JP2010213943A - Device and method for counting game medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for counting game media, capable of preventing a counting-related fraudulent act and its method. <P>SOLUTION: A counting part 30 of a CR unit 1, from inputs of sensors A and B, when detecting an adverse pass of a Pachinko ball passing on from a downstream side of a ball passage inside the part 30 to an upstream side, changes display contents on a display part for displaying a counted number of acquired balls (the number of balls in the hand) to one other than the number, thereby calling a parlor clerk's attention to the occurrence of "return balls" and addressing a game player that fraudulent-act communication is acted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention has a plurality of detection means in the passage portion through which the game medium passes, and based on the outputs of the plurality of detection means, the passage in the forward direction through which the game medium passes from the upstream side to the downstream side of the passage portion. The present invention also relates to a game medium counter and a game medium counting method for detecting passage in the opposite direction and counting game media based on the detection result.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, game stores that provide pachinko games and pachislot games have been provided with game media counters that count game media such as pachinko balls and medals acquired by players.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a plurality of sensors are provided in a lane, a game medium that has passed through the lane is detected, and a game medium is detected in a direction opposite to the forward direction of the game medium based on detection signals from the plurality of sensors. A game medium counter is disclosed that counts the number of game media passed by counting the number of game media passed in the forward and reverse directions.

  Specifically, when two or more sensors detect that the game medium has passed in the forward direction, a + count pulse is generated, while when it is detected that the game medium has passed in the reverse direction, −count Generate a pulse. And when -count pulse is generated, -count number is stored in the -pulse counter, and when + count is inputted, -count number in the pulse counter is confirmed, -the pulse counter has -count Sometimes it is canceled until the -count becomes 0, and when the -count becomes 0, the + count is output and only the + count is displayed on the display unit.

  Accordingly, in Patent Document 1, it is possible to prevent one game medium from being counted repeatedly due to the game medium rebounding in the vicinity of the sensor, or to increase or decrease the count number by moving a rod-like body back and forth near the sensor. It is supposed to prevent counting goto that is raised.

Japanese Patent No. 3665748

  However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when a count is generated, until the count number becomes 0, the count value at the time of the count is displayed as it is. Even if it is in a state that should be suspicious of the game, people involved in the game store, such as employees and managers, will not be notified of the abnormal situation that the game media is passing in the opposite direction, and as a result, the count will be overlooked There is a problem of fear.

  Furthermore, recently, from the viewpoint of eliminating the inconvenience of transporting game media acquired by a player to the edge of a storage box such as a ball box or a medal box, each counter is equipped with a counter on each gaming base. It is becoming popular.

  In each car counting system, counting is repeated intermittently by the counter at each game seat, so it is difficult for the employee to attend the counting.

  For this reason, in the case of each counter counting system, it is difficult to find even a relatively large counting goat, and there is a concern that fraudulent acts will prevail even more than island-type counters.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems (problems) caused by the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game medium counter and a game medium counting method capable of preventing counting problems. And

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a game medium counter according to the present invention has a plurality of detection means in a passage portion through which the game medium passes, and based on outputs of the plurality of detection means, A game medium counter that detects the passage in the forward direction through which the game medium passes from the upstream side to the downstream side of the passage portion or the reverse direction, and counts the game medium based on the detection result. When the passage in the reverse direction is detected, there is provided display control means for changing the display content of the predetermined display unit that displays the count value of the game medium to display content other than the count value. It is characterized by.

  The game media counter according to the present invention further comprises storage means for storing the number of passages of the game media in the reverse direction in the above invention, wherein the display control means is the reverse stored by the storage means. Each time the number of passages in the direction exceeds a plurality of threshold values set stepwise, the display content of the display unit is changed to an error display with a high warning level indicating the level of warning.

  In the game media counter according to the present invention, in the above invention, a shutter that blocks or opens a passage from the upstream side of the passage portion to the plurality of detection means, and a reverse accumulated by the accumulation means. And a shutter control means for closing the shutter when the number of passages in a direction exceeds a predetermined cutoff threshold value and blocking the flow of game media to the plurality of detection means. .

  Also, the game medium counting method according to the present invention has a plurality of detection means in the passage portion through which the game medium passes, and from the upstream side to the downstream side of the passage portion based on the output of the plurality of detection means. A game medium counting method applied to a game medium counter for detecting the passage in the forward direction through which a game medium passes or the passage in the opposite direction and counting the game medium based on the detection result, When the passage in the direction is detected, it includes a display control step of changing the display content of a predetermined display unit that displays the count value of the game medium to display content other than the count value.

