JP2005152171A - Supply management device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a supply management device controlling to adjust storage quantities between game machine installation islands via a game ball sending/receiving device in a simple operation even if any one out of a plurality of types of game ball sending/receiving devices is installed between the game machine installation islands. <P>SOLUTION: This supply management device changingly presets which type (A-C) of the sending/receiving devices for sending/receiving the game balls is installed between the mutual game machine installation islands so that, when controlling to adjust the storage quantities between the mutual game machine installation islands for sending/receiving the game balls, this device can specify the game machine installation island transmitting a feed signal indicating to feed the game balls to the game machine installation island having less storage quantity via the sending/receiving device based on the setting contents and the comparison results of the storage quantities of the mutual game machine installation islands. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention allows a game ball stored in a storage area provided in each of a plurality of game machine installation islands installed in a game hall to be transmitted and received via a game ball transmission / reception device provided between the game machine installation islands. The present invention relates to a replenishment management device that performs control for adjusting the amount of game balls stored on a gaming machine installation island.

  Conventionally, this type of replenishment management device generally monitors the amount of game balls stored in a storage area provided in each of a plurality of game machine installation islands installed in a game arcade, and a plurality of game machines In order to keep the storage amount balance between the installed islands, control is performed to adjust the storage amount by sending and receiving game balls via the game ball sending and receiving devices provided between adjacent game machine installation islands.

  On the other hand, as such a game ball transmission / reception device, for example, an inclined transmission / reception unit constructed so as to incline downward toward one of the game machine installation islands between mutual game machine installation islands for transmitting and receiving game balls. And a ball receiving member (gate) that is movable between a restriction position for restricting the supply of game balls to the gaming machine installation island on the lower side of the inclination of the inclination sending / receiving rod and a release position for releasing the restriction, By driving a ball receiving member driving device disposed on a gaming machine installation island on the lower side of the slope, the ball receiving member is set to the release position, so that the gaming machine installation island on the lower side of the slope is provided via the slope feeding / receiving rod. There is one that supplies a game ball to the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The game machine includes a transmission / reception unit constructed between islands where game balls are transmitted and received, and a transfer member (transfer conveyor) provided in the transmission / reception unit for transferring the game ball of the transmission / reception unit, By driving a transfer member driving device disposed on any one of the game machine installation islands, the transfer member transfers the game balls of the receiving and receiving cages to one of the mutual game machine installation islands. (See, for example, Patent Document 2).

  In addition, between the game machine installation islands that send and receive game balls, the game balls stored in the storage area and the slanting and receiving cage constructed so as to incline downward toward one of the game machine installation islands. A lifting member (mini-reduction machine) that feeds and discharges to the upper inclined side of the inclined feeding / receiving rod, and drives the lifting member driving device disposed on the inclined upper side of the inclined feeding / receiving rod to drive the lifting There is one that supplies a game ball to a gaming machine installation island on the lower side of the inclined sending / receiving rod via the inclined feeding / receiving rod by lifting the game ball stored in the storage area by a member (for example, patent Reference 3).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-5428 (page 3, FIG. 1-3) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-140907 (5th page, FIGS. 1 and 8-11) JP-A-9-276524 (page 4-5, FIG. 1-3)

  However, when the game ball transmitting / receiving device described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 is provided between gaming machine installation islands, for example, among a plurality of gaming machine installation islands installed in a game store, for example, between some gaming machine installation islands If the transmission / reception frame to be installed interferes with the structure of the amusement store (for example, an air conditioner provided on a pillar, a beam, or a ceiling, etc.), the transmission / reception frame cannot be installed at a predetermined position. In the store, as described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, a plurality of types of game ball transmission / reception devices having different structures and arrangement positions of driving devices may be provided in a mixed manner.

  In such a case, in the replenishment management device that performs control to adjust the storage amount by sending and receiving game balls between a plurality of gaming machine installation islands, for example, to one gaming machine installation island via a transmission and reception cage Because the position of the driving device such as the gate, transfer conveyor, mini-reduction machine, etc. that are driven to supply the game balls toward the game machine differs depending on the type of the game ball sending / receiving device, the game is installed on the game machine installation island with a small amount of storage. In order to supply the sphere, the transmission destination for transmitting the driving signal for driving the driving device is changed.

  In this case, some measures are taken in the field, such as wiring between the gaming machine installation islands in order to transmit the received drive signals to other gaming machine installation islands that have a driving device that needs to be driven. Therefore, there is a problem that the work load at the construction site increases and it takes time to install the gaming machine installation island.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and even if any of a plurality of types of game ball receiving / receiving rods are provided between the gaming machine installation islands, the game ball receiving / receiving rods can be easily operated. An object of the present invention is to provide a replenishment management device capable of performing control to adjust the storage amount between gaming machine installation islands.

In order to solve the above problem, a supply management device according to claim 1 of the present invention provides:
Each gaming machine is configured to send and receive game balls stored in a storage area provided in each of the plurality of gaming machine installation islands installed in the game hall through a game ball transmission / reception device installed between the gaming machine installation islands. A replenishment management device that performs control to adjust the storage amount of game balls on an installed island,
The game ball sending and receiving device is
Lifting and receiving the game balls stored in the storage area and the slanting and receiving cage constructed so as to incline downward toward any one of the game machine installation islands between the game machine installation islands for sending and receiving the game balls And a lifting member that discharges to the upper tilt side of the inclined feeding / receiving rod, and drives the lifting member driving device disposed on the upper tilting side of the tilted feeding / receiving rod to the storage region by the lifting member. A first game ball sending / receiving device that feeds game balls to a gaming machine installation island on the lower side of the inclined sending / receiving box by lifting the stored game balls;
Inclined transmission / reception erected so as to incline downward toward one of the gaming machine installation islands between the mutual gaming machine installation islands for sending and receiving the game balls, and a gaming machine installation on the lower side of the inclination of the inclined transmission / reception cage A ball receiver that has a ball receiving member that is movable between a restriction position that restricts the supply of game balls to the island and a release position that releases the restriction, and that is disposed on the gaming machine installation island on the lower side of the inclination of the inclination receiving / receiving rod. A second game ball transmitting / receiving device for supplying a game ball to the gaming machine installation island on the lower tilt side by driving the member driving device to set the ball receiving member to the release position;
Including
A setting changing means for changing a setting as to which of the first gaming ball transmission / reception device or the second gaming ball transmission / reception device is provided between the mutual gaming machine installation islands for transmitting / receiving the gaming ball;
A storage amount specifying means for specifying a storage amount of the game ball stored in the storage region;
Based on the specified result of the storage amount specifying means, the storage amounts of the gaming machine installation islands that transmit and receive the game balls are compared, and the difference in the storage amount between the compared gaming machine installation islands is determined in advance. Determining means for determining whether or not the determined determination value has been reached;
When it is determined by the determination means that the difference in the storage amount between any of the plurality of gaming machine installation islands has reached the predetermined determination value, the difference in the storage amount is determined in advance. When the first game ball sending / receiving device is set by the setting change means between the mutual game machine installation islands that have reached a predetermined determination value, the mutual game machine installation is based on the specified result of the storage amount specifying means When a gaming machine installation island with a large amount of storage is specified among the islands and the second game ball transmission / reception device is set by the setting change means, the mutual gaming machines are based on the specification result of the storage amount specification means. An island identification means for identifying a gaming machine installation island with a small amount of storage among the installed islands;
Supply signal transmission for transmitting a supply signal indicating that a game ball is supplied to the gaming machine installation island with a small amount of storage through the gaming ball transmission / reception device toward the gaming machine installation island specified by the island specifying means Means,
It is characterized by having.
According to this feature, a transmission destination of a supply signal indicating that a game ball is supplied to a game machine installation island with a small storage amount between game machine installation islands that transmit and receive game balls via a game ball transmission / reception device is provided. Regardless of whether a different first game ball transmission / reception device or second game ball transmission / reception device is provided, the setting change operation is performed by the setting change means without performing work such as wiring the game machine installation islands at the construction site. It is possible to perform control to adjust the storage amount via the game ball sending / receiving device provided between the mutual gaming machine installation islands for sending and receiving game balls.

In order to solve the above problem, a replenishment management device according to claim 2 of the present invention provides:
Each gaming machine is configured to send and receive game balls stored in a storage area provided in each of the plurality of gaming machine installation islands installed in the game hall through a game ball transmission / reception device installed between the gaming machine installation islands. A replenishment management device that performs control to adjust the storage amount of game balls on an installed island,
The game ball sending and receiving device is
Lifting and receiving the game balls stored in the storage area and the slanting and receiving cage constructed so as to incline downward toward any one of the game machine installation islands between the game machine installation islands for sending and receiving the game balls And a lifting member that discharges to the upper tilt side of the inclined feeding / receiving rod, and drives the lifting member driving device disposed on the upper tilting side of the tilted feeding / receiving rod to the storage region by the lifting member. A first game ball sending / receiving device that feeds game balls to a gaming machine installation island on the lower side of the inclined sending / receiving box by lifting the stored game balls;
A game machine installed island for transmitting and receiving the game balls, and a transfer member provided in the send / receive box for transferring the game balls of the game machine, wherein the game machine installed islands A second game ball transmission / reception device that drives the transfer member driving device disposed on either one of the two to transfer the game balls of the transmission / reception cage to any of the mutual game machine installation islands by the transfer member. When,
Including
While changing the setting of whether the first game ball sending / receiving device or the second game ball sending / receiving device is provided between the gaming machine installation islands that send and receive the game balls, the second game ball sending / receiving Setting changing means for changing the setting of the gaming machine installation island where the transfer member driving device is disposed when the device is provided;
A storage amount specifying means for specifying a storage amount of the game ball stored in the storage region;
Based on the specified result of the storage amount specifying means, the storage amounts of the gaming machine installation islands that transmit and receive the game balls are compared, and the difference in the storage amount between the compared gaming machine installation islands is determined in advance. Determining means for determining whether or not the determined determination value has been reached;
When it is determined by the determination means that the difference in the storage amount between any of the plurality of gaming machine installation islands has reached the predetermined determination value, the difference in the storage amount is determined in advance. When the first game ball sending / receiving device is set by the setting change means between the mutual game machine installation islands that have reached a predetermined determination value, the mutual game machine installation is based on the specified result of the storage amount specifying means When a gaming machine installation island having a large amount of storage is identified among the islands and the second game ball transmitting / receiving device is set by the setting change means, the mutual gaming machines are based on the setting change contents by the setting change means. Island specifying means for specifying the gaming machine installation island where the transfer member driving device is arranged among the installed islands;
Supply signal transmission for transmitting a supply signal indicating that a game ball is supplied to the gaming machine installation island with a small amount of storage through the gaming ball transmission / reception device toward the gaming machine installation island specified by the island specifying means Means,
It is characterized by having.
According to this feature, a transmission destination of a supply signal indicating that a game ball is supplied to a game machine installation island with a small storage amount between game machine installation islands that transmit and receive game balls via a game ball transmission / reception device is provided. Regardless of whether a different first game ball transmission / reception device or second game ball transmission / reception device is provided, the setting change operation is performed by the setting change means without performing work such as wiring the game machine installation islands at the construction site. It is possible to perform control for adjusting the storage amount via the game ball sending / receiving device provided between the mutual gaming machine installation islands for sending and receiving game balls.

A supply management device according to claim 3 of the present invention is the supply management device according to claim 1 or 2,
A stagnation signal input unit for inputting a stagnation signal indicating that the game sphere is stagnating in the slanting transmission / reception box of the first gaming ball transmission / reception device;
Based on the fact that the stagnation signal is input to the stagnation signal input unit when the game balls are being transmitted / received by the first game ball transmission / reception device, the game balls are transmitted / received by the first game ball transmission / reception device. An anomaly identifying means for identifying that an anomaly may have occurred,
With
The supply signal transmitting means includes
Based on the fact that the possibility that an abnormality may have occurred is specified by the abnormality specifying means, an emergency stop that makes an emergency stop on the sending and receiving of game balls by the first game ball sending and receiving device based on the transmission of the supply signal A signal is transmitted toward the gaming machine installation island specified by the island specifying means.
According to this feature, when a game ball is transmitted / received by the first game ball transmission / reception device, for example, a ball clogging occurs in the tilt receiving / receiving rod, or the game ball flows down in the tilt receiving / receiving rod even though a supply signal is transmitted. Since it is possible to immediately detect and deal with any abnormality such as failure, it is possible to minimize damage such as failure of the drive device or inability to supply the gaming machine in time.

