JP2011177441A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine having a simple structure to effectively suppress a fraudulent act relating to control of pay out of prize game balls. <P>SOLUTION: A ball payout-controlling device 62 controls the operation of a ball payout device 43 so that prize game balls having a number to be paid out according to a command from an installment-payment command means 74, are paid out in installments. A ball payout restricting means 75 determines whether a time for paying out game balls having a number to be paid out in one installment, which is measured by a timing means 73 for ball payout, is over a predetermined specified time set according to the number of game balls paid out in one payment or not, every time the ball payout device 43 pays out game balls having a number to be paid out in one installment. When it is determined that the payout time is over the specified time, the ball payout-restricting unit restricts the payout of the game balls by the ball payout device 43 through the ball payout-controlling device 62, even before measurement of the number of the game balls paid out is completed in a ball counting sensor 52. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, and more particularly to a ball game configured to prevent an illegal act related to a prize ball payout control in which a large number of prize balls are paid out using an illegal radio wave or the like. Related to the machine.

A pachinko machine, which is a typical example of a ball game machine, is provided with a mechanism set board called a back set board that can be opened and closed behind the game board. The back set board can be used in accordance with the winning state of the game board. A ball payout device for paying out game balls is provided. Above the ball payout device, a ball storage tank that stores a large number of game balls and a guide passage that aligns the game balls stored in the ball storage tank and leads them to the ball payout device are provided below the ball payout device. Includes a ball payout passage for guiding the game balls paid out from the ball payout device to a ball tray on the front surface of the pachinko machine, and a ball for counting the number of game balls paid out from the ball payout device. A ball payout control mechanism is configured by providing a counting sensor and a ball payout control device that controls the operation of the ball payout device.

  Upon receiving a payout command command sent from the main control device that comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko machine, the ball payout control device operates the ball payout device to start paying out the game balls, and from the ball counting sensor. The actual number of game balls paid out based on the detection information is counted and compared with a target value related to the number of prize balls, so that the number of game balls corresponding to the request for the payout command command is placed as a prize ball in the ball tray. It is possible to pay out (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 3697388

  By the way, in recent years, an invalid radio wave is transmitted by a radio wave transmitter to invalidate the ball counting sensor (so that a game ball cannot be detected normally), thereby paying out a large number of game balls exceeding the number of valid prize balls. In other words, fraudulent acts called so-called radio wave goot frequently occur. A variety of pachinko machines equipped with radio wave detectors for detecting illegal radio waves have been developed by game machine manufacturers in order to detect such fraudulent activities at an early stage. In many cases, it is difficult to arrange the position due to a layout problem. Further, in addition to the radio wave detector, the number of circuits and electrical parts increases, and as a result, the number of parts and the cost increase. There is a problem.

  This invention is made in view of such a subject, and provides the ball game machine of the structure which can suppress effectively the fraudulent act regarding prize ball payout control with a simple structure. Objective.

  In order to achieve such an object, a ball game machine according to the present invention includes a game board in which a game area is formed and a prize-winning device (for example, a prize-winning device provided in the game area and into which a game ball can enter). , Winning devices 23, 24, and 25) in the embodiment, a ball storage tank that is attached to the back side of the game board and stores game balls, and is positioned below the ball storage tank, and the game balls are won A ball payout device that pays out a game ball as a winning ball in response to entering the mouth, and a game ball stored in the ball storage tank provided between the ball storage tank and the ball payout device are aligned. A guide passage that leads to the ball payout device, a ball detector (for example, a ball detection sensor 51 in the embodiment) that detects whether or not a predetermined number of game balls are aligned in the guide passage, and a ball payout device The number of game balls paid out by A ball counter to measure (for example, the ball counting sensor 52 in the embodiment), a ball payout passage for guiding the game balls paid out from the ball payout device to the ball tray, and a game when the game balls enter the winning opening When a prescribed number of game balls are detected by the main control device that commands the payout of the ball and the ball presence detector, the number of game balls corresponding to the command is received in response to the command from the main control device. A ball payout control device that causes the ball payout device to pay out the game ball until it is measured by the ball counter is configured. Then, the main control device includes a ball payout time measuring means for measuring a payout time of the game ball by the ball payout device, and a divided number obtained by dividing the number of prize balls to be paid out when the game ball enters the winning opening into a plurality of divided numbers. As a prize ball number storage means, a divided payout command means for giving a game ball payout instruction for each divided number, and a ball payout restricting means for restricting the operation of the ball payout device. The ball payout restricting means controls the operation of the ball payout device so that the number of game balls to be paid out in accordance with a command from the divided payout command means is divided into multiple payouts for each divided number. Each time the divided number of game balls are paid out by the payout device, the payout time of the game balls corresponding to the divided number measured by the ball payout time measuring means has a predetermined specified time set according to the divided number. Whether or not However, when it is determined that the payout time exceeds the specified time, even if the ball counter has not finished measuring the number of payouts, the payout of game balls by the ball payout device is regulated via the ball payout control device. It is supposed to be.

  Further, in the above-described invention, when the ball payout restricting means determines that the payout time of the divided number of game balls does not exceed the specified time when paying out the divided number of game balls by the ball payout device. However, if it is determined that the appropriate time that is appropriate as the payout time for the divided number of game balls is exceeded, it is applied at the time of paying out the game balls for each divided prize ball number from the next time. It is preferable to subtract the specified time for a predetermined time.

