JP4782324B2 - Prize ball counter - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a prize ball counter that is installed in a pachinko store, a sparrow ball store, or the like and accurately and accurately counts the number of prize balls acquired by a customer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
At pachinko and sparrow ball stores, prizes such as pachinko balls acquired by players are counted, and prizes for issuing prize exchange cards and receipts to be exchanged for prizes or exchanged at prize exchanges. A ball counter is installed. Such a prize ball counting machine generally detects and counts the number of prize balls thrown into a hopper by a player using an optical sensor.
[0003]
FIG. 13 shows an external configuration of a general prize ball counter 10. A hopper 11 for receiving a large amount of prize balls is provided at the upper center portion, and necessary data and guidance are displayed behind the hopper 11. And a return switch 13, a receipt issue switch 14, and a quantity display unit 12 for returning the end ball. When a prize ball is inserted into the hopper 11, the quantity of the prize ball is automatically counted, the count value is displayed on the quantity display unit 12, and when the receipt issuing switch 14 is pressed, the date, the total number of prize balls, and the like are displayed. The entered receipt is issued from the receipt issuing port 16 and the receipt content is displayed on the display unit 15. In addition, a ball return port 17 is provided on the front face of the prize ball counter 10 for returning the counted number of prize balls to the customer.
[0004]
FIG. 14 shows a partial external configuration of the winning ball counting unit 20 in which the winning ball 1 rolls from the hopper 11, and FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view in the direction of arrow aa ′ in FIG. . For each passage 22 divided by a plurality of rails (lanes) 21, an optical detection sensor pair 30 is provided in parallel. The passage 22 is provided in an inclined manner, and when the prize ball 1 from the hopper 11 rolls through the passage 22 and flows to the prize ball outlet 23, an infrared LED (light emitting element) 30a and a phototransistor ( It is detected by an optical detection sensor pair 30 comprising a light receiving element 30b.
[0005]
The light emission side circuit of the optical detection sensor pair 30 has a configuration shown in FIG. 16, and one light emitting diode (LED1, LED2,...) As a light emitting element is provided in each passage 22 through which the prize ball 1 flows. . Further, the light receiving side circuit of the optical detection sensor pair 30 is configured as shown in FIG. 17, and detection pulse signals (S1, S2,...) From phototransistors (PH1, PH2,...) As light receiving elements. ) Are sent to the comparators (IC1, IC2,...), And the digital signals (DS1, DS2,...) Binarized based on the reference voltages input to the comparators (IC1, IC2,...) Are counted. Input to the circuit ((1), (2),...).
[0006]
In such a configuration, when the prize ball 1 is put into the hopper 11, the prize ball 1 immediately rolls to the rails 21 of the prize ball counting unit 20 by the weight of the prize ball 1 and starts passing through the optical detection sensor pair 30 and counts. Is started, the number of prize balls 1 rolling on each rail 21 is counted by a counting circuit ((1), (2),...), And the total number of prize balls is obtained.
[0007]
Here, when the prize ball counter 10 is shown in a block diagram of a substrate configuration, it is as shown in FIG. 18, which is divided into a sensor substrate 10A and a CPU substrate 10B. Light emitting diodes (LED1, LED2,...) And phototransistors (PH1, PH2,...) Are mounted on the sensor substrate 10A, and constitute an optical detection sensor pair 30. On the other hand, on the CPU board 10B, a CPU 40 as a control means that operates on a ROM 41 storing a program, an IO port 42 as an interface for controlling input / output, and light emitting diodes (LED1, LED2,...) Are turned on / off. An ON / OFF circuit 43 that performs this operation and a comparator 44 that binarizes the ball count signal BS from the phototransistors (PH1, PH2,...) With a reference value are mounted. The light emitting diodes (LED1, LED2,...) Are controlled to emit light by the CPU 40 via the IO port 42 and the ON / OFF circuit 43, and the ball count signal BS from the phototransistors (PH1, PH2,. The number of prize balls 1 is counted by inputting to the CPU 40 via the IO port 42.
