JP2005211598A - Game medium storage quantity detector and display - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game medium storage quantity detector which causes no disturbance in the operation of the game parlor even when a trouble occurs in the ball quantity sensor of the storage tank. <P>SOLUTION: The detector has a plurality of spare sensors S11-S16 installed respectively corresponding to the regular sensors S1-S6 to detect the presence of the Pachinko balls within the storage tanks 9 and 10 and an abnormality judging means which judges whether the regular sensors S1-S6 are in the normal condition of making the regular sensors S1-S6 ready to detect the Pachinko balls or the abnormal condition of making them not ready. When the abnormality judging means that the regular sensors S1-S6 are in the normal condition, the amount of the Pachinko balls stored within the storage tanks 9 and 10 is calculated using the regular sensors S1-S6 judged to be normal or when the abnormality judging means judges that the regular sensors S1-S6 are in the abnormal condition, the amount of the Pachinko balls stored within the storage tanks 9 and 10 is roughly calculated using the spare sensors S11-S16 corresponding to the regular sensors S1-S6 judged to be abnormal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is a game medium regular detection means for detecting the presence / absence of a game medium at a plurality of stages installed in stages according to the storage amount of the game medium in a storage tank for storing a game medium used in a gaming machine. Based on the game medium storage amount detection device for detecting the storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank and the signal transmitted from the game medium storage amount detection device, the storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank is determined. The present invention relates to a game medium storage amount display device for display.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a plurality of gaming machine islands represented by pachinko islands installed in a game arcade are provided with a game medium (pachinko ball) transfer system such as an island exchange method or an independent island method. In these pachinko ball transfer systems, a ball storage amount detection device is usually used by using the detection results of a ball amount sensor (game medium regular detection means) provided in a pachinko ball storage tank installed in the pachinko island platform. Is used to calculate the amount of pachinko balls in the storage tank, and various controls are performed based on the calculated results. For example, in an island exchange type transfer system, a ball amount sensor (hereinafter referred to as a lower limit sensor) that detects a lower limit of an allowable range in which pachinko balls can be stored due to a lack of pachinko balls on the island is turned on. The pachinko balls are transferred from the neighboring island by the detection signal of the lower limit sensor. On the other hand, a ball amount sensor (hereinafter referred to as an upper limit sensor) that detects an upper limit of an allowable range in which the pachinko balls can be stored due to an excessive amount of pachinko balls on the own island is turned ON, and a detection signal of the upper limit sensor Pachinko balls are transferred to the neighboring island. In this way, the pachinko balls in each pachinko island platform are averaged by transferring the pachinko balls between each pachinko island platform based on the detection signal of the ball sensor provided in the storage tank. (For example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, in the independent island type transfer system, the lower limit sensor of the pachinko ball amount is turned ON due to the lack of the pachinko ball amount of the own island, and the pachinko ball in the ball counter installed on the own island is detected by the detection signal of the lower limit sensor. The ball return opening (hereinafter referred to as the ball return opening) is opened, and the ball return opening in the ball counter installed on the neighboring island is closed. On the other hand, when the pachinko ball amount on its own island becomes excessive, the upper limit sensor for the pachinko ball amount is turned ON, and the ball return port in the ball counter installed on its own island is closed by the detection signal of this upper limit sensor. Open the ball return port on the ball return device installed on the island. In this way, based on the detection signal of the ball quantity sensor provided in the storage tank, the pachinko ball quantity in each pachinko island stand can be changed by making the pachinko ball returnable or non-returnable to the pachinko island stand. Averaging is performed (for example, Patent Document 2).

Needless to say, the ball quantity sensor provided in the storage tank is also used for, for example, a ball storage quantity display device for displaying the pachinko ball quantity in the storage tank, in addition to the control (transfer system) described above. .
JP-A-8-141198 (5th page, FIG. 7) JP 2002-177604 A (6th to 9th pages, FIGS. 8 to 11)

  As described above, the ball quantity sensor of the storage tank is indispensable in the pachinko ball transfer system in the pachinko island platform. For this reason, if the ball quantity sensor becomes abnormal, the transfer system may not function normally, which may hinder the operation of the game hall. Note that the cause of the abnormality of the ball quantity sensor is, for example, an impact caused by a pachinko ball colliding with the ball quantity sensor itself, a signal line connecting the control board for controlling the ball quantity sensor and the ball quantity sensor. There is an influence of static electricity, a change of the ball quantity sensor with time, etc., and it is considered that there is no ball quantity sensor that can solve all these causes at the current technical level.

  Thus, in the conventional pachinko island platform represented by the above-mentioned patent document 1 and patent document 2, every time the ball amount sensor malfunctions due to the above-mentioned causes or the like, the wall surface of the lower part of the pachinko island platform (common name, waist plate) The ball quantity sensor was replaced. At this time, when a large amount of pachinko balls are stored in the storage tank, the replacement operation is performed after the pachinko balls are removed from the storage tank in order to facilitate the replacement of the ball amount sensor.