  According to the present invention, when the passage in the reverse direction is detected, the display content displayed on the predetermined display unit for displaying the count value of the game medium is changed to the display content other than the count value. As a result, it is possible to increase the fraud monitoring efficiency of the counting goto of the parties involved in the game store and obtain a deterrent effect that makes the player discourage fraud. As a result, it is possible to prevent counting goto.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the number of passing game media in the reverse direction is accumulated, and each time the accumulated number of reverse passages exceeds a plurality of preset threshold values, the degree of warning Since the display content of the display unit is changed to an error display with a high warning level, for example, the cause of the return game medium passing in the reverse direction is a failure of the ball circulation device or the like It is possible to make it possible for a person concerned at a game store to grasp at a glance whether there is any, and it is possible to distinguish and take countermeasures suitable for the cause of occurrence of the return game medium.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the accumulated number of passages in the reverse direction exceeds a predetermined blocking threshold, the shutter that blocks or opens the passage from the upstream side of the passage portion to the plurality of detection means is closed. Since the control is configured to block the inflow of game media to a plurality of detection means, it is possible to keep the illegal count by the cutoff threshold when counting goto is performed, thereby minimizing damage to the counting goto There is an effect that it is possible to suppress to a low level.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an in-store system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for comparing the present embodiment with the prior art. FIG. 3 is a front view showing an appearance of the CR unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the counting unit according to the present embodiment when viewed from the side. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the counting unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mechanism for detecting normal balls and return balls. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mechanism of collision ball detection. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mechanism for detecting a suspicious ball. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the ball counting process according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a transition example of the screen displayed on the display unit.

  Exemplary embodiments of a game medium counting machine and a game medium counting method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, the case where the present invention is applied to each vehicle counting system that provides a pachinko game will be described.

  First, the system configuration of the in-store system of the amusement store according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an in-store system according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the game store has a CR unit with a counting function (hereinafter simply referred to as a CR unit) 1, a pachinko machine 2, an island controller 3, and a terminal controller for value management (hereinafter referred to as value management). 4), a camera 5, and a camera server 6 are provided.

  The CR unit 1 is a card processing unit attached to each pachinko machine 2 in the amusement store. In this embodiment, the CR unit 1 further includes a counting unit that counts pachinko balls inserted from the lower plate of the pachinko machine 2. Specifically, after counting pachinko balls acquired by the player with the pachinko machine 2 to which the device is connected and returning the card, the electronic data of the counted value is returned to the actual pachinko ball by returning the possession ball etc. The remaining count value remaining at that time is excluded as a possession card, and the card associated with the possession card is issued (returned).

  Note that the CR unit 1 also lends balls using cash or using a prepaid balance valued on a card such as a prepaid card or a membership card, as in the past. Therefore, two prepaid cards are associated with two game values: a possession ball and a prepaid balance.

  The pachinko machine 2 is a device that allows a player to play a pachinko game by launching a pachinko ball into the game area. In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 2 is a so-called CR pachinko machine compatible with a prepaid card.

  The island controller 3 is a relay device that bundles a group of CR units 1 and pachinko machines 2 provided in a space (amusement island) surrounded by a passage.

  The value management T / C 4 is a device that manages game values such as a prepaid balance and a possession ball associated with a prepaid card using a value management table. This value management table stores prepaid card identification information (hereinafter referred to as a prepaid card ID), a prepaid balance and the number of possessions.

  For example, when a prepaid balance addition request (value request) is received from the CR unit 1, a value request amount such as an inserted banknote amount is added to the prepaid balance corresponding to the prepaid card ID included in the addition request. In addition, when a prepaid balance subtraction request is received, the subtraction request amount such as the lending unit amount of the ball lending is subtracted and updated from the prepaid balance corresponding to the prepaid card ID included in the subtraction request.

  In addition, when a request to add a ball is received from the CR unit 1, the number of balls to be added such as a count value is added to the number of balls corresponding to the prepaid card ID included in the addition request and updated. If a request for subtraction of a possessed ball (held ball return request) is received from unit 1, the number of subtracted requests such as the number of balls to be returned from the number of possessed balls corresponding to the prepaid card ID included in the subtraction request. Update the subtraction.

  In this way, the game store is provided with a prepaid card system that handles the lending balls and a counter counting system that handles the possession balls. There is provided a camera system that includes a camera 5 that picks up images and a camera server 6 that stores images picked up by the camera 5.

  This amusement hall refers to a place where a player can enter. In addition to the amusement hall, the amusement store is provided with an office that prohibits the entry of players, and devices for managing information related to the secrecy of the amusement store, such as the value management T / C 4 and the camera server 6, are provided. Arranged in the office, not in the amusement hall.

  This camera 5 is an imaging device provided so as to be able to image in-store equipment and its surroundings. In the example of FIG. 1, one camera 5 is installed corresponding to a combination of in-store equipment such as a pair of CR unit 1 and pachinko machine 2. Is done. The image picked up by the camera 5 is transmitted together with a camera ID assigned in advance to each camera and stored by the camera server 6.