  In the above invention, when the ball payout restricting means determines that the payout time of the divided number of game balls does not exceed the specified time when paying out the divided number of game balls by the ball payout device. However, when it is determined that the appropriate time that is appropriate as the payout time of the divided number of game balls is exceeded, the number of times that it is determined that the appropriate time has been exceeded is measured as a count value. The configuration may be such that when the count value exceeds a preset upper limit value, the payout of game balls by the ball payout device is regulated via the ball payout control device.

  According to the ball game machine according to the present invention, when a game ball is won, the prize ball number corresponding to the prize condition is divided into a plurality of blocks, and the payout time of the prize ball is monitored for each divided number. Control that forcibly stops the payout of game balls even when the payout time exceeds a prescribed time and is determined to be abnormal and before the ball counter has finished measuring the number of payouts. Because it is configured to execute, even if the count value of the ball counting sensor is invalidated by so-called radio wave goto, etc., it is possible to minimize the payout of illegal prize balls and to suppress damage due to fraud Is possible. In addition, since it is a simple configuration that only changes some of the software compared to conventional ball game machines, it prevents unauthorized actions related to prize ball payout control while preventing an increase in the number of parts and manufacturing costs. Can be realized.

  In addition, in the above-mentioned invention, when an appropriate time has elapsed even if the payout time of the divided number is within the specified time, the foreseeable intervention for the payout of the prize ball is foreseen, By adopting a configuration that strictly regulates the prescribed time applied at the time of payout, it becomes possible to more reliably detect fraud and improve the reliability of abnormality determination.

  Furthermore, in the above-mentioned invention, when an appropriate time has passed even if the payout time of the divided number is within the specified time, the payout time is set to an appropriate time in anticipation of an illegal act against the payout of the prize ball. By adopting a configuration in which an illegal act is determined when the number of elapsed times (count value) reaches a specified value, it becomes possible to more reliably detect the illegal act and improve the reliability of abnormality determination.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine shown as an example of a ball game machine to which the present invention is applied. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine. It is a flowchart which shows the ball | bowl payout control processing by a main controller and a ball | bowl payout control apparatus. It is a block diagram which mainly shows the control form of a main controller and a ball payout controller. It is a flowchart which shows the ball | bowl payout control process of the division | segmentation number by a main controller and a ball | bowl payout control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st modification of the ball | bowl payout control process of the division | segmentation number by a main control apparatus and a ball | bowl payout control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd modification of the ball | bowl payout control process of the division | segmentation number by a main control apparatus and a ball | bowl payout control apparatus.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As a representative example of the ball game machine according to the present invention, a front view and a rear view of a pachinko machine PM are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and first, an overview of the overall configuration of the pachinko machine PM will be described with reference to these drawings. To do.

  In the pachinko machine PM, the front frame 2 for opening and closing mounted on the front surface of the outer frame 1 that is configured to have a rectangular frame size and forms a vertically fixed holding frame is arranged on the front surface of the opening and closing mounted to each other. A hinge mechanism 3 arranged on the upper left and right sides of the front side is attached to the front so as to be openable and detachable and detachable, and is always engaged and connected to the outer frame 1 using a locking device 4 provided on the right side of the front side. Kept in a state.

  A glass door 5 is attached to the front upper part of the front frame 2 so as to be opened / closed and detachable in a forward direction, and is always in a closed state that covers the front of the front frame 2 using a locking device 4 provided on the right side of the front. Retained. An upper part of the front frame located behind the glass door 5 is provided with an accommodation frame for detachably accommodating the game board 20, and the game board 20 latched and held in this accommodation frame in a standing posture is provided on the glass door. 5 is visible.

  The game board 20 has a decorative board 21 in which cells are attached to the surface of a laminated plywood having a predetermined plate thickness as a substrate, and an inner and outer guide rails 22 are fixed in a circular arc shape on the front side, thereby having a substantially circular game area. PA is partitioned. In the game area PA, there are a large number of game nails and game components such as a windmill, various prize-winning devices 23, 24, 25, a symbol display device 27 for displaying symbols according to the game development status, and left and right side lamps. It is attached and an out port 28 is formed at the lower end of the game area PA. A symbol display control device 67 for controlling the operation of the symbol display device 27 is attached to the center of the back side of the decorative plate 21, and each winning tool is dropped around and guided to the back side of the decorative plate 21. The back set board 30 along the back surface of the decorative board 21, and the safe balls and the out balls led to the back side of the decorative board 21 through the out port 28 (collectively referred to as “played balls”). A ball gathering cover 29 that leads to the game-completed ball discharge passage is attached.

  An auxiliary mechanism portion called a game auxiliary board is provided at the front side intermediate portion of the front frame 2, and an upper ball tray 6 is attached to the front side of the front frame 2 so that it can be opened and closed laterally and attached detachably. It is always kept in a closed state that covers the front surface of the game assisting board by using the ball tray locking device. A lower ball tray 7 is attached to the lower side of the upper ball tray 6 so as to protrude forward, and a launching handle 8 for performing a game ball launching operation is attached to the right side thereof. A game ball launching device 9 is attached to the lower part of the rear surface of the front frame 2, and a game rail that guides the game ball hit by the hammer of the game ball launching device 9 and launches it toward the outer rail on the game assisting board. In addition, a speaker for generating sound effects according to the game development status is provided.

  On the other hand, on the rear side of the front frame 2, a back set board 30 is attached to the back of the front frame 2 so as to be opened / closed and detachable, and is always kept closed so as to cover the back side of the game board 20. The back set board 30 has a window 32 for receiving the symbol display control device 67 of the game board 20 at the center, and is formed in a rectangular frame shape somewhat smaller than the inner size of the outer frame 1. 31 is a base.