  As described above, when the ball quantity sensor has an abnormality, it is necessary to replace the ball quantity sensor which takes time, but this work does not hinder the game of the player. In this way, it is usually done after the game hall is closed or on a holiday, avoiding the business, so even if the ball quantity sensor malfunctions during the game hall business, the ball quantity sensor There was a problem that the business had to be continued in an abnormal state. This may interfere with the operation of the amusement hall.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to store a game medium that does not hinder the operation of the game hall even if the ball amount sensor of the storage tank causes an abnormality. An object of the present invention is to provide a game medium storage amount display device using the detection device and the game medium storage amount detection device.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the invention according to claim 1, game media in a storage tank (storage tanks 9, 10) for storing game media (pachinko balls) used in the game machine (pachinko machine 2). A plurality of game media regular detection means (regular sensors S1 to S6) that detect the presence or absence of a game medium at the installation location in stages according to the storage amount of the game, and store the game media in the storage tank In the game medium storage amount detection device (control board 18, regular sensors S1 to S6, spare sensors S11 to S16) for detecting the game medium, a plurality of preliminary installations corresponding to the game medium regular detection means are provided, and the storage tank Game medium preliminary detection means (preliminary sensors S11 to S16) for detecting the presence or absence of a game medium, and a normal state in which the game medium regular detection means can detect the game medium. An abnormality determination means (control board 18) for determining which of the abnormal states is undetectable, and when the abnormality determination means determines that the gaming medium regular detection means is in the normal state, The storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank is calculated using the game medium normal detection unit determined to be in the normal state, and the abnormality determination unit determines that the game medium normal detection unit is in the abnormal state. In this case, the storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank is roughly estimated using the game medium preliminary detection means corresponding to the game medium normal detection means determined to be in the abnormal state.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming medium storage amount detecting device according to the first aspect, the abnormality determining means (control board 18) is adapted to the abnormal state of the gaming medium (regular sensors S1 to S6). By determining that the game medium is in a state, the storage amount of the game medium (pachinko balls) in the storage tank (storage tanks 9 and 10) is roughly estimated by the game medium preliminary detection means (preliminary sensors S11 to S16). If the abnormality determining means determines that the game medium normal detection means is in the normal state after the game medium is detected, the game medium in the storage tank is determined using the game medium normal detection means determined to be in the normal state. It is characterized by calculating the storage amount.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the invention according to claim 3, the game media in the storage tanks (storage tanks 9, 10) for storing the game media (pachinko balls) used in the game machine (pachinko machine 2). A plurality of game media regular detection means (regular sensors S1 to S6) that detect the presence or absence of a game medium at the installation location in stages according to the storage amount of the game, and store the game media in the storage tank Based on signals transmitted from the game medium storage amount detection device (control board 18, regular sensors S1 to S6, spare sensors S11 to S16) for detecting the game medium, the game medium for displaying the storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank In a storage amount display device (pachinko ball storage amount display device 21), if a plurality of the game medium storage amount detection devices are preliminarily installed corresponding to the game medium regular detection means, The game medium preliminary detection means (preliminary sensors S11 to S16) for detecting the presence or absence of a game medium in the storage tank, the game medium regular detection means and the game medium preliminary detection means, or the game medium regular detection means An abnormality determining means (control board 18) for determining whether the game medium is in a normal state where the game medium can be detected or an abnormal state where the game medium cannot be detected. When it is determined that the state is in the state, the game medium normal detection means determined to be in the normal state is used to calculate the storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank, and the abnormality determination means is the game medium normal detection means. Is determined to be in the abnormal state, the game medium preliminary detection means corresponding to the game medium normal detection means determined to be in the abnormal state is used to store the storage medium. The storage amount of the game medium in the tank is roughly estimated, and the game medium storage amount display device displays the storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank in a predetermined number of steps, which is displayed in stages. A volume display unit 19), and a notification unit (sensor state display unit 20) for notifying whether the game medium normal detection unit and / or the game medium preliminary detection unit is in the normal state or the abnormal state. It is characterized by having.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming medium storage amount display device according to the third aspect, the notification means includes the gaming medium regular detection means (regular sensors S1 to S6) and / or the gaming medium preliminary detection. Means (preliminary sensors S11 to S16) is configured as a normal and / or preliminary detection means state display unit (sensor state display unit 20) for displaying whether the normal state or the abnormal state, the normal and / or The preliminary detection means state display section is arranged in correspondence with the storage amount display section (storage amount display section 19).

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming medium storage amount display device according to the third aspect, the notification means is the gaming medium regular detection means (regular sensors S1 to S6) and / or the gaming medium preliminary detection. Means (preliminary sensors S11 to S16) is configured as a normal and / or preliminary detection means state display unit (sensor state display unit 20) for displaying whether the normal state or the abnormal state, the normal and / or Corresponding instruction means (corresponding instruction means 22, 22a to 22f) that make it possible to recognize that the storage amount display part (reserved amount display part 19) corresponding to the preliminary detection means state display part is in correspondence with each other are provided. It is characterized by.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming medium storage amount display device according to the third to fifth aspects, the abnormality determining means (control board 18) is the gaming medium detecting means (regular sensors S1 to S6). Is determined to be in the abnormal state, the storage amount of the game medium (pachinko balls) in the storage tank (storage tanks 9, 10) is estimated by the game medium preliminary detection means (preliminary sensors S11 to S16). If the abnormality determination means determines that the game medium detection means is in the normal state after the game medium is detected, the game medium in the storage tank is determined using the game medium detection means determined to be in the normal state. The storage amount of the medium is calculated.

  In the invention according to claim 1, even if an abnormality occurs in the game medium normal detection means for detecting the storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank, the game medium preliminary detection means instead of the game medium normal detection means Thus, the game medium is detected, and the storage amount of the game medium is estimated. As a result, the game media transfer system and the like can be operated almost normally, so that the business can be continued without hindering the business of the game hall.

  In the invention according to claim 2, after the game medium normal detection means is determined to be abnormal and the game medium preliminary detection means is in a state of being detected by the game medium preliminary detection means, the game medium is detected by replacing the game medium normal detection means. When it is determined that the medium normality detecting means is normal, the game medium normality detecting means determined to be normal detects the game medium. That is, the game medium preliminary detection means is automatically returned to the normal game medium normal detection means. As a result, the game medium preliminary detection means is not forgotten to return to the normal game medium regular detection means.

  In the invention according to claim 3, whether the storage amount display unit for displaying the storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank, the game medium normal detection means and / or the game medium preliminary detection means is in a normal state or an abnormal state. A game medium storage amount display device having notification means for notification is provided. Thereby, the storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank can be visually recognized by the storage amount display unit. Further, since it is possible to visually or audibly recognize whether the game medium detection means and / or the game medium preliminary detection means are normal or abnormal, for example, the game medium normal detection means and / or the game medium preliminary detection means Maintenance time such as replacement can be assumed in advance. That is, as the maintenance time, both the game medium normal detection means and the game medium preliminary detection means are in an abnormal state, the game medium normal detection means are in an abnormal state, and the game medium preliminary detection means are in an abnormal state in this order. This state can be easily recognized, and the maintenance time can be assumed based on this state.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 4, the notification means is configured as a normal and / or preliminary detection means status display unit for displaying whether the game medium normal detection means and / or the game medium preliminary detection means is in a normal state or an abnormal state. The normal and / or preliminary detection means state display unit is arranged in correspondence with the storage unit display unit (for example, the normal and / or preliminary detection unit state display unit and the storage unit display unit are arranged close to each other in the horizontal direction. Therefore, it is easy to visually recognize at which position the game medium regular detection means has failed or at which position the game medium preliminary detection means has failed. be able to.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 5, the notifying means is configured as a normal and / or preliminary detection means state display unit for displaying whether the game medium normal detection means and / or the game medium preliminary detection means is in a normal state or an abnormal state. In addition, since there is provided a corresponding instruction means that makes it possible to recognize that the normal and / or preliminary detection means state display section and the corresponding storage amount display section are in a corresponding relationship, the game medium normal detection means at which position It is possible to easily visually recognize whether an abnormality has occurred or at which position the game medium preliminary detection means has caused an abnormality.

