JP2008035899A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine capable of monitoring an object inside a game area and detecting the occurrence of abnormality. <P>SOLUTION: Light projection parts 50-54 are disposed on the outer side of the game area 16a, and light projection parts 60-63 are disposed inside the lower edge of a center accessory 35. Light receiving sensors 55-59 and 65-68 for receiving infrared ray light projected from each of the light projection parts 50-54 and 60-63 are disposed on the outer side of the game area 16a. An output pattern detection part 74 detects the output pattern of the light receiving signals of the light receiving sensors 55-59 and 65-68. On the basis of the output pattern detected by the output pattern detection part 74, an error judgement part 75 judges whether or not abnormality is occurred inside the game area 16a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine that is installed and used in a game hall such as a pachinko parlor.

  Pachinko machines installed in game halls such as pachinko parlors have a game area where game balls flow down on the game board. When the operation handle on the pachinko machine is operated, the pachinko machine is installed inside the pachinko machine. In general, the launching device is driven to launch a game ball toward a game area. In the game area, obstacles such as obstacle nails and windmills that change the flow direction of the game ball, movable devices such as an accessory, and winning chuckers such as a start winning chucker, a normal winning chucker, and an attacker are provided. The game balls flow down the game area while being hit by an obstacle many times, and win one of the winning chuckers or be collected from the out port.

A game ball may get stuck in the game area, for example, between obstacles. In this case, since a normal game cannot be performed, it is preferable that the staying game balls are quickly removed by a store clerk in the game hall. In addition, an illegal act such as inserting a foreign object into the game area or moving the obstacle nail by bending it to change the flow direction of the game ball may be performed. For this reason, it is required to monitor an object in the game area and detect that an abnormality has occurred. As a device for detecting an object on a board, a device that embeds an optical sensor for each eye position on a board surface of a board used for Go or the like and detects a meteorite on the board has been proposed in Patent Document 1 or the like. .
Japanese Patent No. 2746843

  However, in an apparatus such as Patent Document 1, an optical sensor must be provided at each position where an object is to be detected, and a game ball is placed in the game area formed on the game board of the ball game machine as described above. In order to detect, since the position where the game ball flows down is varied, a lot of optical sensors are required, and an object at a position where the optical sensor cannot be arranged cannot be detected. there were.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a ball game machine capable of monitoring an object in a game area and detecting the occurrence of an abnormality.

  The bullet ball gaming machine according to claim 1 is provided outside the game area where the game ball flows down, provided with a light projecting unit that projects light into the game area, and provided outside the game area. A light receiving unit that outputs a light receiving signal when receiving light projected from the light unit, an output pattern detecting unit that detects an output pattern of the light receiving signal output from the light receiving unit, and the output pattern detecting unit And an error determination means for determining that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming area based on the output pattern.

  The bullet ball gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein one of the game areas in which the game balls flow down is provided inside, and the other is provided outside the game area, and the light projecting part for projecting light, and the light projecting part A light receiving unit that outputs a light receiving signal when receiving the light projected from the light receiving unit, an output pattern detecting unit that detects an output pattern of the light receiving signal output from the light receiving unit, and the output pattern detecting unit that detects the output pattern detecting unit And an error determination means for determining that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming area based on an output pattern.

  In addition, a pattern table storage unit that stores a pattern table of the output pattern corresponding to the gaming state is provided, and the error determination unit reads the pattern table from the pattern table storage unit according to the gaming state, and stores the pattern table in the pattern table. When the output pattern detected by the output pattern detecting means is compared with the output pattern detected by the output pattern detection unit and a state in which the output pattern is different passes a predetermined time, an abnormality occurs in the game area. It is preferable to determine that the

  In addition, it is preferable to provide an error display unit that displays that an abnormality has occurred when the error determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred.

  In addition, it is preferable to include error information output means for outputting error information indicating that an abnormality has occurred to the outside of the ball game machine when the error determination means determines that an abnormality has occurred.

  According to the bullet ball gaming machine of claim 1, light is projected into the game area from the light projecting section provided outside the game area where the game ball flows down, and the light receiving section provided outside the game area. When this light is received, a light reception signal is output, the output pattern of the light reception signal output from the light receiving unit is detected by the output pattern detection means, and the error determination means is based on the detected output pattern in the game area. Since it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, it is possible to monitor an object in the game area and detect the occurrence of the abnormality.

