JP2546475B2 - A prize ball return mechanism at a game arcade - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a prize ball returning mechanism for returning a prize ball that a player has won in a game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a prize ball that a player has won in a game is generally transferred to a ball box and carried to an exchange place provided in a part of the game hall, where the prize is exchanged for a desired prize. However, in recent years, a ball returning device has been installed for each pachinko machine, and the prize balls that have been acquired are returned to the inside of the pachinko island stand via the ball returning device on the spot, and the number of prize balls returned is also calculated. There has been proposed a prize ball returning mechanism that issues a printed receipt, takes the receipt to an exchange, and exchanges it for a desired prize.

[0003]

However, in the prize ball returning mechanism described above, a receipt issuing device must be attached to each ball returning device, resulting in high equipment cost and troublesome maintenance management. In addition to the drawbacks, there is a problem that it is difficult to detect fraudulent activity on the receipt issuing device that is directly related to money. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a prize ball returning mechanism in a game arcade which is easy and inexpensive to maintain and can prevent fraudulent activity. Especially.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, there is provided a prize ball returning mechanism for returning a prize ball obtained by a player in a game, the prize ball returning mechanism comprising: A ball returning device provided corresponding to each of the pachinko machines installed on the pachinko island stand, and a receipt issuing device which is a part of the pachinko island stand or a game hall and is provided at a position where a clerk at the game hall can monitor. And the ball returning device, at least as count information storage means for counting and storing the prize balls returned from the pachinko machine to the inside of the pachinko island stand, and as player information that is a player who has won the prize balls. First fingerprint information registration / storage means for registering and storing fingerprints, operation data at the end of the game, and return prize ball number data and the first fingerprint information registration information stored in the counting storage means when operated. Comprising a settlement means for transmitting fingerprint information data stored in unit to the receipt issuing device, a
The receipt issuing device has a storage area for individually storing the transmitted free gift ball number data and fingerprint information data for each machine number of the pachinko machine, a ten-key pad for inputting the machine number, and a second registering and storing fingerprint. Fingerprint information registration and storage means,
Whether the fingerprint information data stored in the storage area corresponding to the platform number and the fingerprint information data stored in the second fingerprint information registration storage unit match when the platform number is input by the ten keys. A fingerprint information confirmation means for confirming whether or not, and a print issue for printing information on the returned prize ball number data stored in the storage area corresponding to the unit number based on the coincidence output of the fingerprint information confirmation means Means and are provided. In addition, in the configuration of the prize ball returning mechanism described above, a storage area for individually storing the transmitted return ball number data and fingerprint information data for each machine number of the pachinko machine, a numeric keypad for inputting the machine number, and a fingerprint A third fingerprint information registration and storage means for registering and storing
Fingerprint information confirmation means for confirming whether or not the fingerprint information data stored in the storage area corresponding to the unit number and the fingerprint information data stored in the third fingerprint information registration storage means match; A ball payout device having a payout means for paying back to the player the prize balls related to the returned prize ball number data stored in the storage area corresponding to the unit number based on the coincidence output of the fingerprint information confirmation means is added. By doing so, the same purpose can be achieved.

[0005]

[Function] The prize balls obtained in the game are returned to the inside of the pachinko island stand by the ball returning device attached to each pachinko machine. The number of prize balls counted at the time of return is determined by the fingerprint information registration storage means. In the receipt issuing device which is stored together with the registered fingerprint information and is located on a pachinko island stand or at a position in the game hall where the clerk of the game hall can monitor, the fingerprint information registered and stored is the fingerprint information. When the confirmation means determines that the receipts match, the receipt printed with the information such as the number of prize balls obtained from the print issuing means is surely issued to the player who has acquired the prize balls, so the fraudulent act regarding receipt issuance In addition to being able to prevent the above, the receipt issuing device, which is expensive and troublesome to maintain, makes it easier for store staff in the amusement hall to monitor the pachinko island stand or a defined area of the amusement hall. Because it is kicked, it is sufficient to install a few cars of the receipt issuing device in the gaming field, maintenance management is facilitated along with the cost of equipment is less expensive. Also, if a ball payout device is added, the prize balls once returned by the ball return device can be refunded to the player again, so that a player wants to play with a different pachinko machine using the acquired prize balls. Can meet the demands of workers. The prize ball to be paid out by the ball payout device is paid out only when the registered fingerprint information is judged by the fingerprint information confirmation means to be refunded, so that fraudulent act of refunding is not performed.

