to the controller, and instructs the supply instruction device to output a game ball supply instruction signal. The signal output terminal may be connectable to an input terminal of the replenishment instructing device, which is connectable to an output terminal for outputting a signal indicating that the game ball remaining amount is low.

This makes it easier to improve the existing game ball replenishing apparatus into the game ball automatic replenishing apparatus according to the present invention. Although not limited thereto, a pachislot machine can be cited as a typical example of a gaming machine. In the case of a pachislot machine, a game ball is a medal also called a coin.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An example of an automatic game ball replenishing apparatus including an example of a game ball replenishment controller according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The illustrated game ball automatic supply device is a medal automatic supply device for a pachislot machine. First, the pachislot machine will be described. The pachislot machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a rotation indicator 11 called a reel at the center.
The display 11 includes three rotation display units 11 arranged in parallel.
1, 112 and 113. In this case, the rotation display 11 rotates the members constituting the rotation display units 111, 112 and 113. However, the rotation display unit 11 displays an image on a liquid crystal display or the like as if each rotation display unit is rotating. A rotating display may be used.

Each of the rotary display units 111, 112, and 113 can display numbers and pictures, and rotate to display the numbers and pictures in a fixed arrangement or at random. Pachislot machine 1
Is provided with a start lever 12 for starting rotation of the rotation display units 111, 112, 113. The player inserts a medal, also referred to as a coin, from the medal insertion slot 14 and depresses the start lever 12 to rotate the rotation display units 111 and 11.
2, 113 rotate. After that, each rotation display unit 111, 1
12 and 113 are provided below and correspond to each rotation display unit.
By pressing the stop buttons 121, 122, and 123, the rotation display units 111, 112, and 113 can be individually stopped.

Rotation display units 111, 112, 11 after stop
Depending on the arrangement of the number 3 or the picture, a hit such as a regular bonus RB, a big bonus BB, a challenge time CT, and a central role CY occurs here, although not limited thereto. The hits are as follows here. The regular bonus RB is displayed in the rotation display section 11
This is established when specific patterns such as BARs are aligned in 1, 112 and 113, and is a single hit in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by the payout machine 130 from the hopper 13 provided with the pachislot machine. Big bonus BB is
This is established when 7 or a specific pattern is completed in the rotation display units 111, 112, and 113, and is a time of repeatedly paying out a medal equivalent to one regular bonus RB three times. The number of medals paid out from the hopper 13 is larger than that of the regular bonus RB. Here, the challenge time CT is a hit that occurs when the red numeral 7 is aligned. Normally, stop button 1
By pressing 21, 122, 123, the rotation display units 111, 11
There is a slight time difference before 2,113 stops. However, when the challenge time CT is generated, the rotation display unit 11 is pressed at the moment when the buttons 121, 122 and 123 are pressed.
1, 112, 113 can be stopped. Thus, it is possible to arbitrarily generate a small win until the predetermined number of medals or the number of games is reached. The concentrator CY is a payout of a number of medals corresponding to the regular bonus RB, which is repeated a predetermined number of times without notice, and is generated when the arrangement of the numbers or patterns of the rotating display units 111, 112, 113 satisfies a predetermined condition. I do.

The pachislot machine 1 has a regular bonus R
No matter which of B, Big Bonus BB, Challenge Time CT and Concentrator CY occurs, the hopper 13 pays out medals or prepares to pay out medals. At the same time, the hit signal is output to a medal supply controller 6 described later. The payout of the medals is performed by the payout machine 130 from the medal accommodating hopper 13 attached to the pachislot machine 1. Each unit in the pachislot machine 1 itself operates under the instruction of the control unit CL for the main body of the pachislot machine. A hit signal output to the medal replenishment controller 6 described later is made from a centralized output terminal board (here, a female connector) CLN connected to the control unit CL.

When a medal is inserted into the pachislot machine 1 by the player, the control unit CL outputs an "IN" signal indicating medal insertion information. OUT ”signal. These are also output via the female connector CLN. Next, a medal automatic replenishing device which is an example of the game ball automatic replenishing device according to the present invention will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the medal automatic replenishing device A includes a medal remaining amount detecting sensor 2 for detecting the amount of medals in the medal storing hopper 13, a medal supplying device 3 for supplying medals to the medal storing hopper 13, and a medal. Supply device 3
And a replenishment instruction device 4 for outputting a medal replenishment instruction signal for instructing supply of medals to the hopper 13, and that the remaining amount of the hopper 13 is smaller than a predetermined amount, that is, a small remaining amount signal is output from the sensor 2. And a game ball supply controller (here, a medal supply controller) 6 for instructing the supply instruction device 4 to output a medal supply instruction signal.

