JP4818861B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that handles a pachinko ball as a game ball, and more particularly, to a technique for taking measures against malfunctions and fraud countermeasures of a take-in device that takes in a game ball.

  In recent years, a slot machine type game machine called a so-called parrot has been proposed. While ordinary slot machines use medals as game media, parrot uses game balls that are common to pachinko gaming machines as game media. In this parrot, when a unit number of game balls corresponding to the betting rate is inserted, a drum with various symbols continuously applied to the surface rotates, and a predetermined number of symbols according to the combination of symbols appearing when the drum is stopped. A game ball is paid out.

  Since the parrot uses game balls, it can be installed on the same game island as the pachinko game machine, and a ball supply / discharge mechanism common to the pachinko game machine can be used. For a game store, this parrot has advantages such as simplification of equipment and reduction of management costs for game media.

  In the slot machine, a bet rate is selected when a player inserts a medal corresponding to a bet rate into a medal slot. In accordance with the selected betting rate, a combination line that is valid among symbol combinations derived in one game is determined. For example, one combination line corresponding to one medal is determined as an object of validity determination, and three combination lines corresponding to two medals are determined as an object of effective determination, and corresponds to three medals. Thus, five combination lines are determined as targets for validity determination.

  A part selection similar to the slot machine is also adopted in the parrot. However, in general, since the game value of one game ball is set lower than the game value of one medal, in the parrot, a plurality of game balls having the same game value as one medal are placed in the betting rate. Need to be taken in as a unit. For example, the game value of one game ball is set to 1/5 of the game value of one medal. According to this game value setting, it is necessary to take in five game balls in order to make one combination line a target of validity determination. Therefore, the parrot is provided with a game ball take-in device in order to take a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the unit number of the betting rate from the ball tray into the parrot at a time.

  As a game ball take-in device, there is a device that draws a predetermined number of game balls waiting on a waiting path at the same time with a pull-out member, and drops them into a take-in basket (see, for example, “Patent Document 1”).

  This game ball take-in device has a standby path that communicates with a ball tray. The game balls that have flowed in from the ball trays stand in a line on the waiting path. On the long side one side of the standby path, an intake rod having an opening along the long side one side is arranged. The opening extends over a range corresponding to the number of game balls corresponding to one unit of the betting rate waiting on the standby path. The drawing member is a feeding mechanism that is disposed on the opposite side of the opening with the standby path interposed therebetween.

  The drawing member has a drawing plate having a length corresponding to the number of game balls of one unit, and this drawing plate is disposed to face the opening. When the drawing member moves toward the opening across the flow-down direction of the waiting path, one unit of the game ball facing the opening is simultaneously pushed into the take-in basket by the drawing plate and thrown in. The solenoid for moving the drawing plate is installed behind the drawing plate, and the drawing plate moves across the standby path when the solenoid pushes the plunger.

  Sensors are disposed on the waiting path and the take-in basket corresponding to the respective game balls to be waited on or thrown in. The sensor disposed on the standby path detects that the game ball is waiting on the standby path, and is used for permitting the operation of the extraction member. A sensor arranged in the take-in cage detects the number of game balls actually thrown.

Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 7-55246

  There is a risk that the gaming machine may suffer a malfunction such as a failure or abnormality of an internal device, or an illegal act may be performed on the gaming machine. The fraud related to the game ball take-in device is a fraud that causes the game machine to misidentify that a game ball has been taken in, even though there is no game ball waiting on the waiting path or is insufficient.

  An object that can be detected by a sensor arranged in the waiting path is pushed into the waiting path from the outside of the gaming machine, and the object passes through the sensor arranged in the take-in basket when the BET button is pressed. When it moves, in the conventional game ball take-in device, it may be mistaken that the game ball is waiting on the waiting path, and it may be mistaken that the game ball on the waiting path is thrown into the take-in basket by pressing the BET button. .

  Such malfunctions of gaming machines and fraudulent acts against gaming machines should be prevented and should be dealt with promptly. In order to do so, it is necessary to make cheating on gaming machines difficult. Furthermore, it is necessary to detect without missing a bug or fraud of the gaming machine.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for detecting defects and frauds relating to a game ball take-in device arranged in a gaming machine.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a gaming machine that takes a game ball as a unit of a betting rate and pays a number of game balls according to a game result, and waits for the game ball to wait. A path, a take-in rod into which the game ball on the standby path is thrown, and a detected portion made of a protruding locking piece, and an inflowable position allowing the game ball on the standby path to flow in, Detecting a game ball that flows into the take-in cage and moves in between the inflow prevention position where a part of the take-up cage remains on the waiting path and blocks the inflow of game balls. The throwing ball detection means, the operation detection means for detecting the throwing operation of the throwing means, the throwing control means for controlling the throwing operation of the throwing means, the presence / absence of control of the throwing control means, the detection of the throwing ball detection means On the basis of the presence / absence of detection and the presence / absence of detection of the operation detection means Has an error determining means for determining a game ball incorporation errors, and error processing means for error handling when the error determination means determines an error, the movement restricting hole for inserting the locking pieces, put actuated the closing A frame on which an edge of the movement restricting hole is formed so that the locking piece can be brought into contact with the locking piece so as not to move further from the inflow prevention position, and the operation detecting means includes the locking piece Including a sensor that detects a closing operation of the charging unit by detecting the proximity of the locking unit, and the locking piece is located at a position that is not detected by the sensor when the charging unit is moved to the inflowable position. When the input means is moved to the inflow prevention position, the input means is located at a position detected by the sensor .

The error judging means judges that a game ball take-in error is detected when the throwing ball detecting means detects before the operation detecting means detects (corresponding to the invention according to claim 2).

The error judging means judges a game ball take-in error when the throwing ball detecting means is detected after a lapse of a predetermined time from the detection of the operation detecting means (corresponding to the invention according to claim 3). ).

And a game state display unit for displaying a game state. The error processing means, as the error process, causes the effect unit to report an error during the game, except during the game. The game state display unit displays an error together with an error notification by the effect unit (corresponding to the invention of claim 4).

A plurality of the throwing ball detecting means are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with each game ball waiting on the waiting path, and the error judging means has a plurality of detections by the same throwing and throwing ball detecting means for one throwing operation. If it reaches the number of times, it may be determined that there is a game ball take-in error (corresponding to the invention of claim 5).

  According to the present invention, whether or not the throwing means is controlled, the throwing action of the throwing means is controlled, the throwing action of the throwing means is detected, and the game ball flowing down the take-in basket is detected. Based on the relationship between the presence / absence of detection and the presence / absence of detection of the throw-in operation, a game ball take-in error is determined and error processing is performed. As a result, a failure due to a failure or abnormality of the input means can be detected and error processing can be performed. In addition, despite the fact that the throwing means is not controlled, it is possible to quickly detect and deal with fraudulent acts that actuate the throwing means and misconducts that cause game balls to be misidentified.

  Further, as the operation detecting means, there is a protrusion protruding from the input means and a sensor to which the protrusion comes close when the input means is operated, and the operation of the input means is detected by the sensor detecting the proximity of the protrusion. In this case, it suffices if one sensor for detecting a failure of the input means is provided for each input means.

  In the error determination, even if it is under the control of the throwing control means, it may be judged as an error if the throwing ball detecting means is detected before the detection of the operation detecting means. Further, in the error determination, even if it is under the control of the throwing control means, an error may be judged if the throwing ball detecting means is detected after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection of the operation detecting means.