  In the invention according to claim 6, after the game medium normal detection means is determined to be abnormal and the game medium preliminary detection means is in a state of being detected by the game medium preliminary detection means, the game medium is detected by replacing the game medium normal detection means. When it is determined that the medium normality detecting means is normal, the game medium normality detecting means determined to be normal detects the game medium. That is, the game medium preliminary detection means is automatically returned to the normal game medium normal detection means. As a result, the game medium preliminary detection means is not forgotten to return to the normal game medium regular detection means.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, with reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, schematic structure of the pachinko island stand 1 which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a pachinko island platform 1 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pachinko island platform 1 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 1, the pachinko island platform 1, as is well known, has a rectangular parallelepiped frame structure, and a pachinko machine 2 is arranged in parallel with the back on the side in the longitudinal direction. In a lower space below the counter stand 16 disposed at the lower end of the pachinko machine 2, a storage tank 9 (hereinafter may be referred to as a non-priority storage tank 9), a storage tank 10 (hereinafter referred to as a priority storage tank 10). In some cases). The storage tanks 9 and 10 are formed so large that a large amount of pachinko balls are stored. Specifically, the number of pachinko balls stored in the storage portions 9a and 10a formed in the storage tanks 9 and 10 is sufficient for various gaming states of the plurality of pachinko machines 2 installed on the pachinko island base 1 It is designed to have a size that can be dealt with (for example, 1 to 200,000 pieces each).

  The pachinko machine 1 also has a ball return device (JC) 3 for returning the pachinko balls acquired by the pachinko machine 2 to one side of the ball lifting device storage 4 at the center thereof. It is provided in the shape. The ball return device 3 is preferably provided on the pachinko machine train side in which the non-priority storage tank 9 is built. This is because the non-priority storage tank 9 that is almost full in the normal business state can reliably return the prize balls from the ball return device 3. Further, this ball returning device 3 is also installed like the pachinko machine 2 so that the ball returning devices 3 on both sides of the pachinko island platform 1 face each other. The ball return device 3 has a return port 3a, and a pachinko ball (prize ball) returned from the return port 3a is provided in the upper part of the storage tank 9 via a connecting rod (not shown). In addition, it is guided onto the conveying rods 48 and 49. Furthermore, the return port 3a of the ball return device 3 is not electrically shown when the storage amount of the pachinko island platform 1 reaches a substantially upper limit (for example, when a ball amount sensor S6 described later is turned on). When the JC shutter devices 31 and 32 (only the reference numerals are shown in FIG. 3) that are opened and closed by a drive source (for example, a motor or a solenoid) are closed, the return operation is prohibited and opened when the state is released. It is like that.

  In addition, a ball lifting device storage unit 4 is configured in the approximate center of the pachinko island stand 1, and a ball lifting device 5 is stored and installed in the ball lifting device storage unit 4. The ball lifting device 5 according to the present embodiment lifts pachinko balls by a belt-shaped transport belt (not shown), and the belt-shaped transport belt is longitudinal (orthogonal direction) with respect to the pachinko island platform 1. It is installed in and lifts pachinko balls to the top. An upper tank 6 for temporarily storing the pachinko balls that have been lifted is provided at the top of the ball lifting device 5. From the upper tank 6, replenishment rods (not shown) are provided on the left and right sides in an inclined manner so that pachinko balls flow down from the upper tank 6. A distribution chute (not shown) corresponding to each pachinko machine 2 is provided in the replenishing basket, and a pachinko ball that flows down the replenishing basket is taken in. Pachinko balls taken in by the distribution chute are counted by a counting device (not shown) provided at the lower part of the distribution chute, and then supplied to a prize ball tank (not shown) provided at the upper back of the pachinko machine 2 to play the game. Is used as a prize ball to be paid out to the player. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a pedestal ball lending machine 15 for lending the pachinko balls is provided so as to be sandwiched between the respective pachinko machines 2. Also connected to.

  On the other hand, the used balls discharged from each pachinko machine 2 are discharged downward from a ball discharge nozzle (not shown) of the out ball box 7 having a counting function. This ball discharge nozzle is arranged facing the upper priority rods 50 and 29 provided at the upper portions of the storage tanks 9 and 10, respectively. Accordingly, the pachinko balls discharged from the out ball box 7 are guided to the upper priority basket 50 in the storage tank 9 or the upper priority basket 29 in the storage tank 10. In addition, since the storage tanks 9 and 10 are each formed in a length corresponding to 3 to 4 pachinko machines 2 (a so-called 1-unit island length), the storage tanks 9 and 10 are stored in the units. When unit islands are further connected to the outside of the island (in many cases, connected), an out ball guide rail 8 is provided at the lower center of the unit island connected to the outside of the islands, The used balls discharged from the pachinko machine 2 deviated from the upper position are received. The downstream ends of the out ball guide rails 8 communicate with relay boxes 51 and 37 that are individually provided outside the upstream portions of the storage tanks 9 and 10, respectively.

  The relay boxes 51 and 37 also communicate with the downstream ends of the upper priority rods 50 and 29, respectively. The used balls discharged from the pachinko machine 2 to the out ball guide rail 8 and the used balls discharged from the pachinko machine 2 to the upper priority basket 50 are fed into the relay box 51 of the storage tank 9. The used balls are provided in the storage tank 9 and guided to a non-priority storage tank ball outlet to be described later via a priority rod 24 communicating with the relay box 51. Further, the used balls discharged from the pachinko machine 2 to the out ball guide rail 8 and the used balls discharged from the pachinko machine 2 to the upper priority basket 29 are fed into the relay box 37 of the storage tank 10. The used balls are provided in the storage tank 10 and guided to a priority tank first ball outlet which will be described later via a priority rod 52 communicating with the relay box 37.

  An overflow box 11 for returning the pachinko balls overflowed from the upper tank 6 to the lower part is connected to the storage tanks 9 and 10. The overflow box 11 is a rectangular parallelepiped box provided so as to use the adjacent space of the ball lifting device 5, and the inside thereof is partitioned in the vertical direction by the branch partition 12. The branch partition 12 is provided close to one side of the overflow box 11, and a plurality of flow-down plates 12a are alternately provided in a step shape in a passage on one side communicating with the wide area to constitute a box priority passage 11a. The box non-priority passage 11b is configured by alternately providing a plurality of descending plates 12a in steps in the other passage communicating with the narrow region. That is, the pachinko balls overflowed from the upper tank 6 are preferentially guided to the box priority passage 11a, and overflow to the box non-priority passage 11b when the box priority passage 11a is full. The box priority passage 11a and the box non-priority passage 11b are stored on the right storage tank 9 and the left storage via upper plates 47 and 26 formed on the upper parts of the storage tanks 9 and 10 on the ball lifting device 5 side, respectively. The tank 10 communicates with the tank 10.

