JP2002325955A - Game medium counting machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To correctly measure the number of game mediums, detect a failure of a sensor or the like and a fraudulent conduct and use proximity sensors. SOLUTION: A '+' count pulse (+1) produced on the basis of detection signals from a detection signal input section (sensor A side) 15-1 and a detection signal input section (sensor B side) 15-2 is sent to a '-' count subtraction section 15-6 in a '-' count subtraction section 15-6. In the '-' count subtraction section 15-6, a '-' count in a '-' pulse counter 15-5 is confirmed, and when the '-' count is 1 or higher, a '+' count pulse is offset by the '-'count. On the other hand, when the '-' count is 0, an output pulse is sent to a display section 16 through the count pulse output section 15-8, and a counted number of game mediums to which 1 is added is displayed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game medium counter for counting the number of game media, and more particularly to a game medium counter having a plurality of lanes therein.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A game medium counter is a device for measuring the number of game media represented by pachinko balls and medals. As shown in FIG. 14, the game medium counter includes a slot 110 for receiving a game medium, a discharge port 120 for discharging a game medium, a lane unit 130 for guiding the game medium from the slot to a discharge port, A sensor 140 for detecting a game medium passing through the unit 130;
Control means 150 for counting the number of game media based on the detection signal from the control unit 40;

[0003] Of these, the lane unit 130 is
As shown in FIG. 15, the vehicle has a plurality of lanes 132 separated by a partition plate 131. And each lane 1
32 is provided with a sensor 140. A plurality of such lanes 132 and sensors 140 are provided in the game media counter.
By providing the game media, a large amount of game media inserted can be distributed to each lane and detected simultaneously by a plurality of sensors, so that the time required to measure the total number of game media can be reduced.

[0004]

However, the control means in the conventional game medium counter has counted the number of times the detection signal has been received from the sensor as the number of game media. Therefore, for example, when the game medium rebounds near the sensor, the sensor detects one game medium twice or more, and two or more detection signals corresponding to this detection are sent to the control means. Was. Therefore, even if only one game medium actually passes through the lane, the control means determines that two or more game media have passed, and counts incorrectly.

As a case where such an erroneous count is made, there is a case where a return occurs due to a repulsion to the pushing in addition to a bouncing. The retraction due to the repulsion to the pushing means that a large amount of game media inserted at the slot of the game medium counter is pushed by a human hand and then pulled back by the repulsion to the pushing. Even in the case where such a return occurs in the game medium near the sensor, as in the case of the bouncing, one game medium is detected twice or more. Could not be counted.

In a conventional game medium counting machine,
There has been a malicious act of illegally raising the count and issuing a prize voucher with a fictitious quantity printed. An example of this misconduct is to insert a rod or the like from the slot of the game media counter and move the rod or the like back and forth to increase the number of detections by the sensor and increase the number of counts by the control means. There was something. In this case as well, the detected number of the sensor becomes the count number in the control means as it is, so that the count number increases even though the game medium is not actually loaded, and thus this count number is the total number of game media. And it was.

Further, the conventional game medium counter has no means for detecting a failure, a trouble, an improper act, or the like, which has occurred in a sensor or a control means. For this reason, even if the total amount of game media different from the actual one is displayed on the game media counter due to, for example, a malfunction of the sensor, the player or the manager does not notice the error or displays the error. I had no choice but to trust.

[0008] Therefore, for example, expensive or low-priced prizes that do not correspond to the number of game media actually obtained are delivered to the player, or differences are found in the counting of the numbers in the hall computer that manages the number of game media. Was happening. Note that the display may cause the player or manager to notice an error. But in this case,
The cause of the error could not be specified.

Further, the sensor used in the conventional game medium counter is an optical sensor, for example, an infrared sensor. An optical sensor is a sensor that detects passage of a substance by being unable to receive emitted light and being blocked. In addition, since the structure is simple and inexpensive,
Widely used in all fields.

However, when the optical sensor is used in a game medium counter, when an object other than the game medium to be detected passes, it is detected similarly to the game medium. Also,
Light emission and light reception sensitivity may be reduced due to dirt attached to the light emitting portion.

Particularly, in the game medium counting machine provided in the hall, dust adhering to the game medium and garbage mixed in a ball box (a box for holding the acquired pachinko balls, etc.) are the game medium counting machine. , And could interfere with sensor detection. Therefore, when an optical sensor is used for the game medium counter, it is necessary to frequently perform maintenance such as cleaning of the sensor to maintain the detection sensitivity.

It is also conceivable to use a proximity sensor as the sensor. A proximity sensor is a sensor that generates a magnetic field around the sensor, converts a change in the magnetic field due to the intrusion of a substance into an electric signal, and outputs the signal. This proximity sensor is superior to an optical sensor in that maintenance such as cleaning is unnecessary, but when a metallic object exists near the sensor,
There is a problem that a magnetic field interferes and causes a malfunction.

In particular, the lane unit to which the sensor is attached has conventionally been formed of a metal steel plate or the like. For this reason, use of the proximity sensor has been hesitated. Here, in order to use the proximity sensor, it is necessary to form the lane unit and the partition plate with a material having excellent impact resistance and strength against falling of the inserted game medium. Also, the partition plate has been processed into a shape that smoothly guides the game medium to the lane. Therefore, the material used for the partition plate has been required to have excellent workability as well as impact resistance and strength.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and can measure an accurate total amount of inserted game media, and can prevent a failure or an improper act in a sensor, a control circuit, or the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game medium counter capable of detecting and forming a partition plate of a lane unit from a material excellent in impact resistance, workability, and the like and enabling the use of a proximity sensor.