[0008]
And recently, an internal fraud to improperly secure store profits by reducing the number of pulses of the counting signal by applying an electric fraud to the ball counting signal BS from the phototransistors (PH1, PH2,...) Has occurred. The illegal content is dealt with so that an illegal circuit is connected to the harness on the light receiving side of the sensor so that the illegality cannot be found by checking the ON / OFF signal of the optical detection sensor pair 30.
[0009]
In this type of illegal circuit, when the light receiving side is OFF, the light receiving side passes the sensor signal, and in this case, the sensor check is OK. Further, when the light emitting side is ON, a part of the plurality of light receiving sides is forcibly turned ON. That is, the count value does not increase even if the winning ball does not pass, and such an illegal circuit is installed in at least one of the plurality of lanes 21.
[0010]
In the circuit of FIG. 17, for example, the phototransistor PH1 is removed from the passage or the signal line related to the transmission of the sensor signal is cut at the point P, so that the sensor signal is passed on the light receiving side when the light emitting side is OFF. When it is ON, an illegal circuit that forcibly turns on a part of the light receiving side sensor is inserted. As a result, even if the sensor check is passed when the power is turned on or before the counting is started, a part of the sensor is forcibly turned on at the time of counting. become. For this reason, an amount smaller than the actual number of balls becomes a count value, which is an undue profit of the store.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In order to prevent such fraud, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-9809, an apparatus for measuring the weight of a prize ball and confirming whether the count value and the weight match is proposed. . However, there is a drawback that a mechanism for measuring the weight is required, leading to an increase in cost, and the weight of the prize counter is also increased.
[0012]
In addition, the program in the ROM 41 of the CPU board 10B is changed (replaced by the ROM) to display an incorrect count value (decremented count value) or to print on a receipt. In order to prevent the replacement of the ROM, a seal sticker is attached to the ROM so that fraud can be easily detected at the time of an audit by visual check. However, once the seal sticker is peeled off, it cannot be repaired. However, it may not be possible to confirm that the ROM is in a place where it cannot be easily seen, and there is also a problem that the seal sticker is forged.
[0013]
Under such circumstances, the current inspection method has no other way than to visually check whether the harness of the sensor board 10A to the harness of the CPU board 10B has been installed or the ROM has not been replaced. is there. The check was voluntarily performed by the game association to improve the quality and the operation was carried out so that the certificate was given to the accepted product, but the confirmation work was very difficult. In addition, a normal ROM is attached only at the time of an on-site inspection by a third party such as a game association, and after the inspection is completed, the ROM is returned to an illegal ROM.
[0014]
For this reason, it is possible to easily detect unauthorized alterations in the prize ball counting machine as described above without disassembling the counting machine, and to ensure illegal acts (modifications) on the store side without relying on visual checks. The emergence of effective measures that can be prevented is strongly desired.
[0015]
The present invention has been made under the circumstances as described above, and an object of the present invention is to make a black box so that it cannot be exchanged for an illegal ROM with an inexpensive configuration, and to ensure safety such as encryption of communication data and use of a secret code. It is an object of the present invention to provide a prize ball counting machine which can prevent illegal acts on the store side by taking measures.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present inventionA passage 22 where prize balls roll, a counting sensor unit 100 which is installed on the passage 22 and detects and counts the passing prize balls, and the counting sensor unit 100 are communicably connected to each other. Receiving the count value output from the unit (100) and displaying the count value, a quantity display unit 200,The above-mentioned object of the present invention relates to a prize ball counter equipped with
  The counting sensor unit(100) includes a first CPU (101) and first memory means in which a predetermined secret code is stored,
The quantity display unit (200) includes a second CPU (201) and second memory means in which the predetermined secret code is stored.