The sensor 2 for detecting the remaining amount of medals comprises a pair of conductive rod-shaped detectors 21 which are inserted into the hopper 13 at a predetermined interval and are installed in the hopper 13. The medals p in the hopper 13 are determined by whether the medals p are in contact with each other via the medals p and the medals p are separated from the detection unit 21 and are not conducting.
To detect the remaining amount. That is, when the detection sensor 2 is outputting a signal indicating that it is conducting, the hopper 1
When the signal 2 indicating that the sensor 2 is non-conducting (a small remaining amount signal) is still output, the remaining amount of the medals p in the hopper 13 becomes smaller than a predetermined amount. ing.

One medal supply device 3 is installed on each of the islands where a plurality of pachislot machines are arranged in the game arcade, and according to an instruction from a replenishment instruction device 4 provided corresponding to each pachislot machine. Then, the medals are supplied to the hopper 13 of the pachislot machine instructed. The medal supply controller 6 has the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 3, and the circuit configuration is mounted on the case CA.

The controller 6 sends a signal to the replenishment instructing device 4 when there is a medal replenishment control means, that is, in this case, a low remaining amount signal from the medal remaining amount detection sensor 2 and a hit signal from the pachislot machine 1 are input. A means for outputting a signal instructing to output a medal replenishment instruction signal, a display control means, that is, a means for turning on the display 5 when a small remaining amount signal from the medal remaining amount detection sensor 2 is input,
Forcible signal output means, ie, here, means for forcibly outputting the same signal as when the big bonus BB occurs, and signal relay output means, ie, here, input of an IN signal, an OUT signal, and a hit signal from the pachislot machine 1 , A means for relaying and outputting the same.

A part of a circuit part for realizing each means may also be a part of a circuit part for realizing other means.
These circuits are mounted on the case CA. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the medal supply controller 6 includes input terminal units (here, female connectors) CN1, CN2, CN
6, and output terminal (here, female connector) CN
3, CN4 and CN5, which are the case CA
It is mounted on the end.

As shown in FIG. 2, the connector CN1 is connected to the output terminal portion (female connector) CLN of the pachi-slot machine 1 via the relay line M1, and the connector CN2 is connected to the medal remaining amount detection sensor 2 via the relay line M2. , Connector CN3 is a relay line M3
, The connector CN4 is connected to the input terminal portion (here, a female connector) 41 of the replenishment instruction device 4 via the relay line M4, and the connector CN5 is generally called a multi-substrate via the relay line M5. The connector CN6 is connected to an input terminal portion (here, a female connector) MAC of the control board MA and the power supply PS via a relay line M6.

The power required in the controller 6 is supplied from a power supply PS. The control board MA is connected to a management computer CP that manages the entire pachislot machine at the game hall via a relay line M7, and is also connected to a display device 50 (see FIG. 1) provided with the pachislot machine via a relay line M8. . The display device 50 is used, for example, to display when a hit signal is generated in the pachislot machine 1 and a hit signal is issued. The display 5 includes a lamp, which is a display 5
0. The display 5 is a display device 50.
May also serve as all or a part of.

The trunk lines M1 to M6 are respectively provided at both ends thereof.
Male connectors CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, which can be connected to and detached from the female connector of the other party to be connected.
It has CM6. The same applies to the trunk lines M7 and M8. Each of the medal remaining amount detection sensor 2, the medal supply device 3, and the replenishment instruction device 4 described above is already known per se, and the existing ones can be used as they are. Then, in the automatic medal replenishing device A shown in FIG. 2, the medal remaining amount detecting sensor 2 is connected to the connector 41 of the replenishment instructing device 4 via the relay line M2.
A is connected to the connector CLN of the pachislot machine 1 via the relay line M5.
It is possible to change the device A to a conventional type automatic medal replenishing device.

Conversely, it can be seen that the existing conventional automatic medal replenishing apparatus can be very easily and easily improved to the automatic medal replenishing apparatus A according to the present invention by using the medal replenishment controller 6 according to the present invention. Means. The medal supply controller 6 will be further described. As shown in FIG. 3, the connector CN1 which is the input terminal unit in the controller 6 is a so-called 6-pin connector, and the first pin P1 has the medal insertion information IN from the pachislot machine 1 and the second pin P2 has The medal payout information OUT from the pachislot machine 1 has a regular bonus R from the pachislot machine 1 on the third pin P3.
The B signal and the central role CY signal are provided on the 4th pin P4, and the big bonus BB signal from the pachislot machine 1 is provided on the 5th pin P5.
The challenge time CT signal from the pachislot machine 1
Each is entered.