[0015]

In order to achieve this object, a game medium counter according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a lane through which a game medium passes, and a sensor for detecting a game medium passing through the lane. Control means for counting the number of game media based on a detection signal from the sensor, wherein the control means counts the number of game media flowing in the passing direction as the number in the positive direction. At the same time, the number of game media that has moved in the direction opposite to the direction of passage is counted as the number in the reverse direction, and the amount obtained by subtracting the amount in the forward direction from the amount in the forward direction is the total number of game media that have passed through the lane. There is a configuration to be a quantity.

If the game medium counter is configured as described above, the number of game media flowing in the forward direction can be counted since the number of game media flowing in the forward direction can be counted as minus the number of game media flowing backward. it can. In particular, even in the case where a rebound due to rebound or push-back occurs near the sensor, game media moved in the reverse direction due to the rebound, etc. are counted separately from game media flowing in the forward direction, and It can be subtracted from the direction quantity. Therefore, an accurate total number of game media can be finally obtained. The game medium according to the present invention includes a game prize exchange, a game medium, a game ball, a game ball, and the like, in addition to a pachinko ball and a medal.

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game medium counting machine,
The sensor comprises a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the first sensor is located upstream of the lane with respect to the second sensor, and indicates that the control means is detecting a game medium. When receiving the detection signal from the second sensor while receiving the detection signal from the first sensor, the positive direction quantity is increased by one,
When the detection signal received from the second sensor ends while the detection signal is received from both the first sensor and the second sensor, the reverse direction quantity is increased by one.

If the game medium counter is configured as described above, the control means causes the game medium to flow in the forward direction according to the input order of the detection signals sent from each of the first sensor and the second sensor. Or moved in the opposite direction. For this reason, based on the determination, the control means counts the forward direction quantity and the reverse direction quantity and cancels them to thereby calculate the accurate total amount of the game media.

Therefore, for example, even if the number of detections of the sensor is increased due to fraud, the control means keeps the forward direction quantity every time the object used for fraud (for example, a rod-like body) moves in the reverse direction. Is reduced, the count number after the offset, that is, the display quantity of the game medium counter does not increase. As a result, the manager of the hall does not suffer any disadvantage due to wrongdoing.

The game medium counting machine according to claim 3 is
The first sensor and the second sensor are located at a distance shorter than the diameter of the game medium. With such a configuration of the game medium counter, it is impossible for the first sensor and the second sensor to start detecting different game media at the same time. For this reason, the control means can determine the moving direction of the game medium based on the timing of the detection signal received from both the first sensor and the second sensor.

Therefore, not only when the number of game media passing on the lane is singular, but also when the number of game media passing through the lane is plural or continuous, the control means can accurately count the number of game media. In order to increase the accuracy of the counting, the mounting position of the sensor is set on the surface of the game medium except for the circle passing through the center of the game medium and the plane parallel to the lane plane and the surface of the game medium. It is desirable to be a position that can be detected with respect to

A game medium counter according to claim 4 is
The sensor comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor, and the first sensor is connected to the second sensor, and the second sensor is connected to the third sensor. The control means receives a detection signal from the second sensor while receiving a detection signal indicating that the game medium is being detected from the first sensor, and receives a detection signal from the second sensor. While receiving the detection signal, the reception of the detection signal from the first sensor ends, and when the detection signal is received from the third sensor, the forward direction quantity is increased by one, and While receiving the detection signal from the second sensor while receiving the detection signal, while receiving the detection signal from the second sensor, reception of the detection signal from the third sensor ends, and When receiving the detection signal from the first sensor, There is a configuration in which one increases the quantity.

With such a configuration of the game medium counter, even if three sensors are provided, the control means counts the forward and backward quantities of the game medium, and determines the difference between them in the game medium. It can be calculated as the total amount. further,
When three sensors are provided, even if one of them fails, the other two can detect the game media, so the number of game media can be continuously measured during the malfunction. Can count.

A game medium counter according to claim 5 is
The first sensor and the second sensor, and the second sensor and the third sensor are each configured to be located at a distance shorter than the diameter of the game medium. When the game medium counter is configured as described above, even when a plurality of game media continuously pass on the lane, the sensors can reliably detect the game media, and the control means can accurately detect the individual game media. Can count.

Further, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game medium counting machine,
The control means, when the reverse quantity reaches a predetermined quantity,
The configuration is such that it is determined that an abnormality of the sensor, a failure of the control means, or an unauthorized act has occurred. With such a configuration of the game medium counter, when the reverse quantity, which is usually unlikely to occur in large quantities, reaches a predetermined quantity, the occurrence is determined to be a circuit trouble in the sensor or the control means. Alternatively, it can be determined that the cause is an improper act.

A game medium counter according to claim 7 is
When the control means receives the detection signals from all of the plurality of sensors at the same time and / or when all of the detection signals received from the plurality of sensors end at the same time, an abnormality of the sensor, a failure of the control means, or an incorrect It is configured to determine that an action has occurred. When the game medium counter is configured as described above, when the simultaneous input or simultaneous termination of a plurality of detection signals that cannot normally occur occurs, the control unit detects the occurrence of a circuit trouble in the sensor or the control unit or an incorrect operation. It can be determined that the act is the cause.
Then, the result of this determination can be displayed on the display unit of the game medium counter to notify the manager of the hall.

[0027] The game medium counting machine according to claim 8 is
A configuration in which the control unit determines that an abnormality of the sensor, a failure of the control unit, or an unauthorized act has occurred when the control unit continuously receives detection signals of a predetermined number or more from only one of the plurality of sensors. There is. If the game medium counter is configured as described above, the control means may detect a circuit trouble in the sensor or the control means when the detection signal continuously transmitted from only one sensor reaches a predetermined number. It can be determined that the cause is an improper act.

Further, according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game medium counting machine,
It has a partition plate for partitioning a plurality of lanes, and the partition plate is made of a high impact resin. With such a configuration of the game medium counter, the partition plate can be formed of a high impact resin excellent in impact resistance and workability, for example, a polyacetal resin. Therefore, deformation due to impact from the falling game media does not occur, and strength equivalent to that of a conventional metal steel plate can be maintained.