  The base frame 31 has a front and rear two-layer structure in which a game-completed ball discharge passage, a ball passage of a ball payout control mechanism, a ball removal passage, and the like are three-dimensionally formed on the front and back sides, and the base frame 31 is divided into front and rear. A game-recovered collection path and a ball removal path that collects game-completed balls discharged mainly on the back side of the game board 20 on the front side of the support surface and guides them to the collection device on the game island are mainly game balls on the back side of the support surface. A ball payout control mechanism 40 is formed.

  In addition, on each part of the back surface of the base frame 31, a main control device 61 that comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko machine PM, a ball payout control device 62 that controls the payout operation of the game ball, the operation of effect lighting and sound effects Various control devices such as a lamp / sound control device 63 that performs control, a power supply unit 64 that supplies power to each control device and electronic components, a terminal board 65 that performs input and output of signals and power to and from the game facility side, circuit boards, and balls Electronic parts such as the payout device 43 are attached, and these are connected by a connector cable (not shown) so that the pachinko machine PM can be operated.

  The pachinko machine PM is used in a game in which the upper ball tray 6 and the glass door 5 are closed and locked, and the game is started by storing the game ball in the upper ball tray 6 and rotating the launch handle 8. The When the firing handle 8 is turned, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 6 are sent one by one to the launch rail by the ball feeding device mounted on the back of the upper ball tray 6, and the game ball launching device Nine hammers are launched into the game area PA, and then a pachinko game is developed.

  Now, in the pachinko machine PM generally configured as described above, regarding the payout process of the game ball when the game ball launched into the game area PA falls into each winning tool, the configuration of each related part is a little more detailed explain. There are various types of prizes provided on the game board, including the appearance design and actions at the time of winning, and any type of prizes may be used depending on the gauge setting. For example, in the game board 20 illustrated in FIG. 1, an example in which three types of prizes are provided, that is, a general prize 23, a start prize 24, and a big prize 25.

  The general winning tool 23 is a fixed winning tool having a winning opening into which a game ball can be dropped, and a winning ball detecting sensor 23s for detecting the gaming ball is attached to the inside of the winning hole. A safe ball guiding path for guiding the dropped safe ball to the back side of the decorative board 21 is provided at the rear of the general winning device 23, and the safe ball that has dropped into the general winning device 23 is detected by the winning ball detection sensor 23s. Then, it passes through the safe ball guide path and the ball approaching cover 29 and is received by the game-completed ball discharge passage on the front side of the base frame 31, and flows down the ball discharge passage and is discharged to the collection device on the game island.

  The starting prize-winning tool 24 is a so-called electric tulip-type movable prize-winning tool, and can open and close the left and right tulip blades to enlarge / reduce the winning opening. A safe ball guide path for guiding the winning safe ball to the back side of the decorative board 21 is provided at the rear of the start winning tool 24, and a winning ball detection sensor 24s for detecting a game ball flowing down the guide path is attached. Thus, the safe ball that has won the start winning tool 24 is detected by the winning ball detection sensor 24s, and flows down the safe ball guide path, the ball attending cover 29, and the game-completed ball discharge passage and is discharged to the collection device on the game island.

  The big prize tool 25 is a so-called attacker type movable prize tool, and an open / close door that covers a large rectangular prize winning opening is attached to be openable and closable. The open / close door is normally closed, and when a special game state is established under predetermined winning conditions during the game, the upper part of the open / close door is tilted forward approximately 90 degrees to open the large winning opening. Inside the big prize opening, two left and right area openings are provided, respectively, and winning ball detection sensors 25s and 25t are provided, respectively, and the decorative board 21 is connected to the two area openings on the rear side of the big prize tool 25. Two safe ball guiding paths that pass through are provided, and a safe ball that has dropped into the big prize opening is detected by the winning ball detection sensors 25s and 25t through one of the area openings, It flows down through the cover 29 and the game-completed ball discharge passage and is discharged to the collection device on the game island.

  Detection signals from the winning ball detection sensors 23s, 24s, 25s, and 25t are output to the main controller 61 (see FIG. 4), and the main controller 61 operates the pachinko machine PM based on the input detection signals. Control all over. For example, when a game ball falls into the start winning tool (winning port) 24 and a winning detection signal is output from the winning ball detection sensor 24s, the main controller 61 drops the gaming ball into the winning tool from this input signal. It is detected that the winning prize has been won and the winning prize is the starting prize 24, and a game program corresponding to the winning conditions is called and executed. Specifically, the symbol combination lottery is performed in the main control device 61, and the symbol display control device 67 outputs the lottery result and controls the symbols to be displayed on the symbol display device 27 to be controlled to change and stop. For example, a blinking display of a side lamp or generation of a sound effect by a speaker is performed via the lamp / voice control device 63. Also, a payout command command corresponding to the winning conditions is output to the ball payout control device 62, and the ball payout device 43 is operated to perform a game ball payout operation.

  On the other hand, a ball payout control mechanism 40 that performs a payout operation of game balls is provided on the back set board 30 that is always positioned behind the game board 20 and held closed. The ball payout control mechanism 40 includes a ball storage tank 41 for storing game balls attached to the upper left portion of the base frame 31, and a ball payout device 43 that is provided below the ball storage tank 41 and that pays out game balls. A guide passage 42 provided between the ball storage tank 41 and the ball payout device 43 and arranged to guide the game balls stored in the ball storage tank 41 to the ball payout device 43 is provided below the ball payout device 43. The ball payout path 44 for guiding the game balls discharged from the ball payout device 43 to the upper and lower ball trays 6 and 7 and the lower part of the back surface of the base frame 31 are provided to control the operation of the ball payout device 43 described above. It consists of a ball payout control device 62 and the like.