  The camera server 6 is a server device that stores a moving image captured by the camera 5. Specifically, the camera ID of the camera 5, the number of the in-store device that the camera 5 captures, and the storage location of the moving image are managed in association with each other in a moving image management table (not shown). When the image is received, the captured image is accumulated in the storage destination of the machine number corresponding to the camera ID. The moving image stored in the camera server 6 can be reproduced on the output unit of the camera server 6 based on an instruction from the own device or another device.

  Here, the present embodiment has a feature in the display control mechanism of the counting unit attached to the CR unit 1, and the mechanism is based on the outputs of a plurality of counting sensors from the downstream side of the ball passage in the counting unit. When the passage in the reverse direction through which the pachinko ball passes toward the upstream side is detected, the display content of the display unit that displays the count value (the number of possessed balls) of the acquired ball is changed to something other than the count value. is there.

  This will be described in comparison with the above-described conventional technology. In the above-described conventional technology, as shown in FIG. 2A, a pachinko ball that passes in the positive direction from the downstream side to the upstream side of the ball passage of the counting unit. When a (normal ball) is detected, a count-up display is performed. On the other hand, when a pachinko ball (return ball) passing in the direction opposite to the forward direction is detected, the return counted thereafter is performed. Until the normal ball exceeding the number of balls is detected, the count value immediately before the return ball is generated is displayed as it is on the display unit.

  That is, in the above-described conventional technology, once the return ball is detected, the count value immediately before the return ball is generated is continuously displayed until a normal ball exceeding the number of return balls counted thereafter is detected. Therefore, even if there is an abnormal situation in which return balls frequently occur during this period, there is no way for those involved in the amusement store to know.

  However, when a return ball is detected, it is possible to simply subtract and display the number of return balls from the count value. When the number of balls returned is subtracted from the count value in this way, the count value will decrease in spite of a short period of time. However, the work of counting down is counter to the work of stacking pachinko balls one by one and counting them like ball counting. This is because it is difficult to get used to, and for players who do not grasp the actual situation of counting by excluding the return of pachinko balls, the display becomes uncomfortable and causes trouble.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, when a normal ball is detected, a count-up display is performed in the same manner, while when a return ball is detected, a display other than the count value is displayed. The content (for example, an error code such as “E-01”) is displayed, and when the same number of normal balls as the number of return balls counted thereafter is detected, the display returns to the count value display.

  In this way, the game store official is alerted to the occurrence of the “return ball” and the player is requested to be aware of fraudulent notification.

  For this reason, a person involved in the amusement store observes the period and frequency of error display, for example, a failure occurs in the ball circulation device provided on the back of the CR unit 1, and the pachinko balls already counted are counted. It is possible to determine whether a return ball is generated due to clogging without being discharged from the section, or whether counting is performed by an unauthorized person.

  In addition, the error code displayed instead of the count value is that it is presumed that the flow of the ball is somewhat stagnant in the counting section for the player who does not cheat, and the return ball count is subtracted from the count value. As in the case, excessive discomfort can be prevented for the player.

  Furthermore, even if a player tries to perform a counting goto that illegally counts up the count value, the motivation is that the illegal store is monitored by the game store, and the player continues to perform the counting goto. A deterrent effect can be obtained.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to increase the illegal monitoring efficiency of the counting goto of the parties involved in the game store and obtain a deterrent effect that makes the player discourage fraud. As a result, it is possible to prevent the counting goto.

  In this embodiment, the display of the counting unit of the CR unit 1 and the camera system can be linked. For example, in order to notify not only general employees who often visit amusement islands in amusement halls but also managers of the occurrence of return balls, the occurrence of return balls is generated along with the unit number of the CR unit 1 to which the counting unit belongs. By notifying the camera server 6, it is possible to reproduce the moving image in which the CR unit 1 having the counting unit in which the return ball is generated is captured by the display unit and the audio output unit that can be viewed by the administrator.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the display of the counting unit of the CR unit 1 can be linked with other in-store devices not shown. For example, in order to quickly and widely notify the gaming seat where a return ball has occurred, an error is displayed on an alarm provided on the island edge, or an error notification is sent to a communication device such as an income possessed by an employee. You can also

  Next, the external configuration of the CR unit according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a front view showing an appearance of the CR unit according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, the pachinko machine 2 provided with the CR unit 1 is indicated by a broken line.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the CR unit 1 emits light from a state display unit 101 that is turned on when an attendant is called, a bill insertion unit 102 that accepts various bills for lending, and a remote control owned by an employee. A remote control light receiving unit 103 that receives infrared rays, a display operation unit 104 for displaying the number of stored balls, the number of points or the like, or a password or replay operation, and a ball dispensing unit having a nozzle for dispensing the ball 105, the card insertion part 106 which receives / returns cards, such as a prepaid card, and the counting part 30 which counts an acquired ball.