In the game medium counter according to a tenth aspect, the sensor is constituted by a proximity sensor. With such a configuration of the game medium counter, it is possible to detect the game medium using a proximity sensor that does not require maintenance such as cleaning. In particular, by using a high-impact resin as the material for the partition plate, the magnetic field generated around the proximity sensor is not interfered by the material of the partition plate, so that a malfunction does not occur in the detection of the game medium.

The game medium counter according to the eleventh aspect has a display unit for displaying the total amount of game media obtained by subtracting the reverse direction quantity from the forward direction quantity. With such a configuration of the game medium counter, the game medium counter can display on the display unit the total number of game media obtained by subtracting the reverse direction quantity from the forward direction quantity in the control means.

The game medium counter according to the twelfth aspect has a voucher issuing unit for issuing and outputting, as a prize voucher, the total amount of game media obtained by subtracting the reverse direction quantity from the forward direction quantity. With this configuration of the game medium counter, the game medium counter can issue, as a premium exchange ticket, the total number of game media obtained by subtracting the reverse direction quantity from the forward direction quantity in the control means.
As a result, the player can exchange for a prize suitable for the acquired game medium with the prize exchange ticket in which the total amount of the accurate game medium is described.

Further, the game medium counter according to the present invention has an output section for externally outputting a signal indicating the total amount of game media obtained by subtracting the reverse direction quantity from the forward direction quantity. If the game media counter has such a configuration,
The information can be transmitted to an external facility or device, for example, a prize voucher, a hall computer, a host computer, or the like for use.

[0033]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, an embodiment of a game medium counter of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The figure is a side view showing the configuration of the game medium counter of the present embodiment. The game media to be counted by the game medium counter of the present invention include pachinko balls and medals, but in the following description, the pachinko balls will be counted for the sake of convenience.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game medium counter 10
Are the inlet 11, the outlet 12, and the lane unit 13
, A sensor 14, a control unit 15, a display unit 16, and a voucher issuing unit 17. Here, the input port 11
Accepts pachinko balls to be counted. The discharge port 12 discharges the counted pachinko balls to the outside.

The lane unit 13 is provided on a path for guiding the pachinko balls inserted at the input port 11 to the output port 12,
It has a partition 13-1 and a plurality of lanes (not shown) partitioned by the partition 13-1. The configuration of the lane unit 13 is substantially the same as that of FIG. Each lane has a width enough to pass one pachinko ball.

The partition plate 13-1 is formed of a high impact resin, for example, a polyacetal (POM) resin. The high impact resin is excellent in impact resistance and has a strength equivalent to a metal steel plate. Moreover, it is excellent in workability and can be easily formed into an arbitrary shape.

Therefore, by using a high impact resin as the material of the partition plate provided in the lane unit of the game medium counting machine, no deformation occurs due to the impact from the falling game medium, and the conventional metal The strength equivalent to that of a steel plate can be maintained, and further, processing into a shape exhibiting the function of the plate becomes easy. Furthermore, since the high-impact resin is non-metallic, it becomes possible to use a proximity sensor in a game medium counter. This proximity sensor will be described later.

As the high impact resin, there can be used, for example, Kaidac (trade name of Tsutsunaka Plastics Industry Co., Ltd.) which is an acrylic-modified high impact resin. Further, as the polyacetal (POM) resin, Duracon (trade name of Polyplastics Co., Ltd.) of engineering plastic (high-performance resin) can be used.

The sensor 14 is provided for each lane.
Two sensors (sensor A14-1 and sensor B14-
2). Sensor A14-1 and sensor B14-2
Detects the passage of the pachinko balls flowing in each lane, and sends a detection signal to the control means 15. These sensors A
A proximity sensor is used as 14-1 and the sensor B14-2. The proximity sensor is a sensor that detects the passage of a pachinko ball by using an induced electromotive force generated by a change in a surrounding magnetic field in a built-in coil.

In a conventional game medium counting machine, an optical sensor is used as a sensor for detecting a game medium. However, when dust or the like adheres to the light emitting surface or the like of the optical sensor, the sensitivity is reduced or the optical sensor becomes undetectable. Therefore, in order to prevent the sensitivity from lowering, it is necessary to frequently perform cleaning and maintenance.

On the other hand, the proximity sensor is not affected by the detection of the pachinko ball due to the adhesion of dust and dirt. For this reason, it is sometimes used as a maintenance-free sensor in a game medium counter. However, since proximity sensors apply changes in the surrounding magnetic field, the presence of a metallic substance near the sensor makes the magnetic field more susceptible to interference, and further affects the amount of induced electromotive force, etc. May be received.

Therefore, if non-metallic high impact resin is used for the partition plate of the lane unit provided with the sensor, the interference of the magnetic field can be eliminated. Therefore, a high-sensitive proximity sensor can be used in place of the conventional optical sensor, and a game medium counter that does not need to worry about a decrease in the sensitivity of the proximity sensor and hardly requires maintenance of the sensor can be realized. .

Also, the first sensor and the second sensor are:
It can be located at a distance shorter than the diameter of the game medium.
If each sensor is provided at such a position, it is impossible for the first sensor and the second sensor to start detecting different game media at the same time.

Therefore, the control means can determine the direction of movement of the game medium based on the timing of the detection signals received from the first sensor and the second sensor. Therefore, not only when the number of game media passing on the lane is singular, but also when the number of game media passing through the lane is plural or continuous, the number of game media can be accurately counted by the control means.