  The throwing ball detection means also detects an object that is detected by the throwing ball detection means from the outside of the gaming machine and causes the throwing ball detection means to detect the object when the BET button is pressed. Since the timing of making this becomes severe, the possibility of detecting this fraud increases.

  In addition, when an error is detected, during the game, the effect part that produces the game is informed of the error, and when the game is not in progress, the error is displayed in the game state display part together with the error notification of the effect part. Even when an error occurs, it is possible to quickly notify the error without stopping the current game.

  Further, the input means is arranged facing the standby path, the protrusion of the operation detection means protrudes from the back outer surface on the side facing the standby path, and the sensor of the operation detection means is arranged on the outer surface side of the input means. You may do it. As a result, even if an object that can be detected by the sensor is inserted into the standby path that communicates from the outside of the gaming machine, the protrusion or the sensor is positioned behind the space where the object is inserted with the insertion means interposed therebetween. Therefore, the inserted object is blocked by the input means and cannot approach the sensor. Accordingly, it is difficult to perform an illegal act that misidentifies the operation of the input means.

  Further, in the error determination, if the same throwing ball detection means detects a plurality of times per throwing operation, it may be judged as a game ball take-in error. In the fraudulent act of detecting the thrown ball by impersonating the pushed object as a game ball, the object repeatedly passes in front of the same thrown ball detection means due to an operation error of the pushed object or a pulling back operation of the pushed object. There is a case. From such knowledge, the detection accuracy of fraudulent acts can be increased by the configuration.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Outline of gaming machines)
FIG. 1 is a view showing a front panel of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine 1 is a so-called parrot device that is a slot machine type and uses a game ball as a game medium. When a predetermined betting rate is selected, game balls having a number corresponding to the unit of the selected betting rate are taken in to start a game, and game balls having a number corresponding to the game result are paid out. In the game, a plurality of drums with various symbols continuously attached to the surface rotate, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out according to the combination of symbols appearing when the drum is stopped.

  The gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 that is attached and fixed to the island facility of the game hall, a middle frame 3, and a front frame 4. The outer frame 2 is provided with a hinge portion 12 on one side edge portion. The middle frame 3 is located on the front side of the outer frame 2 and is pivotally supported by the hinge portion 12 so that it can be opened and closed. The front frame 4 is located on the front side of the middle frame 3 and is pivotally supported by the hinge portion 12 so that it can be opened and closed. The middle frame 3 and the front frame 4 are provided with a locking device 17 at a side edge opposite to the pivot end. The middle frame 3 and the front frame 4 are configured to be able to be integrally opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 2 by being locked by the locking device 17.

  The front frame 4 is provided with an effect section 5 and a game state display section 6 on the surface. The production unit 5 includes a liquid crystal display, an LED lamp, and a speaker, and produces a game by displaying the liquid crystal display, blinking the LED lamp, and sound output from the speaker. The game state display unit 6 includes an LED lamp and 7SEG. This gaming state display unit 6 displays the gaming state by lighting the LED lamp or 7SEG, such as displaying a betting rate or a valid combination line, displaying the number of game balls paid out, displaying a winning symbol, displaying a credit, etc. . In addition, when the game unit 1 and the gaming state display unit 6 have a gaming ball take-in error due to clogging, malfunction, fraud, or the like, the gaming unit 1 notifies the error.

  The game state display unit 6 is roughly divided into a display part that displays information that should be displayed at all times, such as a credit display, and a display part that displays information according to the situation as appropriate. It is desirable to display the information on a display portion that displays information.

  A window portion 13 is provided at the front center of the front frame 4. The window 13 covers the variable display device that is installed in the middle frame 3 and faces the back surface of the front frame 4 so that the variable display device can be visually recognized. The variable display device has a plurality of drums arranged with various symbols continuously attached to the surface.

  A ball tray 15 is disposed below the window portion 13. The outer shape of the ball tray 15 is configured by a cover member 150 that bulges from the front frame 4 to the front outside of the gaming machine 1. The ball tray 15 stores the game balls paid out by winning, and supplies the stored game balls to the game ball take-in device 50 (see FIG. 3) provided on the back surface of the front frame 4.

  A lower tray 16 is disposed below the ball tray 15. The lower tray 16 stores game balls that have overflowed from the ball tray 15.

  The operation unit 14 is installed on the upper surface and the front surface of the cover member 150. The operation unit 14 is provided with a lever 141, a stop button 142, and a settlement button 145 on the front surface thereof. On the top surface, a BET button 143a, a MAX BET button 143b, and a switching button 144 are arranged.

  The lever 141 is disposed on the left side of the operation unit 14. The stop buttons 142, 142, 142 are arranged on the right side of the lever 141 corresponding to each drum. The settlement button 145 is arranged on the right side of the stop button 142. The BET button 143a and the MAX BET button 143b are arranged above the lever 141. The switching button 144 is disposed above the settlement button 145.

  The lever 141 constitutes start operation means that is operated to start variable display in the symbol combination game, and starts rotating the drums all at once by a pressing operation. The stop buttons 142, 142, 142 constitute stop operation means for individually stopping each rotating drum by a pressing operation.

  The BET button 143a constitutes an input means for inserting game balls, and inputs the number of game balls corresponding to the unit of the betting rate corresponding to the number of pressing operations. In addition, the MAX BET button 143b allows a game ball having the number of balls corresponding to all units of the betting rate to be inserted by a single pressing operation.

  The switch button 144 constitutes a handling format change operation means for changing the handling format of the gaming balls that have already been taken in and stored and the gaming balls that are paid out to the player as a result of establishment of a predetermined condition. To do. The change of the handling format is, for example, changing whether the handling of the game ball to be paid out is discharged from the lower plate 16 described later as an actual game ball or stored in the control device of the gaming machine as a virtual game ball. Means that.

  The payment button 145 constitutes a discharge operation means for discharging the game balls stored in the ball receiving tray 15 to the lower tray 16. That is, when the player finishes the game and tries to take out the game balls stored in the ball tray 15, the game ball in the ball tray 15 is moved to the lower plate 16 by pressing the settlement button 145. To be discharged. In addition to this, the settlement button 145 also has a function of paying out the game balls once taken in by the pressing operation of the BET button 143a and the game balls stored and stored as described above.

  FIG. 2 is a view showing the back surface of the front frame 4. The ball tray 15 is fitted so as to protrude from the back surface of the front frame 4 to the front surface. The rear surface of the ball tray 15 is urged by the stay 20 so as to be pushed forward. The stay 20 is installed on a metal first reinforcing member 21 and a second reinforcing member 22 that are installed along both side edges of the front frame 4.

  The first reinforcing member 21 has a hinge portion 12 attached thereto. A locking device 17 is attached to the second reinforcing member 22.

  The back surface of the front frame 4 includes a ball tray 15 and accommodates a path through which game balls circulate. In the front frame 4, a discharge port 23 that penetrates from the back surface to the front surface of the front frame 4 is penetrated above one side of the ball tray 15. The game balls paid out according to the game result pass through the back surface of the front frame 4 and are stored in the ball tray 15 protruding to the front surface through the discharge port 23.