  According to the ball game machine of claim 2, one of the light projecting unit that projects light and the light receiving unit that outputs a light reception signal when receiving the light projected from the light projecting unit is used as a game ball. Is provided inside the game area where the liquid flows down, the other is provided outside the game area, the output pattern detection means detects the output pattern of the light reception signal output from the light receiving section, and the error determination means based on the detected output pattern However, since it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming area, it is possible to monitor the object in the gaming area and detect the occurrence of the abnormality.

  In addition, a pattern table storage unit that stores a pattern table of an output pattern according to the gaming state, the error determination unit reads the pattern table from the pattern table storage unit according to the gaming state, and an output pattern based on the pattern table; By comparing the output pattern detected by the output pattern detection means, and determining that an abnormality has occurred in the game area when the time that these are different has passed a predetermined time, In the case of a change in the output pattern due to a change in an accessory in a normal gaming state, this can be excluded and the occurrence of an abnormality in the gaming area can be detected.

  In addition, when the error determination means determines the occurrence of an abnormality, it is provided with an error display means for displaying that an abnormality has occurred, thereby informing the game hall manager or the like that an abnormality has occurred. can do.

  Further, by providing error information output means for outputting error information indicating that an abnormality has occurred to the outside of the ball game machine when the error determination means determines the occurrence of an abnormality, for example, It is possible to monitor whether or not an abnormality in the gaming area has occurred using a management device called a hall computer that manages gaming machines from the outside.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko machine (ball game machine) 10 using the present invention is provided with a front door 13 including an upper door 11 and a lower door 12 on the front surface. The upper door 11 and the lower door 12 are pivotally supported by hinges (not shown) provided on the front side of the pachinko machine 10 and can be opened and closed. The upper door 11 and the lower door 12 are locked by the locking device 14 in a closed state.

  An opening 11 a is provided at the center of the upper door 11, and the opening 11 a is shielded by a light-transmitting member such as glass 15 attached to the back side of the upper door 11. A game board 16 (see FIG. 2) is arranged inside the pachinko machine 10, and flows down the game area 16a (see FIG. 2) formed on the game board 16 with the upper door 11 closed. A game ball to be played and a structure provided in the game area 16 a are visually recognized through the glass 15.

  An operation handle 20 is provided on the lower door 12. The operation handle 20 is rotated when playing a game. When the operation handle 20 is operated, the output value of the launch volume provided inside changes, and the launch strength of the game ball by the launching device 21 (see FIG. 7) changes. A receiving tray 22 that protrudes forward is provided on the front side of the lower door 12. The tray 22 opens upward, and in addition to the game balls that are lent to the player when starting the game, the game balls that flow down the game area 16a win one of the winning chuckers described later. The prize balls that are paid out are accepted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 16 includes a base plate 23, a guide rail frame 25 mounted on the plate surface of the base plate 23, an obstruction nail 26 and a windmill 27, a passing chucker 28, and a start winning chucker 30. The regular winning chucker 31 and the winning chucker of the attacker 32 are configured.

  The start winning chucker 30 is an accessory called a tulip, and the blades 30a and 30b (see FIG. 4) provided on the upper left and right are opened and closed based on the gaming state. In a normal state, the blades 30a and 30b are closed.

  The attacker 32 includes a door 34 (see FIG. 6) that is pivotable between an open position that tilts forward to open the big prize opening 33 (see FIG. 6) and a closed position that closes the big prize opening 33. Yes. Under normal conditions, the door 34 is in the closed position.

  The game area 16a is an area surrounded by the guide rail frame 25, and a structure called a center accessory 35 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 16a, and a symbol display device (error Display means) 36 is provided. The symbol display device 36 performs image display such as symbol variation display and stop display, effect display, and error display described later on a display device such as a liquid crystal screen.