In response to a secret code transmission request from the quantity display unit (200) to the counting sensor unit (100), the predetermined secret code stored in the first memory means of the counting sensor unit (100) is changed to the quantity display unit. The second CPU of the quantity display unit (200) compares the received secret code with the predetermined secret code stored in the second memory means. When matching is performed, the quantity display unit (200) enters the count display mode, and a verification normal end notification is transmitted to the count sensor unit (100), thereby the count sensor unit (100 ) Enters the counting mode, or
In response to a secret code transmission request from the count sensor unit (100) to the quantity display unit (200), the predetermined secret code stored in the second memory means of the quantity display unit (200) is changed to the count sensor unit. The first CPU of the counting sensor unit (100) compares the received predetermined secret code with the predetermined secret code stored in the first memory means. When the matching is performed, the counting sensor unit (100) enters the counting mode and transmits a verification normal end notification to the quantity display unit (200), whereby the quantity display unit (200) In the prize ball counter, which is in the counting display modeThis is achieved.
[0017]
Also, the above object of the present invention is toThe predetermined secret code is registered in the memory means on the one side after being generated using random numbers in either the counting sensor unit or the quantity display unit, and then transmitted to the other side, It is registered in the memory means on the other side, or the counting sensor unit includes an encryption unit for encrypting the count value, and the quantity display unit is the encrypted count value. A receipt printer unit or a card processing unit for printing or writing data including the count value on a receipt or a card, and the receipt printer unit or the card processing unit. By further comprising a control unit for controlling the device, or by providing a communication interface with an external device,Achieved more effectively.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention, the count sensor unit incorporates a ROM dedicated to counting and other elements, and the count sensor unit is made black box with a mold or the like so that it cannot be replaced with an illegal ROM. The display unit also incorporates a display-only CPU and the like, and the quantity display unit is also a black box. The counting sensor unit and the quantity display unit may be integrated, or may be separate and connected to each other via a communication line. The number of prize balls counted by the counting sensor unit is displayed on the display unit of the quantity display unit and also displayed on the quantity display unit of the control unit.
[0019]
For this reason, when the ROM on the control unit side is replaced with a fraudulent ROM, the display of the count value on the quantity display unit and the display of the count value on the control unit side are different. To the customer (player). In addition, the data transmitted from the count sensor unit to the quantity display unit is encrypted, and the encrypted count sensor secret code transmitted from the count sensor unit and the quantity display unit of the control unit are registered in advance. Comparison with the secret code is performed to check whether it is a proper combination. For this reason, fraud can be prevented more reliably.
[0020]
Hereinafter, the prize ball counter 10A of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
FIG. 1 shows an example of the external configuration of the present invention corresponding to FIG. 13, the display unit 204 of the second quantity display unit 200 is provided in a place where the customer can easily see, and the customer displays the display value of the display unit 204. And the display value of the quantity display section 12 can be compared and confirmed. Since it is conceivable that the player is confused when there are two quantity display sections, the description or the like may be attached. Further, a card issuing port 210 for issuing and releasing a gift exchange card is provided on the front face of the counter. When issuing a receipt, there is no need to issue a gift exchange card. When issuing a gift exchange card, there is no need to issue a receipt, but in this embodiment, the receipt and the gift exchange card are selectively used. Shows an example of issuing. Further, the display unit 204 may not be provided and only the quantity display unit 12 may be configured to compare and confirm the display value and the issued receipt or premium replacement card.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 2, the counting sensor unit 100 has a long and rectangular cylindrical molded integrated structure, in which a light emitting element, a light receiving element, a CPU, and other elements are integrated. As shown in FIG. 3, the counting sensor unit 100 is arranged in such a manner as to surround the rail 21 and the passage 22 of the prize ball counting unit 20, and optically collect the prize ball rolling on the passage 22. It comes to detect.
[0023]
The internal configuration of the present invention is the configuration shown in FIG. 4, which is molded with the optical detection sensor pair 30 as described in FIGS. 16 and 17, and has the configuration shown in FIG. The counting sensor unit 100 and the number of prize balls counted by the counting sensor unit 100 are displayed on the display unit 204, and the quantity display unit 200 having a molded structure is used. The ROM 301 can be replaced, and includes a control unit 300 that issues a quantity display, receipt issuance, and a gift exchange card as a portable medium.