  The ball storage tank 41 has a box shape with an open top surface, and about 500 to 800 game balls can be stored inside the tank. The bottom surface of the sphere storage tank 41 is gently inclined to the left and forward, and an opening communicating with the upper and lower sides is formed in the front left and connected to the lower guide passage 42. The guide passage 42 receives an alignment passage (tank rail) 42a that aligns in the process of flowing down the game balls supplied from the ball storage tank 41, and a lower ball dispensing device 43 that receives the game balls aligned in the alignment passage 42a. And a standby passage 42b leading to At the upper part of the waiting passage 42b, a ball presence sensor 51 for detecting whether or not sufficient gaming balls that can be paid out are held in the waiting passage 42b is detachably attached.

  The ball payout device 43 is formed with a receiving port for receiving the game ball in communication with the standby passage 42b at the front and rear of the upper center, and a payout port for discharging the game ball at the left and right of the lower portion. A ball feed rotator 43a having a two-stage impeller and a ball payout motor 43b for rotating the ball feed rotator 43a are provided. The game balls supplied from the receiving port are alternately received in the receiving grooves of the front and rear impellers as the ball feed rotator 43a rotates, and enter the right or left cassette passage by the rotation of the ball feed rotator 43a. It is moved one by one and paid out to the ball payout passage 44 from either the left or right payout exit. Between the payout outlet of the ball payout device 43 and the ball payout passage 44, there is a ball count sensor (count sensor) 52 for detecting the game balls paid out by the ball payout device 43 and counting the real number thereof. It is provided so that it can be removed.

  Here, the processing executed by the main controller 61 and the ball payout control device 62 regarding the ball payout control in the pachinko machine PM will be outlined with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the game ball falls into one of the winning openings, the main control device 61 determines the winning of the game ball to the winning device based on the winning detection signal sent from the corresponding winning ball detection sensor (step) S101).

  When the game ball wins the winning tool, the main control device 61 transmits a payout number command command related to game ball award information corresponding to the winning condition to the ball payout control device 62 (step S102). Here, the number-of-payout command command is a command including information on the number of game balls to be paid out (the number of winning balls) for winning, for example, 10 at the time of winning the general winning equipment 23, the start winning equipment 24 This is a command for designating the number of prize balls of 3 when winning a prize and 13 when winning a prize in the big prize tool 25.

  When the ball payout control device 62 receives the payout number command command, the ball payout control device 62 returns a reception completion command indicating that the reception of this command is completed to the main control device 61 (step S103), and the received payout number Based on the contents of the command command, the number of prize balls to be paid out is set and stored in its own internal memory (step S104).

  When receiving the reception completion command, main controller 61 transmits a payout start command command to ball payout control device 62 (step S105). Here, the payout start command command is a command including information for instructing the ball payout control mechanism 40 to start a game ball payout operation.

  When the ball payout control device 62 receives the payout start command command, the ball payout control device 62 returns a reception completion command indicating that the reception of this command has been completed to the main control device 61 (step S106), and the number of payouts and the payout start command. The ball payout device 43 is controlled in accordance with the contents of the command (hereinafter, both these commands are collectively referred to as “payout command command”), and a prize ball payout operation is executed (step S107).

  The ball payout control device 62 outputs an ON signal (HI level signal) indicating that the payout of the winning ball is being executed to the main control device 61 during the period in which the ball payout device 43 is being operated ( Step S108).

  At this time, the ball payout control device 62 operates the ball payout motor 43b of the ball payout device 43 in accordance with the payout command command from the main control device 61, and rotates the ball feed rotator 43a clockwise or counterclockwise as required. The game balls are rotated by an angle, and a number of game balls according to the winning conditions are paid out from the payout exit to the ball payout passage 44 as winning balls (step S109). The game ball paid out from the payout opening is detected by the ball counting sensor 52, and the ball payout control device 62 plays the game paid out by the ball payout device 43 based on the detection signal input from the ball counting sensor. The number of balls is counted and compared with a target value related to the number of prize balls stored in its own internal memory, and the operation of the ball dispensing device 43 is controlled. As a result, the number of game balls corresponding to the payout command command input from the main control device 61 is accurately paid out to the ball payout passage 44, and rolls down the ball payout passage 44 and flows into the upper ball tray 6. Or, it is paid out to the lower ball tray 7.

  The ball presence detection sensor 51 provided in the guide passage 42 detects whether or not the game balls are waiting for alignment up to the upper position of the standby passage 42b where the ball presence detection sensor 51 is provided. This is a sensor for determining whether or not the number of game balls that can be paid out without any shortage (for example, about 25 balls) is held, and the detection signal is output to the ball payout control device 62. The ball payout control device 62 regulates the operation of the ball payout device 43 when the detection signal input from the ball presence detection sensor 52 indicates a no-ball state (that is, a state where only 25 balls are not on standby). Then, a predetermined alarm is generated.

  The ball payout control device 62 indicates that the payout of the game ball is completed when the payout of the number of game balls corresponding to the winning conditions is completed based on the payout command command from the main control device 61. (LOW level signal) is transmitted to the main controller 61 (step S110). As described above, it is possible to pay out the number of game balls (exact number) according to the winning conditions.