  The game ball launched from the launching device 21 passes through the guide passage 37 formed by the guide rail frame 25 and is thrown into the upper part of the game area 16a, and then flows down in the game area 16a. The game ball flowing down the game area 16 a flows down by passing through the passing chucker 28 while being bounced by the obstacle nail 26 and the windmill 27, etc., and wins any of the winning chuckers excluding the passing chucker 28, Or it collects from the out port 38 without winning a prize. When a game ball wins one of the winning chuckers except the passing chucker 28, a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out to the tray 22 as winning balls by the payout device 39 (see FIG. 7).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the outer rail 41, the first inner rail 42, and the second inner rail 43 are attached to a frame base 40 that is formed in a plate shape and has a rib formed on the outer periphery of the front surface thereof. It becomes the composition. The frame base 40, the outer rail 41, the first inner rail 42, and the second inner rail 43 have excellent slidability and wear resistance, such as polyacetal, and have light transmittance that transmits infrared light described later. It is formed from a resin material. The first inner rail 42 and the second inner rail 43 are shell-shaped, and when they are attached to the frame base 40, the first inner rail 42 and the second inner rail 43 and the frame base 40 form a space. Is formed. The guide passage 37 is formed between the outer rail 41 and the first inner rail 42. An opening 44 for restricting the movement of the game ball in the game is formed at the center of the frame base 40, and a front decoration 45 for the out port 38 is formed below the opening 44. The outer rail 41, the first inner rail 42, and the second inner rail 43 are each assembled and fixed to the frame base 40 by screws or the like (not shown). Further, the guide rail frame 25 is assembled and fixed to the base plate 23 by screws or the like (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, light projecting portions 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 for projecting infrared light substantially parallel to the plate surface of the base plate 23 into the game region 16a are disposed outside the game region 16a. In addition, light receiving sensors (light receiving portions) 55, 56, 57, 58, and 59 that are paired with the light projecting portions 50 to 54 are disposed outside the game area 16a. . The light receiving sensors 55 to 59 output a light receiving signal when receiving the infrared light projected from any of the pair of light projecting units 50 to 54. In the drawing, the optical path of the infrared light from each of the light projecting units 50 to 54 to each of the light receiving sensors 55 to 59 is indicated by a one-dotted line.

  The light projecting parts 50, 51, 52 are disposed in a space formed by the second inner rail 43 and the frame base part 40, and project infrared light into the game area 16a substantially horizontally. The light receiving sensors 55 and 56 are disposed on the frame base 40 on the left side of the outer rail 41 and receive infrared light projected from the light projecting portions 50 and 51, and the light receiving sensor 57 is connected to the first inner rail 42. The infrared light projected from the light projecting unit 52 is received in the space formed by the frame base 40. Further, the light projecting parts 53 and 54 are disposed on the frame base 40 on the upper outer side of the game area 16a, and project infrared light into the game area 16a substantially vertically. The light receiving sensor 58 is disposed in a space formed by the first inner rail 42 and the frame base 40 and receives infrared light projected from the light projecting portion 53, and the light receiving sensor 59 is received by the second inner rail 43. The infrared light projected from the light projecting unit 54 is received in the space formed by the frame base 40. In addition, arrangement | positioning of each of the light projection parts 50-54 and each light reception sensor 55-59 is exchangeable.

  Further, inside the lower edge of the center accessory 35 inside the game area 16a, there are arranged light projecting portions 60, 61, 62, 63 for projecting infrared light substantially parallel to the plate surface of the base plate 23 downward. In addition, light receiving sensors 65, 66, 67, and 68 that are paired with the light projecting units 60 to 63 are disposed on the lower outside of the game area 16a. The lower edge of the center accessory 35 is formed of a resin material having a light transmission property that transmits infrared light, and the light receiving sensors 65 to 68 include any one of the pair of light projecting units 60 to 63. A light reception signal is output when the infrared light projected from the head is received. In the drawing, the optical path of each infrared light from each of the light projecting units 60 to 63 to each of the light receiving sensors 65 to 68 is indicated by a one-dotted line.

  The light receiving sensors 65 to 68 are disposed in a space formed by the first inner rail 42 and the frame base 40 and receive the infrared light projected from the light projecting portions 60 to 62. The infrared light projected from the light projecting unit 63 is received in the space formed by the inner rail 43 and the frame base 40. As described above, the light projecting portions 50 to 54 and 60 to 62 and the light receiving sensors 55 to 59 and 65 to 68 are not visually recognized through the glass 15 and are arranged so as not to be impacted by the game ball. The light projecting units 60 to 63 may be disposed outside the game area 16 a so as to project infrared light upward, and the light receiving sensors 65 to 68 may be disposed inside the lower edge of the center accessory 35. . That is, one of the pairs of the light projecting units 60 to 63 and the light receiving sensors 65 to 68 may be disposed inside the game area 16a and the other may be disposed outside the game area 16a.