  Further, the pachinko machine 2 is provided with an upper plate 210 for storing pachinko balls used for pachinko games, and a lower plate 220 for storing pachinko balls overflowing the allowable capacity of the upper plate 210. The plate 210 is further provided with a remaining amount display unit 211 for displaying a prepaid balance, a ball lending button 212 for receiving a ball lending request, and a return button 213 for receiving a prepaid card return request.

  In this embodiment, the ball lending button 212 and the return button 213 are provided on the pachinko machine 2, but it is not always necessary to provide them on the pachinko machine 2 side, and may be provided on the CR unit 1.

  Connected to the counting unit 30 are a storage unit 310 that stores the pachinko balls dropped from the lower plate 220 of the pachinko machine 2 and a guide passage 320 that guides the pachinko balls stored in the storage unit 310 to the counting unit 30. The storage unit 310 includes a display unit 31 for displaying a count value, a possession return button 311 for accepting a return (refund) request for possession balls, and a storage ball for accepting a reserve request for adding the possession amount to the reserve balance. A button 312 is further provided.

  When borrowing a pachinko ball, when a player presses the ball lending button 212 on the pachinko machine 2 side, a ball lending operation signal is transferred to the CR unit 1 and a ball lending operation is accepted on the CR unit 1 side. At this time, if there is a prepaid balance, a ball throwing instruction is issued from the CR unit 1 to the pachinko machine 2 and the lending balls are thrown onto the upper plate 210.

  When the balls are counted, when the pachinko balls are inserted from the lower plate 220 of the pachinko machine 2 into the opening of the storage unit 310, the inserted balls are guided to the counting unit 30 in an aligned state by the guide passage 320 and counted. It is counted in the unit 30.

  When the possession ball is returned, when the possession ball return button 311 is pressed by the player, the number of possession balls (for example, the number of possession balls returned from the number of possession stored and managed in the storage unit in the CR unit 1) , 25) is subtracted, and the pachinko balls corresponding to the number of balls thus subtracted are thrown out onto the upper plate 210 of the pachinko machine 2 via the ball dispensing unit 105. Here, the ball return is performed via the ball dispensing unit 105, but the ball may be thrown out from the inside of the pachinko machine 2.

  Next, the counting unit according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the counting unit according to the present embodiment when viewed from the side.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the counting unit 30 is provided with a ball passage that is inclined so as to decrease in height as it proceeds from the front side to the back side of the CR unit 1, and the pachinko received from the storage unit 310. The balls flow to the dove which is the ball collection passage of the ball circulation device due to the inclination of the ball passage.

  Thus, since the pachinko ball is discharged to the dove via the storage unit 310, the guide passage 320, and the ball passage, in this embodiment, the storage unit 310 side of the ball passage is the upstream side, and the dove side is the downstream side. The direction from the upstream side (a1) to the downstream side (b1) is defined as the forward direction, and the direction from the downstream side (b1) to the upstream side (a1) is defined as the reverse direction.

  The counting unit 30 includes a shutter 33a for blocking or opening a path from the upstream side of the ball path to the sensors A and B, a shutter driving unit 33b such as a solenoid for driving the shutter 33a to open and close, a pachinko ball Sensors A and B for detecting passage are provided. Actually, the ball passage is divided into a plurality of ball passages (lanes) by a partition plate, and the sensors A and B are provided for each ball passage.

  Here, a plurality of sensors A and B are installed in order to detect the passing direction of the pachinko balls in the ball passage, and details will be described later with reference to FIGS. Based on the combination order and length of the period in which the output of only the sensor A is obtained, the period in which the outputs of both the sensors A and B are obtained, and the period in which the output of only the sensor B is obtained when passing through the sensors A and B Then, the counting control unit 36 described later detects whether the pachinko ball is passing in the forward direction or the reverse direction.

  The interval z1 between the sensor A and the sensor B is set to be shorter than the diameter d1 of the pachinko ball, and this interval z1 ensures a period in which the output of the detection signals of the sensor A and the sensor B overlap when the pachinko ball passes. In addition, even when a plurality of pachinko balls pass continuously, two sensor outputs related to the same pachinko ball can be linked and detected, and a ball such as a counterfeit ball other than the pachinko ball diameter d1 specified by the amusement store is provided. Exclude count.

  Next, the functional configuration of the counting unit according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the counting unit according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the counting unit 30 includes a sensor A and a sensor B, a display unit 31, a communication connector 32, a shutter 33a, a shutter control unit 33c, a return ball counter 34, and a count value counter 35. , A counting control unit 36, a return ball monitoring unit 37, and a display control unit 38.

  Sensors A and B are both counting sensors that detect the presence of a pachinko ball in the detection target range. Specifically, the detection signal is continuously output to the count control unit 36 only while the pachinko ball is detected, or the non-detection signal output to the count control unit 36 is only cut while the pachinko ball is detected. To do.