  And the pachinko ball led to the box priority passage 11a passes through the box priority passage 11a, and then flows down the upper plate 26 and the transport rods 27, 28 provided in the upper portion of the storage tank 10, and then the storage tank The pachinko balls stored and stored at 10 are guided to a priority tank second ball outlet which will be described later.

  Further, the pachinko balls overflowing in the box non-priority passage 11b are filled with the box priority passage 11a, and after passing through the box non-priority passage 11b, the transport plate provided in the upper plate 47 and the upper portion of the storage tank 9 are provided. After flowing down 48 and 49, the pachinko balls stored and stored in the storage tank 9 are guided to the non-priority storage tank ball outlet described later.

  Thus, in this embodiment, since the overflow mechanism is configured in a box shape instead of the conventional flexible pipe, it is possible to extremely reduce the generation of noise due to the recirculated pachinko balls and not only the recirculation function. Since there is also a storage function for storing a considerable amount of pachinko balls (about 2 to 30,000 in this embodiment), it is effective as a storage space inside the pachinko island platform 1 using a space that has not been used conventionally. Can be used.

  Further, regular sensors (game medium detecting means) S1 (first regular sensor) to S6 for detecting the amount of stored balls (sometimes simply referred to as a stored amount) are provided on the inner side walls of the storage tanks 9 and 10, respectively. (6th regular sensor) is provided in steps according to the storage amount of the pachinko ball. According to the experiments by the present applicants, it has been found that the change in storage of the pachinko balls in the storage tanks 9 and 10 stays in a substantially horizontal direction from the upstream side of the storage tanks 9 and 10. For this reason, the regular sensors S1 to S6 are arranged in a substantially horizontal straight line so as to match the change in storage of the pachinko balls in the storage tanks 9 and 10 and are arranged on the upstream side of the priority storage tank 10. While the lower limit of the storage amount is detected by the normal sensor S1, the upper limit of the storage amount is detected by the sixth normal sensor S6 disposed on the downstream side of the non-priority storage tank 9. Therefore, as the amount of pachinko balls stored in the storage tank 10 increases, the pachinko balls are detected in the order of the regular sensors S1, S2, S3, and as the amount of pachinko balls stored in the storage tank 9 increases, the regular sensors S4, S5. , S6 will be detected in the order of S6.

  Further, on the side of the regular sensors S1 to S6, similarly to the regular sensors S1 to S6, spare sensors (game medium spare detection means) S11 (first spare sensor) to S16 (sixth) for detecting the amount of stored balls. Preliminary sensors) are preliminarily provided corresponding to the regular sensors S1 to S6. And based on the detection signal of these regular sensors S1-S6 and spare sensors S11-S16, the pachinko ball storage amount display device (game medium storage amount display device) 21 attached to the predetermined location of the pachinko island stand 1 is included. The display device 17 visually notifies the storage amount of the pachinko balls in the storage tanks 9 and 10, the states of the normal sensors S1 to S6 and the spare sensors S11 to S16 (whether they are normal or abnormal), and the like. ing. The display device 17 including the regular sensors S1 to S6, the spare sensors S11 to S16, and the pachinko ball storage amount display device 21 will be described in detail later.

  Next, various components disposed between the non-priority storage tank 9 and the priority storage tank 10 will be described. Between each of the storage tanks 9 and 10, a priority tank first ball outlet (not shown) formed in the priority tank 10 and a non-priority tank first ball inlet (not shown) formed in the non-priority tank 9. Connecting the connection rod 59, the priority tank second ball outlet (not shown) formed in the priority tank 10 and the non-priority tank second ball inlet (not shown) formed in the non-priority tank 9. A small ball lifting device 60 is provided. The small ball feeding device 60 is configured by supporting a conveyance path 62 in an inclined shape, connecting an introduction rod 63 on one lower side of the conveyance path 62, and connecting a discharge rod 64 on the other upper side thereof. The end portion of the introduction rod 63 is connected to the priority tank second ball outlet, and the end portion of the discharge rod 64 is connected to the non-priority tank second ball introduction port. Although not shown in detail in the conveyance path 62, a conveyor belt having ball locking strips formed in parallel is provided so as to turn, and this turning drive is performed by a motor provided on a substrate (not shown). This is performed by a V-belt (not shown) that is stretched between a pulley (not shown) fixed to an output shaft (not shown) and a roller (not shown) that drives the conveyor belt. Further, although not shown in detail in the conveyance path 62, an abnormality detection sensor is provided for detecting an abnormality when the conveyor belt is driven. As will be described later, the small ball feeding device 60 is provided with an abnormality detection sensor. An idling abnormality and a clogging abnormality can be detected immediately, and the occurrence of the abnormality can be reliably performed.

  Thus, the pachinko balls derived from the priority tank first ball outlet port flow down the connection rod 59 and are transferred to the non-priority tank first ball inlet port. On the other hand, the pachinko balls led out from the priority tank second ball outlet are fed into the conveying path 62 of the small ball feeding device 60 through the introduction rod 63, and are discharged after being fed along with the drive of the conveyor belt. It is transferred to the non-priority tank second ball inlet through the cage 64.

  Thus, in the pachinko island platform 1 according to the present embodiment, the pachinko balls stored in the non-priority storage tank 9 are introduced from a non-priority storage tank ball outlet (not shown) formed in the non-priority storage tank 9. It is fed into the ball lifting device 5 through the cage 72. On the other hand, the pachinko balls stored in the priority storage tank 10 flow down on the inclined bottom plate 41 provided in the priority storage tank 10 and are led to the small ball lifting device 60, and then the small ball lifting device. 60, it is fed to the non-priority storage tank 9 and sent to the ball lifting device 5 from the non-priority storage tank ball outlet through the introduction rod 72 in the same manner as described above. For this reason, the transfer of the pachinko balls from the priority storage tank 10 to the ball lifting device 5 is performed smoothly, and the ball lifting device 5 can always be driven efficiently.

  The non-priority storage tank ball outlet of the non-priority storage tank 9 is provided with a shutter device (not shown) that opens and closes the non-priority storage tank ball outlet. The shutter device normally opens the non-priority storage tank ball outlet and allows the pachinko balls to flow to the ball lifting device 5, while an abnormality such as a failure of the ball lifting device 5 occurs or at the end of business. The non-priority storage tank ball outlet is closed to prevent the pachinko ball from flowing down to the ball lifting device 5.

  As mentioned above, although the structure of the pachinko island stand 1 which concerns on this embodiment was demonstrated, the normal sensor S1-S6 which comprises the principal part of this embodiment next, the spare sensors S11-S16, and the pachinko ball storage amount display apparatus 21 are included. The display device 17 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the pachinko island platform 1, FIG. 4 is a front view of the display device 17 including the pachinko ball storage amount display device 21, and FIGS. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the ball storage amount display apparatus 17, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart which shows a sensor adoption routine.