  In the so-called CR machine to which the prepaid card unit 90 is connected, a CR operation panel 92 having a ball lending request button is provided on the front side of the upper ball tray 6, and an output signal thereof is input to the ball payout control device 62. The ball payout control device 62 outputs a motor drive signal corresponding to the ball rental request signal input from the CR operation panel 92 to the ball payout device 43, and the ball payout device 43 is based on the input motor drive signal. The ball payout motor 43b is actuated to rotate the ball feed rotator 43a counterclockwise or clockwise by a required angle, and the number of game balls corresponding to the motor drive signal are passed from the left or right payout outlet to the ball payout path. 44 is paid out.

  By the way, in recent years, the number of legitimate prize balls for the ball payout control mechanism 40 can be reduced by invalidating the operation of the ball counting sensor 52 with a special radio wave using a radio wave transmitter (so that the game ball cannot be normally detected). Fraudulent acts (generally referred to as “radio wave goto”) that cause a large number of game balls to be paid out frequently occur, and in the pachinko machine PM of this embodiment, illegal game balls due to such radio wave goto In order to suppress the payout, the anti-fraud device is configured mainly with the internal circuit of the ball payout control mechanism 40 and the main control device 61.

  The fraud prevention device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram mainly showing control modes of the main control device 61 and the ball payout control device 62.

  The main control device 61 includes a winning ball division processing means 71 for setting the number of winning balls to be paid out according to the winning conditions when the game ball enters the winning slot as a divided number divided into a plurality, and each divided number. A winning ball number storage means 72 for storing the ball, a ball payout time measuring means 73 for measuring the payout time of each game ball by the ball payout device 43, and a division for giving a game ball payout command for each divided number. A payout command means 74 and a ball payout restricting means 75 for restricting the operation of the ball payout device 43 are provided.

  Each time the game ball wins one of the prizes, the prize ball division processing means 71 receives a prize according to the prize condition from a prize ball number table (not shown) set and stored in the internal memory of the main controller 61. The number of balls is read, and the total number of prize balls is determined as the number of divisions divided into a plurality of blocks. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the total number of winning balls is divided into a plurality of blocks as the respective divided numbers, and paid out in order for each divided number of each block. At this time, the total number of prize balls may be divided so that each divided number is equal or divided so that each divided number is not equal. For example, the total number of winning balls according to the winning conditions is divided into four blocks so as to be “1, M, 1, N”, and the payout order is 1 → M → 1 One of the preferred embodiments is to set the number to N. If the number of award balls is divided into too many blocks, it will take time to pay out the award balls, and it is desirable to divide the number of blocks according to the number of blocks adapted to the operation of the pachinko machine PM.

  The prize ball number storage means 72 temporarily stores each division number of the prize balls determined by the prize ball division processing means 71 in association with the payout order. The prize ball number table of the main controller 61 may be configured to have the function of the prize ball number storage means 72.

  The ball payout time measuring means 73 starts time counting by its own built-in timer when the payout start command command for instructing the payout of the winning ball is transmitted to the ball payout control device 62, and the ball payout control is performed. When an off signal indicating completion of payout of the game ball transmitted from the device 62 is received, the time count is ended, and the actual time during this time is counted as the payout time of the prize ball. In this way, the ball payout time measuring means 73 measures the payout time of the game ball for each divided number.

  The divided payout command means 74 performs ball payout control on payout command commands (payout number command command, payout start command command) including information on the divided number based on the information on the divided number stored in the prize ball number storage means 72. By sequentially transmitting to the device 62, the ball payout control device 62 sequentially executes payout control of game balls for each divided number.

  The ball payout restricting means 75 determines the time measured by the ball payout time measuring means 73 (payout time) when a game ball for each divided number is paid out and a predetermined specified time set in advance according to the divided number. In comparison, it is determined whether or not the measured time exceeds a predetermined specified time. The specified time is set, for example, by adding a certain time that can be used to recall an abnormality with respect to the appropriate time for normally paying out the number of game balls for the number of divisions. Applied. Therefore, the prescribed time differs depending on the number of divisions. For example, the prescribed time when the number of divisions is five is about five times the prescribed time when the number of divisions is one. When the ball payout restricting means 75 determines that the timed time has exceeded the specified time, the ball payout for stopping the payout of the game ball even before the ball counting sensor 52 finishes measuring the payout number. A stop command is transmitted to the ball payout control device, and as a predetermined abnormality notification process, the game ball payout operation by the ball payout device 43 is forcibly stopped. For this reason, even when the count value of the ball counting sensor 52 is invalidated due to an illegal act, the payout of the prize ball can be accurately suppressed.

  In addition, there are various modes for executing the abnormality notification. As a typical example, a warning device (not shown) for notifying a predetermined warning in the pachinko machine PM itself, a pachinko machine PM Examples include an external alarm means (not shown) for notifying an alarm to the outside, an operation restricting means (not shown) for restricting a predetermined operation of the pachinko machine PM, etc., and forcibly paying out a prize ball as described above. While stopping, it is possible to operate these means in combination.

  The own machine alarm means is configured to display, for example, a predetermined alarm image on the symbol display device 27 of the pachinko machine PM, flash all side lamps provided on the game board 20, or generate an alarm sound from the speaker. can do. Further, the external alarm means outputs an alarm signal to the gaming facility side via the terminal board 65, for example, blinks an alarm display light on the gaming island, or blinks an alarm display on the hall computer of the gaming facility. Can be configured. The operation restricting means can be configured to restrict the firing operation by the game ball launching device 9 or to stop the execution of the special game.