  In the present embodiment, any type of sensor can be used as the counting sensor. For example, a proximity sensor can be used when importance is attached to the simplicity of maintenance, and an optical sensor can be used when importance is attached to downsizing and cost of the sensor.

  The display unit 31 is a display device such as a 7-segment display or a liquid crystal panel, and performs display according to an instruction from the display control unit 38 described later.

  The communication connector 32 is a connector for performing communication with the CR unit 1. In this embodiment, the power supply unit is independently provided for the counting unit 30 so that the counting unit 30 can be easily added later. The communication connector 32 receives power from the power supply unit of the CR unit 1 and supplies power to each functional unit of the counting unit 30.

  The shutter control unit 33c is a processing unit that controls the shutter driving unit 33b to perform open control or close control of the shutter 33a.

  The return ball counter 34 is a counter such as a register for managing the number of return balls, and increments or decrements when an instruction from a count control unit 36 described later is received. Note that the value of the return ball counter 34 can be reset when a prepaid card or a member card is returned, an operation of a remote control owned by the employee, or the like.

  The count value counter 35 is a counter such as a register that manages the count value, and increments or decrements when an instruction from a count control unit 36 described later is received.

  The counting control unit 36 is a processing unit that performs counting control of the pachinko balls received from the storage unit 310. Specifically, when the detection signal is received from the sensor A and the sensor B, the pachinko ball passing direction, that is, normal It is detected whether it is a ball, a return ball, a collision ball or a suspicious ball. When a normal ball is detected, the count value counter 35 is incremented. When a return ball is detected, a return ball counter is detected. 34 is incremented and the count value counter 35 is decremented.

  Here, a mechanism for detecting normal balls and return balls will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mechanism for detecting normal balls and return balls.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the count control unit 36 determines that the output start time (1) of the detection signal of the sensor A is earlier than the output start time (2) of the detection signal of the sensor B. When the output end time (3) of the detection signal is ahead of the output end time (4) of the detection signal of the sensor B, it is detected that the pachinko balls passing through the sensors A and B are “normal balls”. . Furthermore, if the presence or absence of the period (2)-(3) in which both the detection signal of sensor A and the detection signal of sensor B are output is detected, the suspicious ball that forcibly pushes the rod-like body or the like from the storage unit 310 A normal ball can be distinguished and distinguished. In addition, when the period (2) to (3) in which both the detection signal of the sensor A and the detection signal of the sensor B are output is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the pachinko ball passing through the sensor A and the sensor B is “ When it is detected that the ball is a “normal ball”, it can be clearly seen that the ball is a normal ball.

  When the waveform of the detection signal is formed in this way, the normal ball is detected because the ball moves from the upstream side toward the downstream positive direction when the normal ball passes. This is because the output of the detection signal is started before B, and the output of the detection signal is inevitably ended by the sensor A first. Furthermore, since it is inevitable that the period during which the detection signal is output by both the sensor A and the sensor B is equal to or greater than the set value determined from the detection sensitivity of the sensor and the diameter d1 of the pachinko ball specified by the amusement store. It is good also as making a determination and detecting more precisely whether the passing sphere is a pachinko ball prescribed by a game store.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the counting control unit 36 determines that the output start time (1) of the detection signal of the sensor B is earlier than the output start time (2) of the detection signal of the sensor A. When the output end point (3) of the detection signal is ahead of the output end point (4) of the detection signal of the sensor A, the pachinko ball passing through the sensor A and the sensor B is detected as a “return ball”. . Furthermore, if the presence or absence of the period (2)-(3) in which both the detection signal of sensor A and the detection signal of sensor B are output is detected, the suspicious ball that forcibly pushes the rod-like body or the like from the storage unit 310 The return ball can be distinguished and distinguished. In addition, when the period (2) to (3) in which both the detection signal of the sensor A and the detection signal of the sensor B are output is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the pachinko ball passing through the sensor A and the sensor B is “ If it is detected that it is a “return ball”, it is clearer that it is a return ball.

  In this way, in the case of a return ball, the ball moves in the direction opposite to that of the normal ball. Therefore, when the waveform of the detection signal opposite to that of the normal ball is formed, it is detected as the return ball.

  Next, a mechanism for detecting a collision ball will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mechanism of collision ball detection.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, when only the detection signal of the sensor A is obtained, the counting control unit 36 has an obstacle such as dust attached between a1 and b1 shown in FIG. Although the pachinko ball moving from the upstream side to the downstream side passes through a1, there is a high possibility that the pachinko ball has collided with an obstacle and bounced back to the upstream side, so it is detected as a “collision ball”. The collision ball is excluded from the count target without being counted as a normal ball or a return ball.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the count control unit 36 includes the output periods (2) to (3) of the detection signal of the sensor B in the output periods (1) to (4) of the detection signal of the sensor A. In this case, the jammed ball continues to be detected by the sensor A due to the occurrence of a jam (jam) on the upstream side, and the pachinko ball that has flowed back from the downstream side to the upstream side bounces back to the jammed ball and is downstream. Since it is highly possible that the ball has returned to the side, it is detected as a “collision ball”. In addition, the clogging of the upstream side may occur when the pachinko balls are not received in an aligned state on the upstream side of the ball passage and are engaged with other pachinko balls while some of the pachinko balls are floating in the air. Many.