  In the block diagram shown in FIG. 3, regular sensors S <b> 1 to S <b> 6 provided in the storage tanks 9 and 10, and spare sensors S <b> 11 to S <b> 16 provided in the storage tanks 9 and 10 are provided on the control board 18 provided in the pachinko island platform 1. The first JC shutter device 31, the second JC shutter device 32, and the small ball feeding device (described as a conveyor) 60 provided in the display device 17 and the two ball return devices 3 are connected.

  Further, the display device 17 shown in FIG. 4 is arranged so as to correspond to the storage amount display unit 19 that displays the storage amount of the pachinko balls in the storage tanks 9 and 10 in a stepwise manner, and the storage amount display unit 19. Sensor state display unit (regular and / or preliminary detection means state display unit) for displaying whether the normal sensors S1 to S6 and the spare sensors S11 to S16 are in a normal state where the pachinko balls can be detected or an abnormal state where the pachinko balls cannot be detected (Notification means) 20 and the pachinko ball storage amount display device (game medium storage amount display device) 21, whether the first JC shutter device 31, the second JC shutter device 32 is open and whether it is in a normal state JC shutter display units 31a and 32a for displaying whether or not, and a conveyor lamp 34 for displaying whether or not the small ball feeding device 60 is in operation and in a normal state. It is gills.

  The storage amount display unit 19 described above displays the storage amount of the pachinko balls step by step with a predetermined number (six in the case of the embodiment) of ball amount level display lamps 19a to 19f. Further, the sensor state display unit 20 as the notification means described above is configured by sensor state display lamps 20a to 20f corresponding to the ball amount level display lamps 19a to 19f of the storage amount display unit 19, respectively. Then, the sensor state display unit 20 uses the corresponding instruction means 22 (22a to 22f) that make it possible to recognize that the storage amount display unit 19 corresponding to the sensor state display unit 20 is in a corresponding relationship with each other. Are arranged in correspondence with each other. That is, for example, the ball amount level display lamp 19a of the storage amount display unit 19 and the sensor state display lamp 20a of the sensor state display unit 20 are arranged in a display mode connected by the corresponding instruction means 22a. The relationship among the ball amount level display lamps 19b to 19f, the sensor state display lamps 20b to 20f, and the corresponding instruction means 22b to 22f is the same.

  The JC shutter display units 31a and 32a include JC “closed” lamps 31b and 32b that are turned on when the JC shutter is closed, and JC “open” lamps 31c and 32c that are turned on when the JC shutter is opened. It is composed of

  The control board 18 receives signals indicating the states of the first JC shutter device 31 and the second JC shutter device 32, and based on the received signals, the JC shutter display units 31a and 32a use the first JC shutter device 31 and the second JC shutter. The status of the device 32 is displayed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, JC shutter devices 31 and 32 (indicated simply as shutters in FIG. 5) open the return port 3 a of the ball return device (indicated as JC in FIG. 5) 3. In this manner (in FIG. 5, when the JC shutter is in the open state), the JC “open” lamps 31c and 32c are lit in green and the JC “closed” lamps 31b and 32b are turned off. However, even if the shutter of the ball return device 3 is open, the JC “open” lamps 31c and 32c are lit in red in an abnormal state or a state where the shutter is opened illegally. In such a case, for example, although an open signal is transmitted to the JC shutter devices 31 and 32, a shutter open signal is transmitted from this sensor due to a failure of the sensor that detects the opening and closing of the shutter. If the shutter is not opened, or the opening signal is not transmitted to the JC shutter devices 31 and 32, the shutter is opened from the outside improperly or due to a shutter failure. This is the case when a shutter opening signal is transmitted from a sensor that detects opening and closing of the shutter.

  Further, when the JC shutter devices 31 and 32 are working so as to close the shutter of the ball return device 3 (in FIG. 5, when the JC shutter is in the closed state), the JC “closed” lamps 31b and 32b are It lights up in green and the JC “open” lamps 31c, 32c are turned off. However, even when the shutter of the ball return device 3 is closed, the JC “closed” lamps 31b and 32b are lit in red in an abnormal state or a state where the shutter is closed illegally. In such a case, for example, although a closing signal is transmitted to the JC shutter devices 31 and 32, a shutter closing signal is transmitted from this sensor due to a failure of the sensor that detects opening and closing of the shutter. If not, or even if no closing signal is transmitted to the JC shutter devices 31 and 32, the shutter is improperly closed from the outside, or remains closed due to a shutter failure. This is the case when a shutter closing signal is transmitted from a sensor that detects opening and closing of the shutter.

  The control board 18 receives a signal (operation signal) indicating the state of the small ball lifting device (indicated as a conveyor in FIG. 5) 60, and the conveyor lamp 34 of the display device 17 based on the received signal. The state of the small ball lifting device 60 is displayed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the small ball lifting device 60 is operating, the conveyor lamp 34 is lit in green, and when it is not operating, the conveyor lamp 34 is turned off. . However, even when the small ball lifting device 60 is in operation, the conveyor lamp 34 is lit in red when operating in an abnormal state. As such a case, for example, although an operation signal is transmitted to the small ball lifting device 60, the small ball lifting device 60 may be clogged with pachinko balls, accumulated dust / dust, etc. This is the case, for example, when the drive motor for driving the small ball feeding device 60 is stopped or in a state where the rotational speed is insufficient.

  The control board 18 receives the detection signals from the regular sensors S1 to S6 and the spare sensors S11 to S16, and the storage tank 9 in the storage amount display unit 19 of the pachinko ball amount display device 21 based on the received signals. , 10 pachinko ball storage amount is displayed. In this case, the control board 18 serves as an abnormality determination unit that determines whether the normal sensors S1 to S6 and the spare sensors S11 to S16 are in a normal state where the pachinko balls can be detected or in an abnormal state where the pachinko balls cannot be detected. It functions and displays the states of the regular sensors S1 to S6 and the spare sensors S11 to S16 on the sensor state display unit 20 of the pachinko ball amount display device 21 based on the determination result. The control board 18 serving as the abnormality determining means, the regular sensors S1 to S6 serving as the game medium regular detecting means, and the spare sensors S11 to S16 serving as the game medium preliminary detecting means constitute a gaming medium storage amount detecting device. is there.

  Specifically, as the amount of pachinko balls stored in the storage tanks 9 and 10 increases and is sequentially detected by the regular sensors S1 to S6 or the spare sensors S11 to S16, the regular sensors S1 to S6 or the spare sensors S11 to S11. The ball amount level display lamps 19a to 19f of the storage amount display unit 19 corresponding to S16 are lit in green in the order of 19a, ..., 19f. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the ball amount level display lamps 19a to 19f are lit in green regardless of whether the sensor detecting the pachinko ball is a regular sensor or a spare sensor. That is, even if either the regular sensor or the spare sensor has an abnormality, if one of the sensors is normal, the ball amount level display lamps 19a to 19f are lit in green, and both the regular sensor and the spare sensor are abnormal. In some cases, or when no pachinko ball is detected, the light is turned off.