[0006]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, with reference to FIG. 6, a configuration of a game hall to which the prize ball returning mechanism according to the embodiment is applied will be described.
FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of the game arcade 1. In the figure, a plurality of pachinko island stands 2 are arranged in parallel in a game arcade 1, and a management room 3 in which a management computer 4 and the like are installed is arranged in one screen. Further, in the case of the illustrated embodiment, a prize exchange place 5 for exchanging a receipt brought by a player for a desired prize is also arranged at a position adjacent to the management room 3, and the prize exchange place 5 is also provided. A plurality of receipt issuing devices 40 forming a part of the prize ball returning mechanism are arranged next to the prize exchange site 5 so that a clerk of the game hall in the area can monitor. Further, a ball payout device 50 forming a part of the prize ball returning mechanism is also provided at the island end of the pachinko island stand 2 described above.

As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of pachinko machines 10 are horizontally arranged on the pachinko island stand 2 described above. The pachinko machines 10 are acquired in a game as shown in FIG. It has an upper plate 11 and a lower plate 12 for storing the prize balls, and an operation handle 13 for adjusting the firing force of the hit ball, and is a prize on the counter stand 7 of the pachinko island stand 2 below the lower plate 12. A ball returning device 20 forming a part of the ball returning mechanism is provided. The ball returning device 20 is provided corresponding to each pachinko machine 10. Therefore, the configuration of the ball returning device 20 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 1.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical relationship among a ball returning device 20, a receipt issuing device 40, and a ball paying-out device 50 which constitute a prize ball returning mechanism, and FIG. It is a perspective view showing appearance. In the figure, the ball returning device 20 has a returning box 21 for storing the prize balls discharged from the lower plate 12 and taking them into the pachinko island stand 1. The return box 21 is formed with a first storage section 22 for storing the prize balls removed from the lower tray 12, and a transparent cover 24 through which the inside can be seen is provided on the front side of the first storage section 22. Has been. In addition, the transparent cover 24
A display 25, a settlement button 26, an end button 27, and ball return buttons 28a to 28c are provided on the side of the. The display 25 displays the number of returned balls taken into the pachinko island stand 2, and is composed of a 4-digit 7-segment LED. The settlement button 26 is operated at the end of the game to put the receipt issuing device 40, which will be described later, in an operation standby state. Also, the end button 27
Also, by operating at the end of the game, the ball payout device 50, which will be described later, is put into an operation standby state. Further, the ball return buttons 28a to 28c are operated when obtaining a predetermined number of return balls within the range of the stored return balls.

In the return box 21, the first storage section 2 is provided.
The 2nd storage part 23 which connects with 2 is also formed. The second storage portion 23 has a small storage volume and is capable of scooping the stored balls by hand. Then, when both the second storage portion 23 and the first storage portion 22 are filled with the dispensed ball, the coin flows out into an overflow gutter (not shown) formed in the rear of the first storage portion 22 and pachinko island. Although the prize balls are returned to the inside of the base 2, all the returned balls taken into the inside of the pachinko island base 2 are detected by the count sensor 34 described below, and the detected count value is displayed as described above. Bowl 2
5 is displayed. Further, on the side of the return box 21 configured as described above, there is provided a check board 29 for registering as a player who has won a prize ball with the pachinko machine 10. The check board 29 is for registering a fingerprint, and the fingerprint is player information for proving that the player has won a prize ball.