The sixth pin P6 is a COM pin, which is grounded here, and is connected to a fourth pin P6 via a normally open contact type manual push button switch SW1 mounted on the case CA.
4 is connected. The first and second pins P1 and P2 will be described later. The 3rd to 5th pins P3 to P5 are connected to the input terminals Q1 to Q3 of the relay coil energizing circuit section RL, respectively. The output terminals Q8 to Q6 of the relay coil energizing circuit section RL are connected to one relay coil Y1 via a part of the circuit section 64 functioning as a hit signal relay output means. The contact of the relay coil Y1 is a normally closed contact (b contact) SY1, which is connected to a connector CN4 for the replenishment instruction device 4.

The terminals Q1 and Q8 in the relay coil energizing circuit section RL correspond to the regular bonus RB signal and the concentrator CY signal, the terminals Q2 and Q7 correspond to the big bonus BB signal, and the terminals Q3 and Q6. Corresponds to the challenge time CT signal. Thus, when any one of the regular bonus RB signal, the big bonus BB signal, the challenge time CT signal, and the concentrator CY signal is input from the pachislot machine 1 to the connector CN1, the relay coil energizing circuit section RL is activated, thereby causing the relay to operate. The coil Y1 is energized and its relay contact SY1 opens.
When the switch SW1 is closed, the big bonus signal B
This is the same state as when B is input, and this also opens the contact SY1. Circuit part 6 including this switch SW1
Numeral 3 is a component of the forced signal output means.

The connector CN2 for receiving the remaining amount signal from the medal remaining amount detecting sensor 2 is a 2-pin connector, one of which is grounded, and the other of which is the input terminal Q4 of the relay coil energizing circuit section RL. And the output terminal Q5 of the circuit section RL is connected to the relay coil Y2. Terminals Q4 and Q5 correspond to the remaining-amount signal.

The relay coil Y2 has two contacts,
One normally closed contact (b contact) SY2 is the relay contact S
It is connected to the connector CN4 in parallel with Y1. The other normally open contact (a contact) SY2 'is connected to an output terminal connector CN3 for instructing the display 5 to turn on the lamp.
Thus, when a signal indicating that the remaining amount is small is input from the medal remaining amount detection sensor 2, the relay coil energizing circuit RL is activated,
As a result, the relay coil Y2 is energized, the relay contact SY2 is opened and the SY2 'is closed, and at least the lamp of the display 5 is turned on.

When both the input of the low remaining signal and the input of any one of the hit signals, both the relays Y1 and Y2 are energized, the relay contacts SY1 and SY2 both open, and the replenishment instruction device 4 is connected to the connector CN4. A signal instructing the medal supply device 3 to output a medal replenishment instruction signal is output, whereby a predetermined amount of medals is supplied from the supply device 3 to the hopper 13 of the pachislot machine 1. When the output of the low remaining amount signal is stopped by this replenishment, the relay contact SY2 is closed and SY2 'is opened, the supply of medals is stopped, and the indicator lamp is turned off.

The first pin P1 and the second pin P2 are respectively connected to a part of a circuit portion 64 which also functions as a relay output means for medal insertion information IN and medal payout information OUT. The relay circuit portion 64 is connected to a 6-pin connector CN5 which is an output terminal for a control board MA connected to the computer CP and the display device 50. The connector CN5 has first to sixth pins R1 to R6 as output terminals. The relay circuit portion 64 includes a photocoupler.

The photocouplers PH1, PH2 and the first pin R1 are connected to the medal insertion information signal IN by the photocoupler PH.
3, PH4 and 2nd pin R2 are medal payout information signal O
The photocouplers PH5 and PH6 and the third pin R3
Is the regular bonus RB signal and the central CY signal,
The photocouplers PH7, PH8 and the fourth pin R4 correspond to the big bonus BB signal, and the photocouplers PH9, PH10 and the fifth pin R5 correspond to the challenge time CT signal. The sixth pin R6 is a COM pin.