  The optical path of the infrared light from each of the light projecting units 50 to 54 and 60 to 63 to the light receiving sensors 55 to 59 and 65 to 68 is not blocked by the obstacle nail 26 in the initial state, and the game in the game area 16a It can only be blocked by a ball or an accessory. The optical path of the infrared light from each of the light projecting units 50 to 54 and 60 to 63 to the light receiving sensors 55 to 59 and 65 to 68 will be described in detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, when the blades 30a and 30b of the start winning chucker 30 are closed, the optical path of the infrared light from the light projecting unit 50 to the light receiving sensor 55 is blocked by the blades 30a and 30b. Infrared light does not reach the light receiving sensor 55. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the blades 30a and 30b of the start winning chucker 30 are open, the optical path of the infrared light from the light projecting unit 50 to the light receiving sensor 55 is blocked by the blades 30a and 30b. The infrared light reaches the light receiving sensor 55 without being received.

  Accordingly, in the gaming state where the blades 30a and 30b are to be closed, when a light reception signal is output from the light receiving sensor 55, the blades 30a and 30b are moved by an illegal act from the outside of the pachinko machine 10, or It can be assumed that an abnormality such as a failure of the device that opens and closes 30a and 30b has occurred, and in the gaming state where the blades 30a and 30b should be open, no light reception signal is output from the light reception sensor 55. A game ball stays in the game area 16a, the obstacle nail 26 and the blades 30a, 30b are moved by an illegal act from the outside of the pachinko machine 10, or a foreign object enters the game area 16a from the outside of the pachinko machine 10. It can be assumed that an abnormality such as is inserted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the initial state, the optical path of the infrared light from the light projecting unit 53 to the light receiving sensor 58 is not blocked by the obstacle nail 26, and the infrared light reaches the light receiving sensor 58. Accordingly, the light reception signal continues to be output from the light reception sensor 58 during normal times. When the light receiving signal from the light receiving sensor 58 is interrupted, the optical path of the infrared light is blocked by the game ball staying in the game area 16a, or the obstacle nail 26 is moved by an illegal act from the outside of the pachinko machine 10. It can be assumed that an abnormality has occurred, for example, a foreign object has been inserted into the game area 16 a from the outside of the pachinko machine 10. The same applies to the optical path of the infrared light from each of the light projecting units 51, 54, 60, 63 to each of the light receiving sensors 56, 59, 65, 68.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, when the door 34 is closed, the optical path of the infrared light from the light projecting parts 52, 61, 62 to the light receiving sensors 57, 66, 67 is blocked by the door 34. Infrared light reaches each of the light receiving sensors 57, 66, and 67 without being transmitted. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, when the door 34 is in an open state, infrared rays from the light projecting units 52, 61, 62 to the light receiving sensors 55, 66, 67 are transmitted. The optical path is blocked by the door 34, and infrared light does not reach the light receiving sensors 55, 66, and 67. FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the state shown in FIG.

  Therefore, in a gaming state where the door 34 should be closed, if no light reception signal is output from any of the light receiving sensors 55, 66, 67, a game ball is stagnating in the game area 16a, or an obstacle nail is present. It can be assumed that an abnormality such as the movement of the 26 or the door 34 by an illegal act from the outside of the pachinko machine 10 or the insertion of a foreign object into the game area 16a from the outside of the pachinko machine 10 can be assumed. In the gaming state where the door 34 should be open, if a light reception signal is output from any of the light reception sensors 55, 66, 67, an abnormality such as a failure of the device that moves the door 34 has occurred. Can be assumed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 is basically controlled by the control board 69. The control board 69 includes a CPU 70, a ROM (pattern table storage unit) 71, a RAM 72, a winning lottery unit 73, an output pattern detection unit (output pattern detection unit) 74, an error determination unit (error determination unit) 75, and an error processing unit 76. And is attached to the back side of the game board 16. The CPU 70 controls the game state of the pachinko machine 10 based on the game control program stored in the ROM 71. In addition to the game control program, the ROM 71 stores a plurality of types of pattern tables 77 described later in a predetermined area. The RAM 72 serves as a working area, and is used for temporary storage and rewriting of data used for each game.

  A passing ball detecting sensor 80 is provided for the passing chucker 28, a starting winning ball detecting sensor 81 is provided for the starting winning chucker 30, a normal winning ball detecting sensor 82 is provided for each of the normal winning chuckers 31, and a big winning ball detecting sensor is provided for the attacker 32. 83 is provided, and each sensor detects a game ball won in each winning chucker and outputs a detection signal. When the CPU 70 receives detection signals output from the start winning ball detection sensor 81, the normal winning ball detection sensor 82, and the big winning ball detection sensor 83, the CPU 70 causes the payout control device 84 to operate the payout device 35 to detect the game ball. A set number of game balls corresponding to each winning port are paid out to the tray 22 as prize balls.