[0024]
The counting sensor unit 100 includes an optical detection sensor pair 30 in which a plurality of light emitting elements (for example, LEDs) on the light emitting side and a plurality of light receiving elements (for example, phototransistors) on the light receiving side are mounted in pairs, and the optical detection sensor pair 30. The number of prize balls is counted via the IO port 112 based on the output of the light emission amount control circuit 110 for driving the light emitting element, the comparator 111 for binarizing the output of the optical detection sensor pair 30, and the output of the comparator 111. CPU 101 having a function of displaying and displaying; ROM 102 storing a program for counting, displaying, communicating, and encrypting a prize ball; RAM 103 for storing data necessary for data processing; quantity display unit 200 and control And a serial IO port 104 for performing communication and the like with the unit 300. The CPU 101 performs light emission control of the light emitting element through the IO port 112 and the light emission quantity control circuit 110 according to the program (light emission quantity control data) in the ROM 102, and the signal from the light receiving element is converted into a binary signal by the comparator 111. A binary signal is received via the IO port 112 and the prize balls are counted.
[0025]
The quantity display unit 200 includes a serial IO port 202 that communicates with the count sensor unit 100, a CPU 201 that performs control for decoding and displaying the count value transmitted from the count sensor unit 100, and A ROM 203 that stores programs such as communication, display, and decryption and is connected to the CPU 201, a display unit 204 that includes a liquid crystal driven by a driver 205, and a RAM 206 that stores data necessary for data processing. It has a mold structure so that the built-in ROM 203 and the like cannot be replaced from the outside. The counting sensor unit 100 and the quantity display unit 200 are connected by a communication line 210 via serial IO ports 104 and 202.
[0026]
On the other hand, the control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 as a control unit that performs overall control, a ROM 302 that stores a program for driving the CPU 301, an IO port 303 as an interface for controlling input / output of the CPU 301, and a count sensor unit. 100 includes a serial IO port 304 for communicating with 100, and a RAM 305 for storing data necessary for data processing. The IO port 303 is connected to the quantity display unit 12 and is connected to a receipt printer unit / card processing unit 310 for issuing a receipt or issuing a gift exchange card. The receipt issued by the receipt printer unit / card processing unit 310 is ejected from the receipt issuance port 16, and the gift exchange card issued by the receipt printer unit / card processing unit 310 is ejected from the card issuance port 210, and serially received. The count value transmitted from the count sensor unit 100 via the IO ports 104 and 304 is displayed on the quantity display unit 12.
[0027]
In the above description, the count sensor unit 100 and the quantity display unit 200 are separately molded and connected by the communication line 210. However, the count sensor unit 100 and the quantity display unit 200 may be integrally molded. . In this case, no communication line is required.
[0028]
With this configuration, the basic operation of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 5 shows the relationship among the quantity display unit 200, the counting sensor unit 100, and the control unit 300 in the order of time.
[0029]
First, when the power is turned on, the CPU 101 of the counting sensor unit 100 causes the light emitting element to emit light at a predetermined light emission level via the IO port 112 and the light emission amount control circuit 110 according to the program of the ROM 102, and the light reception signal from the light receiving element is compared with the comparator. 111 is input via the I / O port 112 and is in a waiting state for throwing a ball for counting prize balls (step S1). When the prize ball is thrown into the hopper 11, the signal from the light receiving element corresponding to the prize ball rolling in the passage 22 is binarized by the comparator 111 and input to the CPU 101 via the IO port 112. At the same time, a timer (not shown) is set (step S2). The count value counted by the CPU 101 is encrypted (step S3), and the encrypted count value is sequentially transmitted from the serial IO port 104 to the quantity display unit 200 via the communication line 210 (step S4). The CPU 201 of the quantity display unit 200 decrypts the count value received via the serial IO port 202 (step S5), displays the quantity on the display unit 204 via the driver 205 (step S6), and displays a display completion signal. The data is transmitted from the serial IO port 202 to the counting sensor unit 100 (step S7). The counting sensor unit 100 repeats the counting operation until a timer (not shown) reaches time-up (step S8).