  The ball tray 15 has a dish bottom surface inclined in the opposite direction with the discharge port 23 side as an upper end. An intake port (not shown) that communicates from the dish surface of the ball receiving tray 15 to the outer surface is penetrated through the wall portion remaining on the back surface side of the front frame 4 on the wall surface waiting for the inclined lower end. The game balls stored in the ball tray 15 on the back surface side of the front frame 4 flow around the inclination, pass through the intake port, and flow into the back surface of the front frame 4.

  A game ball take-in device 50 is attached to the front frame 4. It faces the rear surface of the ball tray 15 below the stay 20 and is attached with the side surface of the device facing the intake port. The inside of the apparatus and the ball tray 15 communicate with each other through an intake port. The game ball take-in device 50 temporarily waits for a game ball that has flowed in through the take-in port of the ball tray 15 and corresponds to a unit of a betting rate corresponding to pressing of the BET button 143a or the MAX BET button 143b. It is a device that captures.

  Below the game ball take-in device 50, a mechanism-side outflow path 24 that forms an outflow path to the ball supply / discharge mechanism for the taken game balls is disposed. The game ball taken into the game ball take-in device 50 flows out from the outlet 25 formed in the game ball take-in device 50 and flows into the mechanism-side outflow path 24, and the ball outside the gaming machine 1 from the lower outlet 26. Outflow toward supply and discharge mechanism.

(Game ball take-in device)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an appearance of the game ball take-in device 50. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the game ball take-in device 50 is covered with a case 51 that is long in the width direction of the gaming machine 1. The case 51 is configured by combining a front and rear case that is split in the front-rear direction along the mounting surface 51 a facing the back surface of the ball tray 15.

  On the attachment surface 51a of the case 51, a long hole 51d facing the back surface of the settlement button 145 installed in the front frame 4 is provided penetrating inward. From the long hole 51d, a ball removal lever 52 accommodated therein protrudes. The elongated hole 51d has an extra space below the protruding position of the ball removal lever 52, and is open so that the ball removal lever 52 can be pushed down. The back surface of the payment button 145 and the ball removal lever 52 are in direct contact with each other directly or via a transmission member. The ball removal lever 52 is pushed down by the player depressing the checkout button 145, and the game balls stored in the ball receiving tray 15 are removed through the game ball take-in device 50.

  The upper surface 51b of the case 51 is provided with a rectangular connector insertion port 53 that is long in the long side direction of the upper surface 51b. The connector insertion port 53 is penetrated so as to be biased toward one end side in the long side direction of the upper surface 51b. A cable extending from the control unit 7 (see FIG. 13) of the game ball take-in device 50 or a power supply device (not shown) is inserted into the connector insertion port 53 and connected to the internal connector 61. Drive power and control signals are supplied to the game ball take-in device 50 through the connector 61, and various detection signals from the game ball take-in device 50 are taken out.

  In addition, the connector insertion port 53 is unevenly penetrated because of the internal structure of the game ball take-in device 50 described later, the connector 61 is connected to another internal configuration and the long side direction of the game ball take-in device 50 This is because it has become possible to parallel to each other.

  One side surface 51c orthogonal to the mounting surface 51a and the upper surface 51b of the case 51 is penetrated by an inlet 54 that communicates with the intake port of the ball tray 15 and allows the game ball to flow into the game ball intake device 50. Has been. The inflow port 54 has a width and height that are slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. Through the inflow port 54, the game ball flows into the game ball take-in device 50 and is taken in one ball or a predetermined number of units. The game is allowed to start.

(Internal configuration of game ball take-in device)
4 to 7 are diagrams showing an internal configuration of the game ball take-in device 50. FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the internal configuration of the game ball take-in device 50 as viewed from the mounting surface 51a side. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the internal configuration of the game ball take-in device 50 viewed from the surface opposite to the mounting surface 51a. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the game ball take-in device 50 as viewed from the side opposite to the side surface 51c. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the game ball take-in device 50. In each figure, the configuration is partially omitted for convenience of explanation.

(Basic configuration of game ball take-in device)
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the game ball take-in device 50 includes a standby path 55 for waiting for a game ball, and a plurality of input mechanisms 56 (56-1, 56-1) for performing an operation for inputting a game ball waiting on the standby path 55. 56-2, 56-3) and the take-in cage 57 for taking in the game balls that have been thrown in are the basic internal components.

(Standby path configuration)
The standby path 55 is a belt-shaped path and extends from the inflow port 54. The take-in basket 57 is a slide for a game ball, extends from one long side of the standby path 55 in a direction orthogonal thereto, and has a width over the entire length of the standby path 55. The input mechanism 56 is positioned above the standby path 55 and the intake rod 57, and includes a sheath member 56a, a hinge portion 56b, a shaft 56c, a latching solenoid 56d, a plunger 56f, and a transmission arm 56g.

  The standby path 55 is a road surface on which the game balls that have flowed into the game ball take-in device 50 wait in a line. The waiting path 55 has an inclination with the inflow port 54 as an upper end, and the game ball can flow toward the lower end on the opposite side. The total length of the waiting path 55 has a length in which game balls corresponding to at least all units of the betting rate are arranged. The width of the standby path 55 is slightly longer than the radius of the game balls, and the game balls are arranged in a line on the standby path 55. For example, if the minimum unit of the betting rate is 5 balls and the total unit of the betting rate is 15 balls, the total length of the standby path 55 is at least 15 game balls in a line.

  The position in the width direction of the waiting path 55 is set to a range from one end of the bottom of the inflow port 54 that opens slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball to a position slightly closer to the other end of the bottom than the center of the bottom, and the other ranges cover the entire length. It has been cut off. That is, the surface width of the standby path 55 is the minimum width at which the game ball can be placed on the standby surface, and the game ball is placed on the cut-off side with the vicinity of the edge on the cut-off side of the standby surface as a contact. By setting the width of the standby path 55, space saving performance in the depth direction A of the game ball take-in device 50 is achieved.

(Take-in configuration)
The intake trough 57 is a flow surface 57 a that takes a game ball from the standby path 55 and flows it down. It is installed on the cut-off side of the standby path 55 and extends in a direction orthogonal to the long side of the standby path 55. The intake rod 57 has an opening 57b that extends along the long side of the standby path 55, and is connected to the standby path 55 on the cut-off side. The expansion range of the opening 57b covers a range in which game balls corresponding to all units of the betting rate waiting on the standby path 55 are arranged.

  The flow surface 57a extends with the width of the opening 57b maintained. If the total unit of the betting rate is 15 balls, the flow surface 57a has a width in which 15 game balls are arranged. That is, even if game balls corresponding to all units of the betting rate waiting on the standby path 55 are simultaneously inserted into the take-in basket 57, the game balls can simultaneously be made without causing interference with each other to change the flow direction. The flow surface 57a can flow down.

  Further, the flow surface 57a stands up below the standby path 55, and is curved with a gentle arc-shaped curve. On the side edge of the flow surface 57a, a barrier 57c is provided to prevent the game ball from falling off.

  A plurality of partition walls 57d are erected at equal intervals on the flow surface 57a. Each partition wall 57d is erected in accordance with the game balls waiting on the standby path 55, and extends along the extending direction of the flow surface 57a. The opening 57b is a start end, and the end extends to at least a position where the throwing ball detection means 63 described later is disposed.