A ball returning device 20 constructed as described above
As shown in FIG. 1, the operation is controlled by a control circuit 30 provided in the ball returning device 20. An arithmetic circuit 31, an input circuit 32, and an output circuit 33 are connected to the control circuit 30. Then, the input circuit 32 includes ball return buttons 28a to 28c, a settlement button 26, and an end button 2.
7. Count sensor 1 to count sensor 3 (reference numeral 34 to
36) is connected, and various arithmetic operations and controls are executed by the arithmetic circuit 31 and the control circuit 30 according to the respective input signals, and the display 25 and the prize ball payout motor 37 are driven through the output circuit 33. Controlled. Further, in the output circuit 33, an end (settlement) signal generated by operating the end button 27 (settlement button 26) in the control circuit 45 provided in the receipt issuing device 40 or the control circuit 55 provided in the ball payout device 50, and the return A signal line for transmitting the data signal relating to the given prize ball and the check board signal relating to the fingerprint information registered by the check board 29 is connected.

The operation controlled by the control circuit 30 will be briefly described. When a player operates the operation handle 13 to hit a ball at a winning opening or a winning device of a game board, a winning signal is output from the count sensor 2. Is emitted.
Then, the motor 37 is turned on, and the prize ball payout device (not shown) provided on the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 is driven to flow down the prize ball and discharge it to the upper plate 11 as a prize ball. Therefore, the count sensor 3 has a predetermined number (for example,
When thirteen (13) prize balls are detected, the motor 37 is turned off, the operation of the prize ball payout device is stopped, and the discharge of the prize balls is stopped. By this operation, the operation of discharging the predetermined number of prize balls based on the winning is completed. By repeating the above-described operation, the prize ball payout operation based on the winning is performed, and as a result, the upper plate 11 and the lower plate 12 are provided with a large amount of prize balls.
When the tray is full, by operating the ball drop button of the lower tray 12, the prize balls stored in the lower tray 12 are dropped and stored in the first storage section 22 of the ball returning device 20. The balls that have entered the first storage section 22 immediately flow out to the second storage section 23, but when the first storage section 22 becomes full of prize balls, the overflowing prize balls overflow and pass through the gutter to pachinko. It is returned inside Shimadai 2. At this time, the returned balls are counted by the count sensor 1, and the count value is calculated by the control circuit 3
The value is stored in the storage area within 0 and the stored value is displayed on the display 25.

The end button 27 or the settlement button 26
When the user operates the first storage section 22 and the second storage section 2
All the prize balls stored in 3 can be returned to the inside of the pachinko island stand 2, and the number of returned balls is stored and displayed on the display 25. Further, by registering the fingerprint on the check board 29 at the time of returning, the returned prize ball number data related to the ball returning device 20 and the fingerprint as the player information are stored in the storage area in the control circuit 30. And transmitted to a storage area in control circuits 45 and 55 described later. In addition, the ball returning device 20 is configured to be identified and stored by the unit number of the corresponding pachinko machine 10.

Further, before operating the settlement button 26, if it is desired to refund a predetermined number of balls from the returned and stored prize balls, one of the ball return buttons 28a to 28c may be operated. Specifically, for example, the ball return button 28
By operating a, the motor 37 is turned on to let the balls flow down, and the balls are discharged to the upper plate 11 as return balls. Then
When the count sensor 2 detects a predetermined number (for example, 25) of balls, the motor 37 is turned off and stopped, and the discharging of the balls is stopped. By this operation, the discharging operation of the predetermined number of return balls based on the return command is completed. Less than,
Similarly, by operating the ball return button 28b, a predetermined number (for example, 50) of return balls are discharged, and the ball return button 2
By operating 8c, a predetermined number (for example, 75
Return balls are ejected. However, as a premise that returned balls are discharged, it is necessary for the ball returning device 20 to take in a predetermined number or more of returned balls and store them in the storage area of the control circuit 30. The balls returned when the ball return buttons 28a to 28c are operated may be directly returned to the return box 21. The control operation of the control circuit 30 described above also controls the payout operation of the prize ball based on the winning ball.
Then, only the ball returning device 20 is driven and controlled, and the pachinko machine 1
The control of 0 may be performed by another control circuit.