  As described above, the pachinko balls in the storage tanks 9 and 10 are detected by any one of the regular sensors S1 to S6 or the spare sensors S11 to S16. When it is determined by the control board 18 as a means that the normal sensors S1 to S6 are in an abnormal state in which pachinko balls cannot be detected, they are automatically switched to the spare sensors S11 to S16 corresponding to the normal sensors S1 to S6. The pachinko balls are detected by the switched preliminary sensors S11 to S16. For example, when it is determined by the control board 18 that the normal sensor S1 is in an abnormal state, a pachinko ball is detected by the spare sensor S11 instead of the normal sensor S1. At this time, as shown in FIG. 1, the spare sensors S11 to S16 are located at positions different from the regular sensors S1 to S6. Therefore, the amount of pachinko balls stored when the spare sensors S11 to S16 are used is also a regular sensor. Unlike the amount of pachinko balls stored when S1 to S6 are used, this is an approximate numerical value.

  Therefore, the control means 18 also includes sensor monitoring means (detection means monitoring means) for monitoring all of the regular sensors S1 to S6 and the spare sensors S11 to S16 for each predetermined unit. That is, the abnormality determination means in the present application includes detection means monitoring means.

  In addition, after the normal sensors S1 to S6 are determined to be in an abnormal state in which the pachinko balls cannot be detected and the pachinko balls are approximated by the preliminary sensors S11 to S16, for example, the normal sensors that are in an abnormal state When it is determined that the normal sensors S1 to S6 are in the normal state again by exchanging S1 to S6, the normal sensors S1 to S1 that are determined to be in the normal state again are not the spare sensors S11 to S16. It is controlled by the control board 18 so that the pachinko ball is detected by S6. That is, it is automatically returned from the spare sensors S11 to S16 to the normal normal sensors S1 to S6. As a result, the forgetting to return from the spare sensors S11 to S16 to the normal normal sensors S1 to S6 is eliminated.

  Further, as described above, the control board 18 determines whether the normal sensors S1 to S6 and the spare sensors S11 to S16 are in a normal state where the pachinko balls can be detected or an abnormal state where the pachinko balls cannot be detected. Based on the determination result, the states of the normal sensors S1 to S6 and the spare sensors S11 to S16 are displayed on the sensor state display unit 20 as a notification unit. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, when both the normal sensors S1 to S6 and the spare sensors S11 to S16 are in a normal state, the sensor state display lamps 20a to 20f of the sensor state display unit 20 are green. Light. Further, when the normal sensors S1 to S6 are in a normal state and the spare sensors S11 to S16 are in an abnormal state, the sensor state display lamps 20a to 20f are lit in red. Further, when the normal sensors S1 to S6 are in an abnormal state and the spare sensors S11 to S16 are in a normal state, the sensor state display lamps 20a to 20f blink in green. When both the normal sensors S1 to S6 and the spare sensors S11 to S16 are in an abnormal state, the sensor state display lamps 20a to 20f of the sensor state display unit 20 are turned off. When none of the regular sensors S1 to S6 and the spare sensors S11 to S16 detect a pachinko ball, that is, when no pachinko balls are stored until they can be detected, the regular sensors S1 to S6 and the spare sensors S11 to S16. The ball quantity level display lamps 19a to 19f are extinguished in the same manner as when both are in an abnormal state, but the extinguished state is due to the absence of a pachinko ball or the sensor is in an abnormal state. It can be determined by the display state of the sensor state display lamps 20a to 20f.

  Thus, in order to display the normal state or abnormal state of the normal sensors S1 to S6 and the spare sensors S11 to S16 on the sensor state display unit 20, the normal sensors S1 to S6 and the spare sensors S11 to S16 are displayed. Since it is possible to visually recognize whether both are in a normal state or an abnormal state, maintenance time such as replacement of the regular sensors S1 to S6 and the spare sensors S11 to S16 can be set in advance.

  Further, as described above, the sensor state display unit 20 uses the corresponding instruction means 22 that allows the storage state display unit 19 corresponding to the sensor state display unit 20 to be visually associated with each other, so that the storage amount can be visually recognized. They are arranged in correspondence with the display unit 19. For example, the ball amount level display lamp 19a of the storage amount display unit 19 and the sensor state display lamp 20a of the sensor state display unit 20 are arranged in a display mode connected by the corresponding instruction unit 22a. For this reason, it can be easily recognized at which position the normal sensors S1 to S6 or the spare sensors S11 to S16 are abnormal.

  The functions of the control board 18 and the display device 17 have been described above. Next, the control of which of the regular sensors S1 to S6 or the spare sensors S11 to S16 performed by the control board 18 described above will be described with reference to FIG. This will be described with reference to a flowchart.

  In the process shown in FIG. 7, first, in step S100, the detection state is determined based on the detection signal of the first regular sensor S1. As a method for determining the detection state, a constant current is supplied from the control board 18 to the first normal sensor S1, and the voltage applied to the first normal sensor S1 is monitored by the current by the control board 18 to detect the detection state. Judging. Since the first regular sensor S1 changes in resistance according to the states of “disconnection”, “with ball”, “without ball”, and “short circuit”, when the current is constant as described above, The voltage applied to the first regular sensor S1 also changes according to each state described above. Therefore, by monitoring this voltage, it is possible to determine which state the first normal sensor S1 is in. Specific values of the voltage are 0.00 to 0.09 V when “disconnected”, 0.14 to 1.06 V when “with ball”, 4.40 to 7.20 V when “without ball”, and “short circuit”. When it is 8.67 to 12.0V.

  When the voltage applied to the first normal sensor S1 becomes 0.14 to 1.06 V or 4.40 to 7.20 V, that is, “with ball” or “without ball”, in step S100, the first normal sensor After it is determined that the sensor S1 is not abnormal (NO in step S100) and the first regular sensor S1 is employed (step S101), the process proceeds to step S104.

  On the other hand, when the voltage applied to the first normal sensor S1 becomes 0.00 to 0.09 V or 8.67 to 12.0 V, that is, when it is “disconnected” or “short circuit”, the first normal sensor is detected in step S100. After it is determined that S1 is abnormal (YES in step S100), the state of the first preliminary sensor S11 is determined in the same manner as the first normal sensor S1 (step S102). When the first spare sensor S11 is “with ball” or “without ball”, it is determined in step S102 that the first spare sensor S11 is not abnormal (NO in step S102), and after the first spare sensor S11 is employed. (Step S103), the process proceeds to Step S104. When the first preliminary sensor S11 is “disconnected” or “short circuit”, it is determined in step S102 that the first preliminary sensor S11 is abnormal (YES in step S102), and the process directly proceeds to step S104.