The supply management device according to claim 4 of the present invention is the supply management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The setting change means includes
The setting change of the gaming ball transmission / reception device provided between the gaming machine installation islands for sending and receiving the gaming balls is changed between the first gaming machine installation islands arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine installation islands and the game. Performed between the second gaming machine installation islands arranged in series in the longitudinal direction of the machine installation island,
The determination means includes
Based on the identification result of the storage amount specifying means, the storage amount between the first gaming machine installation islands and the second gaming machine installation island is compared, respectively, and between the first gaming machine installation islands and the second gaming machine installation. It is characterized by each determining whether the difference of the storage amount between islands reached the predetermined determination value.
According to this feature, the game ball sending / receiving device provided between the first gaming machine installation islands and the second gaming machine installation islands can be set and changed, so that storage is possible between the gaming machine installation islands corresponding to various layouts of the gaming machine installation islands. Control to adjust the amount can be performed.

The supply management device according to claim 5 of the present invention is the supply management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The setting change means includes
The setting change of the game ball transmission / reception device provided between the gaming machine installation islands for sending and receiving the game balls can be changed for each of the gaming machine installation islands.
According to this feature, each of the game machine installation islands can be individually set and changed to determine whether the first game ball transmission / reception device or the second game ball transmission / reception device is provided. An optimal game ball transmission / reception device can be provided according to the installation situation.

The supply management device according to claim 6 of the present invention is the supply management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A plurality of storage ball detecting means that are arranged at predetermined locations in the storage area and detect game balls stored in the storage area;
A quantity setting changing means for setting and changing the quantity of the stored ball detecting means arranged in the storage area;
With
The storage amount specifying means includes
The storage amount of the game ball is specified based on the detection result of the storage ball detection unit of the quantity set by the quantity setting change unit.
According to this feature, the number of storage ball detection means optimal for the size of the storage area provided on the gaming machine installation island is arranged, and the storage amount can be specified based on the detection result of the storage ball detection means. Game balls can be sent and received by accurately determining the difference in storage amount between the machine-installed islands.

The supply management device according to claim 7 of the present invention is the supply management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Sets whether or not an acquired ball number counting device that counts the number of game balls acquired by a player and discharges the counted ball to the storage area via a ball discharge path is installed on the gaming machine installation island A counter setting change means for changing,
The predetermined determination value is:
Including a first determination value and a second determination value having a larger difference in the storage amount than the first determination value,
The determination means includes
When all of the gaming machine installation islands that send and receive the game balls are set and changed if the acquired ball number counting device is not installed, a comparison is made using the first determination value,
When any of the mutual gaming machine installation islands is changed in setting that the acquired ball number counting device is installed, the comparison is performed using the second determination value.
According to this feature, there is a game machine installation island that does not store game balls as much as possible in the storage area in order to receive game balls from the acquired ball count device, and a game machine installation island that does not have the acquired ball count device installed. In order to apply a judgment value that differs between the comparison of the amount of storage and the comparison of the amount of storage between the game machine installation islands where the acquired ball number counting device is not installed, either one of the game machine installation islands Even if the acquired ball number counting device is installed, the amount of storage can be accurately compared.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an internal structure of a gaming machine installation island 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. A gaming machine installation island in which a pachinko machine 2 that is a gaming machine and a ball lending processor (not shown) that lends a pachinko ball to be used for gaming in the pachinko machine 2 are arranged side by side on the front and rear surfaces thereof. It is.

  An upper tank 3 in which a pachinko ball, which is a game ball, is stored is provided at a substantially upper center in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine installation island 1. The pachinko ball stored in the upper tank 3 is stored in the upper tank 3. To the left and right supply rods 4L, 4R arranged to be inclined downward toward both longitudinal ends in the gaming machine installation island 1.

  In these supply rods 4L and 4R, tributary rods 5 for supplying the pachinko balls flowing down to the respective pachinko machines 2 are provided on the side plates on the front and rear sides of the supply rods 4L and 4R at predetermined intervals in the flow-down direction. A plurality of pachinko balls supplied to the tributaries 5 are supplied to a ball tank 6 provided on the back surface of each pachinko machine 2.

  At the downstream end of the supply rods 4L, 4R, for example, a ball punching tube 7 is provided that allows pachinko balls in the supply rods 4L, 4R to flow into lower rods 10L, 10R described later during maintenance. Note that pachinko balls do not flow down into the ball removal tube 7 when ball removal in the supply rods 4L, 4R is unnecessary.

  In the lower part of the gaming machine installation island 1, an out ball tank 8 for temporarily storing the out ball discharged from the pachinko machine 2 corresponds to each pachinko machine 2 on the upper surface of the repair plate 13 on which the pachinko machine 2 is placed. A plurality are provided.

  Further, the gaming machine installation island 1 is connected continuously from the lower part of the overflow cylinder 57 provided in the upper tank 3 in the up-down direction, and the pachinko ball flowing from the upper end opening of the overflow cylinder 57 is used as the gaming machine installation island 1. An overflow rod 12 and an overflow pipe 18 that lead to lower tanks 9L and 9R provided in the lower part of the tank are disposed. The upper end opening of the overflow cylinder 57 is provided at a predetermined height position in the upper tank 3, and surplus spheres supplied after the storage level of the upper tank 3 reaches the highest level flow out of the upper tank 3. Thus, the excess sphere is prevented from overflowing from the upper tank 3.

  Below the patch plate 13 on which the pachinko machine 2 is placed, lower tanks 9L and 9R for storing pachinko balls are respectively provided. In the lower tanks 9L and 9R, lower baskets 10L and 10R into which pachinko balls discharged from the overflow pipe 18 flow are arranged so as to incline downward toward the center in the longitudinal direction on the gaming machine installation island 1, respectively. ing. The pachinko balls that flow down in the lower rods 10L and 10R have openings 11 formed in the left and right side plates in the flow direction, and openings (not shown) formed at predetermined positions on the downstream end of the bottom plate. Thus, the pachinko balls are dropped so as to be stored substantially evenly in the longitudinal direction in the lower tanks 9L, 9R.

  Thus, the lower baskets 10L and 10R for guiding the pachinko balls stored inside the lower tanks 9L and 9R are inclined downward toward the lifting device 325 disposed in the center in the longitudinal direction on the gaming machine installation island 1. And a plurality of openings 11 for dropping pachinko balls inside the lower tanks 9L, 9R are provided in the longitudinal direction of the left and right side surfaces of the lower baskets 10L, 10R. The pachinko balls can be evenly stored inside each of the 9L and 9R, thereby increasing the storage capacity of the pachinko balls in the lower tanks 9L and 9R, so that there are not enough pachinko balls to be supplied to the gaming machine. The situation can be effectively avoided.

  A counting device 15 for counting pachinko balls acquired by the player is disposed at the island edge of the gaming machine installation island 1 on the left side in FIG. 1, and the pachinko thrown into the counting device 15 is disposed. The sphere flows into the lower basket 10L via the discharge passage 16 provided continuously from the sphere insertion port 15a provided in the counting device 15, and is discharged and stored in the lower tank 9L.

  Further, on the left and right sides of the lower rods 10L and 10R in the flow direction, side rods 17L and 17R separate from the lower rods 10L and 10R for collecting the pachinko balls discharged from the respective out ball tanks 8 are arranged in parallel. Has been.

  The downstream side ends of these side rods 17L, 17R are extended into the storage tanks 200L, 200R disposed between the lower tanks 9L, 9R and the lifting device 325, and the side rods 17L The pachinko balls recovered in the 17R are directly stored in the storage tanks 200L and 200R without being stored in the lower tanks 9L and 9R. When the pachinko balls overflow from the side rods 17L, 17R, they are stored in the lower tanks 9L, 9R via the lower rods 10L, 10R.

  Mini lifts 210L and 210R as second lifting devices for lifting pachinko balls stored in the lower tanks 9L and 9R to the storage tanks 200L and 200R are respectively provided on the lower tanks 9L and 9R on the lifting device 325 side. In addition, on the side of the lifting device 325 of the minilifts 210L and 210R, there are provided lifting tanks 200aL and 200aR that can store pachinko balls that have been lifted and discharged by the minilifts 210L and 210R, respectively. ing.

  By driving the mini-lifts 210L and 210R, the storage balls stored in the lower tanks 9L and 9R are transferred to the mini-lifts via the storage ball outlet 9a (see FIG. 1) formed in the lower tanks 9L and 9R. 210L, 210R flows into the interior of the mini lifts 210L, 210R, and is discharged into the transport tanks 200aL, 200aR through the storage tanks 200L, 200R. Yes. Therefore, when the mini-lifts 210L and 210R are not driven, the pachinko balls in the lower tanks 9L and 9R are not lifted and discharged to the storage tanks 200L and 200R. Therefore, the mini-lifts 210L and 200R are removed from the lower tanks 9L and 9R. Plays a role in regulating the outflow of pachinko balls. The pachinko balls that have flowed into the storage tanks 200L and 200R are guided to the cleaning device 50 via the guide rods 24L and 24R, and are cleaned by the cleaning device 50.

  After being cleaned by the cleaning device 50, the pachinko balls that have flowed out through the outflow trough 26 are lifted by the lifting device 325 disposed in the center in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine installation island 1, and the upper tank 3 It is supposed to be discharged. The lifting device 325 includes an endless timing belt in which a plurality of buckets capable of accommodating pachinko balls are attached at predetermined intervals in a box body facing the vertical direction constituting the outer shape of the lifting device. It is spanned between a drive gear and a driven rotor provided at the upper and lower portions, and is configured so that the bucket circulates in the vertical direction by rotating the drive gear and rotating the timing belt. A conventionally known bucket-type lifting device is applied.

  As the timing belt circulates and rotates in this way, after being cleaned by the cleaning device 50, the pachinko ball flows in from the storage ball inlet 327 provided on the ascending path of the bucket at the lower part of the lifting device 325, and rises. It is accommodated in a bucket to be transported and is transported and discharged into the upper tank 3 from a transporting ball discharge port 328 provided at the top of the box.

  The mini-lifts 210R and 210L provided on the lower ends of the lower tanks 9L and 9R are configured in substantially the same manner as the above-described lifting device 325, although the scales such as length and width are different. Such explanation is omitted.

  Thus, supply rods 4L, 4R, branch rods 5, lower rods 10L, 10R, overflow rod 12, overflow pipe 18, side rods 17L, 17R, guide rods 24L, which are arranged in the gaming machine installation island 1, 24R, spillage 26, upper tank 3, lower tanks 9L, 9R, storage tanks 200L, 200R, lifting tanks 200aL, 200aR, pachinko machine 2, cleaning device 50, lifting device 235, minilifts 210L, 210R, etc. Constitutes a circulation path for circulating pachinko balls to be supplied to the pachinko machine 2 in the gaming machine installation island 1.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows a state in which the inside of a game shop in which a plurality of gaming machine installation islands 1 configured as described above are installed is viewed from above. The plurality of gaming machine installation islands 1 installed in the game store in this way are adjacent to each other via various transmission / reception rods (400a, 400b, 401, 402a, 402b) installed between the gaming machine installation islands 1. By sending and receiving pachinko balls between the gaming machine installation islands 1, the pachinko ball storage amount (storage level) on each gaming machine installation island 1 can be adjusted. The adjustment of the storage amount performed through the basket is controlled by a management computer 430 that manages the storage amount of each gaming machine installation island 1 connected to each gaming machine installation island 1 as described later. .

  Here, the installation situation of each gaming machine installation island 1 in this embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, 10 gaming machine installation islands 1 are installed in the game store, and each of these gaming machine installations is installed. Between the islands 1, any of three types of transmission / reception devices (400a, 400b, 401, 402a, 402b) are provided. In addition, in the following description, No. 01-10 attached to the rectangular frame of each gaming machine installation island 1. Each gaming machine installation island 1 having a different installation position is identified and referred to by using.

  In this example, No. No. 01-10 of the game machine installation island 1 01-05 and no. The five game machine installation islands 1 of 06 to 10 are arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals so that they are parallel to each other. The gaming machine installation islands 1 to 05 are the gaming machine installation islands belonging to the group island group 01. The gaming machine installation islands 1 to 10 are designated as gaming machine installation islands 1 belonging to the group island group 02.

  Each gaming machine installation island 1 of each of the group island groups 01 and 02 is disposed so as to be separated from each gaming machine installation island 1 of the other group island group by a predetermined distance. That is, the gaming machine installation islands 1 that face each other between the two group island groups are arranged in series in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine installation islands 1.

  In addition, these No. No. 01-10 of the game machine installation island 1 The counting device 15 {abbreviated as JC (jet counter)} described above is disposed at one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the game machine installation island 1 of 02 and 09.

  No. Three types of transmission / reception devices of different types A to C are applied between 01 to 10 gaming machine installation islands 1. Specifically, no. No. 01-02 / 02-03 / 03/04 / 04-05 between gaming machine installation island 1 and No. A type A transmission / reception device (also referred to as a shutter type) described later is applied between the gaming machine installation islands 1 of 06-07 / 07-08 / 08-09. A B-type transmission / reception device (also referred to as a conveyor type) is applied between the game machine installation islands No. 09-10, and the group island groups differ. A C-type (also referred to as a mini-lift type) transmission / reception device is applied between the 01-06 gaming machine installation islands 1.