  As shown in FIG. 7 (c), when only the detection signal of the sensor B is obtained, the counting control unit 36 has an obstacle such as dust attached between a1 and b1 shown in FIG. Although the pachinko ball moving from the downstream side to the upstream side has passed b1, it is highly likely that it has collided with an obstacle and bounced back to the downstream side, so it is detected as a “collision ball”.

  As shown in FIG. 7D, the count control unit 36 includes the output periods (2) to (3) of the detection signal of the sensor A in the output periods (1) to (4) of the detection signal of the sensor B. In this case, the jammed ball continues to be detected by the sensor B due to the occurrence of jamming (jam) on the downstream side, and the pachinko ball moving from the upstream side to the downstream side bounces back to the jammed ball and reaches the upstream side. Since it is highly likely that it has returned to the side, it is detected as a “collision ball”. The clogging of the downstream side occurs at the boundary between the counting unit and the dove when the pachinko balls discharged from the CR unit 1, the pachinko machine 2, and the counting unit 30 do not circulate normally due to a failure of the ball circulation device or the like. Often done.

  Next, a mechanism for detecting suspicious balls will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mechanism for detecting a suspicious ball.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the count control unit 36 determines whether the sensor A output start time (1) of the detection signal of the sensor A is ahead of the output start time (3) of the detection signal of the sensor B. When the output period (1) to (2) of the detection signal of A and the output period (3) to (4) of the detection signal of the sensor B do not overlap at all, the rod-like body is forcedly pushed from the storage unit 310, etc. Since it is highly probable that an unexpected action has been performed from the passing speed due to the gradient of the ball passage, it is detected as a “suspicious ball”. In addition, about this suspicious ball, it does not count to a normal ball | bowl or a return ball | bowl, but is made into the object of fraud notification, and the waveform of the detection signal output from the sensor A and the sensor B is registered as a log. Further, instead of logging the waveform, the waveform may be counted and notified to the CR unit 1. By counting in this way, it can be used for fraud detection and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (b), the count control unit 36, when substantially the same waveform is formed between the detection signal of the sensor A and the detection signal of the sensor B, causes the sensor A and the sensor by the radio wave goto. Since it is highly likely that B is disturbed, it is detected as a “suspicious ball”.

  The return ball monitoring unit 37 is a processing unit that monitors the return ball counter 34. Specifically, the return ball monitoring unit 37 determines whether or not the number of return balls stored in the return ball counter 34 exceeds a predetermined warning threshold value 2, If the number of returned balls exceeds the warning threshold 2, it is further determined whether or not the number of returned balls exceeds the warning threshold 3.

  The warning threshold 2 is a warning degree 2 error code having a warning degree higher than the warning degree 1 error code “E-01” displayed by the display control unit 38 when the value of the return ball counter 34 exceeds zero. It is a threshold value defined in advance as a condition for displaying “E-02”.

  The warning threshold 3 is a threshold defined in advance as a condition for displaying an error code “E-03” with a warning degree 3 higher than the error code “E-02” with a warning degree 2. In the present embodiment, the warning threshold value 3 is also used as the shut-off threshold value for performing error control by closing the shutter 33a.

  The display control unit 38 is a processing unit that performs display control of the display unit 31. Specifically, when the return ball counter 34 is incremented from 0 to 1, the display content of the display unit 31 is changed from the count value display so far to the error code “E-01” of the warning degree 1. When the return ball monitoring unit 37 determines that the number of returned balls has exceeded the warning threshold value 2, the error code “E-01” with the warning level 1 is changed to the error code “E-02” with the warning level 2 When the display content of the display unit 31 is changed and the return ball monitoring unit 37 determines that the number of returned balls exceeds the warning threshold value 3, the warning code 3 from the error code “E-02” of the warning level 2 The display content of the display unit 31 is changed to the error code “E-03”. When the value of the return ball counter 34 returns to zero, the error code display returns to the count value display of the value immediately before the return ball is generated.

  Next, the processing flow of the counting unit according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the ball counting process according to the present embodiment. This ball counting process is a process started when an output waveform of a detection signal from the sensor A and / or the sensor B is obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the pachinko ball passing through the sensor A and / or the sensor B is a “collision ball” (Yes in step S901), the counting control unit 36 counts the normal ball or the return ball as well. Without being counted (step S902), and the process ends.