  Next, the operation of the fraud prevention apparatus configured as described above will be described with additional reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The processing executed in this fraud prevention device starts when a game ball wins one of the prize-winning devices and the ball presence detection sensor 51 detects a ball presence state. Here, a case where a game ball wins a big winning tool (attacker) 25 is illustrated. Since normal ball payout control has already been described with reference to FIG. 3, the same processing will be briefly described below.

  When the game ball falls into the winning opening of the big winning tool 25, the main control device 61 determines the winning of the big winning tool 25 based on the winning detection signals sent from the winning ball detection sensors 25s and 25t. The winning ball division processing means 71 of the main controller 61 reads the winning ball number (payout number) according to the winning condition from the winning ball number table set and stored in the internal memory, and sets the total number of winning balls as a plurality. The number of divisions divided into blocks is temporarily stored in the prize ball number storage means 72 (step S201). For example, when a total of 13 game balls are paid out as winning balls to the big prize device 25, the 13 winning balls are divided into four (1, 5, 1, 6). , Each defined as a divided number, 1 as the divided number at the first payout, 5 as the divided number at the second payout, 1 as the divided number at the third payout, as the divided number at the fourth payout Set so that 6 game balls are paid out sequentially. Thus, the reason why the number of divisions is set to 1 at the time of the first payout is to minimize damage to fraud, and the number of divisions (M = 5) at the time of the second payout is 1 This is to provide a function as an intermediate check in view of the fact that the reliability of the abnormality determination is low only by checking the single prize ball for the first time. It is possible to execute abnormality determination with high accuracy while suppressing damage.

  The split payout command means 74 of the main controller 61 is a payout command command (payout number command command, including information on the split number (first split number: first) set and stored in the prize ball number storage means 72. (Payout start command command) is transmitted to the ball payout control device 62, and a prize ball payout command relating to the divided number is issued (step S202). At the same time when the above-mentioned payout command command is transmitted in the divided payout processing means 74, the ball payout time measuring means 73 of the main controller 61 starts measuring the payout time relating to the first divided number. At this time, although not shown in FIG. 5, when the ball payout control device 62 receives a payout command command (a payout number command command and a payout start command command) from the main control device 61, each command A reception completion command indicating that the reception of is completed is returned to the main controller.

  The ball payout control device 62 controls the ball payout device 43 in accordance with the content of the payout command command to start the prize ball payout operation (step S203), and during the period during which the ball payout device 43 performs the payout process of the prize ball Outputs an on signal indicating that the payout of the winning ball is being executed to the main controller 61 (step S204).

  The ball payout restricting means 75 of the main control device 61 determines whether or not the time measured by the ball payout time measuring means 73 exceeds a predetermined time set in advance according to the number of divisions (step S205). In this step S205, when the ball payout restricting means 75 determines that the measured time exceeds the specified time, it moves to step S206 and transmits a ball payout stop command to the ball payout control device 62, Even before the counting of the number of payouts in the ball counting sensor 52 is completed, as an abnormality notification process, the game ball payout operation by the ball payout device 43 is forcibly stopped and the own device alarm means is combined. It can be activated.

  On the other hand, the ball payout restricting means 75 indicates the payout state of the ball payout device 43 transmitted from the ball payout control device 62 when it is determined that the time measured by the ball payout time measuring means 73 does not exceed the predetermined specified time. Based on the on / off signal, it is determined whether or not the ball payout device 43 has finished paying out the award balls for the divided number at the first time (step S207). If an ON signal is input from the ball payout control device 62, a negative determination is made in step S207, the process returns to step S205, and the determinations in steps S205 to S207 are repeated.

  At this time, the ball payout control device 62 counts the actual number of game balls paid out by the ball payout device 43 based on the detection signal input from the ball counting sensor 52, and sets and saves each game ball in its own internal memory. When the target value related to the divided number is reached, an off signal indicating that the payout of the prize ball related to the divided number is completed is transmitted to the main controller 61 (step S208). Upon receiving the above-mentioned OFF signal from the ball payout control device 62, the ball payout restricting means 75 determines in step S207 that the payout of the number of divided balls (one time) has been completed, and the ball payout time measuring means 73. Ends the time count, sets the actual time counted during this time as its payout time for the divided number in its own internal memory, and proceeds to the next step S213.

  In step S213, the main controller 61 determines whether or not all the divided numbers have been paid out, that is, whether or not the divided numbers have been paid out a total of four times. Specifically, the flag is turned on every time when the payout of each divided number is completed, the payout number of each time is added based on the detection signal from the ball counting sensor 52, or the number of times of command transmission / reception is counted. By this means, it can be determined whether or not the payout of all the divided numbers has been completed each time. In step S213, when the payout of all the divided numbers has not been completed each time (for example, when only the first payout is completed), a negative determination is made and the process returns to step S202, and the next divided number (for example, With respect to the payout of prize balls relating to the second and subsequent five (5 → 1 → 6), the processing from step S202 is executed. Even in this case, at the time of paying out the divided number from the next time, it is determined in step S205 whether or not the time measured by the ball payout measuring means 73 exceeds the specified time, and this time measured exceeds the specified time. When it is determined that, the process proceeds to step S206 and the above-described abnormality notification process is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S213 that the payout of the prize balls related to the divided number of all times (a total of four times) has been completed, that is, the total number of prize balls (13) is legitimately determined. If it is determined that the payout has been made, this flow is terminated, and when a game ball is newly won in any of the winning devices in the pachinko game, the processing from step S201 is executed again.