[0030]
If the timer reaches time-up in step S8, it is determined that all the counting of the winning balls thrown into the hopper 11 has been completed. At this time, the CPU 201 of the quantity display unit 200 displays the final quantity on the display unit 204. Is displayed, and the CPU 101 of the count sensor unit 100 transmits the count value that has been counted to the control unit 300 from the serial IO port 104 (step S10). The CPU 301 of the control unit 300 receives the count value via the serial IO port 304, displays the count value on the quantity display unit 12 via the IO port 303 (step S11), and also includes a built-in receipt printer unit / card processing. The receipt 310 is processed by the unit 310 (step S13). In the case of issuing or additionally updating a gift exchange card instead of issuing a receipt, the receipt printer / card processing unit 310 issues or updates a gift exchange card. The order of issuing the receipt, issuing the gift exchange card, updating, and displaying the quantity is arbitrary.
[0031]
Thereafter, the CPU 301 of the control unit 300 transmits a receipt issue process completion signal to the count sensor unit 100 via the serial IO port 304 (step S14), and the CPU 101 of the count sensor unit 100 receives the receipt issue process completion signal. A display end instruction signal is transmitted to the quantity display unit 200 (step S15), and the quantity display unit 200 ends the display (step S16). That is, the count value display is set to 0 or disappears, and the count standby state is restored. Thereafter, the quantity display unit 200 transmits a display end report to the counting sensor unit 100 (step S17).
Next, the operation of the counting sensor unit 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0032]
The counting sensor unit 100 is always in a waiting state for detecting a prize ball (step S20), and when a prize ball inserted into the hopper 11 is detected, the CPU 101 sets a display interrupt timer and a count completion timer ( Step S21), the counting of prize balls is started (step S22). The counting of prize balls is repeated until the timer expires, and when the counting completion timer expires, the counted value is encrypted (step S23) and transmitted to the quantity display unit 200 via the serial IO port 104 (step S23). S24). Then, it is determined whether or not a display completion signal has been received from the quantity display unit 200 (step S25). If the reception is not OK, the error is reduced. Whether or not reception by the quantity display unit 200 is OK is determined by collation of a secret code described later. The counting completion timer is updated every time counting pulses are counted in the counting routine.
[0033]
If the reception of the quantity display unit 200 is OK in step S25, the timer is cleared and transmitted to the control unit 300 (step S26), and a receipt issue processing completion signal is received from the control unit 300 (step S27). A display end instruction signal is transmitted to the quantity display unit 200 (step S28). Then, the display end report signal is received from the quantity display unit 200 (step S29), the process returns to step S20 and waits for the next ball count.
[0034]
If timer interrupt processing is requested during the counting in step S22, the counting in step S22 is continued after the processing shown in FIG. 7 is executed. That is, when the interrupt process is started, the count value is first encrypted (step S30), the encrypted count value is transmitted to the quantity display unit 200 (step S31), and the display interrupt timer is updated (step S32). .
[0035]
Next, the operation of the quantity display unit 200 will be described according to the flowchart of FIG.
[0036]
First, the CPU 201 of the quantity display unit 200 receives data from the count sensor unit 100 (step S40), determines whether or not a count value is received (step S41), and if a count value is received, a predetermined algorithm is received. (Step S42), and it is determined whether or not the decoding is successful (step S43). For example, if the checksum of the decoded count value is not normal, the error is reduced (step S44). If the checksum is OK, the count value is displayed on the display unit 204 (step S45), and then a display completion signal is displayed. The data is transmitted to the counting sensor unit 100 (step S46), and the process returns to step S40. An alarm may be output when the error is down.
[0037]
If the count value is not received in step S41, it is determined whether a display end instruction signal has been received (step S47). If no display end instruction signal has been received, the process returns to step S40. , Perform other processing. If it is determined in step S47 that the display end instruction signal has been received, processing for display end (display is set to 0 or display is turned off) is performed (step S48), and the display end report is sent to the counting sensor. Is transmitted to the unit 100 (step S49), and the process returns to step S40.
[0038]
In the present invention, an authentication method using a secret code is adopted between the counting sensor unit 100 and the quantity display unit 200 in order to further ensure the integrity of fraud prevention. See the flowchart of FIG. To explain.