  In addition, when the pachinko ball passing through the sensor A and / or the sensor B is a “suspicious ball” (Yes in step S903), as described with reference to FIGS. The count control unit 36 instructs the display control unit 38 to display the final error code “E-03” on the display unit 31 or causes the value management T / C 4 or the camera server 6 to perform the calculation. Fraud notification is performed (step S904), and the process ends.

  If the pachinko ball passing through the sensor A and / or the sensor B is not a “return ball” (No in step S905) and is a “normal ball” (step S906), the count control unit 36 returns a return ball counter. The return ball is counted down by decrementing one by one (step S907), and the count value is incremented by one and the count value is counted up (step S908).

  When the number of return balls stored in the return ball counter 34 is zero (No in step S909), the display control unit 38 displays the count value stored in the count value counter 35 as display data. 31 is set (step S910), and the process is terminated. In addition, when the number of returned balls is larger than zero (Yes at Step S909), the process proceeds to Step S913 described later.

  If the pachinko ball passing through the sensor A and / or the sensor B is a “return ball” (Yes at step S905), the counting control unit 36 increments the return ball counter 34 by one to return the ball. Is counted up (step S911), and the count value is decremented by one to count down the count value (step S912).

  Then, the return ball monitoring unit 37 determines whether or not the number of return balls stored in the return ball counter 34 exceeds the warning threshold 2 (step S913), and as a result, the number of return balls does not exceed the warning threshold 2. In the case (No at Step S913), the display control unit 38 sets the error code “E-01” having the warning degree 1 as display data on the display unit 31 (Step S914), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the number of returned balls exceeds the warning threshold 2 (Yes at Step S913), the returned ball monitoring unit 37 further determines whether or not the number of returned balls stored in the returned ball counter 34 exceeds the warning threshold 3. (Step S915) As a result, if the number of returned balls does not exceed the warning threshold 3 (No at Step S915), the display control unit 38 displays the error code “E-02” having the warning degree 2 as display data. Is set in the display unit 31 (step S914), and the process is terminated.

  Here, when the number of returned balls exceeds the warning threshold value 3 (Yes in step S915), the display control unit 38 sets the final error code “E-03” having the warning level 3 as display data on the display unit 31. (Step S916).

  Then, the shutter control unit 33c controls to close the shutter 33a so as to block the inflow of pachinko balls to the sensor A and the sensor B (step S917), and the return ball monitoring unit 37 may perform counting goto. Is notified to the value management T / C 4 and the camera server 6 (step S918), the error is reduced, and the process is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, based on the outputs of a plurality of counting sensors, when the passage in the reverse direction in which the pachinko ball passes from the downstream side to the upstream side of the ball passage in the counting unit is detected, Since the counting unit 30 is configured to change the display content of the display unit that displays the count value (the number of possessed balls) of the acquired ball to something other than the count value, the illegal monitoring efficiency of the counting goto of the parties involved in the amusement store is improved. As a result, it is possible to obtain a deterrent effect that discourages fraudulent players, and as a result, it is possible to prevent counting goto.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the number of returned balls stored in the return ball counter 34 exceeds the blocking threshold (warning threshold 3), the path from the upstream side of the ball path to the sensors A and B is blocked. Alternatively, since the shutter to be opened is controlled to be closed so that the inflow of pachinko balls to the sensor A and the sensor B is blocked, the incorrect counting can be stopped by the blocking threshold when the counting is performed, It is possible to minimize the damage caused by counting.

  Further, as described with reference to FIG. 9, every time the number of return balls stored in the return ball counter 34 exceeds a plurality of thresholds set in advance, an error with a high warning level indicating the level of warning. By changing the display contents of the display unit 31 to display, it is possible to make the person concerned at the amusement store grasp at a glance whether the cause of the return ball is a failure of the ball circulation device or the counting goto. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish and take countermeasures suitable for the cause of the return ball.

  This will be specifically described with reference to FIG. In the example of FIG. 10, when the return ball count is changed from 0 to 1, an error code of warning degree 1 is displayed (warning threshold 1 is set to “0”), warning threshold 2 is set to “3”, and warning is performed. The screen transition example when the threshold value 3 is “100” is shown. Each warning threshold value is not limited to the value illustrated in FIG. 10, and the number of warning threshold values is not limited to three. In the present invention, an arbitrary value can be set as the warning threshold value, and the number of warning threshold values can also be set arbitrarily.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the return ball counter 34 is incremented from 0 to 1, that is, when even one return ball is detected, the warning value 1 is displayed from the count value display “1105” displayed so far. The display content of the display unit 31 is changed to the error code “E-01”. At the stage where the error code of warning degree 1 is displayed, the game shop employee has a high possibility of clogging, so that the inspection of the ball circulation device can be prioritized.

  When the return ball is detected by accumulating four times, the display content of the display unit 31 is changed from the error code “E-01” of the warning level 1 to the error code “E-02” of the warning level 2. Dove clogging that occurs at the boundary between the ball passage and the dove of the counting unit 30 often falls due to the pachinko ball's own weight, and often resolves naturally. Very low.