  No. In the gaming machine installation island 1 of 05, the width dimension in the longitudinal direction, that is, the total length is configured to be shorter than the other gaming machine installation island 1 depending on the installation situation in the game store, and one lower tank The detection of detecting the amount of storage in the lower tank 9R of the other gaming machine installation island 1, as will be described later, the dimension of the longitudinal direction of 9R is shorter than the lower tank 9R of the other gaming machine installation island 1 While the number of sensors arranged is 6, no. The number of detection sensors for detecting the amount of storage in the lower tank 9R of the gaming machine installation island 1 of 05 is three.

  Here, no. The structure of each of the three types (A to C type) of transmission / reception devices applied between 01 to 10 gaming machine installation islands 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.

  First, in FIG. An A-type transmission / reception device is shown as a basic-type transmission / reception device provided between 01 to 10 gaming machine installation islands 1. In FIG. A gaming machine installation island 1 of 02 and 03 is shown as an example.

  The A-type transmission / reception device includes inclined transmission / reception rods 400a and 400b that are installed so as to incline downward toward any one of the gaming machine installation islands 1 adjacent to each other. , A restriction position (solid line position in the figure) for restricting the supply of pachinko balls to the gaming machine installation island 1 on the inclination lower side of the inclination sending / receiving rod 400a, 400b and a release position (two-dot chain line position in the figure) ) And a solenoid solenoid 403 that moves the ball receiving shutter 402 up and down (drives).

  Inclined sending / receiving rods 400a, 400b are connected at one end to an outlet 56 formed at a predetermined upper portion of the side plate of the upper tank 3 in one gaming machine installation island 1, and at the other end of the other gaming machine installation island 1. Is connected to an inflow port 55 formed at a predetermined position on the lower side of the side plate of the upper tank 3 so as to incline downward from the outflow port 56 of one upper tank 3 toward the inflow port 55 of the other upper tank 3. The pachinko balls that have flowed out from the outlet 56 of one upper tank naturally flow down toward the inlet 55 of the other upper tank 3 and flow into the upper tank 3.

  The ball receiving shutter 402 is provided at the inflow port 55 to which the inclined lower end of the inclined feeding / receiving rod 400a, 400b in each upper tank 3 is connected. As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. The electromagnetic solenoid 403 disposed below the inlet 55 is provided so as to move up and down by excitation and release of excitation.

  When the electromagnetic solenoid 403 is de-energized, the ball receiving shutter 402 is raised to the restriction position by a biasing force of a compression spring (not shown), and the pachinko balls of the inclined sending / receiving rods 400a and 400b are passed through the inlet 55 through the upper tank. 3 is in a non-accepting state where it is not accepted. Further, when the electromagnetic solenoid 403 is excited, the ball receiving shutter 402 is lowered to the release position against the urging force of a compression spring (not shown), and the pachinko balls of the inclined feeding / receiving rods 400a and 400b are passed through the inlet 55. It will be in the acceptance state received in the upper tank 3. FIG.

  Therefore, for example, when the ball receiving shutter 402 is located at the restriction position, the pachinko ball cannot be received in the upper tank 3 and is stopped in the transmitting / receiving rods 400a and 400b, and the ball receiving shutter 402 is released. When in the position, the pachinko ball can be received into the upper tank 3 to flow in.

  Each outlet 56 is not provided with a shutter, and when the amount of storage in the upper tank 3 reaches the upper outlet 56, the pachinko balls naturally flow out from the outlet 56. Yes.

  Further, the pachinko balls that have flowed into the upper tank 3 from the inlet 55 are not stored in the upper tank 3, but are merged into the overflow basket 12 via the inlet ball guide path 59. The lower tanks 9L and 9R are stored through the overflow pipe 18.

  The overflow basket 12 is not particularly shown in detail, but pachinko balls that have flowed into the overflow basket 12 preferentially flow out to the side opposite to the arrangement side of the counting device 15 across the lifting device 325. (See FIG. 5).

  As described above, in the present type A transmission / reception device, the electromagnetic solenoid 403 as the driving device for driving the ball receiving shutter 402 is provided on each of the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1 for transmitting / receiving pachinko balls. , It is necessary to drive the electromagnetic solenoid 403 of the gaming machine installation island 1 on the side receiving the pachinko balls from the other gaming machine installation island 1.

  Next, in FIG. A B-type transmission / reception device provided between 09 and 10 gaming machine installation islands 1 is shown. This B type transmission / reception device drives a cylindrical transmission / reception rod 401 constructed between mutually adjacent gaming machine installation islands 1, a conveyor 450 for transferring pachinko balls in the transmission / reception cage 401, and the conveyor 450. The conveyor motor 451 is mainly configured.

  Conveyor 450 is No. 09, a driven pulley 453a provided in the upper tank 3 of the gaming machine installation island 1; And a driving pulley 453b provided in the upper tank 3 of the ten gaming machine installation islands 1 and a conveyor belt 452 stretched in the horizontal direction. A timing belt 454 is stretched between the driving pulley 453b and the driving pulley 451a of the conveyor motor 451, and the driving pulley 453b rotates by driving the conveyor motor 451 to rotate the conveyor belt 452. ing.

  No. On the side plate of the upper tank 3 of the game machine installation island 1 of 09 and 10, an outlet 57 for allowing the stored balls stored in the upper tank 3 to flow out to the conveyor 450 is formed. The pachinko balls that have flowed out fall to the vicinity of the end in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor 450 and are transferred by the conveyor 450.

  In addition, a transfer ball guiding path 455 is provided below both ends in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor 450 in each gaming machine installation island 1, and is transferred by the conveyor 450 through the transfer ball guiding path 455 from the end. The fallen pachinko balls are guided toward the overflow basket 12 and are stored in the lower tanks 9L and 9R via the overflow basket 12 and the overflow pipe 18 without being stored in the upper tank 3. Yes.

  The conveyor 450 configured as described above is configured such that the conveyor motor 451 is driven forward and backward to rotate the conveyor belt 454 forward and backward. From No. 09 gaming machine installation island 1 No. No. 10 game machine installation island 1 or No. No. 10 game machine installation island 1 Each pachinko ball can be transferred to the game machine installation island 1 of 09. That is, the B-type transmission / reception device can transfer the pachinko balls toward the respective game machine installation islands 1 by one conveyor 450.

  As described above, in the B type transmission / reception device, the conveyor motor 451 for driving the conveyor 450 is disposed on any one of the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1 for transmitting and receiving pachinko balls. In the case of performing transmission / reception, it is necessary to drive the conveyor motor 451 disposed in any one of the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1 in the normal rotation direction or the reverse rotation direction in accordance with the transfer direction of the pachinko balls.

  Next, in FIG. A C-type transmission / reception device provided between the 01-06 gaming machine installation islands 1 is shown. This C-type transmission / reception apparatus is No. One of the relay lifts 460 disposed at the upper part on the opposite end side of the game machine installation islands 01 and 06 and for transporting pachinko balls that have flowed out from the respective upper tanks 3, and between the relay lifts 460. Inclined transmission / reception rods 402a and 402b constructed to incline downward toward the gaming machine installation island 1 and a lift motor 472 for driving the lift 461 of the relay lift 460.

  The inclined feed rods 402 a and 402 b are connected at one end to an outlet 464 formed at a predetermined upper portion of the side plate of one relay lift 460 and at the other end formed at a predetermined lower portion of the side plate of the other relay lift 460. Connected to the inflow port 463, and is constructed so as to incline downward from the outflow port 464 of one relay lift 460 toward the inflow port 463 of the other relay lift 460. The pachinko balls that have flowed out from the 464 naturally flow down toward the inlet 463 of the other relay lift 460 and flow into the relay lift 460.

  In each relay lift 460, an inlet 465 for receiving a pachinko ball that has flowed out from an outlet 466 formed at a predetermined position on the upper side of the side plate of the upper tank 3 is formed in the lower part of the side plate facing the upper tank 3. The outflow port 466 and the inflow port 465 are connected to each other through a relay inclined rod 467. The outflow port 466 is formed at substantially the same height as the outflow port 55, and is not provided with a shutter or the like for restricting the outflow of pachinko balls from the outflow port 466, and is stored in the upper tank 3. When the amount reaches the upper outlet 466, the pachinko balls naturally flow out from the outlet 466.

  That is, the relay inclined rod 467 is installed between the outlet 466 of the upper tank 3 and the inlet 465 of the relay lift 460 so as to incline downward toward the inlet 465, and flows out from the outlet 466. The pachinko sphere flows into the inlet 465 by natural flow.

  Although the relay lift 460 is not specifically illustrated in detail, a bucket type lifting device having the same structure as the lifting device 325 and mini-lifts 210L and 210R arranged on the gaming machine installation island 1 is applied. A plurality of endless timing belts 469 stretched between a driving pulley 470 and a driven pulley 471 provided on the upper and lower portions of the box facing the vertical direction constituting the outer shape of the lift 460 are mounted at predetermined intervals. The lift 461 includes a plurality of buckets 468 that can accommodate pachinko balls and a lift motor 472 linked to the drive pulley 470.

  Therefore, by driving the lift motor 472 and rotating the timing belt 469, the pachinko balls that have flown into the interior via the inflow port 465 are pumped up while being accommodated in the bucket 468 that circulates and rotates in the vertical direction. It is made to flow out into the inclined feeding / receiving rods 402a and 402b through the outlet 464. That is, unless the lift motor 472 is driven to rotate the timing belt 469, the pachinko balls of the relay tilt rod 467 are not lifted and flown out into the tilt feed rods 402a and 402b. It has a function of restricting the outflow of pachinko balls into the sending / receiving rods 402a and 402b and a function of releasing the restriction.

  In this embodiment, the outflow port 464 is not provided with a shutter or the like for restricting the outflow of the pachinko sphere from the outflow port 466, and the pachinko ball lifted by driving the lift 461 flows. For example, a buffer tank (not shown) that temporarily stores pachinko balls that have flowed out of the outlet 464 is provided outside the outlet 464. In addition, a shutter or the like is provided at the outlet provided in the buffer tank. By opening the shutter, the pachinko balls in the buffer tank flow out of the outlet and flow into the inclined feeding / receiving rods 402a and 402b. May be.

  On the other hand, the pachinko balls that have flowed into the slanting receiving rods 402a and 402b by the relay lift 460 flow down in the cage and flow into the other relay lift 460 through the inlet 463, and then the inflow ball guiding tube 473. It flows down the inside and is guided to the overflow trough 12 disposed on the gaming machine installation island 1 and is stored in the lower tanks 9L and 9R through the overflow trough 12 and the overflow pipe 18.

  In addition, in the vicinity of the lower end of the slopes of the slanting and receiving rods 402a and 402b, the flow of pachinko balls in the slanting and receiving rods 402a and 402b is detected by detecting the pachinko balls in the slanting and receiving rods 402a and 402b. A flowing-down state detection sensor 474 is provided. The pachinko ball detection signal from the flow state detection sensor 474 is output to an island controller 421 provided on each gaming machine installation island 1 as will be described later, and the island controller 421 Based on the input situation, it is determined whether or not any abnormality (for example, occurrence of clogging of a ball or detection of a pachinko sphere is detected) has occurred in the flow of the pachinko sphere in the slanting / receiving rods 402a and 402b. When it is determined that the flow has occurred, a flow abnormality signal (stagnation signal) is output to the management computer 430.

  The control unit 431 of the management computer 430, based on the input of the abnormal flow signal to the signal input unit, sends and receives the gaming machine installation island 1 to which the abnormal flow signal is output, and the gaming machine installation island 1 and the ball. The island No. of each island 1 Of the identified gaming machine installation islands 1 toward the island controller 421 of the gaming machine installation island 1 that drives the lift 461 to supply the ball to the other gaming machine installation island 1 Urgently stop the sending and receiving of the sphere by sending an emergency stop signal to urgently stop the sending and receiving of the ball currently being performed, and display on the screen of the display 434 and the display device 417 that the abnormality has occurred, Alternatively, an error sound or the like is output.

  In this embodiment, the island controller 421 to which the detection signal of the pachinko sphere from the flow state detection sensor 474 is input determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred based on the input state of the detection signal. However, the detection signal may be output to the management computer 430 as it is, and the management computer 430 may determine whether an abnormality has occurred based on the input state of the detection signal.

  As described above, in the present type C transmission / reception device, the lift motor 472 as a driving device for driving the lift 461 of the relay lift 460 is provided in each of the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1 for transmitting and receiving pachinko balls. When the ball is sent and received, it is necessary to drive the lift motor 472 of the gaming machine installation island 1 on the side supplying the pachinko balls toward the other gaming machine installation island 1.

  Thus, the above-mentioned No. Between the game machine installation islands 1 to 10, any one of the above-mentioned types A to C is provided, and the mutual game machine installation islands 1 connected via the transmission / reception apparatus are provided. Pachinko balls can be sent and received between them.