As described above, the medal supply controller 6
According to the automatic medal replenishing device A using the pachislot machine 1
The amount of medals in the hopper 13 of the
When the amount of medals p in the hopper 2 becomes smaller than a predetermined amount, a small remaining amount signal is output from the sensor 2 to the medal supply controller 6. Further, if any of the above-mentioned hits is established during the game in the pachislot machine 1, an RB signal, a BB signal, a CT signal or a CY signal corresponding to the hit is generated, and this is also output to the controller 6.

The controller 6 opens the relay contacts SY1 and SY2 on condition that both the remaining amount small signal and the hit signal are input, thereby outputting a game ball supply instruction signal to the supply instruction device 4. Is output. Thus, the supply instruction device 4 outputs a medal supply instruction signal to the medal supply device 3 so that the medal p is supplied from the supply device 4 to the hopper 13.

As described above, both the small remaining amount signal generated when the remaining amount of medals in the payout hopper 13 is smaller than the predetermined amount and the hitting signal generated when the predetermined hitting condition is satisfied in the pachislot machine 1 are both generated. Controller 6 for both
To supply medals to the hopper 13. If there is no input of the hit signal even if the signal of the remaining amount is input to the controller 6, the medal is not supplied to the hopper 13.

Therefore, if medals are paid out in the pachi-slot machine 1 based on the establishment of the predetermined hitting condition and no hit signal is issued, the supply of medals to the hopper 13 is prohibited, and the medal payout is stopped. The remaining number in the hopper 13 is stopped. Thereby, even if the payout machine 130 that pays out medals from the hopper 13 malfunctions or is operated improperly, even if medals are paid out without generating a hit signal, damage can be minimized.

Also, since the gaming machine or the equipment related thereto is usually provided with a visual display means for notifying that a hit has occurred in the gaming machine,
Although the lamp is lit (there is a low remaining signal from the sensor 2), the lamp or other display means in the body of the pachislot machine 1 does not display any hit. At times, a staff member or the like can easily notice this, and can detect a malfunction or an improper act of the dispensing machine 13.

In the case where the payout of medals from the hopper 13 is normally performed without malfunction or improper operation of the payout machine 130 or the like, a situation where a low remaining amount signal is output from the sensor 2, for example, when medals are paid out at the time of the previous win. As a result, a signal indicating that the remaining amount is low is output. Therefore, although the lamp is lit on the display 5,
In the case where the next hit has not been established yet, a person or the like who notices the lighting of the lamp presses the switch SW1 in the controller 6 to force the signal instructing the supply instruction device 4 to output the medal supply instruction signal. Can be output.

The IN signal and OU coming from the pachislot machine 1
The T signal, the RB signal, the BB signal, the CT signal, and the CY signal can be output from the connector CN5 to the control board MA, respectively, and can be used for the intended use. As described above, the pachislot machine has been described as an example of the gaming machine, but the gaming machine is not limited to the pachislot machine.

[0050]

According to the present invention, a player is caused to play a game with a game ball, and when a predetermined hit condition is established during the game, a hit signal is output and the game ball is paid out from the game ball storage hopper according to the applicable condition. A game ball automatic replenishing device for a game machine, wherein a game ball is paid out even though no hit signal is issued based on the establishment of a predetermined hit condition, and a game ball is supplied to a game ball storage hopper. Prohibition of ball supply, whereby the payout of game balls can be stopped to the number of remaining in the game ball storage hopper, so that even if the game balls are paid out due to malfunction or misconduct without generating a hit signal, damage is minimized. It is possible to provide a game ball automatic replenishing device which can perform the game ball automatic supply.

According to the present invention, there is provided such an automatic game ball replenishing apparatus, wherein a game ball is paid out due to a malfunction or an improper act even though no hit signal is issued based on the establishment of a predetermined hit condition. In addition, it is possible to provide an automatic game ball replenishing device which can easily detect the malfunction or the wrongdoing. Further, according to the present invention, a game ball automatic replenishing device having such advantages can be provided simply and inexpensively by using a device for replenishing game balls to a payout game ball storage hopper in an existing game machine.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a game ball replenishment controller capable of easily improving a device for replenishing game balls to a payout game ball storage hopper in an existing game machine with a game ball automatic replenishing device according to the present invention. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachislot machine which is an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a medal automatic replenishing device which is an example of a game ball automatic replenishing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram of a medal supply controller which is an example of a game ball supply controller according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachislot machine 11 Rotation display 111, 112, 113 Rotation display 12 Rotation display start lever 121, 122, 123 Rotation display stop button 13 Medal storage hopper 130 Medal dispenser 14 Medal slot RB Regular bonus BB Big bonus CT Challenge time CY Concentrator p Medal CL Pachislot machine control unit CLN connector IN Signal indicating medal insertion information OUT Signal indicating medal payout information A Automatic medal supply device 2 Medal remaining amount detection sensor 21 Detector 3 Medal supply device 4 Supply instruction Device 5 Display 6 Medal replenishment controller CA Case of controller 6 CN1 to CN7, MAC, 41 Connectors P1 to P6 Terminal pins of connector CN1 R1 to R6 Terminal pins of connector CN5 M1 to M8 Relay lines CM1 to CM6 Kuta PS Power supply MA Control board CP Computer 50 Display device RL Relay coil energizing circuit section Q1 to Q10 Circuit RL terminal 61, 62, 63, 64 Circuit section of controller 6 PH1 to PH10 Photocoupler Y1, Y2 Relay coil SY1, SY2 , Relay normally closed contact (b contact) SY2 'relay normally open contact (a contact) SW1 switch