  The section in the width direction of the partition wall 57d has a mountain shape such as a triangle or a semicircle, and has a width and a height that can be accommodated in a space defined by the game balls that come into contact with each other and the mounting surface of these game balls. . A notch 57e is provided on the end surface on the opening 57b side of the partition wall 57d. The notch 57e is notched so as to form an angle of attack toward the flow direction of the flow lower surface 57a.

  The flow surface 57a is partitioned into a plurality of strips by the standing of each partition wall 57d, and an intake channel 57f is formed between the partition walls 57d. Each intake channel 57f is formed in one-to-one correspondence with the waiting game ball by standing of the partition wall 57d, and extends from the position where the corresponding game ball waits in the extending direction of the intake basket 57.

(Input mechanism configuration)
A plurality of input mechanisms 56 are arranged, and in the present embodiment, a first input mechanism 56-1, a second input mechanism 56-2, and a third input mechanism 56-3 are installed. Each throwing mechanism 56 is installed above the standby path 55 and the intake trough 57 along the long side direction of the standby path 55. When the game ball take-in device 50 is viewed from the side, the input mechanisms 56 are installed in the region from the end opposite to the cut-off side of the waiting path 55 to the end of the take-in rod 57, and the game ball take-in Space saving in the depth direction A of the device 50 is achieved. This arrangement relationship is achieved only when a latching solenoid 56d described later is arranged above the intake rod 57.

  Each of these input mechanisms 56 has a sheath member 56a as input means. Each sheath member 56 a faces the standby path 55 and is arranged in the long side direction, and extends and extends in a predetermined range along the long side of the standby path 55. Further, the sheath member 56a is a space on the standby path 55 from both sides in the width direction of the standby path 55 and from above in a cross section viewed from the long side direction of the standby path 55 (cross section cut in the width direction of the standby path 55). It has a shape that covers. That is, only the side facing the standby path 55 is open. A gap is provided between the standby path 55 and the sheath member 56 a so that the sheath member 56 a can rotate on the standby path 55.

  The sheath member 56a of the present embodiment adopts a semicircular arch shape in the cross section of the standby path 55 in the width direction. In addition, a polygonal shape such as a triangular shape or a quadrangular shape opening toward the standby path 55 may be used.

  The sheath member 56 a is hollowly supported on the standby path 55. A shaft 56c is fixed above the sheath member 56a in parallel with the long side direction of the sheath member 56a. A hinge portion 56b is integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of the arch of the sheath member 56a and protrudes upward. The shaft 56c extends through the hinge portion 56b. The sheath member 56a is supported hollow by the shaft 56c via the hinge portion 56b.

  The sheath member 56a supported by the shaft 56c is rotatable about the shaft 56c as a rotation axis. In a state where the sheath member 56a is stationary at a position covering the standby path 55 from above, the game ball can flow into the envelope space surrounded by the sheath member 56a and the standby surface of the standby path 55. In a state where the sheath member 56a is rotated to the upper limit of the limit and is farthest from the standby path 55, a part of the sheath member 56a remains on the standby path 55, and the inflow of game balls is prevented.

  The shaft 56c is supported by a fixed portion of the game ball take-in device 50, and is common to the input mechanisms 56-1, 56-2, and 56-3.

  The making mechanism 56 has a latching solenoid 56d as a rotational power source of the sheath member 56a. The latching solenoid 56d is installed above the intake rod 57. A sheet metal 56 e is installed above the intake trough 57 in parallel with the standby surface of the standby path 55. The sheet metal 56e is disposed so as to be biased toward the lowermost inclined side of the standby path 55. The latching solenoid 56 d is placed on the sheet metal 56 e and directs the plunger 56 f in parallel with the width direction of the standby path 55. The latching solenoids 56d of the input mechanisms 56-1, 56-2, 56-3 are placed on a common sheet metal 56e. Since the latching solenoid 56d is arranged above the take-in basket 57, the throwing mechanism 56 is not parallel to the standby path 55 and the take-in bowl 57 in the depth direction A, and the game ball take-in device 50 has a depth direction A. Space saving performance can be achieved.

  A transmission arm 56g is erected on the hinge portion 56b. The transmission arm 56g is integrally formed with the hinge portion 56b. The distal end of the transmission arm 56g and the distal end of the plunger 56f are linked to form a joint, and the transmission arm 56g is pushed or pulled in conjunction with the protrusion or suction of the plunger 56f.

  In the closing mechanism 56, when the plunger 56f protrudes and moves outside by the protrusion operation of the plunger 56f by the latching solenoid 56d, the tip of the transmission arm 56g is pushed out in the direction opposite to the intake rod 57. Along with this, the sheath member 56a facing the tip of the transmission arm 56g with the shaft 56c interposed therebetween rotates so that the opening is directed toward the latching solenoid 56d around the shaft 56c. Since the latching solenoid 56d is placed immediately above the capture rod 57, in other words, the sheath member 56a rotates so that the opening is directed toward the capture rod 57. When viewed from the whole charging mechanism 56, the sheath member 56 a rotates so as to be drawn into the inside.

  Of the input mechanisms 56, the first input mechanism 56-1 is installed at the lowermost end of the standby path 55. The length of the long side is set so that the sheath member 56a of the 1st throwing-in mechanism 56-1 may extend to the range which covers the single game ball waiting at the lowest end.

  The second input mechanism 56-2 is installed on the upstream side adjacent to the first input mechanism 56-1. The sheath member 56a of the second throwing mechanism 56-2 is hollowly supported in a range that covers further upstream from the game ball waiting one upstream of the single game ball waiting at the lowermost end. The length of the long side is set so as to extend to a range that covers game balls having one ball less than the number of balls corresponding to one unit of the betting rate. If the unit of the betting rate is 5 balls, 4 balls are covered from the game balls waiting one upstream of the single game ball waiting at the lowest end.

  The third charging mechanism 56-3 is installed on the upstream side adjacent to the second charging mechanism 56-2. The sheath member 56a of the third throwing mechanism 56-3 is hollowly supported in a range that covers further upstream from the game ball waiting upstream one of the game balls covered by the second throwing mechanism. The length of the long side is set so as to extend to a range covering the number of game balls obtained by subtracting the number of balls corresponding to one unit of the betting rate from the number of balls corresponding to all units of the betting rate. If the total unit of the betting rate is 15 balls and the unit of the betting rate is 5 balls, 10 balls are covered from the game balls waiting upstream one of the game balls covered by the second insertion mechanism 56-2. .

  The first throwing mechanism 56-1 and the second throwing mechanism 56-2 are simultaneously thrown once to put one unit of a betting rate into the take-in basket 57. In addition, all the betting ratio units 56-1, 56-2, 56-3 are simultaneously operated once to input all units of the betting rate into the take-in basket 57. Further, only the first throwing mechanism 56-1 is operated once or a plurality of times, so that the insufficient balls that could not be taken in by the first throwing action are thrown into the take-in rod 57.

  In addition, the hinge part 56b which the 3rd throwing mechanism 56-3 has is the 1st throwing mechanism 56-1 and the 2nd throwing-in with respect to the long side of the sheath member 56a which the 3rd throwing mechanism 56-3 has. It is biased to the mechanism 56-2 side. Accordingly, the latching solenoid 56d of the third throwing mechanism 56-3 corresponds to the hinge portion 56b of the third throwing mechanism 56-3, and the long side of the sheath member 56a of the third throwing mechanism 56-3. On the other hand, it is biased to the first charging mechanism 56-1 and the second charging mechanism 56-2. This is because the connector 61 is disposed in the area occupied by the standby path 55 and the take-in basket 57 to realize space saving in the depth direction A of the game ball take-in device 50.