Next, the receipt issuing device 40 installed in one screen of the game arcade 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the receipt issuing device 40. In the figure, a receipt issuing device 40 includes a keyboard 41 for inputting a machine number and the like, a check board 42 for inputting a fingerprint as player information, a display device 43 for displaying operating procedures, and the number of returned prize balls. And a printer 44 for printing and issuing data relating to the above, and these are connected to a receipt issuing machine control circuit 45 as shown in FIG.

The operation of the receipt issuing device 40 configured as described above will be described. First, when the player wants to exchange a prize ball obtained after finishing the game in the pachinko machine 10 with a desired prize, the settlement is performed. The button 26 is operated to return all the prize balls to the pachinko island stand 2 via the ball returning device 20 and register the fingerprints on the check board 29. The data signal related to the prize ball and the check board signal related to the fingerprint information returned by this are sent to the receipt issuing machine control circuit 45, and the payment waiting state stored in the storage area in the control circuit 45 is set. In this state, the player goes to the receipt issuing device 40, and as shown in FIG.
Follow the operating procedure displayed on the display device 43. Specifically, first, enter the unit number using the keyboard 41, and then
Put your index finger on the check board 42. Then, in the receipt issuing machine control circuit 45, the check board 4
It is determined whether or not the fingerprint information input from 2 matches the fingerprint information based on the checkboard signal sent from the ball returning device 20 corresponding to the input platform number, and when they match, the data related to the prize ball The printer 44 prints and issues a receipt in which data based on signals is recorded. As the data to be printed on the receipt, not only the total number of prizes to be won, but also the number of exchangeable prizes may be calculated and printed.

Next, the ball payout device 50 provided at the end of the pachinko island stand 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ball payout device 50. In the figure, a ball payout device 50 is a keyboard 51 for inputting a machine number and the like, a check board 52 for inputting a fingerprint which is player information, a display device 53 for displaying operation procedures and the like, and the number of returned prize balls. And a ball payout machine 54 for paying out balls corresponding to the above. These are connected to a ball payout machine control circuit 55 as shown in FIG. A ball box 57 is provided on the side of the ball payout device 50 for holding balls paid back from the ball payout machine 54.
A pedestal 56 for mounting is installed. Further, the ball payout device 50 is provided in contact with the island edge decoration plate 6 provided at the end of the pachinko island stand 2, which receives the balls paid out from the ball payout machine 54 from the pachinko island stand 2. This is because.

The operation of the ball payout device 50 having the above-described structure will be described. First, the player plays the pachinko machine 1
If you want to play with different pachinko machines 10 by using the prize balls obtained after finishing the game at 0, operate the end button 27 to transfer all the prize balls to the pachinko island stand 2 via the ball returning device 20. Check board 29 with return
Register your fingerprint on. The data signal related to the prize ball and the check board signal related to the fingerprint information returned by this are sent to the ball payout machine control circuit 55, and the waiting state stored in the storage area in the control circuit 55 is set. In this state, the player goes to the ball payout device 50, and as shown in FIG.
Follow the operating procedure displayed on the display device 53. Specifically, first enter the unit number using the keyboard 51, then
Put your index finger on the check board 52. Then, in the ball payout machine control circuit 55, it is determined whether the fingerprint information input from the check board 52 matches the fingerprint information based on the check board signal sent from the ball returning device 20 corresponding to the input platform number. If there is a match,
The balls corresponding to the number of prize balls based on the data signal related to the prize balls are paid out from the ball payout machine 54 to the ball box 57.