By attaching the sensor at a position that can be detected with respect to the surface of the game medium except for a circle passing through the center of the game medium and parallel to the lane plane and the surface of the game medium, Accuracy of counting in the control means can be improved. Also, as shown in FIG.
When the pachinko balls continuously pass near the sensors, when both sensors detect the same pachinko ball (in the figure) and when both sensors do not detect the pachinko balls (in the figure) ) And so that
If two sensors are installed, the counting accuracy can be further improved.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control means 15 includes a detection signal input section (sensor A side) 15-1, a detection signal input section (sensor B side) 15-2, and a "+" count pulse generation section. 15-3 and a "-" count pulse generator 15-4
A "-" pulse counter 15-5, a "-" count number subtracting unit 15-6, an output pulse width adjusting unit 15-7,
Count pulse output unit 15-8 and error determination unit 15-
9.

Detection signal input section (sensor A side) 15-1
Indicates a detection signal from the sensor A 14-1, and a detection signal input unit (sensor B side) 15-2 indicates a sensor B 14-2.
Input the detection signal from each. The “+” count pulse generator 15-3 is a detection signal input unit (sensor A side)
A detection signal is input from 15-1 and a detection signal input unit (sensor B side) 15-2.

The "+" count pulse generator 15
-3 is a detection signal input unit (sensor B) while a detection signal is being input from the detection signal input unit (sensor A side) 15-1.
Side) Generates a "+" count pulse when a detection signal is input from 15-2.

The "-" count pulse generator 15-4
A detection signal is input from a detection signal input unit (sensor A side) 15-1 and a detection signal input unit (sensor B side) 15-2.
The “−” count pulse generating unit 15-4 is configured to input a detection signal from both the detection signal input unit (sensor A side) 15-1 and the detection signal input unit (sensor B side) 15-2. Then, when the detection signal from the detection signal input unit (sensor B side) 15-2 ends, a "-" count pulse is generated.

The "-" pulse counter 15-5 outputs "-"
The number of generations of the “−” count pulse (“−” count number) in the count pulse generator 15-4 is counted and stored. The “−” count number is sent to the “−” count number subtraction unit 15-6 and the error determination unit 15-9.
The “−” count number subtraction unit 15-6 converts the “+” count pulse sent from the “+” count pulse generation unit 15-3 into the “−” sent from the “−” pulse counter 15-5. Cancel by the count.

The "+" count pulse and the "-" count pulse can be canceled by the following method. For example, when a “+” count pulse is sent from the “+” count pulse generator 15-3, the “−” count number in the “−” pulse counter 15-5 is checked.

As a result of this check, if the "-" count is one or more, the "+" count pulse and one of the "-" counts are canceled. At this time, the "-" count number subtracting section 15-6 does not output an output pulse. On the other hand, when the "-" count number of the "-" pulse counter 15-5 is 0 (zero), the output pulse is output based on the "+" count pulse from the "+" count pulse generator 15-3. It is sent to the width adjustment unit 15-7.

An output pulse generator is provided in place of the "-" count number subtractor 15-6, and when either the "+" count pulse or the "-" count pulse is input, the output pulse is output. There is also a method of sending to the output pulse width adjustment unit 15-7. In this case, the measurement number on the display unit 16 is incremented by one based on the “+” count pulse, and “−”
It is decremented by 1 based on the count pulse. However, it is not preferable that the measured number is decremented by -1 on the display. Therefore, in the present invention, the control means 15 is provided with a "-" count number subtracting section 15-6.

The output pulse width adjusting section 15-7 adjusts the pulse width of the output pulse from the "-" count number subtracting section 15-6. Count pulse output unit 15-8 (output unit)
Outputs the output pulse from the output pulse width adjustment unit 15-7 to each component (for example, the display unit 1) in the game medium counter 10.
6) Or output to an external device or the like. The count pulse output unit 15-8 finally outputs pulses for the total number of pachinko balls.

The error determination unit 15-9 includes a detection signal input unit (sensor A side) 15-1 and a detection signal input unit (sensor B).
Side) By measuring the input timing and the number of times of input of the detection signal from 15-2, it is determined whether the sensor 14 or the control means 15 has failed or an illegal action has occurred.

When it is determined that the sensor 14 is out of order based on the detection signal, the detection signal from the detection signal input unit (sensor A side) 15-1 and the detection signal input unit (sensor B side) 15-2 There is a case where the input timing with the detection signal from the same time is simultaneous. Normally, it is impossible for the sensor A14-1 and the sensor B14-2 to detect a pachinko ball at the same time. Therefore, when such a situation occurs, if an abnormality occurs in the sensor 14 or the like, Is determined to have occurred.

As another example of determining that the sensor 14 is out of order, a detection signal input portion (sensor A side) 15-1 and a detection signal input portion (sensor B side) 15-2 can be used. In some cases, the detection signal is continuously input a predetermined number of times or more. Sensor A14-1 or sensor B14-
It is normally impossible for a pachinko ball to be continuously detected in only one of the two cases. Therefore, in this case as well, it is determined that the sensor 14 or the like has an abnormality or an illegal action has occurred.

Further, as another example of determining that the sensor 14 is out of order, a detection signal input section (sensor A side) 15-1
In some cases, the detection signal input from the detection signal input unit (sensor B side) 15-2 ends at the same time. Also in this case, similarly to the above, since there is no possibility of the structure, it can be determined that the sensor has a failure or the like.

By providing such an error judging unit 15-9 in the control means 15 and monitoring the input timing and the number of times of input of the detection signal, the sensor 14 which cannot be realized in the conventional game medium counter is used. Or a failure of the control means 15 or occurrence of an illegal act can be detected.

The error judging section 15-9 inputs the count number of the "-" pulse from the "-" pulse counter 15-5, compares it with a predetermined number, and when the count number has reached the predetermined number. Then, it is determined that a failure of the sensor 14 or the control means 15 or the occurrence of an illegal act has occurred.

As an example of determining that the sensor 14 has failed, there is a case where the count number of the "-" pulse has reached a predetermined number or more. Normally, it is impossible for a large amount of pachinko balls to flow back through the lane unit 13. Therefore, in this case, it can be determined that the sensor 14 or the like has an abnormality or an illegal action has occurred.