  On the sheath member 56a of the third input mechanism 56-3, a hinge portion 56j protrudes at a position symmetrical to the hinge portion 56b. The hinge portion 56j is provided with a shaft 56c that is shared with the hinge portion 56j, and serves as a bearing for supporting one side of the sheath member 56a of the third input mechanism 56-3. This is for preventing the rattling and wobbling of the sheath member 56a caused by the bias of the hinge portion 56b. By this rotating mechanism, an equal turning force can be transmitted to the hinge portion 56j side by the shaft 56c.

(Inside peripheral structure of game ball take-in device)
In the gaming ball take-in device 50 having such a basic configuration, various sensors related to the gaming ball throwing-in operation, signal lines for deriving detection signals of these sensors, and control signals for making the throwing-in mechanism 56 actuating are provided. Each configuration has a signal line to be supplied.

  The game ball take-in device 50 accommodates a pair of substrates 58a and 58b that sandwich the take-in basket 57 from the side. The substrate 58 a is disposed facing the back surface of the capture rod 57, and the substrate 58 b is disposed to face the flow surface 57 a of the capture rod 57. The board 58a and the board 58b are electrically connected by connectors 60a and 60b. The board 58b is provided with a connector 61 for connecting a cable (not shown) in which signal lines extending from the control unit 7 and the power supply device are combined.

  The connector 61 is disposed in a space secured next to the latching solenoid 56d of the third input mechanism 56-3. Since the latching solenoid 56d of the third closing mechanism 56-3 can be disposed close to the other latching solenoid 56d, the connector 61 can be disposed at this position. Thereby, the connector 61 is not arranged in series with the standby path 55 and the take-in basket 57, and the space saving of the game ball take-in device 50 is achieved.

  A connector 64 for supplying a pulse to the latching solenoid 56d is provided on the board 58b. The arrangement position of the connector 64 corresponds to the arrangement position of the latching solenoid 56d.

  An intermediate frame 62 is interposed between the flow surface 57a and the substrate 58b. The intermediate frame 62 supports the substrate 58b, the sheet metal 56e on which the input mechanism 56 is placed, and the shaft 56c. It has the same curved shape as the flow lower surface 57a, and covers and covers a space larger than the diameter of the game ball on the flow lower surface 57a.

  The intermediate frame 62 has a connector housing portion 62 a at a position facing the connector 61. The connector housing portion 62a bulges a part of the intermediate frame 62 to the opposite side of the substrate 58b, and houses the connector 61 in the recess.

  At the upper edge of the intermediate frame 62, a flange portion 62b protruding between the latching solenoids 56d is provided upright. A flange portion 56h bent from the edge of the sheet metal 56e is erected between the latching solenoids 56d on the sheet metal 56e, and the flange portion 62b of the intermediate frame 62 and the flange portion 56h of the sheet metal 56e are brought into contact with each other on the surface. The sheet metal 56e is supported on the intermediate frame 62 by being fixed with bolts or the like.

  In addition, an arm 62c is provided on the surface of the connector housing portion 62a and the flange portion 62b on the standby path 55 side so as to project up to just above the standby path 55. A shaft 56c is sandwiched and supported at the tip of the arm 62c.

(Throwing ball detection means)
A plurality of throwing ball detecting means 63 (see FIG. 13) for detecting the thrown game ball are attached to the game ball capturing device 50. This throwing ball detection means 63 is disposed one by one in each intake flow path 57f, and has a one-to-one correspondence with the waiting game ball. A game ball thrown by each throwing mechanism 56 is detected. In other words, in the present embodiment, the first throwing ball detection means 63 detects the game ball thrown by the first throwing mechanism 56-1, corresponding to the first throwing mechanism 56-1. Corresponding to the second throwing mechanism 56-2, the second to fifth throwing ball detecting means 63 detect a game ball thrown by the second throwing mechanism 56-2. Corresponding to the third throwing mechanism 56-3, the sixth to fifteenth throwing ball detecting means 63 detect the game balls thrown by the third throwing mechanism 56-3.

  Each throwing ball detection means 63 is, for example, an optical sensor, and includes a light emitting unit 63a and a light receiving unit 63b.

  The light emitting parts 63a are arranged on the substrate 58a in a one-to-one correspondence with the respective intake channels 57f. The light receiving parts 63b are arranged on the substrate 58b in a one-to-one correspondence with the respective intake channels 57f. Each intake channel 57f has a through hole 57g penetrating the intake rod 57, and each light emitting portion 63a is inserted into the corresponding through hole 57g. The intermediate frame 62 has through holes 62d penetrating the intermediate frame 62 at positions facing the respective through holes 57g, and the respective light receiving portions 63b are inserted into the corresponding through holes 62d. The light emitting part 63a and the light receiving part 63b are arranged to face each other through the through hole 57g and the through hole 62d.

  The light emitting unit 63a emits light. The light receiving unit 63b outputs a light detection signal when receiving light. The throwing ball detection means 63 outputs a throwing ball detection signal to the control unit 7 when the light detection signal from the light receiving unit 63b is not output. A circuit for outputting the throwing ball detection signal when the light detection signal is not output is installed on the substrate 58b. When a game ball is thrown into the take-in basket 57 and the game ball flows down through the take-in flow path 57f, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 63a is temporarily blocked, and the light does not reach the light receiving unit 63b. The light receiving unit 63b does not output a light detection signal during a period when the light has not reached, and the throwing ball detection unit 63 receives the non-output of the light detection signal and outputs the throwing ball detection signal to the control unit 7.

(Operation detection means)
Further, each sheath member 56a of the feeding mechanism 56 is formed with a protrusion as a locking piece 56i. This locking piece 56i protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the arch of the sheath member 56a, and is located on the back side of the standby path 55 and the inner peripheral surface of the arch of the sheath member 56a. A photo sensor 65 is disposed on the substrate 58b so as to face the locking piece 56i in a one-to-one correspondence. In other words, the photo sensor 65 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface side of the arch of the sheath member 56 a and exists outside the space surrounded by the sheath member 56 a and the standby path 55. The photo sensor 65 is a sensor that detects the proximity of an object. A long hole 62e is penetrated at a position facing the photo sensor 65 of the intermediate frame 62.

  The locking piece 56i and the photo sensor 65 serve as the operation detection means 66 (see FIG. 13) of the closing mechanism 56. When the sheath member 56a rotates and the distal end of the locking piece 56i is inserted into the elongated hole 62e and approaches the photosensor 65, the photosensor 65 generates an operation detection signal indicating that the corresponding input mechanism 56 has been operated. Output. Appropriate operation at an appropriate timing of the input mechanism 56 to be input and operated is confirmed by outputting the operation detection signal at an appropriate timing.

(Rotation restriction means and game ball inflow prevention means)
The long hole 62e also serves as a restricting means for restricting the rotation range of the sheath member 56a. The elongated hole 62e has an extra space above the insertion position of the locking piece 56i. When the locking piece 56i is inserted and the sheath member 56a further rotates, the locking piece 56i comes into contact with the upper end of the elongated hole 62e, and further rotation is prevented. The total length of the elongated hole 62e is set so that a part of the sheath member 56a remains on the standby path 55 when the locking piece 56i comes into contact with the upper end.