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A game machine for allowing a player to play a game with a game ball, outputting a hit signal when a predetermined hit condition is satisfied during the game, and paying out a game ball from a game ball storage hopper according to the hit condition. A game ball automatic replenishing device, comprising: a game ball remaining amount detection sensor for detecting a game ball amount in the game ball storage hopper and outputting a remaining amount small signal when the game ball amount is smaller than a predetermined amount; A game ball supply device for supplying a game ball to a storage hopper; a replenishment instruction device for outputting a game ball replenishment instruction signal for instructing the game ball supply device to supply a game ball to the game ball storage hopper; Game ball replenishment that instructs the replenishment instruction device to output a game ball replenishment instruction signal by inputting both the remaining amount small signal from the amount detection sensor and the hit signal from the gaming machine. An automatic game ball replenishing device comprising a control means. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display, and display control means for causing said display to display a signal indicating that the remaining amount is low from said game ball detection sensor. Game ball automatic supply device. 3. The game ball replenishment control means, even when a hit signal from the game machine is not input, provided that a low remaining signal is input from the game ball remaining amount detection sensor as a condition. 3. The automatic game ball replenishing device according to claim 1, further comprising a forced signal output unit for forcibly outputting a signal instructing the device to output a game ball replenishment instruction signal. 4. The automatic game ball replenishing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said game ball replenishment control means includes signal relay output means for relaying and outputting a signal input from said gaming machine. 5. A game machine for allowing a player to play a game with a game ball, outputting a hit signal when a predetermined hit condition is satisfied during the game, and paying out a game ball from a game ball storage hopper according to the hit condition. A game ball replenishment controller for detecting the amount of game balls in the game ball storage hopper and outputting a remaining amount small signal when the amount of game balls is smaller than a predetermined amount; A small ball signal and a hit signal from the gaming machine are both input, and a game ball replenishment instruction signal is output to a replenishment instruction device for instructing a game ball supply device to supply a game ball to the game ball storage hopper. A game ball replenishment control device, comprising: a game ball replenishment control means for ordering the game ball replenishment. 6. The game ball replenishment control according to claim 5, further comprising display control means for displaying a signal indicating that the remaining amount is low from the game ball remaining amount detection sensor. vessel. 7. The game ball replenishment control means, even when a hit signal from the game machine is not input, provided that a small remaining amount signal is input from the game ball remaining amount detection sensor. 7. The game ball replenishment controller according to claim 5, further comprising a forced signal output unit for forcibly outputting a signal instructing the instruction device to output a game ball replenishment instruction signal. 8. A game ball replenishment controller according to claim 5, wherein said game ball replenishment control means includes signal relay output means for relaying and outputting a signal input from said gaming machine. 9. The game ball replenishment control means includes an input terminal portion connectable to an output terminal portion for outputting a signal to the game ball replenishment control means in the gaming machine, and the game ball remaining amount. An input terminal unit that can be connected to an output terminal unit for outputting a remaining amount signal of the detection sensor is provided. The output terminal unit for signal relay output is provided with a signal to the game ball replenishment control means of the gaming machine. An output terminal portion of a signal that can be connected to an input terminal portion of a control board for a predetermined purpose that can be connected to an output terminal portion for output, and that instructs the replenishment instruction device to output a game ball replenishment instruction signal, 9. The game ball replenishment controller according to claim 8, wherein the game ball replenishment controller is connectable to an input terminal of the replenishment instruction device which is connectable to an output terminal for outputting a signal indicating that the remaining amount of the game ball is low.