Therefore, such an error judging unit 15
By monitoring the count number of the "-" pulse at -9, it is possible to detect the failure of the sensor 14 or the control means 15 or the occurrence of an illegal act, which cannot be realized by the conventional game medium counter. This error judgment unit 15-
In 9, when a failure of the sensor 14 or the control means 15 or the occurrence of an improper act is detected, a notifying means for notifying the fact to a hall manager or the like can be provided.

The notifying means includes a display unit (which can include the display unit 16) for notifying the occurrence of a malfunction or a wrongdoing by a message or light emission, an audio output unit for notifying the occurrence by voice, and a signal indicating the occurrence. (Which may include a count pulse output unit) for transmitting the data to an external device or facility.

Although the control means 15 shown in FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the functions realized by software, each of these block-shaped components can be configured using hardware. For example, an input signal latch circuit is provided for the detection signal input units 15-1 and 15-2, a "+" count pulse generation circuit is provided for the "+" count pulse generation unit 15-3, and a "-" count pulse generation unit 15 is provided. -4 is a "-" count pulse generation circuit and "-"
The count number subtracting section 15-5 includes a "-" count number subtracting circuit, the output pulse width adjusting section 15-6 includes an output pulse width adjusting circuit, the count pulse output section 15-7 includes a count pulse output circuit, Each can be used.

The display unit 16 displays the total number of game media in which the control unit 15 has subtracted the backward quantity from the forward quantity. The display unit 16 counts output pulses input from the count pulse output unit 15-8 of the control unit 15, and can sequentially display the count number.
The voucher issuing unit 17 issues and outputs, as a prize voucher, the total amount of game media in which the reverse direction quantity is subtracted from the forward direction quantity by the control means 15.

Next, the operation of the sensor and the control means when the pachinko ball moves in the forward direction in the game medium counter of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the pachinko ball moving in the forward direction near the sensor of the game medium counter of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a waveform diagram showing the waveforms of the detection signals output from the sensors A and B based on the movement of the pachinko balls as shown in FIG.

In the present invention, the forward direction refers to the direction in which pachinko balls flow from the inlet 11 to the outlet 12 via the lane unit 13. Further, the reverse direction refers to a direction on the lane unit 13 opposite to the forward direction. In the present invention, the sensor A14-1 is provided upstream of the sensor B14-2 in the positive direction.

In the initial state, no detection signal is output from the sensors A14-1 and B14-2 (FIGS. 4 and 5). That is, the sensor A14-1
And the sensor B14-2 are OFF. When the pachinko ball flowing from the upstream in the forward direction is detected by the sensor A14-1 (see FIG. 4), the detection signal input portion (sensor A side) 15 of the control means 15 from the sensor A14-1 is detected. -1, a detection signal is sent (FIG. 5). That is, the sensor A14-1 is turned on.

Next, when the pachinko ball is detected by the sensor B14-2 (FIG. 4), the signal is sent from the sensor B14-2 to the detection signal input section (sensor B side) 15-2 of the control means 15.
A detection signal is sent (FIG. 5). That is, the sensor A
Along with 14-1, the sensor B14-2 is turned ON. At this time, the “+” count pulse generator 15-3 of the control means 15 receives the detection signal from the sensor B 14-2 while the detection signal from the sensor A 14-1 is being input. The pulse (+1) is sent to the "-" count number subtracting section 15-6.

Here, when the count number of the "-" pulse in the "-" pulse counter 15-5 is 0, "-"
From the count number subtracting section 15-6 to the output pulse width adjusting section 15
An output pulse is sent to the count pulse output unit 15-8 via -7. This output pulse is further transmitted to the display unit 16.
Is sent to the game media, and one is added to the measured number of the game media and displayed.

Thereafter, when the pachinko balls are no longer detected by the sensor A14-1 (FIG. 4), the transmission of the detection signal from the sensor A14-1 to the control means 15 ends (FIG. 5). That is, the sensor A14-1 is turned off. Further, when the pachinko ball is no longer detected by the sensor B14-2 (FIG. 4), the output of the detection signal from the sensor B14-2 ends (FIG. 5). That is, the sensor B14-2 is turned off together with the sensor A14-1.

In the meantime, in the "-" count pulse generating section 15-4 of the control means 15, the detection signal input section (sensor A side) 15-1 and the detection signal input section (sensor B side) 1
Since the input of the detection signal from the detection signal input unit (sensor A side) 15-1 does not end while the detection signal is being input from both the terminals 5-2 and 5-2, the "-" count pulse generation unit 15-1 No "-" count pulse is generated from -4.

Therefore, when the pachinko ball moves in the direction as shown in FIG.
At -6, the cancellation of the "+" count pulse and the "-" count pulse is not performed. Thereafter, when the pachinko balls flow in the positive direction one after another, the “+” count pulse (+1) is sequentially generated from the “+” count pulse generator 15-3 as shown in FIG. The added number of game media is sequentially displayed.

Next, the operation of the sensor and the control means when the pachinko ball moves in the reverse direction in the game medium counter of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the pachinko ball moving in the forward direction near the sensor of the game medium counter of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a waveform diagram showing the waveforms of the detection signals output from the sensors A and B based on the movement of the pachinko balls as shown in FIG.

In the initial state, no detection signal is output from the sensor A 14-1 and the sensor B 14-2 (FIGS. 6 and 7). That is, the sensor A14-1
And the sensor B14-2 are OFF. When the pachinko ball that has moved in the reverse direction from the downstream in the forward direction is detected by the sensor B14-2 (see FIG. 6), the detection signal input unit (from the sensor B14-2) of the control unit 15 is detected by this detection. Sensor B side) 15-2
The detection signal is sent to (FIG. 7). That is, the sensor B14-2 is turned on.