  Further, as will be described later, an upper limit storage amount detection sensor 204 and a lower limit storage amount detection sensor 205 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) are provided in the upper tank 3 of each gaming machine installation island 1. When the pachinko ball storage level at 1 is lower than the arrangement position of the lower limit storage amount detection sensor 205, that is, when the lower limit storage amount level is reached, the mini-lifts 210L and 210R are driven and the pachinko balls from the lower tanks 9L and 9R are driven. The pachinko balls stored in the lower tanks 9L and 9R are circulated and used, and the stored amount of pachinko balls is stored up to the position where the upper limit storage amount detection sensor 204 is arranged, that is, the upper limit storage amount level is reached. When reaching, the lifting of the mini-lifts 210L and 210R is stopped.

  Although not specifically shown in detail, the cleaning device 50 is provided in a horizontal direction on the upper portion of the main body configured in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and a rocking plate having a cleaning sheet laid on the upper surface so as to be replaceable is shaken. The pachinko ball placed on the clean sheet is brought into sliding contact with the surface of the pachinko ball by swinging in the horizontal direction (eccentric rotation) by the moving motor 58 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The pachinko ball is not only cleaned by the horizontal swing of such a swinging plate, but also, for example, when the pachinko ball is lifted, it is slidably contacted with the cleaning sheet. An apparatus may be applied and can be arbitrarily changed.

  Next, based on FIG.6 and FIG.7, the structure of the gaming machine installation island 1 in a present Example is demonstrated. In the following, no. No. 01-10. The configuration of the gaming machine installation island 1 of 02 to 05 and 07 to 08 will be mainly described. No. 01, 06 and 10 are No. Only the parts different in configuration from the gaming machine installation island 1 of 02 to 05 and 07 to 08 will be described.

  In the gaming machine installation island 1, various devices (lifting device 325, cleaning device 50, etc.) arranged inside, and various storage devices (lower tanks 9L, 9R, upper tank 3, etc.) are arranged. Sensors are connected, and the pachinko balls are circulated in the gaming machine installation island 1 by performing drive control of various devices according to the storage state of the pachinko balls in each storage area.

  Specifically, in each gaming machine installation island 1, replenishment management for managing the operating status of various devices on all gaming machine installation islands and the storage status in each storage tank as will be described later via the communication cable K. An island controller 421 connected to a management computer 430 as a device is arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the management computer 430 is connected to the island controller 421 in the gaming machine installation island 1, and includes an arithmetic processing unit (CPU) 432 that controls the island controller 421, a control program in the management computer 430, and the like. It is mainly composed of a control unit 431 provided with a stored storage unit 433, a display unit 434 (output device), and an input unit 435 (input device).

  The island controller 421 includes a pachinko machine 2 disposed on the gaming machine installation island 1, an upper limit storage amount detection sensor 204 for detecting an upper limit storage amount in the upper tank 3, and a lower limit storage amount in the upper tank 3. The lower limit storage amount detection sensor 205 for detecting the amount of storage, the plurality of storage amount detection sensors 410a to 410f for detecting the storage amount in the lower tank 9L, and the plurality of storage amounts for detecting the storage amount in the lower tank 9R Storage amount detection sensors 411a to 411f, a rotation detection sensor 412L for detecting the rotation status of the mini-lift 210L, an upper limit storage amount detection sensor 202L for detecting an upper limit storage amount in the lifting tank 200aL, and a lower limit storage amount are detected. Mini-lift controller 413L to which the lower limit storage amount detection sensor 203L is connected and the rotation of the mini-lift 210R A mini-lift controller to which a rotation detection sensor 412R for detecting the situation, an upper limit storage amount detection sensor 202R for detecting the upper limit storage amount in the lift tank 200aR, and a lower limit storage amount detection sensor 203R for detecting the lower limit storage amount are connected 413R, a ball sending / receiving controller 414 for controlling the opening / closing of the ball receiving shutter 402 (electromagnetic solenoid 403), a lift controller 415 for controlling the driving of the lifting device 325, and driving states of various devices in the gaming machine installation island 1; Display device 417 for confirming the storage status of each storage area, inflow ball detection sensor 120 provided in guide rod 24L, inflow ball detection sensor 121 provided in guide rod 24R, and outflow ball detection provided in outflow rod 26 A cleaning controller 418 to which a sensor 122 and a swing motor 58 are respectively connected; It is connected. The clean controller 418 is connected to the island controller 421 via the lift controller 415.

  The lift controller 415 is provided at the lifting ball discharge port 328 of the lifting device 325, and detects whether or not the upper tank 3 is full and a ball is clogged at the lifting ball discharge port 328. A ball clogging sensor 416 is connected.

  In addition, No. Regarding the game machine installation island 1 of 01, 06, in addition to the electromagnetic solenoid 403 of the ball receiving shutter 402, the lift motor 472 of the relay lift 460 indicated by the two-dot chain line in the figure and the flow state detection sensor 474 are a ball. Connected to the transmission / reception controller 414.

  No. Regarding the gaming machine installation island 1 of 09, in addition to the electromagnetic solenoid 403 of the ball receiving shutter 402, a conveyor motor 451 indicated by a two-dot chain line in the drawing for driving the conveyor 450 is connected to the ball sending / receiving controller 414.

  No. With regard to 10 gaming machine installation islands 1, instead of the electromagnetic solenoid 403 of the ball receiving shutter 402, a conveyor motor 451 indicated by a two-dot chain line in the drawing for driving the conveyor 450 is connected to the ball sending / receiving controller 414.

  In addition, the management computer 430 determines the lower part of each gaming machine installation island 1 based on the detection signals from the storage amount detection sensors 410a to 410f and 411a to 411f transmitted via the island controller 421 of each gaming machine installation island 1. While specifying the storage level of the tanks 9L and 9R, the calculation (comparison) of the difference between the storage levels is performed.

  That is, the management computer 430 in the present embodiment uses the upper tank 3 and the lower tank of each gaming machine installation island 1 based on the detection results of the storage amount detection sensors 410a to 410f and 411a to 411f transmitted via the island controller 421. The storage amount specifying means for specifying the storage amount levels of 9L and 9R is configured.

  Next, the outline of the control contents of various devices by the management computer 430 and the island controller 421 in the gaming machine installation island 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above and the circulation situation of the pachinko balls will be briefly described. In the following, no. The situation on the gaming machine installation island 1 of 02 will be described as an example.

  The island controller 421 constantly drives the lifting device 325 via the lift controller 415. In addition, the lift controller 415 drives the swing motor 58 to clean when the detection signal input from one of the inflow ball detection sensors 120 and 121 provided in the guide rods 24L and 24R continues for a predetermined time. When the cleaning by the device 50 is started and a predetermined time elapses or when the detection signal input from the outflow ball detection sensor 122 continues for a predetermined time, that is, when a ball clogging occurs in the outflow rod 26, the swing motor 58 Stop driving.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the pachinko balls collected in the side rods 17L and 17R flow into the cleaning device 50 in preference to the pachinko balls stored in the lower tanks 9L and 9R and are cleaned. Since the pachinko ball used in the game in the pachinko machine 2 is preferentially cleaned and cleaned, the lifter 325 is used to lift the pachinko ball. It is transported and stored in the upper tank 3 and supplied again to the ball tank 6 of each pachinko machine 2 through the supply rod 4 and the branch rod 5.

  For example, when input of detection signals from the upper limit storage amount detection sensor 204 and the lower limit storage amount detection sensor 205 of the upper tank 3 is interrupted, that is, when the storage amount level of the upper tank 3 becomes the lower limit storage amount level. The island controller 421 first determines whether or not there is a storage ball in the one lower tank 9L. Specifically, it is determined whether there is an input of a detection signal from at least the storage amount detection sensor 410a arranged at the lowest position based on the detection status by the storage amount detection sensors 410a to 410f, and the storage amount detection is performed. When it is determined that there is an input of a detection signal from the sensor 410a, the mini lift controller 413L serving as a supply unit is requested to supply a pachinko ball, and the mini lift controller 413L receives the supply request, The mini-lift 210L is driven according to the output status from the detection sensor 202L and the lower limit storage amount detection sensor 203L. As a result, the pachinko balls stored in the lower tank 9L are preferentially lifted over the lower tank 9R and supplied to the cleaning device 50, and are pumped up to the upper tank 3 by the lifting device 325. Pachinko balls will be replenished.

  The mini-lift controller 413L repeats driving and stopping of the mini-lift 210L in accordance with the output status from the upper limit storage amount detection sensor 202L and the lower limit storage amount detection sensor 203L while the supply request from the island controller 421 is made. Specifically, the drive is stopped when a detection signal is input from the upper limit storage amount detection sensor 202L and the lower limit storage amount detection sensor 203L, and the drive is performed when a detection signal is input only from the lower limit storage amount detection sensor 203L. Let

  In this state, or when a replenishment request is made from the island controller 421, for example, when it is determined that there is no input of detection signals from all the storage amount detection sensors 410a to 410f, the island controller 421 It is determined whether 9R has a storage ball. Specifically, it is determined whether there is an input of a detection signal from at least the storage amount detection sensor 411a arranged at the lowest position based on the detection status by the storage amount detection sensors 411a to 411f, and the storage amount detection is performed. When it is determined that there is an input of a detection signal from the sensor 411a, the opposite side according to the output status from the upper limit storage amount detection sensor 202R and the lower limit storage amount detection sensor 203R via a mini lift controller 413R as a supply means The mini lift 210R is driven. As a result, the pachinko balls stored in the lower tank 9R are lifted and supplied to the cleaning device 50, lifted to the upper tank 3 by the lifting device 325, and the upper tank 3 is replenished with the pachinko balls. Become.

  The lifting process performed based on such a lifting request by the island controller 421 is performed until detection signals are input from both the upper limit storage amount detection sensor 204 and the lower limit storage amount detection sensor 205 of the upper tank 3. To be done.

  As described above, when the storage amount level of the upper tank 3 is equal to or lower than the lower limit storage amount level, only the pachinko balls discharged from the pachinko machine 2 are driven by appropriately driving the lifting device 325 and the cleaning device 50. For example, when a large hit or the like occurs in a plurality of pachinko machines 2, and there is a possibility that replenishment to the pachinko machine 2 may not be in time with only the stored balls stored in the upper tank 3, That is, when the storage amount level of the upper tank 3 becomes the lower limit storage amount level, etc., the storage ball of the lower tank 9L is used preferentially than the storage ball of the lower tank 9R, and is still not in time. In this case, the storage ball of the lower tank 9R is circulated and used.

  Further, in this embodiment, the management computer 430 transmits the lower tank transmitted through the island controller 421 of each gaming machine installation island 1 while performing the lifting process in each gaming machine installation island 1 as described above. Based on detection signals from the various detection sensors 9L and 9R, the entire storage amount level of each gaming machine installation island 1 is specified, and the storage amount level of each gaming machine installation island 1 is compared.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 2 may not be replenished in time with only the storage balls of the gaming machine installation island 1 stored in the upper tank 3 and the lower tanks 9L and 9R in each gaming machine installation island 1. Or when it is determined that the difference in storage level between the gaming machine installation islands 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined level difference, the mutual gaming machine installation islands that need to be transmitted and received are identified, and the identified mutual Among the game machine installation islands 1 of the above, the game machine installation island in which the drive device of the transmission / reception device that needs to be driven to replenish the pachinko balls toward the game machine installation island 1 having a low storage level is disposed. A supply signal for performing a ball sending / receiving process is output to one island controller 421, and control for adjusting the storage amount of each gaming machine installation island 1 is performed. The detailed control contents performed by the control unit 431 of the management computer 430 will be described later.

  In the storage unit 433 in the management computer 430 in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, for each quantity of storage amount detection sensors that are disposed and used in the lower tanks 9L and 9R in each gaming machine installation island 1. , The storage amount detection sensors 410 and 411 and the storage amount table in which the storage amount corresponding to the detection pattern is determined in advance are stored in the lower tanks 9L and 9R (lower tanks No. 01L, 01R to 10L, 10R). ) Is stored every time.

  In this storage amount table, the detection sensor No. 1 corresponds to the storage amount detection sensor 410a (411a). 2 corresponds to the storage amount detection sensor 410b (411b). 3 corresponds to the storage amount detection sensor 410c (411c). 4 corresponds to the storage amount detection sensor 410d (411d). 5 corresponds to the storage amount detection sensor 410e (410e). 6 corresponds to the storage amount detection sensor 410f (411f). Although not particularly illustrated, the detection sensor No. Can be set from 1 to 12, that is, a maximum of 12 storage amount detection sensors can be set.

  Detection sensor No. In the column of, the detection pattern of the storage amount detection sensor 410 corresponding to each sensor quantity is shown, and the storage amount (%) of pachinko balls in the lower tanks 9L and 9R is determined for each detection pattern. .