  As described above, when it is determined that the first normal sensor S1 is not abnormal, a pachinko ball is detected using the first normal sensor S1, and it is determined that the first normal sensor S1 is abnormal. When it is determined that the spare sensor S11 is not abnormal, a pachinko ball is detected using the first spare sensor S11, and it is determined that both the first regular sensor S1 and the first spare sensor S11 are abnormal. In this case, neither sensor is adopted.

  Thereafter, in steps S104 to S123, the same processing is executed for the second normal sensor S2 to the sixth normal sensor S6 and the second preliminary sensor S12 to the sixth preliminary sensor S16. It is decided whether or not to adopt any sensor.

  As described above, the control of which of the regular sensors S1 to S6 or the spare sensors S11 to S16 performed by the control board 18 has been described. However, in the above-described embodiment, the spare sensors S11 to 11 provided in the storage tanks 9 and 10 are used. As shown in FIG. 1, S16 shows what is provided in the vicinity of the corresponding regular sensors S1 to S6, but not limited thereto, for example, as shown in FIG. It may be provided with a certain distance in the upstream direction from the corresponding regular sensors S1 to S6. In such an embodiment, when the regular sensor is in an abnormal state and the spare sensor is used, the timing for detecting the pachinko ball is earlier than when the regular sensor is used, that is, the storage tank. As a result, early and early control is possible, and as a result, it is possible to cope with the abnormal state of the regular sensor. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pachinko island platform 1 according to the second embodiment, but the pachinko island platform 1 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for the installation positions of the spare sensors S11 to S16. Since it is the same as that of the longitudinal sectional view, the reference numerals are omitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the sensor state display unit 20 of the pachinko ball storage amount display device 21 notifies whether the normal sensors S1 to S6 and / or the spare sensors S11 to S16 are in a normal state or an abnormal state. Although what was comprised as an alerting | reporting means was shown, it is not restricted to this, The sensor state display part 20 of the pachinko ball storage amount display apparatus 21 alert | reports whether normal sensor S1-S6 is a normal state or an abnormal state. It may be configured as a normal detection means state display unit. By doing so, it is possible to recognize whether the normal sensors S1 to S6 corresponding to the storage amount display unit 19 are in a normal state or an abnormal state, and when the normal sensors S1 to S6 are in an abnormal state, the spare sensors S11 to S11. It can be easily recognized that the pachinko ball is detected by S16.

  Further, the sensor state display unit 20 of the pachinko ball storage amount display device 21 is configured as an informing means for informing whether the normal sensors S1 to S6 and / or the spare sensors S11 to S16 are in a normal state or an abnormal state. The sensor state display unit 20 of the pachinko ball storage amount display device 21 is not limited to the above, and is configured as a preliminary detection means state display unit that notifies whether the preliminary sensors S11 to S16 are in a normal state or an abnormal state. There may be. By doing so, even if the spare sensors S11 to S16 cause an abnormality before the regular sensors S1 to S6, the abnormality can be recognized by the sensor state display unit 20 as the preliminary detection means state display unit. Necessary measures such as replacing the sensors S11 to S16 can be quickly performed. When the spare sensors S11 to S16 have an abnormality prior to the regular sensors S1 to S6, the spare sensors S11 to S16 have a preliminary role for the regular sensors S1 to S6. The construction for replacing the sensors S11 to S16) is not urgent, but it is desirable to perform maintenance at an appropriate time.

  In the above-described embodiment, as an example of a transfer system that is controlled using the game medium storage amount detection device, the sensor state display unit 20 as a game medium storage amount display device that displays the amount of stored balls in the storage tank. Of course, it may be used for a well-known pachinko ball transfer system.

  By the way, in above-mentioned embodiment, even if it is a case where abnormality has occurred in the regular sensors S1 to S6 (game medium regular detection means) for detecting the storage amount of the pachinko balls (game medium) in the storage tanks 9 and 10. The pachinko balls are detected by the spare sensors S11 to S16 (game medium preliminary detection means) instead of the regular sensors S1 to S6, and the amount of the pachinko balls stored is estimated. Since it can be operated normally, the business can be continued without impeding the operation of the amusement hall.

  In the above-described embodiment, after the normal sensors S1 to S6 are determined to be abnormal and the pachinko balls are detected by the spare sensors S11 to S16, the normal sensor S1 is replaced by replacing the normal sensors S1 to S6. When S6 is determined to be normal, pachinko balls are detected by the normal sensors S1 to S6 determined to be normal, that is, normal game medium normal detection is automatically performed from the spare sensors S11 to S16. Since it is returned to the means, it is not forgotten to return from the spare sensors S11 to S16 to the normal normal sensors S1 to S6.

  Moreover, in above-described embodiment, the storage amount display part 19 which displays the storage amount of the pachinko ball in the storage tanks 9 and 10, and the normal sensors S1 to S6 and / or the spare sensors S11 to S16 are in a normal state or an abnormal state. Since a pachinko ball storage amount display device 21 (game medium storage amount display device) having a sensor state display unit 20 (notification means) for notifying the storage is provided, storage of pachinko balls in the storage tanks 9 and 10 is provided. The amount can be visually recognized by the storage amount display unit 19. In addition, since the normal sensors S1 to S6 and / or the spare sensors S11 to S16 can be recognized, for example, visually or audibly, the normal sensors S1 to S6 and / or the spare sensors S11 to S11 can be recognized. Maintenance time such as replacement of S16 can be assumed in advance. That is, as maintenance time, both the regular sensors S1 to S6 and the spare sensors S11 to S16 are in an abnormal state, the regular sensors S1 to S6 are in an abnormal state, and the spare sensors S11 to S16 are in an abnormal state. This state can be easily recognized, and the maintenance time can be assumed based on this state.

  In the above-described embodiment, the notification unit is configured as the sensor state display unit 20 that displays whether the normal sensors S1 to S6 and / or the spare sensors S11 to S16 are in a normal state or an abnormal state. Is arranged in correspondence with the storage unit display unit 19 (for example, the sensor state display unit 20 and the storage unit display unit 19 are arranged close to each other in the horizontal direction, etc.), and therefore the normal sensor S1 at which position is located. It is possible to easily visually recognize whether S6 has caused an abnormality or at which position the spare sensors S11 to S16 have an abnormality.