Next, when the pachinko ball is detected by the sensor A14-1 (FIG. 6), the signal is sent from the sensor A14-1 to the detection signal input section (sensor A side) 15-1 of the control means 15.
A detection signal is sent (FIG. 7). That is, the sensor B
Along with 14-2, the sensor A14-1 is turned ON.

Thereafter, when the pachinko ball is no longer detected by the sensor B14-2 (FIG. 6), the sensor B14
-2, the transmission of the detection signal to the control means 15 ends (FIG. 7). That is, the sensor B14-2 is turned off. At this time, the "-" count pulse generation unit 15-4 of the control unit 15 detects the sensor B while the detection signals from the sensor A 14-1 and the sensor B 14-2 are being input.
Since the detection signal from 14-2 ends, a "-" count pulse (-1) is sent to the "-" pulse counter 15-5.

Further, when the pachinko ball is not detected by the sensor A14-1 because the pachinko ball advances in the reverse direction (FIG. 6), the output of the detection signal from the sensor A14-1 ends (FIG. 7). of). That is, the sensor A14-1 is turned off together with the sensor B14-2.

In the meantime, in the “+” count pulse generation section 15-3 of the control means 15, while the detection signal is being input from the detection signal input section (sensor A side) 15-1, the detection signal input section ( No new detection signal is input from the sensor B side) 15-2. Therefore, the “+” count pulse is not generated from the “+” count pulse generator 15-3.

Therefore, when the pachinko ball moves in the reverse direction as shown in FIG.
In 5-6, the "+" count pulse and the "-" count pulse are not canceled. Thereafter, when the pachinko balls move one after another in the opposite direction, as shown in FIG. 7, a "-" count pulse (-1) is sequentially generated from the "-" count pulse generator 15-4, and the "-" count pulse is generated. Pulse counter 15
It is sent to -5 and counted.

Next, the operation of the sensor and the control means when the pachinko ball is turned back near two sensors will be described with reference to FIGS. In the initial state,
No detection signal is output from the sensor A14-1 and the sensor B14-2 (FIGS. 8 and 9).

When the pachinko ball flowing from the upstream in the forward direction is detected by the sensor A14-1 (FIG. 8), a detection signal is sent to the detection signal input section (sensor A side) 15-1 (FIG. 8). 9). Next, when the pachinko ball is detected by the sensor B14-2 (FIG. 8), a detection signal is sent to the detection signal input unit (sensor B side) 15-2 (FIG. 9).

At this time, the “+” count pulse generator 1
In 5-3, since the detection signal from the sensor B 14-2 is input while the detection signal from the sensor A 14-1 is being input, the “+” count pulse (+1) changes the “−” count number subtraction unit 15-. Sent to 6.

Here, when the count number of the "-" pulse in the "-" pulse counter 15-5 is 0, "-"
From the count number subtracting section 15-6 to the output pulse width adjusting section 15
An output pulse is sent to the display unit 16 via -7 and the count pulse output unit 15-8, and one is added to the measured number of game media and displayed.

When the pachinko ball advances in the forward direction and the pachinko ball is no longer detected by the sensor A14-1 (FIG. 8), the transmission of the detection signal from the sensor A14-1 to the control means 15 ends. (FIG. 9).
Then, in the state detected by the sensor B14-2,
When the pachinko ball advances in the opposite direction, the sensor A14-1
, A pachinko ball is detected (FIG. 8), and a detection signal is sent to the control means 15 (FIG. 9).

Further, when the pachinko ball advances in the reverse direction and the pachinko ball is no longer detected by the sensor B14-2 (see FIG. 8), the control means 15 is turned on by the sensor B14-2.
The transmission of the detection signal to is terminated (FIG. 9). At this time, the input of the detection signal from the sensor B14-2 ends when the detection signal is input from both the sensor A14-1 and the sensor B14-2 in the "-" count pulse generation unit 15-4. Therefore, the "-" count pulse (-
1) is sent to the "-" pulse counter 15-5.

Thereafter, when the pachinko ball further advances in the reverse direction and the sensor A14-1 no longer detects the pachinko ball (FIG. 8), the transmission of the detection signal to the control means 15 ends (FIG. 9). . When the “+” count pulse from the “+” count pulse generator 15-3 is input after the “−” count pulse is generated in the “−” count number subtractor 15-6, the “+” count pulse is generated. The "count pulse" and the "-" count pulse counted by the "-" pulse counter 15-5 are canceled.

Next, the operation of the sensor and the control means in the other case where the pachinko ball is turned back near the two sensors will be described with reference to FIGS. In the initial state, no detection signal is output from the sensor A14-1 and the sensor B14-2 (FIGS. 10 and 11).

When the pachinko ball moving from the downstream in the forward direction is detected by the sensor B14-2 (FIG. 10), a detection signal is sent to the detection signal input section (sensor B side) 15-2 (FIG. 10). FIG. 11). Next, when the pachinko ball is detected by the sensor A14-1 (FIG. 10), a detection signal is sent to the detection signal input unit (sensor A side) 15-1 (FIG. 11).

When the pachinko ball advances in the reverse direction and the sensor B14-2 no longer detects the pachinko ball (FIG. 10), the transmission of the detection signal from the sensor B14-2 to the control means 15 ends. (FIG. 11). At this time, the "-" count pulse generator 15-4
, When a detection signal is input from both the sensor A14-1 and the sensor B14-2, the sensor B14-
Since the detection signal from 2 ends, a "-" count pulse (-1) is sent to the "-" pulse counter 15-5.

Thereafter, when the pachinko ball moving in the reverse direction starts flowing in the forward direction while being detected by the sensor A14-1, the pachinko ball is detected again by the sensor B14-2 (see FIG. 10). ), A detection signal is sent to the control means 15 (FIG. 11). At this time, while the detection signal is being input from the detection signal input unit (sensor A side) 15-1 in the “+” count pulse generation unit 15-3, the detection signal input unit (sensor B side) 15-2 , The "+" count pulse is sent to the "-" count number subtraction unit 15-6.