  Specifically, for example, no. As an example, a case where six storage amount detection sensors 410a to 410f are arranged and used in the lower tank 9L (lower tank No. 02) of the gaming machine installation island 1 will be described. When the detection signal from the sensor 410a (detection sensor No. 1) is output to the island controller 421, the storage amount of the lower tank 9L is 10%, from the storage amount detection sensors 410a and 410b (detection sensors No. 1 and 2). When the detection signal is output to the island controller 421, the storage amount of the lower tank 9L is 15%, and the detection signals from the storage amount detection sensors 410a, 410b, 410c (detection sensors No. 1, 2, 3) are the island controller. When output to 421, the storage amount of the lower tank 9L is 20%, and the storage amount detection sensors 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d (detection sensors) o. When the detection signal from 1, 2, 3, 4) is output to the island controller 421, the storage amount of the lower tank 9L is 30%, and the storage amount detection sensors 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e (detection sensors) When the detection signal from No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) is output to the island controller 421, the storage amount of the lower tank 9L is 45%, the storage amount detection sensors 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, When the detection signal from 410f (detection sensor No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) is output to the island controller 421, the storage amount of the lower tank 9L is 50%.

  Needless to say, the storage amount detection sensors 410a to 410f of the lower tank 9L are used when the storage amount (%) registered in advance in such a storage amount table for each detection pattern and the actual pachinko balls are detected. In order to correspond to the storage amount, the position or height position in the longitudinal direction of the lower tank 9L is disposed at a plurality of different locations.

  Therefore, the control unit 431 of the management computer 430 is, for example, No. In the lower tank 9L (lower tank No. 2L) and 9R (lower tank No. 02R) of the gaming machine installation island 1 of FIG. 1 to 6 (reserved amount detection sensors 410a to 410f / 411a to 411f) are set to use the island No. No. 2 gaming machine installation island 1 The detection sensor No. of each lower tank 9L, 9R output from the island controller 421. The lower tanks 9L and 9R are respectively compared by comparing the detection pattern based on the input state of the detection signals of 1 to 6 (storage amount detection sensors 410a to 410f, 410a to 410f) and the detection pattern registered in the storage amount table. The pachinko ball storage amount in the lower tanks 9L and 9R is specified and the total storage amount of the pachinko ball storage in each of the lower tanks 9L and 9R is calculated and specified, and the total storage amount in both the lower tanks 9L and 9R is set in the gaming machine It is specified as the total amount of storage on island 1.

  In the present embodiment, the total storage amount of the lower tanks 9L and 9R in each gaming machine installation island 1 is defined as the total storage amount in the gaming machine installation island 1, and this is used as the other gaming machine installation island 1 The amount of storage between the lower tanks 9L and 9R and the amount of pachinko balls stored in the upper tank 3 are summed up as a whole in the gaming machine installation island 1. You may make it set it as the storage amount of.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the total storage amount of the gaming machine installation island 1 specified based on such a storage amount table is converted into six storage levels, and the storage amount between the gaming machine installation islands 1 The level difference is compared. Specifically, in each gaming machine installation island 1, the storage amount is 0% to 10%, the storage amount level 1, the storage amount is 11% to 20%, the storage amount level 2, and the storage amount is 21% to 40%. Storage amount level 3, storage amount 41% to 60% storage amount level 4, storage amount 61% to 80% storage amount level 5, storage amount 81% to 100% storage amount Level 6.

  And the control part 431 of the management computer 430 is between the normal game machine installation island 1 in which the counting apparatus 15 (JC) is not arrange | positioned (this example No.01-06, 03-04, 04-05, 06). −07, 07−08) when the difference in storage amount level reaches a predetermined determination value (here, the level difference is 2 or more), as described later, the storage amount between the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1 A gaming machine installation island 1 that transmits a supply signal for supplying a pachinko ball toward the gaming machine installation island 1 having a low level is specified, and the supply signal is transmitted to the island controller 421 of the specified gaming machine installation island 1 Then, the balls are sent and received so that the difference in the storage amount level between the gaming machine installation islands 1 is 1 or less.

  Further, between the normal gaming machine installation island 1 where the counting device 15 (JC) is not arranged and the gaming machine installation island 1 where the counting device 15 (JC) is arranged (No. 01-02, 02-03, 08- When the difference in storage amount level between 09 and 09-10 becomes a predetermined determination value (here, the level difference is 5 or more), as will be described later, the storage amount level between the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1 The gaming machine installation island 1 that transmits a supply signal for supplying a pachinko ball toward the low gaming machine installation island 1 is identified, and the supply signal is transmitted to the island controller 421 of the identified gaming machine installation island 1 The balls are sent and received so that the difference in the storage amount level between the game machine installation islands 1 is 4 or less.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is necessary to accept pachinko balls discharged from the counting device 15 as described above in the gaming machine installation island 1 (No. 02, 09) where the counting device 15 (JC) is arranged. Therefore, when it is necessary to keep the storage amount level low, when the storage amount level of the gaming machine installation island 1 becomes level 3 or more, the storage amount level between the adjacent gaming machine installation islands 1 Even when the difference is in the range of the level difference 2 to 4, a process of supplying the pachinko balls on the gaming machine installation island 1 to other gaming machine installation islands 1 is performed.

  Next, various settings by the management computer 430 will be described below.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the sizes of the lower tanks 9L and 9R in the gaming machine installation island 1 installed in the gaming store, the type of the transmission / reception device provided between the gaming machine installation islands 1, Various settings can be performed by the management computer 430 so that the control contents performed by the management computer 430 may change depending on the arrangement state of the counting device 15 so as to cope with the change. ing.

  First, the setting state of the transmission / reception apparatus provided between the gaming machine installation islands 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The storage unit 422 of the management computer 430 stores a transmission / reception device table (see FIG. 8A) in which types of transmission / reception devices that can be provided between the gaming machine installation islands 1 are registered. As shown in FIG. 8 (a), a plurality of types of transmission / reception devices such as A, B, C... Are registered in the transmission / reception device table, and in each column, the type of transmission / reception device, Information indicating the name of the device and the game machine installation island in which the drive device (solenoid, motor, etc.) in the transmission / reception device is arranged is adjacent to or both of the adjacent game machine installation islands 1 is registered. .

  In the management computer 430, as shown in FIG. 8B, a transmission / reception device type setting screen for setting the type of transmission / reception device provided between each gaming machine installation island 1 is selected from a menu screen (not shown). Can be displayed.

  In the transmission / reception device type setting screen, a basic type input block that can input a basic type transmission / reception device provided between each gaming machine installation island 1 and a transmission / reception device provided between some gaming machine installation islands 1 are individually provided. A partial input block to be input to the screen and an input status confirmation screen for confirming the status entered on the input screen are displayed.

  In the basic type input block, a basic type input field 500 for inputting a basic type transmission / reception device provided between each gaming machine installation island 1 is displayed.

  The partial input block includes an island-to-island field 501 for identifying a predetermined gaming machine-installed island 1 among a plurality of gaming machine-installed islands 1, and between the gaming machine-installed islands 1 input to the island-to-island field 501 The transmission / reception device type input field 502 for inputting the type of transmission / reception device included in the transmission / reception device type input field 502 and the transmission / reception device input to the transmission / reception device type input field 502 may be any In this embodiment, in the case of a B-type transmission / reception device, the gaming machine installation island No. in which the drive device (conveyor motor 451) is arranged is shown. Is input in the vertical direction.

  In addition, the input field consisting of these three upper and lower fields 501 to 503 is arranged in three rows in the horizontal direction so that the contents between the three gaming machine installation islands 1 can be input, and further, by scrolling the scroll bar at the right end, A new input field is displayed, at least no. The contents according to the installation status of each transmission / reception device between 01 to 10 gaming machine installation islands 1 can be individually input. In addition, here, between the gaming machine installation islands 1 belonging to the same group island group (No. 01-05 / 06-10), that is, between the gaming machine installation islands 1 arranged in parallel to each other (between the first gaming machine installation islands). ) And between the gaming machine installation islands 1 (No. 01-06) belonging to different group islands, that is, between the gaming machine installation islands 1 arranged in series with each other (between the second gaming machine installation islands) Can be set respectively.

  And when there is an input in each field 501 to 503 in this partial input block, the content between the gaming machine installation islands 1 input in the field is set with priority over the type input in the basic type input field 500 It has come to be.

  Each field 500 to 503 is a control box, and by selecting an arrow on the right side of each field, a list of values such as numerical values and alphabets that can be input is displayed in a pull-down list, and one of these pull-down displays. You can input by selecting appropriate numerical values, alphabets, etc., or by typing directly.

  That is, in this case, no. Between the gaming machine installation island 1 of 09-10, a B-type transmission / reception device is provided, and the conveyor motor 451 is No.1. No. 09 and No. 10 The content of being placed on 10 gaming machine installation islands 1 has been entered. The contents that the C-type transmission / reception device is provided between the 01-06 gaming machine installation islands 1 and the A-type transmission / reception device is provided between the other gaming machine installation islands 1 are input. The contents are displayed on the setting status confirmation screen.

  If these input contents are correct, the input contents are set by clicking the setting button 504 in that state, and the screen returns to a list display screen of various settings. When it is desired to change the input content, the input content of each field can be changed any number of times until the setting button 504 on the right side of the screen is clicked. A menu button 505 is a button for returning to a list display screen of various settings.

  Next, FIG. 9 shows a storage amount detection sensor setting screen for setting the amount of storage amount detection sensors 410 and 411 to be used in the lower tanks 9L and 9R of each gaming machine installation island 1. An example of the state is shown. In this figure, the island No. 1 has a shorter width (total length) in the longitudinal direction than the other gaming machine installation islands 1. The state of setting the quantity of the storage amount detection sensor 410 disposed in the lower tank 9R (tank No. 09R) on the gaming machine installation island 1 (see FIG. 2) of 05 is shown.

  Specifically, the island No. to be set is set. Enter the island No. Field 506 and lower tank no. Enter the tank No. A field 507, a sensor quantity field 508 for inputting a sensor quantity, a setting button 504 for setting a numerical value input in these fields 506 to 507, and a menu button 505 for returning to a list display screen of various settings. The set numerical value is displayed at the bottom of the screen so that the setting status can be confirmed.

  In addition, tank No. The lower tank number entered in the field 507 01L to 10L correspond to the lower tank 9L in each gaming machine installation island 1 (island No. 01 to 10). 01R to 10R correspond to the lower tank 9R in each gaming machine installation island 1 (island No. 01 to 10).

  Each field 506 to 508 is a control box, and by selecting the arrow on the right side of each field, a list of numerical values that can be entered is displayed in a pull-down list, and any of the values displayed in the pull-down display is displayed as appropriate. You can input by selecting etc. or typing directly.

  In addition, as described above, the storage amount detection sensors 410 and 411 detect the storage unit 433 in the management computer 430 for each quantity of the storage amount detection sensors disposed and used in the lower tanks 9L and 9R. A storage amount table in which a detection pattern and a storage amount corresponding to the detection pattern are determined in advance is stored for each of the lower tanks 9L and 9R (lower tanks No. 01L, 01R to 10L, 10R) (see FIG. 10). ), The total storage amount level in each gaming machine installation island 1 is specified from the total storage amount (%) of each of the lower tanks 9L and 9R specified based on these detection patterns.

  If these input contents are correct, clicking the setting button 504 in that state sets the input contents and displays a list of various settings. If you want to change the input contents, click the setting button 504 on the right side of the screen any number of times. The input contents of each field can be changed.

    Next, FIG. 11 shows whether or not the counting device 15 (JC) is installed on each gaming machine installation island 1, in other words, the counting for inputting the gaming machine installation island 1 where the counting device 15 is installed. The device setting screen is shown.

  Specifically, the island No. where the counting device 15 is installed is shown. Enter the island No. A plurality of fields 509 are displayed in the vertical direction, and the input numerical value is displayed at the bottom of the screen so that the input status can be confirmed. A new input field is displayed by scrolling the scroll bar at the right end.

  Each field 509 is a control box, and by selecting the arrow on the right side of each field, a list of numerical values that can be entered is displayed in a pull-down list. It can be entered by selecting or typing directly.

  If these input contents are correct, the input contents are set by clicking the setting button 504 in that state, and the screen returns to a list display screen of various settings. When it is desired to change the input content, the input content of each field can be changed any number of times until the setting button 504 on the right side of the screen is clicked.

  As described above, by making various settings on the management computer 430, the management computer 430 sends and receives balls on each gaming machine installation island 1 based on the settings entered and set on the various setting screens. By controlling, it controls so that the amount of storage between each game machine installation island 1 may be maintained in the optimal state.

  Hereinafter, the adjustment control content of the storage amount level performed by the control unit 431 of the management computer 430 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 431 performs a ball transmission / reception start process (Sa1) for starting the ball transmission / reception process, and a ball transmission / reception end process (Sa2) for ending the ball transmission / reception process started in Sa1. Repeatedly, control to adjust the storage level.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the control contents of the ball sending / receiving start process in the step Sa1 in FIG. 12, and the process contents will be described below.