  In the pachinko machine PM according to the present embodiment configured as described above, when a game ball is won, the number of prize balls according to the winning condition is divided into a plurality of blocks, and the prize balls are paid out for each divided number. The time is monitored, and it is determined that an abnormality occurs when the payout time exceeds a predetermined specified time, and even before the ball count sensor 52 finishes measuring the number of payouts, the game ball is forced to be paid out. Because it is configured to execute the control to stop automatically, even if the count value of the ball counting sensor is invalidated by so-called radio wave goto etc., it is possible to minimize the payout of illegal prize balls, It is possible to suppress damage caused by In addition, because it is a simple configuration that only changes part of the software compared to the pachinko machine of the conventional configuration, fraudulent behavior (radio wave) related to prize ball payout control while preventing an increase in the number of parts and manufacturing cost. It can be effectively deterred.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration is such that it is determined that there is an abnormality only when the measured time (payout time) measured by the ball payout time measuring unit 73 exceeds the specified time. Is not limited to this, and in order to further ensure the deterrent effect against fraud, if the payout time of the game balls for the number of divisions exceeds the appropriate time even within the specified time In anticipation of the possibility of abnormality, the configuration may be such that the abnormality is determined by a series of processes described later, and an example of a specific processing method is shown in each of FIGS. 6 and 7. 6 and 7, the processing in steps S201 to S207 and S213 is the same as the processing in FIG. 5 described above, and therefore, redundant description will be avoided and only the subsequent processing will be described in detail. .

  First, as shown in FIG. 6 as a first modified example, it is determined in step S205 that the time measured by the ball payout measuring means 73 does not exceed a predetermined specified time, and in step S207, award for the number of divided balls is paid out. When it is determined that the payout time has ended, in the next step S209, the ball payout restricting means 75 of the main control device 61 exceeds the appropriate time for the payout time of the divided number measured by the ball payout time measuring means 73. It is determined whether or not. Here, the appropriate time is exemplified by a time obtained by adding a margin (preliminary value) for a predetermined time based on a normal payout time for normally paying out the game balls for the divided number. Accordingly, this appropriate time is also appropriately changed and applied. For example, when the normal payout time for one game ball is 20 [msec], 50 [msec] obtained by adding 30 [msec] as a margin is set as an appropriate time when the number of divisions is one. When the number of divisions is plural, the appropriate time for the plural is calculated by multiplying this 50 [msec] by that number.

  In this step S209, when it is determined by the ball payout restricting means 75 that the payout time of the divided number is within the appropriate time, the process proceeds to step S213. On the other hand, when it is determined that the payout time of the divided number exceeds the appropriate time and an affirmative determination is made in step S209, the process proceeds to the next step S210.

  In step S210, the ball payout restricting means 75 of the main control device 61 subtracts a predetermined time applied at the time of paying out the next divided number by a predetermined time, and raises the warning level for the measured time by one step. For example, when the specified time for one divided ball applied in the process of step S205 is 80 [msec], the specified time for one divided ball applied next time is subtracted by 5 [msec] 75 [msec]. msec], and based on this, the specified time corresponding to the number of balls is applied to the process in the next step S205. In the subsequent processing, if it is determined that the payout time exceeds the appropriate time, the alert level is further increased by one step and the specified time is subtracted (for example, specified time = 75-5 = 70 [ msec]). In this way, even if the payout time is within the specified time, if it exceeds the appropriate time (when it is in the gray zone), there is a high possibility that it is abnormal. By setting it strictly, the accuracy of abnormality determination can be increased.

  In step S213, if the main controller 61 determines that the payout of all the divided numbers has not been completed a plurality of times (four times), the main control device 61 returns to step S202 and starts the payout processing for the next divided number. At this time, if the specified time has been subtracted in the previous step S210, this specified time is applied in step S205, and it is determined whether or not the time measured by the ball payout measuring means 73 exceeds the specified time. Made.

  On the other hand, when the split payout command means 74 of the main controller 61 determines in step S213 that the payout of the prize balls relating to all the divided numbers is completed a plurality of times (four times), that is, the total number of prize balls. If it is determined that the game has been properly paid out, the process from step S201 is executed from the beginning when this flow is finished and a new game ball has won any of the winning equipment.

  In the configuration according to the first modified example, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained. However, according to this configuration, an appropriate time can be set even if the payout time of the divided number is within the specified time. When the time has passed, foresee the intervention of fraudulent acts for paying out prize balls, and by tightening the prescribed time applied when paying out the number of divisions from the next time, fraudulent acts will be made more reliable It is possible to detect and improve the reliability of abnormality determination.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7 as a second modified example, if it is determined in step S205 that the measured time does not exceed the specified time, and it is determined in step S207 that the payout of the divided number has been completed, the next step In S209, the ball payout restricting means 75 of the main control device 61 determines whether or not the payout time for the divided number counted by the ball payout time measuring means 73 exceeds the appropriate time.

  In this step S209, when the ball payout restricting means 75 determines that the payout time of the divided number is within the appropriate time, the process proceeds to step S212. On the other hand, if it is determined that the payout time of the divided number exceeds the appropriate time and an affirmative determination is made in step S209, the process proceeds to the next step S211.

  In step S211, the ball payout restricting means 75 measures the number of times that the payout time counted by the ball payout time measuring means 73 has been determined to exceed the appropriate time (the number of positive determinations made in step S209) as a count value.