As described above, in the prize ball returning mechanism in this embodiment, the prize balls obtained in the game are returned to the inside of the pachinko island stand 2 by the ball returning device 20 attached to each pachinko machine 10. The information on the number of prize balls counted at the time of the return is stored together with the fingerprint information registered by the check board 29. On the other hand, in the receipt issuing device 40 provided in one screen of the game arcade 1, the registered fingerprint information is stored. When it is determined by the receipt issuing machine control circuit 45 that the fingerprint information input from the check board 42 and the fingerprint information input from the check board 42 match, the receipt on which the information such as the number of prize balls obtained from the printer 44 is printed surely receives the prize balls. Since it is issued to the acquired player, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts related to receipt issuance, and at the same time an expensive and troublesome maintenance management receipt. Since the line device 40 is provided in a predetermined area of the game arcade 1 that can be easily monitored by the clerk of the game arcade 1, it is sufficient to install several receipt issuing devices 40 in the game arcade 1, and the equipment cost is low. And maintenance becomes easier. Further, when the ball payout device 50 is added, the prize balls once returned by the ball returning device 20 can be refunded to the player again, and thus, the player wants to play with a different pachinko machine using the acquired prize balls. It is possible to meet the demand of the player. It should be noted that the prize ball to be paid out by the ball payout device 50 is also paid out only when the registered and stored fingerprint information is judged to be matched by the check board 52 and the ball payout machine control circuit 55, so that a fraudulent act of payout is performed. There is no.

In the above embodiment, the settlement button 2
The receipt issuing device 40 is driven by operating 6, and the ball payout device 5 is operated by operating the end button 27.
Although 0 has been shown to be driven, for example, the ball returning device 2
It is also possible to provide only the settlement button 26 at 0 and drive both the receipt issuing device 40 and the ball payout device 50 when the settlement button 26 is operated. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the receipt issuing device 40 is provided in one part of the game hall, and the ball payout device 50 is provided at the end of the pachinko island stand 2, but it is easy to monitor the clerk at the game hall. It can be installed anywhere within the range.

[0020]

As is apparent from the above description, in the present invention, the prize balls obtained in the game are returned to the inside of the pachinko island stand by the ball returning device attached to each pachinko machine. The number of prize balls counted at the time of the return is stored together with the fingerprint information registered by the fingerprint information registration storage means, and on the other hand, at a position that is a part of the pachinko island stand or the game hall and can be monitored by the clerk of the game hall. In the receipt issuing device provided, when the registered fingerprint information is judged by the fingerprint information confirmation means to be coincident, the receipt printed with the information such as the number of prize balls obtained from the print issuing means is surely a prize. Since it is issued to the player who has won the ball, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts related to the receipt issuance, and the receipt issuing device that is expensive and troublesome to maintain It is installed on the pachinko island stand or a designated area of the amusement hall that is easily monitored by the store clerk, so several receipt issuing devices can be installed in the amusement hall, which reduces equipment costs and maintenance management. Will be easier.
Also, if a ball payout device is added, the prize balls once returned by the ball return device can be refunded to the player again, so that a player wants to play with a different pachinko machine using the acquired prize balls. Can meet the demands of workers. The prize ball to be paid out by the ball payout device is paid out only when the registered fingerprint information is judged by the fingerprint information confirmation means to be refunded, so that fraudulent act of refunding is not performed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical relationship among a ball returning device, a receipt issuing device, and a ball paying-out device which constitute a prize ball returning mechanism.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a ball returning device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a receipt issuing device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a ball payout device.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a relationship among a keyboard, a check board, and a display device provided in the receipt issuing device and the ball payout device.