    First, the control unit 431 determines whether or not there is a mutual gaming machine installation island 1 having a level difference of 2 or more, which is a first determination value that is determined in advance, among a plurality of gaming machine installation islands 1. Is determined based on the input of the detection signal of the storage amount detection sensor output from the island controller 421 of each gaming machine installation island 1 (Sb1), and the mutual gaming machine installation islands having a storage level difference of 2 or more. When it is determined that there is an island No. 1 on that mutual gaming machine installation island 1 (Sb2) and whether or not any of the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1 identified in the step of Sb2 is the gaming machine installation island 1 on which the counting device 15 (JC) is installed is displayed on the counting device setting screen. The determination is made based on the setting contents set in (Sb3).

  When it is determined that one of the gaming machine installation islands 1 is the gaming machine installation island 1 in which the counting device 15 (JC) is installed, a difference in the storage amount level between the gaming machine installation islands 1 is determined in advance. If it is determined whether the level difference is 5 or more, which is the second determination value (Sb7), and if it is determined that the level difference is less than 5, the process ends and the level difference is determined to be 5 or more. Advances to step Sb4.

  In addition, in the step of Sb1, when it is determined that there is no mutual gaming machine installation island 1 having a storage level difference of 2 or more, the gaming machine in which the counting device 15 having a storage level of 2 or more is installed. Whether there is an installed island 1, that is, It is determined whether or not the storage amount level of the gaming machine installation island 1 of 02 and 09 has become level 2 or more (Sb11), and if it is determined that at least one of the storage amount levels is level 2 or more, the game By comparing the storage amount levels of both gaming machine installation islands 1 adjacent to the machine installation island 1 to identify the gaming machine installation island 1 having a low storage amount level, the gaming machine installation island 1 having the low specified storage amount level and The mutual island No. where the counting device 15 is installed. Is specified (Sb12), and the process proceeds to Sb4.

  Next, whether or not the type of the transmission / reception device between the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1 specified in Sb2 or Sb12 is the B type is determined based on the setting content set on the transmission / reception device setting screen (Sb4) If it is determined that the type is B, the driving device, that is, the gaming machine installation island 1 (island No.) in which the conveyor motor 451 is arranged is specified among the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1 (Sb5).

  In the step of Sb4, if it is determined that the type of the transmission / reception device between the gaming machine installation islands 1 is not the B type, whether or not it is the C type is set in the setting content set on the transmission / reception device setting screen. When it determines based on (Sb8) and it is C type, the storage amount level of the mutual game machine installation island 1 is compared, As a result of comparison, the game machine installation island 1 (island No.) having a high storage amount level .) Is specified (Sb9).

  Further, in the step of Sb8, when it is determined that the type of the transmission / reception device between the mutual gaming machine installed islands 1 is not the C type, that is, the A type, the storage level of the mutual gaming machine installed islands 1 is compared. As a result of the comparison, the gaming machine installation island 1 (island No.) having a low storage amount level is specified (Sb10).

  Then, toward the island controller 421 of the gaming machine installation island 1 identified in the steps of Sb5, Sb9, or Sb10, among the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1, the gaming machine installation island 1 having a low storage amount level is low. A supply signal indicating that a pachinko ball is supplied toward the installation island 1, specifically, a drive signal for driving drive devices (electromagnetic solenoid 403, conveyor motor 451, lift motor 472) of various transmission / reception devices, The process ends. When a drive signal (supply signal) is transmitted to the gaming machine installation island 1 on which the conveyor motor 451 is arranged, the forward drive signal or the reverse drive that drives the conveyor motor 451 in the forward direction according to the ball transfer direction. One of the reverse drive signals to be selected is selected and transmitted.

  Next, FIG. 14 shows a flowchart showing details of the control contents of the ball sending / receiving end process in the step Sa2 in FIG. 12, and the process contents will be described below.

  The control unit 431 determines whether or not there is a gaming machine installation island 1 that is performing the ball transmission / reception process in the step Sa1 (Sc1), and if there is a gaming machine installation island 1 that is performing the ball transmission / reception process. If it is determined, the island No. 1 of the mutual gaming machine installation island 1 is determined. Is determined (Sc2), and it is determined whether or not the storage level difference in the mutual gaming machine installation island 1 specified in the step of Sc2 is equal to or less than level difference 1 (Sc3). A supply end signal indicating that the ball sending / receiving process is terminated toward the gaming machine setting island that has transmitted the supply signal in the ball sending / receiving start process among the mutual gaming machine setting islands 1 specified in the step of Sc2 Is transmitted (Sc4).

  As described above, the control unit 431 of the management computer 430 sets the storage amount level of the game balls between the plurality of gaming machine installation islands 1 installed in the game store in the quantity set on the sensor quantity setting screen. Based on the detection signals from the detection sensors 401a to 410f and 411a to 411f, the storage level of the adjacent gaming machine installation islands 1 is compared based on the identification result, and the compared mutual It is determined whether or not the storage level level difference between the gaming machine installation islands 1 has reached a predetermined determination value.

  The determination value applied here is whether or not the counting device 15 is installed in any of the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1 for comparing the storage amount levels based on the setting content set on the counting device setting screen. Thus, two judgment values having different level differences are applied. Specifically, when the counting device 15 is not installed in any of the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1 for comparing the storage level, the level difference 2 is applied as a determination value, and any of the gaming machine installation islands When the counting device 15 is installed at 1, the level difference 5 is applied as the determination value.

  Then, when it is determined that the storage level difference between the gaming machine installation islands has reached the determination value based on the setting state of the counting device 15 as described above, the setting content set on the transmission / reception device setting screen is set. When it is determined that a type A transmission / reception device is set between the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1 where the storage level difference has reached the determination value based on the mutual storage level specification result, Among the machine-installed islands 1, the gaming machine-installed island 1 with a low storage level is specified.

  Further, when it is determined that the storage level difference between the gaming machine installation islands has reached the determination value based on the setting state of the counting device 15, the storage is performed based on the setting content set on the transmission / reception device setting screen. When it is determined that a B-type transmission / reception device is set between the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1 whose amount level difference has reached the determination value, based on the setting content set on the transmission / reception device setting screen Among the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1, the gaming machine installation island 1 where the conveyor motor 451 is arranged is specified.

  Further, when it is determined that the storage level difference between the gaming machine installation islands has reached the determination value based on the setting state of the counting device 15, the storage is performed based on the setting content set on the transmission / reception device setting screen. When it is determined that a C-type transmission / reception device is set between the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1 whose amount level difference has reached the determination value, the mutual gaming machine installation islands are based on the specified result of the storage level. 1 identifies a gaming machine installation island 1 with a high storage amount level.

  And when the A type transmission / reception device is applied to the supply signal indicating that the ball is supplied to the gaming machine installation island 1 having a low storage amount level through any of the transmission / reception devices, the B type transmission / reception device is applied. When the C type transmission / reception device is applied, the information is transmitted toward the island controller 421 of the gaming machine installation island 1 specified in each case.

  As described above, in the management computer 430 as an embodiment of the present invention, between the gaming machine installation islands 1 that perform the transmission and reception of pachinko balls, the gaming machine installation with a low storage level through the transmission / reception device Even if any of the A type, B type, or C type of the transmission destination of the supply signal indicating that the pachinko ball is supplied to the island 1 is provided, work such as wiring the gaming machine installation islands 1 to each other is performed. Without having to do this, just enter the numerical value in each field 500 to 503 displayed on the transmission / reception device type setting screen and select the setting button 504, and the gaming machine installation island 1 with a high storage amount level Can easily change the transmission destination of the supply signal indicating that the pachinko ball is to be supplied toward the lower gaming machine installation island 1, and this allows the pachinko ball to be sent and received Accumulation volume via a provided between the gaming machine installing the island 1 transceiver device may be controlled to adjust.

  Further, in the management computer 430, the game machine installation island is simply obtained by performing a setting change operation by simply inputting a numerical value in each field 500 to 503 displayed on the transmission / reception device type setting screen and selecting the setting button 504. Gaming machine installation islands in group island group 01 (between gaming machine installation islands 1 of No. 01-05) and group island group 02 (between gaming machine installation islands 1 of No. 06-10) arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction Since it is possible to change the setting of the transmission / reception device provided between 1 and between gaming machine installation islands arranged in series in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine installation island 1 (for example, between No. 01-06 gaming machine installation island 1), It is possible to perform control for adjusting the storage amount between the gaming machine installation islands 1 corresponding to the various layouts of the gaming machine installation islands 1 in each gaming store.

  In the management computer 430, a plurality of computers can be installed simply by performing a setting change operation by simply entering a numerical value in each of the fields 501 to 503 displayed on the transmission / reception device type setting screen and selecting the setting button 504. Since the setting can be changed individually for each gaming machine installation island 1, it is possible to provide an optimal transmission / reception device according to the installation situation of the gaming machine installation island 1 in the game store.

  Further, in the management computer 430, each game machine installation island is simply obtained by performing a setting change operation by simply inputting a numerical value in each field 506 to 508 displayed on the sensor quantity setting screen and selecting the setting button 504. Since the storage ball detection sensor of the optimal quantity for the dimensions of the lower tanks 9L and 9R provided in 1 is arranged and the storage amount (storage amount level) can be specified based on the detection result of the storage ball detection sensor, Even if the game machine installation island 1 having a different total length is delivered every time, or even if the total length of some game machine installation islands 1 changes depending on the installation situation in the game store, etc., storage between the game machine installation islands 1 is possible. Pachinko balls can be sent and received by accurately determining the difference in the quantity level.

  Further, in the management computer 430, the number counting device 15 (JC) can be simply changed by simply inputting a numerical value in each field 509 displayed on the counting device setting screen and selecting the setting button 504. To receive the pachinko ball from the game machine installation island 1 (No. 02, 09) that does not store the pachinko ball in the lower tank 9L as much as possible and the game machine installation island 1 where the number counting device 15 is not installed In order to apply different judgment values (level difference 2 or level difference 5) between the comparison of the amount and the comparison of the storage amount between the gaming machine installation islands 1 where the counting device 15 is not installed, Even if the counting device 15 is installed on any one of the gaming machine installation islands 1, the amount of storage can be accurately compared.

  In addition, a flow-down state detection sensor 474 for detecting a flow-down state for detecting a flow-down state of a pachinko ball in the tub is provided at an end of the inclined lower side of the inclined transmission / reception rods 402a, 402b in the C-type transmission / reception device. The detection signal of the pachinko sphere from the flow state detection sensor 474 is output to the island controller 421, and the island controller 421 detects any abnormality (eg It is determined whether or not a clogged ball or a pachinko ball is detected), and an abnormal flow-down signal (stagnation signal) is output to the management computer 430. Then, the control unit 431 of the management computer 430, based on the fact that the flow abnormality signal is input to the signal input unit, the gaming machine installation island 1 to which the flow abnormality signal is output and the game machine installation island 1 and the ball The island No. of each island 1 on which the gaming machine for sending and receiving is sent Of the identified gaming machine installation islands 1 toward the island controller 421 of the gaming machine installation island 1 that drives the lift 461 to supply the ball to the other gaming machine installation island 1 Urgently stop the sending and receiving of the sphere by sending an emergency stop signal to urgently stop the sending and receiving of the ball currently being performed, and display on the screen of the display 434 and the display device 417 that the abnormality has occurred, Alternatively, since an error sound or the like is output, it is possible to immediately detect and respond to the occurrence of such a flow abnormality. Damages such as failure to supply the pachinko machine in time can be minimized.

  In this embodiment, such a pachinko ball detection signal from the flow state detection sensor 474 is output to the management computer 430 via the island controller 421, and the management computer 430 determines whether or not an abnormality occurs. For example, each island controller 421 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred based on a pachinko ball detection signal from the flow-down state detection sensor 474, and outputs the determination result to the management computer 430. Alternatively, the island controller 421 may directly output that the abnormality has occurred using the display device 417 or the like.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. It is.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the A to C type transmission / reception device is applied. However, in the present invention, the type of the transmission / reception device is not limited to the transmission / reception device described in the above embodiment, and can be variously modified. It is.

  For example, in a B-type transmission / reception device (second game ball transmission / reception device), a transmission / reception device in which balls are transmitted / received by a screw conveyor or the like rotatably provided inside instead of a belt type conveyor may be applied. Good.

  In addition, between the game machine installation islands 1 to which the B-type transmission / reception device (second game ball transmission / reception device) is applied in the above embodiment, the pachinko ball is mutually played by driving the conveyor motor 451 forward and reverse. Although there was one transmission / reception device that can be transferred to each machine-installed island 1, for example, a B-type transmission / reception device that can transfer a pachinko ball in either the supply direction or the reception direction is used as a mutual game. Two machines may be provided between the machine-installed islands 1, and the pachinko balls may be transferred to the respective game machine-installed islands 1 by the two transmission / reception devices. In this case, the conveyor motors of these two transmission / reception devices may be used. 451 is arranged in any one of the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1.