  When the sheath member 56a remains on the standby path 55, the game ball is prevented from flowing into the standby path 55 existing inside the arch of the sheath member 56a that is being thrown in, and the game ball is placed behind the sheath member 56a. Prevent inflow. By preventing the game ball from flowing into the arch, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being thrown in excess of the number of game balls to be thrown. In addition, it is possible to prevent the sheath member 56a from returning to the standby path 55 from being out of order or being unable to take in the next time by preventing the game ball from flowing into the outside of the arch of the sheath member 56a, that is, to the back side of the sheath member 56a.

(Acquisition operation of game ball take-in device)
8 to 10 are diagrams showing a process of taking-in of the game ball taking-in device 50. FIG. FIG. 8 is a view showing a state in which a game ball is flowing into the game ball take-in device 50, and is a perspective view seen from the opposite side of the take-in cage 57. FIG. 9 is a view showing the insertion of the game ball of the game ball take-in device 50, and is a cross-sectional view of the midway position of the standby path 55 as viewed from the long side direction. FIG. 10 is a view showing the game ball take-in device 50 after the game ball is inserted, and is a perspective view as seen from the take-in basket 57 side.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the game balls that have flowed into the game ball take-in device 50 from the ball receiving tray 15 through the inflow port 54 flow around the inclination of the waiting path 55 and contact the previous game balls in order from the lowest end. To wait in line on the waiting path 55. Here, one unit or all units can be selected as the betting rate of the gaming machine 1, and one unit is 5 balls and all units are 15 balls. In the game ball take-in device 50, 15 game balls stand in a line.

  The closing mechanism 56 is supplied with a pulse last time, and the latching solenoid 56d maintains the suction of the plunger 56f. Each sheath member 56 a is stationary on the standby path 55 with the portion of the string that is an opening facing the standby surface of the standby path 55. The game ball that has swung the inclination of the waiting path 55 is accommodated in the envelope space of each sheath member 56a. A single gaming ball at the lowermost end is accommodated in the sheath member 56a of the first throwing mechanism 56-1. The second throwing mechanism 56-2 accommodates four game balls. Ten game balls are accommodated in the third throwing mechanism 56-3.

  Assume that the player presses the BET button 143a and, for example, one unit of a betting rate is selected. The control unit 7 receives the press of the BET button 143a, and controls the start of the insertion operation of the latching solenoid 56d of the first input mechanism 56-1 and the second input mechanism 56-2 which input one unit of the betting rate. do. Specifically, a control signal is sent to the power supply device, and a pulse is applied to the latching solenoid 56d of the first closing mechanism 56-1 and the second closing mechanism 56-2 via the cable, the connector 61, and the connector 64. Supply.

  The power supply device intermittently supplies two pulses in response to one control signal from the control unit 7. In the first pulse supply, the sheath member 56a is rotated toward the take-in rod 57, and in the second pulse voltage supply, the sheath member 56a is returned to the standby path 55.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the latching solenoid 56d of the first closing mechanism 56-1 and the second closing mechanism 56-2 supplied with the first pulse causes the plunger 56f to protrude outward. The plunger 56 f protrudes in the width direction of the standby path 55 toward the side opposite to the intake rod 57. From the protrusion of the plunger 56 f, the distal end of the transmission arm 56 g linked to the distal end of the plunger 56 f is pushed out in the width direction of the standby path 55 toward the opposite side of the intake rod 57. Accordingly, the sheath member 56a rotates in the width direction of the standby path 55 in the direction of the intake rod 57 with the shaft 56c as the rotation axis. The sheath member 56 a that rotates in the direction of the take-in basket 57 rakes the game ball accommodated therein from the standby path 55 and throws it out to the opening 57 b of the take-in bowl 57.

  During the rotation of the sheath member 56a, the locking piece 56i standing on the sheath member 56a of the first input mechanism 56-1 and the second input mechanism 56-2 is an elongated hole 62e that penetrates the intermediate frame 62. And then abuts on the upper end of the elongated hole 62e to restrict further rotation of the sheath member 56a. At the same time, the locking pieces 56 i are close to the corresponding photosensors 65, and an operation detection signal is output from each photosensor 65. Based on the output of the operation detection signal, the control unit 7 confirms the operation of the first input mechanism 56-1 and the second input mechanism 56-2.

  In a state where the rotation of the sheath member 56 a is restricted, a part of the arch shape of the sheath member 56 a remains on the standby path 55. The game balls that have not been thrown in are blocked by the sheath member 56a of the second throwing mechanism 56-2 that is being thrown in, and the back side of the first throwing mechanism 56-1 and the second throwing mechanism 56-2 and Inflow to the inside of the sheath member 56a is prevented.

  When a certain period of time elapses after the closing operation, the second pulse from the power supply device via the cable, the connector 61, and the connector 64 is sent to the latching solenoids of the first closing mechanism 56-1 and the second closing mechanism 56-2. Supplied to 56d. The latching solenoid 56d of the first closing mechanism 56-1 and the second closing mechanism 56-2 receives the pulse and sucks the plunger 56f. Along with this, the sheath member 56a returns to the standby path 55, and the chord portion of the sheath member 56a faces the standby path 55 and stops.

  When the sheath member 56a returns to the waiting path 55, the inflow of the game ball that has been prevented from flowing in is released, and the envelope of the sheath member 56a of the first throwing mechanism 56-1 and the second throwing mechanism 56-2 is released. A game ball flows into the space and is replenished.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the game ball thrown out to the opening 57b is guided in the flow-down direction by the partition wall 57d and flows down through the corresponding intake flow channel 57f. Since the notch 57e is formed in the end surface on the opening 57b side of the partition wall 57d, the game ball is prevented from being caught on the end surface of the partition wall 57d when the game ball is thrown in and clogged. In addition, since the section wall 57d has a mountain shape having a width and height that fits in a gap defined by the game balls with which the cross-sectional shape in the width direction contacts and the mounting surface of these game balls, The distance between the game balls lined up in contact with each other 55 and the distance between the intake flow paths 57f can be made to coincide with each other. The cut-out 57e and the sectional shape of the partition wall 57d ensure the introduction into the intake trough.

  The game ball flowing down the intake flow path 57f passes through the throwing ball detecting means 63 installed on the way. In the throwing ball detection means 63, the game ball blocks the light emitted from the light emitting portion 63a from reaching the light receiving portion 63b, and outputs a throwing ball detection signal. The throwing ball detection signal is output only from the throwing ball detection means 63 installed in the intake passages 57f for five rows from the lowermost end and is input to the control unit 7. As a result, it is confirmed that the game balls corresponding to one unit of the betting rate have been taken in without excess and deficiency, and the game start is permitted. That is, the lever 141 is in a standby state.

  Note that when one unit of the betting rate is selected, the third throwing mechanism 56-3 that is not controlled to start the throwing operation by the control unit 7 does not send a pulse from the power supply device, and the sheath member 56a. The stationary surface is maintained with the opening surface (the portion of the string when the arch portion is an arc) facing the standby path 55. The operation detecting means 66 corresponding to the third throwing mechanism 56-3 does not detect the throwing operation of the third throwing mechanism 56-3, and each throwing ball detecting means corresponding to the third throwing mechanism 56-3. 63 does not detect the insertion of a game ball.