  The blade drive control device 85 drives a solenoid or the like according to a control signal input from the CPU 70 to open and close the blades 30a and 30b.

  The door drive control device 86 drives a solenoid or the like according to a control signal input from the CPU 70 to open and close the door 34.

  The sound control device 87 reproduces sound from a speaker or the like via a sound processor (not shown) in accordance with a control signal input from the CPU 70.

  The display control device 88 includes an image memory 89 that stores image data, reads image data from the image memory 89 in accordance with a control signal input from the CPU 70, and a symbol display device 36 via a driver (not shown). Display an image on. In the image data, image data such as symbols to be displayed in a variable and stopped display are stored in addition to image data used in error display described later.

  The firing control unit 90 controls the operation of the launching device 21 according to the operation of the operation handle 20.

  The communication I / F (error information output means) 91 is an interface connected to an external device such as a game hall centralized management device called a hall computer, and outputs various information such as the game state in the pachinko machine 10 to the outside. .

  The winning lottery unit 73 performs a lottery in response to receiving the detection signal output from the start winning ball detection sensor 81. In the lottery, a random number is extracted, and the random number is compared with a random number table stored in the ROM 71 to determine whether or not it is a win. Based on the determination result, the symbols to be displayed and stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 36 are determined. If the result of the lottery is winning, the CPU 70 shifts the gaming state to the winning mode. In the winning mode, the door drive control device 86 brings the door 34 into the open position and opens the special winning opening 33. The door 34 returns to the closed position when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses after reaching the open position, or when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls enter the big winning opening 33. During the hit mode, the door 34 repeats opening and closing until a predetermined number of opening times (for example, 15 times) is reached.

  The winning lottery unit 73 performs a lottery to determine whether or not to open the blades 30a and 30b in response to receiving the detection signal output from the passing ball detection sensor 80. The lottery method is the same as the lottery for determining whether or not to shift to the winning mode. When this lottery is won, the blade drive control device 85 opens the blades 30a and 30b for a predetermined time.

  The output pattern detection unit 74 receives light reception signals output from the light receiving sensors 55 to 59 and 65 to 68 and detects an output pattern indicating which of the light receiving sensors 55 to 59 and 65 to 68 outputs the light reception signal. Then, the detected output pattern is input to the error determination unit 75.

  The ROM 71 stores a plurality of types of pattern tables 77 corresponding to the gaming state. The pattern table 77 describes, for each corresponding gaming state, an output pattern indicating which of the light receiving sensors 55 to 59 and 65 to 68 outputs a light receiving signal.

  The error determination unit 75 performs an error determination process for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the game area 16a. The error determination unit 75 determines the gaming state before the error determination process, reads the pattern table 77 corresponding to the gaming state, and sets it in the RAM 72. In the error determination process, the output pattern detected by the gaming state output pattern detection unit 74 is compared with the output pattern based on the pattern table 77 set in the RAM 72, and when a state in which these are different passes a predetermined time In addition, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the game area 16a. When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the game area 16a, an error value is set in the error flag area of the RAM 72. Note that, when measuring whether or not an abnormality has occurred, the error determination unit 75 may be provided with a clocking function, or an external device having a clocking function may be used.

  The error processing unit 76 performs error processing when the error determination unit 75 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the game area 16a, that is, when an error value is set in the error flag area of the RAM 72. In the error processing, an image indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the game area 16a is displayed on the symbol display device 36 via the display control device 88, that is, an abnormality has occurred in the game area 16a. An error is displayed to notify the game hall manager. Further, error information indicating that an abnormality has occurred is output to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 using the communication I / F 91. When a hall computer is connected to the communication I / F 91, other information received by the hall computer (for example, winning information) and error information are integrated, for example, there are those that are stopped in the game area 16a, and It is possible to perform fraud monitoring more diversified and direct than in the past, such as determining that some fraud has been performed when the number of winnings suddenly increases.

  Next, in the game of the pachinko machine 10, the process flow during the game relating to the error determination process will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 8 shows the overall flow of processing during the game in which error determination processing is performed, and FIG. 9 shows the flow of error determination processing.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, the error determination unit 75 determines the gaming state. That is, it is determined whether or not the objects such as the blades 30a and 30b and the door 34 are operating. When the accessory is not operating, the pattern table for normal time is read out from the pattern table 77 stored in the ROM 71 and set in the RAM 72. When the accessory is operating, A pattern table for operating the accessory is read and set in the RAM 72.