  In addition, in the C type transmission / reception device (first game ball transmission / reception device), even if it is not a lifting device that lifts by rotating a timing bell to which a plurality of buckets are attached as in the above embodiment, For example, various transmission / reception devices such as a device that lifts pachinko balls by a screw conveyor and a belt-type lifting device that conveys pachinko balls by a belt are applicable.

  Further, in the A-type transmission / reception device in the above embodiment, the ball receiving shutter 402 is provided at the inlet 55 of the upper tank 3, and the ball receiving provided on the gaming machine installation island 1 with a low storage amount level is provided. The ball is sent and received by driving the electromagnetic solenoid 403 of the shutter 402. However, the arrangement position of the ball receiving shutter 402 is not limited to the inflow port 55 side, and the inclined sending / receiving rods 400a and 400b are arranged. As long as the supply of the ball to the gaming machine installation island 1 on the lower side of the slope can be regulated or released, it may be arranged at an arbitrary position on the slope sending / receiving rod 400a, 400b.

  For example, a ball receiving shutter 402 and an electromagnetic solenoid 403 are arranged at the outlet 56 on the lower side of the inclined sending / receiving rod 400a, 400b, and the electromagnetic solenoid 403 is installed in a gaming machine having the upper tank 3 in which the outlet 56 is formed. When connected to the island controller 421 of the island 1, the control unit 431 of the management computer 430 identifies the gaming machine installation island 1 having a high storage amount level among the mutual gaming machine installation islands 1 that start sending and receiving balls. Then, a supply signal (a drive signal for opening the electromagnetic solenoid 403) is transmitted to the island controller 421 of the specified gaming machine installation island 1.

  In the A-type transmission / reception apparatus in the above embodiment, a ball receiving shutter 402 is provided at the inlet 55 of the upper tank 3 on the lower side of the inclination of the inclined transmission / reception rods 400a, 400b. The ball is sent and received by opening and closing the shutter 402. For example, the ball receiving shutter 402 is not provided at the inflow port 55, the outflow port 56, etc., and the stored ball of the upper tank 3 is stored in the upper tank. It is also possible to naturally flow out to the inclined feeding / receiving rods 400a and 400b via the outflow port 56 provided at a predetermined height position 3 and to be supplied to the other gaming machine installation island 1. In this case, by driving the lifting device 325 to lift and replenish the pachinko ball to the upper tank 3, the outlet 56 of the upper tank 3 flows out into the inclined feeding / receiving rods 400a and 400b and the other gaming machine is installed. Since the pachinko balls can be supplied to the island 1, that is, the inclined transmission / reception rods 400a and 400b and the lifting device 325 are used to transmit / receive the same type of transmission / reception device as the C-type transmission / reception device in the above embodiment (first game ball transmission / reception). Device).

  In addition, the relay lift 460 in the C-type transmission / reception apparatus in the above embodiment is provided separately from the upper tank 3, but the lift 461 of the relay lift 460 is provided in the upper tank 3, and the storage ball in the upper tank 3 is provided. May be lifted by the lift 461, and directly discharged to the inclined feeding / receiving rods 402a and 402b via the outflow port 466 and supplied to the other gaming machine installation islands 1.

  In the above embodiment, the basic type transmitting / receiving device is an A type transmitting / receiving device, but a B type or C type transmitting / receiving device may be applied as a basic type transmitting / receiving device.

  Moreover, in the said Example, A type transmission / reception apparatus (2nd game ball transmission / reception apparatus), B type transmission / reception apparatus (2nd game ball transmission / reception apparatus), C type transmission / reception apparatus (1st game ball transmission / reception apparatus). Although it was provided between islands where game machines were installed in one amusement store, there were three types, such as A-type and B-type transmission / reception devices, B-type and C-type transmission / reception devices, and A-type and C-type transmission / reception devices. Only two types of transmission / reception devices may be applied.

  Furthermore, for example, only one type of transmission / reception device may be applied to one game store. In this case, one type of transmission / reception device of a different type may be applied to each game store. It can be said that the replenishment management device is effective in such a case.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the management computer 430 was applied as the storage amount identification means which specifies the storage amount level of the lower tanks 9L and 9R of each gaming machine installation island 1, for example, the island controller 421 has various storage amounts. The storage amount level is identified based on the input state of the detection signal from the detection sensor, the identification result is transmitted to the management computer 430, and the storage amount level is compared based on the identification result received by the management computer 430. You may comprise so that the island controller 421 of each game machine installation island may adjust a storage amount level.

  Further, in the management computer 430 in the above-described embodiment, a numerical value or the like is input in the fields 500 to 503 displayed on the transmission / reception device setting screen, and the setting button 504 is selected, so that the management computer 430 is prepared between the gaming machine installation islands 1. Although it is possible to set the type of the transmission / reception device and the arrangement position of the driving device, the setting can be changed by an operation switch such as a dip switch or an operation button provided in the management computer 430, for example. Good.

  Moreover, in the said Example, the island controller 421 which controls various apparatuses, such as the raising apparatus 325 in the gaming machine installation island 1, the cleaning apparatus 50, and the drive apparatus of a transmission / reception apparatus, is provided for each gaming machine installation island 1. However, instead of providing the island controller 421, the management computer 430 may control all the various devices on all the gaming machine installation islands 1.

  Each element in the embodiment corresponds to the present invention as follows.

  Claim 1 of the present invention is a game ball (pachinko ball) stored in a storage area (lower tanks 9L, 9R) provided in each of a plurality of gaming machine installation islands (1) installed in a game hall (game shop). ) Is sent / received via the game ball transmission / reception devices (transmission / reception devices A to C) provided between the gaming machine installation islands, thereby performing a control to adjust the storage amount of the game balls on each gaming machine installation island (Management computer 430), wherein the game ball transmission / reception device is installed so as to incline downward toward one of the game machine installation islands between the mutual game machine installation islands for transmitting and receiving the game balls. Inclined feeding / receiving rods (402a, 402b) and a lifting member (lift 461 of relay lift 460) for lifting game balls stored in the storage area and discharging them to the upper tilt side of the inclined feeding / receiving rod, Top side of the slope By driving the arranged lifting member driving device (lifting motor 472) and lifting the game ball stored in the storage area by the lifting member, the inclined feeding / receiving rod is moved through the inclined feeding / receiving rod. One game machine installed between the first game ball transmission / reception device (C type transmission / reception device) that supplies game balls to the game machine installation island on the lower side of the slope and the mutual game machine installation island that transmits and receives the game balls Inclined sending / receiving rods (400a, 400b) constructed to incline downward toward the island, and a regulation position for regulating the supply of game balls to the gaming machine installation island on the lower side of the inclined sending / receiving rod and the regulation It has a ball receiving member (ball receiving shutter 402) that is movable at the release position to be released, and drives a ball receiving member driving device (electromagnetic solenoid 403) disposed on the gaming machine installation island on the lower side of the inclination of the inclination receiving / receiving rod. The ball receiving member in the release position A second game ball transmission / reception device (A type transmission / reception device) that supplies game balls to the gaming machine installation island on the lower side of the inclination via the inclination transmission / reception cage, and transmits and receives the game balls Setting change means for changing the setting of which one of the first game ball transmission / reception device or the second game ball transmission / reception device is provided between the mutual gaming machine installation islands {control unit 431 of the management computer 430 (transmission / reception device setting) Screen)}, storage amount specifying means {the control unit 431 of the management computer 430 (Sb1 in the ball sending / receiving start process)} for specifying the storage amount of the game ball stored in the storage area, and specification of the storage amount specifying means Based on the results, the storage amounts of the gaming machine installation islands that send and receive the game balls are compared, and the difference between the storage amounts of the compared gaming machine installation islands is determined in advance (level difference 2 Or Determination means {control unit 431 of the management computer 430 (Sb1, Sb7 in the ball sending / receiving start processing)} for determining whether or not the level difference 5) has been reached, and the determination means among the plurality of gaming machine installation islands When it is determined that the difference in the storage amount between any of the gaming machine installed islands has reached the predetermined determination value, the mutual difference between the gaming machine installation islands in which the difference in the storage amount has reached the predetermined determination value When the first game ball transmission / reception device is set by the setting change means, the gaming machine installation island having the large storage amount is specified among the mutual gaming machine installation islands based on the specification result of the storage amount specifying means. When the second game ball transmission / reception device is set by the setting change means, a gaming machine installation island with a small amount of storage is selected among the mutual gaming machine installation islands based on the identification result of the storage amount identification means. Identified island The means for supplying the game ball to the gaming machine installation island with a small amount of storage through the fixed means {the control unit 431 of the management computer 430 (Sb5, Sb9, Sb10 in the ball sending / receiving start process)} and the game ball sending / receiving device. Supply signal transmission means {a control unit 431 of the management computer 430 (Sb6 in the ball transmission / reception start process)} for transmitting the supply signal to be indicated toward the gaming machine installation island specified by the island specifying means.

  Claim 2 of the present invention is a game ball (pachinko ball) stored in a storage area (lower tanks 9L, 9R) provided in each of a plurality of gaming machine installation islands (1) installed in a game hall (game shop). ) Is sent / received via the game ball transmission / reception devices (transmission / reception devices A to C) provided between the gaming machine installation islands, thereby performing a control to adjust the storage amount of the game balls on each gaming machine installation island (Management computer 430), wherein the game ball transmission / reception device is installed so as to incline downward toward one of the game machine installation islands between the mutual game machine installation islands for transmitting and receiving the game balls. Inclined feeding / receiving rods (402a, 402b) and a lifting member (lift 461 of relay lift 460) for lifting game balls stored in the storage area and discharging them to the upper tilt side of the inclined feeding / receiving rod, Top side of the slope By driving the arranged lifting member driving device (lifting motor 472) and lifting the game ball stored in the storage area by the lifting member, the inclined feeding / receiving rod is moved through the inclined feeding / receiving rod. A first game ball transmission / reception device (C-type transmission / reception device) for supplying game balls to the gaming machine installation island on the lower side of the slope, and a transmission / reception frame (401) constructed between the mutual game machine installation islands for sending and receiving the game balls ) And a transfer member (conveyor 450) provided in the transmission / reception basket for transferring the game balls of the transmission / reception basket, and a transfer member driving device (conveyor) arranged on either one of the mutual game machine installation islands A second game ball transmission / reception device (B-type transmission / reception device) that drives the motor 451) to transfer and supply the game balls of the transmission / reception cage to any of the mutual game machine installation islands by driving the motor 451); The game balls are sent and received When changing the setting of which of the first game ball transmission / reception device or the second game ball transmission / reception device is provided between the gaming machine installation islands, and when the second game ball transmission / reception device is provided The setting change means {control unit 431 (transmission / reception device setting screen) of the management computer 430} for changing the setting of the gaming machine installation island in which the transfer member driving device is arranged, and storage of the game balls stored in the storage area Storage amount specifying means for specifying the quantity {control unit 431 of the management computer 430 (Sb1 in the ball sending / receiving start processing)} and mutual gaming machine installation for sending and receiving the game balls based on the specifying result of the storage quantity specifying means Comparing the storage amount of the islands, it is determined whether or not the difference between the storage amounts of the compared gaming machine installed islands has reached a predetermined determination value (level difference 2 or level difference 5). The determination means {the control unit 431 of the management computer 430 (Sb1, Sb7 in the ball sending / receiving start process)} and the difference between the storage amounts of any one of the plurality of gaming machine installation islands is determined by the determination means. When it is determined that the predetermined determination value has been reached, the first game ball transmission / reception device is configured by the setting change means between the gaming machine installation islands where the difference in the storage amount has reached the predetermined determination value. Is set, a gaming machine installation island with a large amount of storage among the mutual gaming machine installation islands is specified based on the specification result of the storage amount specifying means, and the second game ball transmission / reception is performed by the setting change means. When a device is set, based on the setting change contents by the setting change means, island specifying means for specifying the gaming machine installation island where the transfer member driving device is arranged among the mutual gaming machine installation islands {management control A control signal 431 of the computer 430 (Sb5, Sb9, Sb10 in the ball sending / receiving start process)} and a supply signal indicating that a game ball is supplied to the gaming machine installation island with a small amount of storage through the game ball sending / receiving device. Supply signal transmission means {control unit 431 of the management computer 430 (Sb6 in the ball transmission / reception start process)} for transmission toward the gaming machine installation island identified by the island identification means.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, a stagnation signal (flowing down) indicating that a game ball (pachinko ball) is stagnant in the inclined transmission / reception basket (402a, 402b) of the first game ball transmission / reception device (C type transmission / reception device). The stagnation signal is input to the stagnation signal input unit when the game ball is being transmitted / received by the first game ball transmission / reception device and the stagnation signal input unit (signal input unit) for inputting an abnormal signal) An abnormal island specifying means {control unit 431 of the management computer 430} for specifying a mutual gaming machine installation island where an abnormality has occurred in the transmission / reception of the game ball by the first game ball transmission / reception device, The supply signal transmission means {the control unit 431 of the management computer 430 (Sb6 in the ball transmission / reception start process)} is based on the fact that the abnormal game machine installation island where the abnormality has occurred is specified by the abnormal island specifying means. , An emergency stop signal for urgently stopping transmission / reception of game balls by the first game ball transmission / reception device based on the transmission of the supply signal, the island specifying means among the mutual gaming machine installed islands specified by the abnormal island specifying means It transmits toward the gaming machine installation island specified by {the control unit 431 of the management computer 430 (Sb5, Sb9, Sb10 in the ball sending / receiving start process)}.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the setting change means {the control unit 431 (transmission / reception device setting screen) of the management computer 430} is used between the gaming machine installation islands (1) for transmitting and receiving the gaming balls (pachinko balls). The setting change of the game ball transmission / reception devices (transmission / reception devices A to C) provided in the first game machine installation island {group island group 01, 02 game arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction of the game machine installation island Machine installed islands 1 (No. 01 to 05/06 to 10)} and a second gaming machine installed island {arranged in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine installed island {group island groups 01 and 02, each gaming machine installed island 1 (No. 01-06)}, the determination means {the control unit 431 of the management computer 430 (Sb1, Sb7 in the ball sending / receiving start process)} is the storage amount specifying means {the control unit 431 of the management computer 430. (Sending and receiving the ball Based on the identification result of Sb1)} in the processing, the storage amounts between the first gaming machine installation islands and the second gaming machine installation islands are respectively compared, and the first gaming machine installation islands and the second gaming machine installation are respectively compared. It is determined whether or not the difference in the storage amount between the islands has reached a predetermined determination value (level difference 2 or level difference 5).