[0039]
The counting sensor unit 100 and the quantity display unit 200 are activated by turning on the power immediately after manufacturing assembly or by sending an initial setting command by communication to execute the processing program (step S60), and there is a secret code. (Step S60A), and if the secret code already exists, the next processing is performed. If the secret code does not exist, the CPU 201 of the quantity display unit 200 generates a random number (step S61). For example, a 4-digit random number is added to a 4-digit random number to generate an 8-digit number string. A secret code for the display unit is created and registered based on a predetermined algorithm such as creating or multiplying the secret code by the generated random number (step S62). The registered secret code for display unit is transmitted to the counting sensor unit 100 via the IO port 202 (step S63), and the counting sensor unit 100 transmits the transmitted secret code for display unit via the serial IO port 104. Receiving and registering (step S64), the CPU 101 generates a random number (step S65), and creates and registers a secret code for the counting sensor based on the random number (step S66). For example, the secret code for the counting sensor is generated by multiplying the secret code for the display unit by the generated random number. The registered count sensor secret code is transmitted to the quantity display unit 200 (step S67), and the quantity display unit 200 registers the count sensor secret code transmitted from the count sensor unit 100 (step S68). In this state, the prize ball counter 10A is shipped.
[0040]
Here, when the power is turned on at the store where the winning ball counter 10A is purchased and installed (step S70), a secret code transmission request is transmitted from the quantity display unit 200 to the counting sensor unit 100 (step S71). A secret code for counting sensor registered in advance is transmitted from the sensor unit 100 to the quantity display unit 200 (step S72). The CPU 201 of the quantity display unit 200 executes a check program (step S73), and checks whether the previously registered count sensor secret code is the same as the transmitted count sensor secret code. It is determined whether or not (step S74). If the collation is OK, the quantity display unit 200 enters the count display mode and transmits a normal end notification to the count sensor unit 100 (step S77), whereby the count sensor unit 100 enters the count mode. In addition, when the verification of the secret code for the counting sensor in step S74 is not OK, an error is displayed (step S75), and the system is down (step S76). An alarm may be issued when the system is down.
[0041]
Thus, after confirming the collation based on the secret code between the quantity display unit 200 and the count sensor unit 100, the quantity display unit 200 enters the count display mode and the count sensor unit 100 enters the count mode. The quantity counted by the unit 100 is correctly displayed on the display unit 204 of the quantity display unit 200. The secret code may be confirmed by either one or both of the counting sensor unit and the quantity display unit.
[0042]
In the above description, the counting sensor display unit is molded and integrated. However, any other method may be used as long as it is a black box and the built-in CPU cannot be replaced from the outside.
[0043]
FIG. 10 shows a configuration in which the receipt printer unit / card processing unit 310 is externally attached to the prize ball counter 10A. The receipt printer unit / card processing unit 310 is a receipt printer unit / card processing unit interface 311. It is controlled by the CPU 301 via
[0044]
FIG. 11 shows a configuration in which the count sensor unit 100 and the quantity display unit (200) are integrated, and the display unit 204 displays the count value from the CPU 101 via the IO port 112. Therefore, no communication line is required in this example.
[0045]
Further, FIG. 12 shows a configuration when the receipt printer unit / card processing unit 310 in FIG. 11 is externally attached. The receipt printer unit / card processing unit 310 is connected via the receipt printer unit / card processing unit interface 311. Controlled by the CPU 301.
[0046]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the number of light emitting elements and light receiving elements is six. However, the number is arbitrary, and the CPU includes an arithmetic processing unit such as an MPU. Further, the above description has been made on pachinko ball counting / display, but the same applies to other prize balls. The counting sensor may use a magnet such as a proximity switch.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the prize ball counter of the present invention, since the counting sensor unit is made into a black box, it cannot be replaced with an illegal ROM, and the output of the counting result cannot be altered. In addition, the signal system of the counting sensor unit and the quantity display unit is integrated, and the quantity display unit is also molded so that the ROM cannot be replaced with an unauthorized one. Impossible. When the ROM on the control unit side is replaced with a fraudulent ROM, the count value in the quantity display unit and the count value on the control unit side printed and displayed are different, so that the player can easily know that there is fraud.