(Insufficient ball capture operation of game ball capture device)
FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams illustrating a process of the operation of the game ball capturing device 50 according to the present embodiment, and a game ball of a unit in which a game ball flowing into the game ball capturing device 50 is selected. Indicates the case where the number is insufficient. FIG. 11 is a view showing a state in which a game ball less than the number of units is caused to flow down to the take-in rod 57, and is a perspective view of the take-in rod 57 viewed from the flow lower surface 57a side. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state where the game ball take-in device 50 is in a shortage ball replenishment operation.

  It is assumed that the number of game balls that are less than the number of units, for example, three balls that are less than 5 balls, which is one unit of the betting rate, is waiting on the waiting path 55. The three balls wait in order from the lowest end of the standby path 55.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when one unit of betting rate is selected by pressing the BET button 143a, the sheath members 56a of the first insertion mechanism 56-1 and the second insertion mechanism 56-2 are rotated.

  The first input mechanism 56-1 rotates the sheath member 56a to input the single sphere at the lowermost end into the intake rod 57. The second throwing mechanism 56-2 turns the sheath member 56a and throws the two game balls accommodated in the envelope space into the take-in basket 57.

  When the game balls are thrown into the take-in cage 57, the throw-in ball detecting means 63 arranged in the take-in flow passages 57f for three rows from the lowermost end detects the take-in, but the two take-up flow channels in the upstream The throwing ball detecting means 63 arranged at 57f does not detect the taking-in and no throwing detection signal is output to the control unit 7.

  In response to the fact that the throw detection signal is not output from the throw ball detecting means 63 arranged in the upstream two rows, the control unit 7 receives the single ball take-in flow path covered by the first throw mechanism 56-1. The first throwing mechanism 56-1 is provided with a pair of pulses for the throwing action and the returning action until a throwing detection signal is output twice from the first throwing ball detecting means 63 arranged at 57 f. Supply intermittently.

  First, before the short ball replenishment operation, a pulse is supplied to the first charging mechanism 56-1 and the second charging mechanism 56-2 as a return operation in the charging operation where insufficient charging has occurred. In response to the supply of the pulse voltage, the sheath member 56a of the first throwing mechanism 56-1 and the second throwing mechanism 56-2 returns to the standby path 55, and the game ball blocked by a part of the sheath member 56a. Flows into the envelope space of the first input mechanism 56-1 and the second input mechanism 56-2.

  If there is no game ball in the ball tray 15 or the game ball take-in device 50, the player waits for the player to refill the ball tray 15 with the game ball. The game balls replenished by the player flow into the game ball take-in device 50 through the ball tray 15 and flow around the standby path 55 to enter a single ball in the sheath member 56a of the first input mechanism 56-1. Is housed. If the game ball is not replenished even after waiting for a certain period of time and cannot be taken in, the game ball that has been taken in is paid out.

  After a lapse of a predetermined interval from the return operation in the closing operation in which the shortage has occurred, the control unit 7 outputs a first control signal for causing the power supply device to perform the charging operation of the first charging mechanism 56-1. In response to this control signal, a pulse for the first closing operation is supplied from the power supply device to the first closing mechanism 56-1. When the pulse is supplied, as shown in FIG. 12, the sheath member 56 a of the first throwing mechanism 56-1 rotates and releases the single game ball inside the sheath member 56 a toward the take-in cage 57.

  The released single game ball flows down in the intake channel 57f immediately below the lowermost end, and passes through the first throwing ball detecting means 63 arranged in the intake channel 57f. The first throwing ball detecting means 63 detects the passing of the game ball and outputs a throwing detection signal. The control unit 7 receives the input detection signal and counts down the remaining shortage by one.

  After a certain interval, a pulse for returning operation is supplied from the power supply device to the first input mechanism 56-1. In response to the supply of this pulse, the sheath member 56a of the first throwing mechanism 56-1 returns to the standby path 55, and the game ball that has been prevented from flowing into the sheath member 56a of the first throwing mechanism 56-1. Inflow.

  If the short remaining number counted down is not zero, the control unit 7 outputs a second control signal for causing the power supply device to perform the first input mechanism 56-1. In response to this control signal, a pulse for the second closing operation is supplied from the power supply device to the first closing mechanism 56-1. When the pulse is supplied, the sheath member 56 a of the first throwing mechanism 56-1 is rotated, and the single game ball inside the sheath member 56 a is released toward the take-in cage 57.

  The released single game ball flows down in the intake channel 57f immediately below the lowermost end, and passes through the first throwing ball detecting means 63 arranged in the intake channel 57f. The first throwing ball detecting means 63 detects the passing of the game ball and outputs a throwing detection signal. The control unit 7 receives the input detection signal and counts down the remaining shortage by one.

  The two operations of the first insertion mechanism 56-1 in total make a game ball shortage correction, and the game ball shortage is resolved. The control unit 7 receives a total of two input detection signal outputs from the first input ball detection means 63 disposed in the intake flow path 57f immediately below the lowermost end, and the number of remaining deficiencies becomes zero. When the shortage remaining number becomes 0, the control unit 7 permits the game start. That is, the lever 141 is on standby.

(Control system configuration)
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 is provided with a control unit 7 that controls the gaming ball take-in device 50. The control unit 7 mainly develops a program stored in a ROM (not shown) in a RAM (not shown) as a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 7a and a sub CPU 7b, and decodes and executes the program using the RAM as a work area.

  The control unit 7 controls the game ball taking-in of the game ball take-in device 50, the production of the production unit 5, and the driving of the game state display unit 6 and the variable display device by executing the program. Further, an error relating to the game ball taking-in is determined, and error processing is performed under the control of the rendering unit 5 and the game state display unit 6. The main CPU 7a mainly performs control for taking in the game ball, drive control for the variable display device, display control for the game state display unit 6, error determination, and transmission of effect commands and error notification commands to the sub CPU 7b. The sub CPU 7b receives the effect command and controls the effect unit 5 to effect the game, and receives the error notification command to control the effect unit 5 to notify the error.

  A signal indicating an operation is input to the main CPU 7a from a BET button 143a, a Max BET button 143b, a lever 141, and an error release switch 146 provided inside the gaming machine 1. The main CPU 7a outputs a control signal instructing driving of the latching solenoid 56d in response to a signal input from the BET button 143a or the Max BET button 143b, and causes the input mechanism 56 to input the game ball.

  A throwing ball detection signal is output from the gaming ball take-in device 50 by a throwing operation of the throwing mechanism 56, whereby a gaming ball corresponding to the betting rate is taken in or a shortage ball is satisfied. When the game ball corresponding to the betting rate is taken in, the main CPU 7a controls the game if there is a signal input from the lever 141, and shifts the gaming machine 1 to the game stage. In the game stage, the main CPU 7a controls the variable display device and the game state display unit 6 and sends an effect command to the sub CPU 7b. Sub CPU7b receives the production command and controls the production of the production unit 5.

  When an error cancel signal is output from the error cancel switch 146, the main CPU 7a cancels error processing to be described later, returns to each interrupted game acceptance stage according to the error content, and returns to each interrupted error determination stage. To do.