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a game arcade.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Game hall 2 Pachinko island stand 10 Pachinko machine 20 Ball returning device 26 Settlement button 27 End button 29 Check board 30 Control circuit 40 Receipt issuing device 41 Keyboard 42 Check board 43 Display device 44 Printer 45 Receipt issuing machine control circuit 50 Ball dispensing device 51 keyboard 52 check board 53 display device 54 ball dispenser

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── --- Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-4-170985 (JP, A) JP-A-2-4397 (JP, A) JP-A-61-45392 (JP, A)

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A prize ball returning mechanism for returning a prize ball obtained by a player in a game, wherein the prize ball returning mechanism is provided corresponding to each pachinko machine installed on a pachinko island stand. It comprises a return device and a receipt issuing device which is a part of the pachinko island stand or a part of the game hall and can be monitored by a clerk of the game hall, and the ball returning device is at least the pachinko machine to the pachinko machine. Count storage means for counting and storing the prize balls returned inside the island stand, first fingerprint information registration and storage means for registering and storing a fingerprint as player information of the player who has won the prize balls, and operated at the end of the game When operated and operated
The number data of returned prizes stored in the counting storage means and
Fingerprint information data stored in the first fingerprint information registration storage means
The and a settlement means for transmitting to said receipt issuing device, the receipt issuing device, the return prize number ball transmitted
Data and fingerprint information data for each pachinko machine unit number
Numeric keypad for entering storage number and unit number to be stored separately
A second fingerprint information registration and storage means for registering and storing a fingerprint,
When the machine number is entered using the numeric keypad,
Fingerprint information stored in the storage area corresponding to the machine number
Stored in the second fingerprint information registration storage means
And the fingerprint information confirmation means for confirming whether or not the fingerprint information data matches, based on matching the output of the fingerprint information verification means
Returns stored in the storage area corresponding to the unit number
A prize ball returning mechanism in a game hall, comprising: a printing and issuing unit that prints and issues information related to the number of pieces of prize balls. 2. A prize ball returning mechanism for returning a prize ball that a player has won in a game, wherein the prize ball returning mechanism is provided corresponding to each pachinko machine installed on a pachinko island stand. A return device, and a receipt issuing device and a ball payout device provided at a position of the pachinko island stand or a part of the game hall that can be monitored by a clerk of the game hall, and the ball return device is at least the pachinko machine. Counting storage means for counting and storing the prize balls returned from the machine to the inside of the pachinko island stand, and first fingerprint information registration and storage means for registering and storing a fingerprint as player information of a player who has won the prize balls. It is operated at the end of the game and the above when operated
The number data of returned prizes stored in the counting storage means and
Fingerprint information data stored in the first fingerprint information registration storage means
Is transmitted to the receipt issuing device and the ball payout device.
And a payment means , wherein the receipt issuing device transmits the number of returned premium items.
Data and fingerprint information data for each pachinko machine unit number
Numeric keypad for entering storage number and unit number to be stored separately
A second fingerprint information registration and storage means for registering and storing a fingerprint,
When the machine number is entered using the numeric keypad,
Fingerprint information stored in the storage area corresponding to the machine number
Stored in the second fingerprint information registration storage means
And the fingerprint information confirmation means for confirming whether or not the fingerprint information data matches, based on matching the output of the fingerprint information verification means
Returns stored in the storage area corresponding to the unit number
Comprising a printing issuing means for printing publish information relating to 却景article piece count data, wherein the ball dispensing device, transmitted the return premium piece count data was
And fingerprint information data are recorded individually for each machine number of the pachinko machine.
A memory area to remember, a numeric keypad to enter the machine number, and a fingerprint
Third fingerprint information registration and storage means for registering and storing
When the unit number is entered with the key,
Fingerprint information data stored in the corresponding storage area
And fingerprint information stored in the third fingerprint information registration storage means
And the fingerprint information confirmation means for confirming whether or not the data and matches, the base number based on matching the output of the fingerprint information verification means
Return gift balls stored in the storage area corresponding to the number
Withdrawal means for refunding the prize ball related to the number data to the player,
A prize ball returning mechanism in a game hall, which is provided with.