[0048]
In addition, since the data transmitted from the counting sensor unit to the quantity display unit is encrypted, it is not possible to tamper with the data by inserting an illegal circuit in the middle as in the prior art. Furthermore, the encrypted count sensor secret code transmitted from the count sensor unit is compared with the secret code registered in the quantity display unit in advance to check whether the combination is valid and to count and display As a result, a reliable quantity display can be performed. In addition, by making only the necessary parts black boxes, it is possible to cope with specification changes in the control unit and there is no deterioration in maintenance.
[0049]
As described above, according to the present invention, since the player knows that fraud has occurred (counter abnormality has occurred), there is an effect that fraud at the store must be given up.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view showing a configuration example of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a counting sensor unit.
FIG. 3 is an external configuration diagram of a prize ball counting unit.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall operation of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example (counting sensor unit) of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example (counting sensor unit) of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation example (quantity display unit) of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example (authentication by a secret code) of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of still another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of still another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is an external configuration diagram of a general prize ball counter.
FIG. 14 is a partial external configuration diagram of a prize ball counting unit.
15 is a partial cross-sectional view in the direction of arrow a-a ′ of FIG.
FIG. 16 is a connection diagram illustrating an example of a light emission side circuit of a pair of optical detection sensors.
FIG. 17 is a connection diagram illustrating an example of a light-receiving side circuit of a pair of optical detection sensors.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a prize ball counter.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 prize ball
10 prize ball counter
11 Hopper
12 Quantity display section
15 Display section
16 Receipt issuer
20 Prize ball counter
21 rails (lanes)
22 passage
30 Optical detection sensor pair
30a LED (light emitting device)
30b Phototransistor (light receiving element)
100 counting sensor
101 CPU
102 ROM
104 Serial IO port
110 Light emission amount control circuit
200 Quantity display section
201 CPU
202 Serial IO port
204 display
300 Control unit
301 CPU
302 ROM
303 Serial IO port
310 Receipt Printer / Card Processing Unit
311 Receipt Printer / Card Processing Unit Interface

Claims (5)

A passage (22) where the prize balls roll,
A counting sensor unit (100) that is installed on the passage (22) and detects and counts the prize balls passed,
The count sensor unit (100) is communicably connected to each other, and receives a count value output from the count sensor unit (100), and includes a quantity display unit (200) for displaying the count value. In the prize ball counter,
The counting sensor unit (100) includes a first CPU (101) and first memory means in which a predetermined secret code is stored,
The quantity display unit (200) includes a second CPU (201) and second memory means in which the predetermined secret code is stored.
In response to a secret code transmission request from the quantity display unit (200) to the counting sensor unit (100), the predetermined secret code stored in the first memory means of the counting sensor unit (100) is changed to the quantity display unit. The second CPU of the quantity display unit (200) compares the received secret code with the predetermined secret code stored in the second memory means. When matching is performed, the quantity display unit (200) enters the count display mode, and a verification normal end notification is transmitted to the count sensor unit (100), thereby the count sensor unit (100 ) Enters the counting mode, or
In response to a secret code transmission request from the count sensor unit (100) to the quantity display unit (200), the predetermined secret code stored in the second memory means of the quantity display unit (200) is changed to the count sensor unit. The first CPU of the counting sensor unit (100) compares the received predetermined secret code with the predetermined secret code stored in the first memory means. When the matching is performed, the counting sensor unit (100) enters the counting mode and transmits a verification normal end notification to the quantity display unit (200), whereby the quantity display unit (200) A prize ball counting machine characterized in that is in a counting display mode . The predetermined secret code is generated in one of the counting sensor unit or the quantity display unit using a random number and then registered in the memory means on one side, and then transmitted to the other side, 2. The prize ball counter according to claim 1, which is registered in the memory means on the other side . The award according to claim 1, wherein the count sensor unit includes an encryption unit that encrypts the count value, and the quantity display unit includes a decryption unit that decrypts the encrypted count value. Sphere counter. A receipt printer unit or a card processing unit for printing or writing data including the count value on a receipt or a card;
3. The prize ball counter according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit for controlling the receipt printer unit or the card processing unit . The prize ball counter according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a communication interface with an external device .

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