  For this reason, at the stage where the error code of warning level 2 is displayed, it can be estimated with high probability that the player has started counting. By performing personnel notification, it is possible to monitor the presence or absence of the counting goto from the unauthorized start stage.

  When the return ball is detected 101 times in a cumulative manner, the display content of the display unit 31 is changed from the error code “E-02” with the warning level 2 to the final error code “E-03” with the warning level 3. . In this case, there is no doubt that the player is doing the counting goto, and by making the employee rush to the site with income etc. Securing etc.) can be performed as quickly as possible.

  In this embodiment, the error code is displayed as a display other than the count value. However, as shown in FIG. 10, the warning degree 1 is yellow, the warning degree 2 is orange, and the warning degree 3 is red. It is also possible to distinguish the warning level according to the display color, and when the warning ball is clogged as in the case of the warning level 1 or the counting ball is the number of returned balls in the gray band Even the error code may not be displayed, and as shown in the figure “----”, only the person concerned at the amusement store may keep the display so that the player can grasp that the return ball is generated.

  In this embodiment, the number of return balls of the return ball counter 34 is canceled with normal balls, and the display contents are changed when the warning threshold is accumulated and accumulated. The display content may be changed by monitoring the number of continuously returning balls and the warning threshold when detected.

  In the present embodiment, the shutter control unit 33c, the count control unit 36, the return ball monitoring unit 37, and the display control unit 38, which are functional units according to the present invention, are all provided in the count unit 30, but some or All the functional units may be distributed to other devices such as the CR unit 1.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the example in which the counting unit 30 is provided in the lower part in the CR unit 1 has been described. However, the position of the counting unit 30 is not limited to the inner and lower part, but is in the lower plate 220 of the pachinko machine 1. The counting unit 30 can be provided at an arbitrary location such as under the pedestal.

  In the above embodiment, the case where there is one lane through which the pachinko ball passes is illustrated, but there may be one ball passage or a plurality of ball passages. When there are a plurality of ball paths, the ball paths are divided into a plurality of ball paths (lanes) by a partition plate, and the sensors A and B are provided for each ball path.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the case where the display unit 31, the holding ball return button 311 and the storage ball button 312 are provided has been described. However, FIG. It is good also as installing in other parts and other apparatuses, such as the counting part 30 and CR unit 1.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied as the counting unit 30 of each counter counting system has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is also applied to an island end type counter. Can be applied as well.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko game has been described. However, the present invention is similarly applied to a case where a pachislot game is further included or only a pachislot game is targeted. Can do. Although an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko parlor has been described here, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be similarly applied to a game facility such as a game center.

  As described above, the game medium counting machine and the game medium counting method according to the present invention are suitable for preventing counting problems.

1 CR unit with counting function 2 Pachinko machine 3 Island controller 4 Value management T / C
5 Camera 6 Camera Server 30 Counting Unit 31 Display Unit 32 Communication Connector 33a Shutter 33b Shutter Drive Unit 33c Shutter Control Unit 34 Return Ball Counter 35 Count Value Counter 36 Count Control Unit 37 Return Ball Monitoring Unit 38 Display Control Unit

Claims (4)

A plurality of detection means in the passage portion through which the game medium passes, and based on the outputs of the plurality of detection means, the passage in the forward direction through which the game medium passes from the upstream side to the downstream side of the passage portion, or A game medium counter that detects passage in the reverse direction and counts game media based on the detection result,
When the passage in the reverse direction is detected, the display control means for changing the display content of a predetermined display unit that displays the count value of the game medium to display content other than the count value is provided. Game media counter to play. Further comprising storage means for storing the number of passages of the game medium in the reverse direction;
The display control means includes
Whenever the number of passages in the reverse direction accumulated by the accumulation unit exceeds a plurality of threshold values set in a stepwise manner, the display content of the display unit is changed to an error display indicating a high degree of warning. The game medium counting machine according to claim 1, wherein: A shutter that blocks or opens a passage from the upstream side of the passage portion to the plurality of detection means;
Shutter control means for closing the shutter and blocking inflow of game media to the plurality of detection means when the number of passages in the reverse direction accumulated by the accumulation means exceeds a predetermined interruption threshold value; The game medium counter according to claim 2, further comprising: A plurality of detection means in the passage portion through which the game medium passes, and based on the outputs of the plurality of detection means, the passage in the forward direction through which the game medium passes from the upstream side to the downstream side of the passage portion, or A game medium counting method applied to a game medium counter that detects passage in the reverse direction and counts game media based on the detection result,
A display control step of changing a display content of a predetermined display unit that displays a count value of the game medium to a display content other than the count value when passage in the reverse direction is detected, Game media counting method.

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