  In the above-described embodiment, the notification unit is configured as the sensor state display unit 20 that displays whether the normal sensors S1 to S6 and / or the spare sensors S11 to S16 are in a normal state or an abnormal state. Since the corresponding instruction means 22 that makes it possible to recognize that the corresponding storage amount display units 19 are in correspondence with each other is provided, at which position the normal sensors S1 to S6 are abnormal or at which position It is possible to easily visually recognize whether the preliminary sensors S11 to S16 in FIG.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the pachinko machine with pachinko balls as the game media is shown as being related to the pachinko islands. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be a medal island stand.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game medium storage amount detection device is related to the storage tanks 9 and 10 built in the pachinko island stand 1, but is not limited thereto, and is provided outside the pachinko island stand 1. It may be related to the stored tank.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the sensor state display unit 20 as the notification unit visually displays the sensor state of the regular sensor and / or the spare sensor, but deviates from this technical idea. If not, it is not limited to this, and the sensor state of the normal sensor and / or the spare sensor may be audibly recognized. For example, by voice, “What is the normal sensor abnormality?”

  In the above-described embodiment, the spare sensors are provided for each of the regular sensors and have a one-to-one relationship with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of spare sensors are provided for one regular sensor. The number of spare sensors may be less than that of the regular sensors by sharing one spare sensor for a plurality of regular sensors. By providing a plurality of spare sensors for one regular sensor, even if one spare sensor becomes abnormal, pachinko balls can be detected by other spare sensors. By reducing the number in common with the sensors, the manufacturing cost of the game medium storage amount detection device can be reduced.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the spare sensor is provided corresponding to all the regular sensors is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, a pachinko ball transfer system, as long as it does not deviate from this technical idea. In this case, only the regular sensor for detecting the upper limit value of the storage amount of the storage tank and the regular sensor for detecting the lower limit value of the storage amount of the storage tank are important elements for controlling the transfer system. In such a case, even if a spare sensor is provided only for the regular sensor that is an important element, it is within the scope of the present technical idea.

It is an external appearance perspective view of the pachinko island stand concerning an embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pachinko island base which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of a pachinko island stand. It is a front view of the display apparatus containing a pachinko ball storage amount display apparatus. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the pachinko ball storage amount display apparatus. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the pachinko ball storage amount display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a sensor adoption routine. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pachinko island stand according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachinko island stand 2 Pachinko machine (game machine)
9 Storage tank 10 Storage tank 18 Control board (game medium storage amount detection device, abnormality determination means)
19 Storage amount display part (game medium storage amount display device)
19a to 19f Ball quantity level display lamp 20 Sensor state display part (game medium storage amount display device, normal and / or preliminary detection means state display part, notification means)
20a-20f Sensor state display lamp 21 Pachinko ball storage amount display device (game medium storage amount display device)
22 Corresponding instruction means S1 to S6 Regular sensor (game medium storage amount detection device, game medium regular detection means)
S11 to S16 Preliminary sensor (game medium storage amount detection device, game medium preliminary detection means)

Claims (6)

Using the game medium regular detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a game medium at a plurality of places installed in stages according to the storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank for storing the game medium used in the gaming machine, In the game medium storage amount detection device for detecting the storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank,
A plurality of preliminarily installed corresponding to the game medium regular detection means, and a game medium preliminary detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a game medium in the storage tank;
An abnormality determination means for determining whether the game medium normal detection means is in a normal state in which the game medium can be detected or an abnormal state in which the game medium cannot be detected;
When the abnormality determination means determines that the game medium normal detection means is in the normal state, the storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank is calculated using the game medium normal detection means determined to be in the normal state. As well as
When the abnormality determination means determines that the gaming medium normal detection means is in the abnormal state, the storage tank is used using the gaming medium preliminary detection means corresponding to the gaming medium normal detection means determined to be in the abnormal state. A game medium storage amount detection device characterized by estimating a storage amount of a game medium inside.   After the abnormality determining unit determines that the gaming medium normal detecting unit is in the abnormal state, the storage amount of the gaming medium in the storage tank is approximately estimated by the gaming medium preliminary detecting unit. When the abnormality determination means determines that the gaming medium normal detection means is in the normal state, the storage amount of the gaming medium in the storage tank is determined using the gaming medium normal detection means determined to be in the normal state. The game medium storage amount detection device according to claim 1, wherein the game medium storage amount detection device is calculated. Using the game medium regular detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a game medium at a plurality of places installed in stages according to the storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank for storing the game medium used in the gaming machine, In the game medium storage amount display device that displays the storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank based on a signal transmitted from the game medium storage amount detection device that detects the storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank.
The game medium storage amount detection device includes:
A plurality of preliminarily installed corresponding to the game medium regular detection means, and a game medium preliminary detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a game medium in the storage tank;
The game medium normal detection means and the game medium preliminary detection means, or an abnormality determination means for determining whether the game medium normal detection means is in a normal state where the game medium can be detected or an abnormal state where the game medium cannot be detected. With
When the abnormality determination means determines that the game medium normal detection means is in the normal state, the storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank is calculated using the game medium normal detection means determined to be in the normal state. As well as
When the abnormality determining means determines that the gaming medium normal detecting means is in the abnormal state, the storage tank is used using the gaming medium preliminary detecting means corresponding to the gaming medium normal detecting means determined to be in the abnormal state. Approximate the amount of game media stored in
The game medium storage amount display device,
A storage amount display unit that displays the storage amount of the game medium in the storage tank in a stepwise manner with a predetermined number set in advance;
A game medium storage amount display device comprising: notifying means for notifying whether the game medium normal detection means and / or the game medium preliminary detection means is in the normal state or the abnormal state. The notification means is configured as a normal and / or preliminary detection means status display unit for displaying whether the game medium normal detection means and / or the game medium preliminary detection means is in the normal state or the abnormal state,
4. The game medium storage amount display device according to claim 3, wherein the normal and / or preliminary detection means state display unit is arranged in correspondence with the storage amount display unit. The notification means is configured as a normal and / or preliminary detection means status display unit for displaying whether the game medium normal detection means and / or the game medium preliminary detection means is in the normal state or the abnormal state,
4. The game medium according to claim 3, further comprising correspondence instruction means that makes it possible to recognize that the storage amount display section corresponding to the normal and / or preliminary detection means state display section is in a correspondence relationship with each other. Storage amount display device. After the abnormality determining unit determines that the gaming medium normal detecting unit is in the abnormal state, the storage amount of the gaming medium in the storage tank is approximately estimated by the gaming medium preliminary detecting unit. When the abnormality determination means determines that the gaming medium normal detection means is in the normal state, the storage amount of the gaming medium in the storage tank is determined using the gaming medium normal detection means determined to be in the normal state. 6. The game medium storage amount display device according to claim 3, wherein the game medium storage amount display device is calculated.

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