  According to claim 5 of the present invention, the setting changing means {the control unit 431 (transmission / reception device setting screen) of the management computer 430} is used between the gaming machine installation islands (1) for transmitting and receiving the gaming balls (pachinko balls). The setting change of the gaming ball transmission / reception device (transmission / reception devices A to C) provided in the game can be changed for each of the gaming machine installation islands.

  Claim 6 of the present invention is a storage ball detecting means (storage amount) that is provided in a plurality of predetermined locations in the storage area (lower tanks 9L, 9R) and detects game balls (pachinko balls) stored in the storage area. Detection sensors 410a to 410f, 411a to 411f) and quantity setting change means for setting and changing the quantity of the storage ball detection means arranged in the storage area {control unit 431 of the management computer 430 (sensor quantity setting screen) }, And the storage amount specifying means {the control unit 431 of the management computer 430 (Sb1 in the ball sending / receiving start process)} includes the detection result of the storage ball detection means of the quantity set by the quantity setting change means. Based on this, the storage amount of the game ball is specified.

  Claim 7 of the present invention counts the number of game balls acquired by the player, and discharges the counted count balls (pachinko balls) to the storage area (lower tank 9L) via the ball discharge path (16). Counting device setting change means {control unit 431 of the management computer 430 (counting device setting) for changing whether or not the acquired ball number counting device {counting device 15 (JC)} is installed on the gaming machine installation island (1) Screen)}, and the predetermined determination value includes a first determination value (level difference 2), a second determination value (level difference 5) having a larger difference in the storage amount than the first determination value, The determination means {the control unit 431 of the management computer 430 (Sb1, Sb7 in the ball transmission / reception start process)} is used by the acquired ball number counting device in any of the mutual gaming machine installation islands for transmitting / receiving the game balls. If it is not installed, the setting will be changed. The first judgment value is used for comparison, and if any of the mutual game machine installation islands has been changed to have the acquired ball number counting device installed, the second determination is made. Comparison is performed using the judgment value.

It is the schematic which shows the internal structure of the game machine installation island in the Example of this invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a plurality of gaming machine installation islands of FIG. 1 are installed in a gaming store. It is the schematic which shows an A type transmission / reception apparatus. It is the schematic which shows a B type transmission / reception apparatus. It is the schematic which shows a C type transmission / reception apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the gaming machine installation island of FIG. It is a block diagram which similarly shows the structure of the gaming machine installation island of FIG. (A) is a figure which shows a transmission / reception apparatus table, (b) is a figure which shows a transmission / reception apparatus setting screen. It is a figure which shows a sensor quantity setting screen. It is a figure which shows the storage amount table. It is a figure which shows a counting device setting screen. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the ball | bowl sending / receiving process which the control part of a management computer performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the ball | bowl transmission / reception start process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the ball | bowl transmission / reception end process of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 (No. 01-10) Island 2 on which gaming machine is installed Pachinko machine 9L, 9R Lower tank 400a, 400b Inclined feeding / receiving rod 402 Ball receiving shutter 403 Electromagnetic solenoid 401 Sending / receiving rod 450 Conveyor 451 Conveyor motor 402a, 402b Inclined feeding / receiving rod 421 Island controller 430 Management computer 431 Control unit 460 Relay lift

Claims (7)

Each gaming machine is configured to send and receive game balls stored in a storage area provided in each of the plurality of gaming machine installation islands installed in the game hall through a game ball transmission / reception device installed between the gaming machine installation islands. A replenishment management device that performs control to adjust the storage amount of game balls on an installed island,
The game ball sending and receiving device is
Lifting and receiving the game balls stored in the storage area and the slanting and receiving cage constructed so as to incline downward toward any one of the game machine installation islands between the game machine installation islands for sending and receiving the game balls And a lifting member that discharges to the upper tilt side of the inclined feeding / receiving rod, and drives the lifting member driving device disposed on the upper tilting side of the tilted feeding / receiving rod to the storage region by the lifting member. A first game ball sending / receiving device that feeds game balls to a gaming machine installation island on the lower side of the inclined sending / receiving box by lifting the stored game balls;
Inclined transmission / reception erected so as to incline downward toward one of the gaming machine installation islands between the mutual gaming machine installation islands for sending and receiving the game balls, and a gaming machine installation on the lower side of the inclination of the inclined transmission / reception cage A ball receiver that has a ball receiving member that is movable between a restriction position that restricts the supply of game balls to the island and a release position that releases the restriction, and that is disposed on the gaming machine installation island on the lower side of the inclination of the inclination sending / receiving rod A second game ball transmitting / receiving device for supplying a game ball to the gaming machine installation island on the lower tilt side by driving the member driving device to set the ball receiving member to the release position;
Including
A setting changing means for changing a setting as to which of the first gaming ball transmission / reception device or the second gaming ball transmission / reception device is provided between the mutual gaming machine installation islands for transmitting / receiving the gaming ball;
A storage amount specifying means for specifying a storage amount of the game ball stored in the storage region;
Based on the specified result of the storage amount specifying means, the storage amounts of the gaming machine installation islands that transmit and receive the game balls are compared, and the difference in the storage amount between the compared gaming machine installation islands is determined in advance. Determining means for determining whether or not the determined determination value has been reached;
When it is determined by the determination means that the difference in the storage amount between any of the plurality of gaming machine installation islands has reached the predetermined determination value, the difference in the storage amount is determined in advance. When the first game ball sending / receiving device is set by the setting change means between the mutual game machine installation islands that have reached a predetermined determination value, the mutual game machine installation is based on the specified result of the storage amount specifying means When a gaming machine installation island with a large amount of storage is specified among the islands and the second game ball transmission / reception device is set by the setting change means, the mutual gaming machines are based on the specification result of the storage amount specification means. An island identification means for identifying a gaming machine installation island with a small amount of storage among the installed islands;
Supply signal transmission for transmitting a supply signal indicating that a game ball is supplied to the gaming machine installation island with a small amount of storage through the gaming ball transmission / reception device toward the gaming machine installation island specified by the island specifying means Means,
A replenishment management device comprising: Each gaming machine is configured to send and receive game balls stored in a storage area provided in each of the plurality of gaming machine installation islands installed in the game hall through a game ball transmission / reception device installed between the gaming machine installation islands. A replenishment management device that performs control to adjust the storage amount of game balls on an installed island,
The game ball sending and receiving device is
Lifting and receiving the game balls stored in the storage area and the slanting and receiving cage constructed so as to incline downward toward any one of the game machine installation islands between the game machine installation islands for sending and receiving the game balls And a lifting member that discharges to the upper tilt side of the inclined feeding / receiving rod, and drives the lifting member driving device disposed on the upper tilting side of the tilted feeding / receiving rod to the storage region by the lifting member. A first game ball sending / receiving device that feeds game balls to a gaming machine installation island on the lower side of the inclined sending / receiving box by lifting the stored game balls;
A game machine installed island for transmitting and receiving the game balls, and a transfer member provided in the send / receive box for transferring the game balls of the game machine, wherein the game machine installed islands A second game ball transmission / reception device that drives the transfer member driving device disposed on either one of the two to transfer the game balls of the transmission / reception cage to any of the mutual game machine installation islands by the transfer member. When,
Including
While changing the setting of whether the first game ball sending / receiving device or the second game ball sending / receiving device is provided between the gaming machine installation islands that send and receive the game balls, the second game ball sending / receiving Setting changing means for changing the setting of the gaming machine installation island where the transfer member driving device is disposed when the device is provided;
A storage amount specifying means for specifying a storage amount of the game ball stored in the storage region;
Based on the specified result of the storage amount specifying means, the storage amounts of the gaming machine installation islands that transmit and receive the game balls are compared, and the difference in the storage amount between the compared gaming machine installation islands is determined in advance. Determining means for determining whether or not the determined determination value has been reached;
When it is determined by the determination means that the difference in the storage amount between any of the plurality of gaming machine installation islands has reached the predetermined determination value, the difference in the storage amount is determined in advance. When the first game ball sending / receiving device is set by the setting change means between the mutual game machine installation islands that have reached a predetermined determination value, the mutual game machine installation is based on the specified result of the storage amount specifying means When a gaming machine installation island having a large amount of storage is identified among the islands and the second game ball transmitting / receiving device is set by the setting change means, the mutual gaming machines are based on the setting change contents by the setting change means. Island specifying means for specifying the gaming machine installation island where the transfer member driving device is arranged among the installed islands;
Supply signal transmission for transmitting a supply signal indicating that a game ball is supplied to the gaming machine installation island with a small amount of storage through the gaming ball transmission / reception device toward the gaming machine installation island specified by the island specifying means Means,
A replenishment management device comprising: A stagnation signal input unit for inputting a stagnation signal indicating that the game sphere is stagnating in the slanting transmission / reception box of the first gaming ball transmission / reception device;
Based on the fact that the stagnation signal is input to the stagnation signal input unit when the game balls are being transmitted / received by the first game ball transmission / reception device, the game balls are transmitted / received by the first game ball transmission / reception device. Anomalous island identification means for identifying mutual gaming machine installed islands where anomalies have occurred,
With
The supply signal transmitting means includes
Based on the fact that the abnormal island identification means has identified the mutual gaming machine installed islands, the first game ball transmission / reception device based on the transmission of the supply signal urgently stops the transmission / reception of the game balls The replenishment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an emergency stop signal is transmitted toward the gaming machine installation island specified by the island specifying means among the mutual gaming machine installation islands specified by the abnormal island specifying means. Management device. The setting change means includes
The setting change of the gaming ball transmission / reception device provided between the gaming machine installation islands for sending and receiving the gaming balls is changed between the first gaming machine installation islands arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine installation islands and the game. Performed between the second gaming machine installation islands arranged in series in the longitudinal direction of the machine installation island,
The determination means includes
Based on the identification result of the storage amount specifying means, the storage amount between the first gaming machine installation islands and the second gaming machine installation island is compared, respectively, and between the first gaming machine installation islands and the second gaming machine installation. The replenishment management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein it is determined whether or not a difference in storage amount between islands has reached a predetermined determination value. The setting change means includes
The setting change of the said game ball transmission / reception apparatus provided between the mutual game machine installation islands which perform transmission / reception of the said game ball can each be set and changed for every said game machine installation island. The replenishment management device described in 1. A plurality of storage ball detecting means that are arranged at predetermined locations in the storage area and detect game balls stored in the storage area;
A quantity setting changing means for setting and changing the quantity of the stored ball detecting means arranged in the storage area;
With
The storage amount specifying means includes
The replenishment management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a storage amount of the game ball is specified based on a detection result of the storage ball detection unit of a quantity set by the quantity setting change unit. Sets whether or not an acquired ball number counting device that counts the number of game balls acquired by a player and discharges the counted ball to the storage area via a ball discharge path is installed on the gaming machine installation island A counter setting change means for changing,
The predetermined determination value is:
Including a first determination value and a second determination value having a larger difference in the storage amount than the first determination value,
The determination means includes
When all of the gaming machine installation islands that send and receive the game balls are set and changed if the acquired ball number counting device is not installed, a comparison is made using the first determination value,
Any one of the mutual game machine installation islands is compared using the second determination value when the setting change is made when the acquired ball count device is installed. The supply management device according to the above.

Images