  In step S212, the ball payout restricting means 75 determines whether or not the count value has reached a preset specified value. For example, when the specified value is set to “3”, when the count value indicates “3” in the payout of each divided number for a total of four times, that is, when the positive determination in step S209 is made three times. Then, the process proceeds to step S206, and the abnormality notification process described above is executed. On the other hand, in the payout of each divided number for a total of four times, when the count value indicates “0 to 2”, the process proceeds to step S212, and if it is determined that the payout for each divided number is not completed, step S202 is performed. Returning to, the payout processing for the divided number from the next time is started.

  On the other hand, in step S213, when the divided payout command means 704 determines that the payout of the prize balls related to the divided number for each time (total of 4 times) has been completed, that is, the total number of prize balls is paid out correctly. If it is determined that the game has been made, this flow is terminated, and when a new game ball is won in any of the winning devices, the processing from step S201 is executed again from the beginning.

  In the configuration according to the second modified example, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. However, according to this configuration, an appropriate time can be set even if the payout time of the divided number is within the specified time. It is configured to predict fraudulent acts when the number of times that the payout time has passed an appropriate time (count value) has reached a specified value in anticipation of illegal acts on the payout of prize balls when it has elapsed. For this reason, it is possible to more reliably detect fraud and improve the reliability of abnormality determination.

  Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the ball presence detection sensor 51 and the ball counting sensor 52 are not particularly limited as long as they are detectors capable of detecting a game ball. For example, a non-contact operation type such as a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a proximity switch, etc. A contact operation type such as a switch may be used.

  Moreover, although two modifications to the above-described embodiment have been described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the modification may be combined. Specifically, when it is determined in step S209 that the payout time exceeds the appropriate time, the specified time is subtracted (step S210), and the criterion in step S205 is tightened. The number of affirmative determinations may be counted up (step S211), and the abnormality notification process may be executed (step S206) when the count value reaches a specified number.

  In the embodiment described above, a pachinko machine has been illustrated and described as an example of a ball ball game machine according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and examples thereof include an arrangement ball, a sparrow ball game machine, and the like. The same effect can be applied to and the same effect can be obtained.

PM Pachinko machine (ball game machine)
PA game area 6 Upper plate (ball plate)
7 Lower ball dish (ball dish)
20 Game board 23 General winning equipment (winning equipment)
24 Start prize device (winning equipment)
25 prize-winning equipment (winning equipment)
41 Sphere storage tank 42 Guide passage 43 Sphere dispensing device 44 Sphere discharge passage 51 Sphere presence detection sensor (sphere presence detector)
52 Sphere counting sensor (sphere counter)
61 main controller 62 ball payout control device 72 prize ball number storage means 73 ball payout time measuring means 74 divided payout command means 75 ball payout restricting means

Claims (3)

A game board in which a game area is formed;
A prize-winning device provided in the game area and having a prize-winning slot through which a game ball can enter;
A ball storage tank that is attached to the back side of the game board and stores game balls;
A ball payout device that is provided below the ball storage tank and pays out a game ball as a prize ball in response to a game ball entering the prize opening;
A guide passage that is connected between the ball storage tank and the ball payout device and that guides the game balls stored in the ball storage tank to the ball payout device;
A ball detector that detects whether or not a predetermined number of game balls are aligned in the guide passage;
A ball counter for measuring the number of game balls paid out by the ball payout device;
A ball payout passage for guiding a game ball paid out from the ball payout device to a ball tray;
A main controller that commands the payout of the game ball when the game ball enters the winning opening;
When a specified number of game balls are detected by the ball detector, until a command from the main control device is received and a payout number of game balls according to the command is measured by the ball counter A ball payout machine configured to include a ball payout control device that causes the ball payout device to execute payout of a game ball,
The main control device includes a ball payout time measuring means for measuring a payout time of a game ball by the ball payout device, and each division obtained by dividing the number of prize balls to be paid out when a game ball enters the winning opening into a plurality of divisions. A prize ball number storage means for storing as a number; a split payout command means for giving a payout command for each game ball; and a ball payout restricting means for restricting the operation of the ball payout device;
The ball payout control device controls the operation of the ball payout device so that the number of game balls to be paid out in accordance with a command from the divided payout command means is divided into a plurality of divided balls for each divided number. And
The ball payout restricting means is configured such that each time the divided number of game balls are paid out by the ball payout device, the payout time of the game balls corresponding to the divided number measured by the ball payout time measuring means is set to the divided number. It is determined whether or not a predetermined specified time set in accordance with it is determined, and if it is determined that the payout time exceeds the specified time, even before the measurement of the number of payouts is completed in the ball counter A bullet ball game machine that regulates payout of a game ball by the ball payout device via the ball payout control device.   Even when the ball payout restricting means determines that the payout time of the game balls corresponding to the divided number does not exceed a predetermined time when paying out each divided number of game balls by the ball payout device, When it is determined that the appropriate time that is appropriate as the payout time of the game balls for the number of divisions has been exceeded, a predetermined time applied when paying out the game balls for each of the divided prize balls is determined in advance. 2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the time is subtracted by time.   Even when the ball payout restricting means determines that the payout time of the game balls corresponding to the divided number does not exceed a predetermined time when paying out each divided number of game balls by the ball payout device, When it is determined that the appropriate time that is appropriate as the payout time of the divided number of game balls is exceeded, the number of times that it is determined that the appropriate time is exceeded is measured as a count value, and the count value is set in advance. 2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein when the upper limit value is exceeded, the payout of the game ball by the ball payout device is regulated via the ball payout control device.

Images