Here, the "-" count number subtraction section 15-6
The "+" count pulse input in the step (c) is canceled with the "-" count pulse (-1) counted by the "-" pulse counter 15-5. For this reason, when the pachinko ball moves as shown in FIG. 10, the measured number of the game media on the display unit 16 is based on the “+” count pulse generated by the “+” count pulse generation unit 15-3. They are not added.

Thereafter, when the pachinko ball advances in the forward direction and the pachinko ball is no longer detected by the sensor A14-1 (FIG. 10), the transmission of the detection signal to the control means 15 is terminated (FIG. 11). Further, when the pachinko ball further advances and the pachinko ball is no longer detected by the sensor B14-2 (FIG. 10), the transmission of the detection signal to the control means 15 ends (FIG. 11).

The detection signal input section (sensor A side) 15
-1 and the detection signal input section (sensor B side) 15-2, the waveform of the detection signal input thereto is shown in FIGS. 12 (a) to 12 (d) in addition to FIGS. The waveform shown in FIG. Of these, in FIGS. 12B and 12D, the “+” count pulse generator 15-
3 and the "-" count pulse generator 15-4,
Since the “+” count pulse and the “−” count pulse are not generated, the output of the output pulse in the “−” count number subtraction unit 15-6 and the addition of the measured amount of the game medium in the display unit 16 are not performed.

In the present invention, three sensors 14 (first sensor, second sensor, and third sensor) can be provided. FIG. 13 shows the flow in the pachinko ball and the operation of each sensor when three sensors 14 are provided. In the present invention, the first sensor is for the second sensor, and the second sensor is for the third sensor,
Each of them is provided upstream of the lane.

In this case, similarly to the case where two sensors 14 are provided, the movement of the pachinko ball in the forward direction and the reverse direction can be detected. In the case where three sensors 14 are provided, there is an advantage that the movement direction of the pachinko ball can be detected even when one of the sensors 14 becomes unusable due to a failure.

The following is an example in which the control means counts the forward quantity and the reverse quantity based on the detection signals from the three sensors 14. For example, while receiving the detection signal indicating that the game medium is being detected from the first sensor, receiving the detection signal from the second sensor, and receiving the detection signal from the second sensor. Then, the reception of the detection signal from the first sensor ends,
When the detection signal is received from the third sensor, the positive direction quantity is increased by one.

Then, while receiving the detection signal from the second sensor while receiving the detection signal from the third sensor, while receiving the detection signal from the second sensor, When the reception of the detection signal is completed and the detection signal is received from the first sensor, the reverse direction quantity is increased by one.

[0099] Of the three sensors, the first sensor and the second sensor, and the second sensor and the third sensor are provided so as to be located at distances shorter than the diameter of the game medium. Can also. By providing three sensors at such positions, even when a plurality of game media continuously pass on the lane, the sensors can reliably detect the game media. Therefore, the control means can accurately count individual game media.

[0100]

As described above, according to the present invention, the number of game media passing through the lane unit is counted as the forward direction quantity, and the number of game media moved in the reverse direction are counted as the reverse direction quantity. Since the reverse quantity can be subtracted from, the accurate quantity of game media can be measured. That is, since the game medium which has conventionally been regarded as the forward direction quantity while moving in the reverse direction is counted as the reverse direction quantity in the present invention, the game medium is calculated by subtracting the reverse direction quantity from the forward direction quantity. The exact quantity of can be obtained.

By providing the game medium counter with the first sensor and the second sensor, the control means can control the input order of the detection signals sent from each of the first sensor and the second sensor. Based on this, it can be determined whether the game medium has flowed in the forward direction or moved in the reverse direction. For this reason, the control means counts the forward direction quantity and the reverse direction quantity based on the determination and cancels them to obtain
An accurate total amount of game media can be calculated.

Therefore, even if a return or the like occurs due to a rebound or a push in the vicinity of the sensor, the game medium moved in the reverse direction due to the rebound or the like is counted separately from the game medium flowing in the forward direction. And can be subtracted from the positive quantity. Therefore, an accurate total number of game media can be finally obtained. Also, for example, even if the number of detections of the sensor is increased due to fraud, the control means reduces the forward quantity every time the object used for fraud moves in the reverse direction. The count number, that is, the display quantity of the game medium counter does not increase. As a result, the manager of the hall does not suffer any disadvantage due to wrongdoing.

In the control means, when the reverse quantity, which is unlikely to occur in a large amount, usually reaches a predetermined quantity, and when the simultaneous input of a detection signal that cannot normally occur occurs, these Can be determined to be caused by a circuit trouble or an improper act in the sensor or the control means. Further, when the detection signal continuously transmitted from only one of the sensors reaches a predetermined number of times, the control means determines that the cause is a circuit trouble or an improper act in the sensor or the control means. be able to. By notifying the results of these determinations, a hall manager or the like can be informed of the occurrence of a failure or an improper act.

Further, by forming the partition plate from a high-impact resin excellent in impact resistance and workability, for example, a polyacetal resin or the like, deformation due to impact from falling game media does not occur. In addition, strength equivalent to that of a conventional metal steel plate can be maintained. And since the high impact resin is non-metal that does not interfere with the magnetic field,
Proximity sensors that do not require maintenance such as cleaning can be used for the first sensor and the second sensor.

Further, by providing a display unit for displaying the total amount of game media obtained by subtracting the reverse amount from the forward direction amount, it is possible to inform the player and the manager of the exact number of game media. it can. Furthermore, by providing a voucher issuing unit that prints the total number of game media in which the reverse direction quantity is subtracted from the forward direction quantity, the player can obtain a prize voucher in which the accurate total number of game media is described, It can be exchanged for a prize corresponding to the acquired game media.