  Next, the output pattern detection unit 74 receives light reception signals output from the light reception sensors 55 to 59 and 65 to 68, and outputs which of the light reception sensors 55 to 59 and 65 to 68 outputs the light reception signals. Detect patterns. Then, the error determination unit 75 performs an error determination process based on the output pattern detected by the output pattern detection unit 74.

  When it is determined by the error determination process that an abnormality (error) has occurred in the game area 16 a, that is, when an error value is set in the RAM 72, the error processing unit 76 performs error processing. In the error processing, the error processing unit 76 performs error display using the symbol display device 36. The error display is continued until a time set in advance as a time for notifying the error elapses. Further, the error processing unit 76 outputs error information indicating that an abnormality has occurred to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 using the communication I / F 91.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the error determination process, the error determination unit 75 first compares the output pattern detected by the output pattern detection unit 74 with the output pattern based on the pattern table 77. Then, when the state in which these are different (error state) has passed a predetermined time, the error determination unit 75 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the game area 16a, and the error flag area of the RAM 72 has an error. Set the value. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to monitor an object in the game area 16a and detect the occurrence of an abnormality.

  In the above embodiment, nine light emitting units 50 to 54 and 60 to 63 and nine light receiving sensors 55 to 59 and 65 to 68 are provided. However, the light emitting units 50 to 54 and 60 to 63 are provided at appropriate places depending on the configuration of the game area 16a. The number is not limited to nine. In addition, the optical path of the infrared light from each of the light projecting units 50 to 54 and 60 to 63 to each of the light receiving sensors 55 to 59 and 65 to 68 is substantially horizontal or substantially vertical, but is inclined depending on the configuration of the game area 16a. The appropriate direction may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the object staying in the game area 16a is not discriminated from the output pattern of the received light signal. For example, the light projecting portions are arranged at intervals smaller than the diameter of the game ball, and the blocked light path Depending on the location and number, it can be determined whether the object blocking the optical path is a game ball, a moved obstacle nail, or a foreign object inserted into the game area 16a.

It is an external view of the pachinko machine using the present invention. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of a game board. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of a guide rail frame. It is a front view which shows the optical path of the infrared light from a light projection part to a light reception sensor. It is sectional drawing which shows the optical path of the infrared light from a light projection part to a light reception sensor. It is the front view and perspective view which show the optical path of the infrared light from a light projection part to a light reception sensor. It is a functional block diagram which shows the electrical schematic structure of a pachinko machine. It is a flowchart which shows the whole flow of the process in the game in which an error determination process is performed. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an error determination process.

Explanation of symbols

10 Pachinko machine (ball game machine)
16a Game area 36 Symbol display device (error display means)
50 to 54, 60 to 63 Emitting unit 55 to 59, 65 to 68 Light receiving sensor (light receiving unit)
71 ROM (pattern table storage unit)
74 Output pattern detection unit (output pattern detection means)
75 Error determination unit (error determination means)
91 Communication I / F (Error information output means)

Claims (5)

A light projecting unit that is provided outside the game area where the game ball flows down, and projects light into the game area;
A light receiving unit that is provided outside the game area and outputs a light reception signal when receiving light projected from the light projecting unit;
Output pattern detection means for detecting an output pattern of a light reception signal output from the light receiving unit;
A bullet ball game machine comprising: error determination means for determining that an abnormality has occurred in the game area based on the output pattern detected by the output pattern detection means. When one side is provided inside the game area where the game ball flows down and the other side is provided outside the game area, the light projecting unit that projects light, and when the light projected from the light projecting unit is received A light receiving unit that outputs a light reception signal;
Output pattern detection means for detecting an output pattern of a light reception signal output from the light receiving unit;
A bullet ball game machine comprising: error determination means for determining that an abnormality has occurred in the game area based on the output pattern detected by the output pattern detection means.   A pattern table storage unit that stores a pattern table of the output pattern according to a gaming state, the error determination unit reads the pattern table from the pattern table storage unit according to a gaming state, and based on the pattern table When the output pattern is compared with the output pattern detected by the output pattern detecting means, and the state in which the output pattern is different passes a predetermined time, an abnormality has occurred in the gaming area. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the determination is made.   4. The bullet ball according to claim 1, further comprising an error display unit that displays that an abnormality has occurred when the error determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred. 5. Gaming machine.   2. An error information output means for outputting error information indicating that an abnormality has occurred to the outside of the ball game machine when the error determination means determines the occurrence of an abnormality. The ball game machine according to any one of -4.

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