Further, by providing an output unit for externally outputting a signal indicating the total number of game media obtained by subtracting the number of game media in the forward direction from the number in the reverse direction, the total amount of game media is represented by a hall computer, a host computer, or the like. Can be transmitted to external equipment and devices. For this reason, since the external device or the like can receive the accurate total amount of the game media, it is possible to eliminate the error in the counting of the game media which has conventionally occurred.

Furthermore, by providing three sensors, the control means can also count the forward and backward quantities of game media, and calculate the difference between them as the total number of game media. When three sensors are provided, even if one of the sensors fails, the other two can detect the game medium. Can be counted.

When a plurality of sensors are provided,
By locating each sensor at a distance shorter than the diameter of the game medium, the sensor can be used not only when a single game medium passes on the lane but also when a plurality of game media continuously passes. The game media can be reliably detected, and the control means can accurately count the individual game media.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing the structure of a game medium counter according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a moving direction of a pachinko ball and installation positions of two sensors.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of control means in the game medium counter of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the positions of sensors and the flow of pachinko balls in the game medium counter of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a waveform diagram showing a waveform of a detection signal output by each sensor when the pachinko ball moves as shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another flow of pachinko balls in the game medium counter of the present invention.

7 is a waveform diagram showing a waveform of a detection signal output from each sensor when the pachinko ball moves as shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a view showing still another flow of pachinko balls in the game medium counter of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a waveform diagram showing a waveform of a detection signal output from each sensor when the pachinko ball moves as shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a view showing still another flow of pachinko balls in the game medium counter of the present invention.

11 is a waveform diagram showing a waveform of a detection signal output from each sensor when the pachinko ball moves as shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a waveform chart showing another example of the waveform of the detection signal.

FIG. 13 is a view showing positions of three sensors and a flow of pachinko balls in the game medium counter of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view showing the structure of a conventional game medium counter.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the structure of a conventional lane unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 game media counter 11 input port 12 discharge port 13 lane unit 13-1 threshold plate 14 sensor 14-1 sensor A 14-2 sensor B 15 control means 15-1 detection signal input unit (sensor A side) 15-2 detection Signal input unit (Sensor B side) 15-3 "+" count pulse generator 15-4 "-" count pulse generator 15-5 "-" pulse counter 15-6 "-" count number subtractor 15-7 output Pulse width adjustment unit 15-8 Count pulse output unit 15-9 Error determination unit 16 Display unit 17 Voucher issuing unit 100 Game media counter 110 Insertion port 120 Discharge port 130 Lane unit 131 Threshold plate 132 Lane 140 Sensor 150 Control means

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A game medium comprising: a lane through which game media pass; a sensor for detecting the game media passing through the lane; and control means for counting the number of the game media based on a detection signal from the sensor. A counting machine, wherein the control means counts the number of the game media flowing in the passing direction as the number in the forward direction, and the number of the game media moved in a direction opposite to the passing direction. Is counted as a reverse direction quantity, and a quantity obtained by subtracting the reverse direction quantity from the forward direction quantity is set as a total quantity of the game media passing through the lane. 2. The sensor comprises a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the first sensor is located upstream of the lane with respect to the second sensor, While receiving the detection signal from the second sensor while receiving the detection signal indicating that the game medium is being detected from the first sensor, the forward direction quantity is increased by one, While receiving the detection signal from both the first sensor and the second sensor, when the detection signal received from the second sensor ends, the reverse quantity is increased by one. The game medium counter according to claim 1, wherein 3. The game medium counter according to claim 2, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are located at a distance shorter than a diameter of the game medium. 4. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor.
The second sensor is located upstream of the lane with respect to the third sensor, and the control unit outputs the detection signal indicating that the game medium is detected from the first sensor. While receiving the detection signal from the second sensor while receiving, while receiving the detection signal from the second sensor, the reception of the detection signal from the first sensor is terminated And, when the detection signal is received from the third sensor, the positive direction quantity is increased by one, and the detection signal is received from the second sensor while receiving the detection signal from the third sensor. And while receiving the detection signal from the second sensor,
The reception of the detection signal from the third sensor ends,
And, upon receiving the detection signal from the first sensor,
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the reverse quantity is increased by one.
The gaming media counter according to the above. 5. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor, and the second sensor and the third sensor are each located at a distance shorter than a diameter of the game medium. 4. The game medium counter according to 4. 6. The control means determines that an abnormality of the sensor, a failure of the control means, or an improper act has occurred when the reverse quantity reaches a predetermined quantity. A game medium counter according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. The method according to claim 7, wherein the control unit receives the detection signals from all of the plurality of sensors at the same time and / or terminates all of the detection signals received from the plurality of sensors at the same time. It is determined that an abnormality of a sensor, a failure of the control means or the illegal action has occurred.
7. The game medium counting machine according to any one of 6. 8. The control means, when receiving the detection signal for a predetermined number of times or more continuously from only one of the plurality of sensors, detects an abnormality in the sensor, a failure in the control means, or The game media counter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein it is determined that an improper act has occurred. 9. The game medium counter according to claim 1, further comprising a partition plate for dividing the plurality of lanes, wherein the partition plate is made of a high-impact resin. 10. The game medium counter according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a proximity sensor. 11. The game medium counting device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit for displaying a total amount of said game media obtained by subtracting said reverse direction amount from said forward direction amount. Machine. 12. A voucher issuing unit for issuing and outputting, as a prize voucher, a total amount of the game media obtained by subtracting the reverse direction quantity from the forward direction quantity. A game medium counting machine according to any one of the above. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit for externally outputting a signal indicating a total amount of the game media obtained by subtracting the reverse direction quantity from the forward direction quantity. Game media counting machine.