  In addition, the main CPU 7a includes a throwing ball detection signal output by the throwing ball detection means 63 including the light emitting unit 63a and the light receiving unit 63b, and an operation detection unit 66 including the locking piece 56i and the photosensor 65. And an operation detection signal output from. The main CPU 7a has a combination of the presence / absence of the output of the control signal for causing the throwing mechanism 56 to perform the throwing operation, the presence / absence of the throwing ball detection signal, and the presence / absence of the actuation detection signal, or the input of the throwing ball detection signal and the actuation detection signal. An error is determined based on the timing, that is, the time-series difference between the detection timing of the throwing ball and the operation timing of the throwing mechanism 56, and error processing is performed together with the sub CPU 7b.

  FIG. 14 is a table showing combinations or input timings of the presence / absence of control signals, input detection signals, and operation detection signals determined as errors by the main CPU 7a. FIG. 15 is a table showing combinations of the presence / absence of the detection signal and the presence / absence of the operation detection signal determined as errors in the mutual relationship between the input mechanisms 56-1, 56-2, and 56-3.

  As shown in FIG. 14, as the first error determination, if the throwing ball detection signal is input in a state where the control signal is not output, it is determined that an error has occurred. Further, as a second error determination, if an operation detection signal is input with no control signal output, it is determined that an error has occurred. In the first error determination and the second error determination, it is detected that a game ball has been thrown in even though the control unit 7 has not moved the throwing mechanism 56, or that the throwing mechanism 56 has been moved. This means that it has been detected, and the risk of fraud has been detected.

  As a third error determination, an error is determined if the operation detection signal is not input for a predetermined time or more with the control signal being output. In the third error determination, it means that the making operation of the making mechanism 56 that receives the making operation control is not detected even though the making operation of the making mechanism 56 is instructed, and the making mechanism 56 that receives the making operation control is detected. This indicates that the possibility of a malfunction such as a malfunction or abnormality has been detected. In the third error determination for detecting the possibility of malfunction of the throwing mechanism 56, whether or not there is a throwing ball detection signal during this predetermined time is not questioned, but there is a throwing ball detection signal during this predetermined time. For example, this also corresponds to an error in the fourth error determination for detecting that some object has been moved to the take-in basket 57 before the operation of the input mechanism 56 is started.

  As a fourth error determination, an error is determined if a throwing ball is detected and a throwing ball detection signal is input before the throwing mechanism 56 is operated in a state where the control signal is output. In other words, an error is determined if the throwing ball detection signal is input before the operation detection signal is input. In the fourth error judgment, it means that some object has been moved to the take-in basket 57 side before the operation of the throwing mechanism 56, and the possibility of a misconduct that misidentifies that a game ball has been taken in has been detected. Become. If the signal derived from the sensor first input from the game ball take-in device 50 side to the control unit 7 after the control signal instructing the insertion is output from the control unit 7 is the throwing ball detection signal, the throwing mechanism Since it can be determined that some object has moved to the capture rod 57 before the operation of 56, the presence or absence of the subsequent operation detection signal does not have to be used as a determination factor in the fourth error determination.

  In order to make both the third error determination and the fourth error determination compatible at the same time, if the operation detection signal is not input for a predetermined time or more and the game ball detection signal is not input for a predetermined time, the third error is determined. to decide. If a game ball detection signal is input first and then an operation detection signal is input within a predetermined time, a fourth error determination is made. Furthermore, if a game ball detection signal is input first and an operation detection signal is not input within a predetermined time, it is determined that both the third and fourth errors may occur.

  As a fifth error judgment, in the state where the control signal is output, the throwing operation of the throwing mechanism 56 is first detected and the operation detection signal is inputted. Is input after a predetermined time, it is determined as an error. In the fifth error determination, since the timing at which the game ball is detected from the start of the operation of the input mechanism 56 is almost fixed, some object is moved to the take-in basket 57 side regardless of the operation of the input mechanism 56. This means that the risk of fraud that misidentifies that a game ball has been taken in has been detected.

  In the fourth error determination and the fifth error determination, an object that is detected by the throwing ball detection means 63 is inserted from the outside of the gaming machine 1, and when the BET button 143a or the Max BET button 143b is pressed, the throwing ball By moving the object so as to be detected by the detection means 63, the possibility of detecting a fraud that misidentifies that the game ball has been thrown into the take-in basket 57 is increased.

  It should be noted that the shorter the predetermined time allowed to be normal from the detection of the operation of the input mechanism 56 to the detection of the input ball, the higher the accuracy of detecting fraud. The setting of the predetermined time can be adjusted by arranging an operation detection means 66 for detecting the insertion operation of the insertion mechanism 56 and an insertion ball detection means 63 for detecting the insertion of the game ball. For example, when there is no means for detecting the making operation of the making mechanism 56, the operation start timing of the making mechanism 56 is deviated depending on the load of the main CPU 7a. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a prescribed predetermined time.

  As a sixth error judgment, in the state where the control signal of the closing operation is output, the closing operation of the closing mechanism 56 instructed to perform the closing operation is detected and the operation detection signal is input. If there is a plurality of input detection signals input from the same input ball detection means 63, an error is determined. In an illegal act of detecting a thrown ball by disguising the pushed object as a game ball, the object repeatedly passes in front of the same thrown ball detection means 63 due to an operation error of the pushed object or a pulling back operation of the pushed object. There is a case to do. In the sixth error determination, since it is normal that only one game ball is detected per one throw operation by the one throw ball detecting means 63 due to the formation of the intake flow path 57f, This means that the player has reciprocated in front of the same throwing ball detection means 63, and the risk of fraud is detected. Further, in the sixth error determination, the possibility that a mechanical breakage such as a failure has occurred in the throwing ball detection means 63 in the intake flow path 57f is detected.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, as a seventh error determination, even if the control signal for the throwing operation is output, the detection signal from the throwing ball detecting means 63 corresponding to the throwing mechanism 56 that does not cause the throwing operation is detected. Is output, it is determined as an error.

  Even at the stage of game ball insertion, depending on the betting rate selected by the player, there are the insertion mechanism 56 that actually performs the insertion operation and the insertion mechanism 56 that does not perform the insertion operation as described above. Since the game ball take-in device 50 is arranged inside the gaming machine 1, the cheating person cannot visually recognize which input mechanism 56 is actually operated and which actual input mechanism 56 is not operated. . In a case where an unauthorized object is pushed into the game ball take-in device 50 and misidentified as a game ball, the object is moved so as to be detected by the throwing ball detection means 63 when the BET button 143a or the Max BET button 143b is pressed. Even if it is possible, the case where the object is moved so as to be detected by the throwing ball detecting means 63 corresponding to the throwing mechanism 56 that is not being thrown in is also assumed.

  In the seventh error determination, an illegal act is detected using this case. In addition to such an illegal act, a failure of the throwing ball detection means 63 and a mechanical failure of the intake flow path 57f are also detected.

  For example, for the process of taking in the insufficient ball, only the making mechanism 56-1 is instructed to make a making operation, and the making operation is actually detected (the making mechanism 56-1: ON), and the making operation of the making mechanism 56-2 is detected. If not (condition 1), the throwing ball detecting means 63 corresponding to the throwing mechanism 56-2 outputs a detection signal, and it is determined that an error has occurred.

  Further, for the short ball taking-in process, only the making mechanism 56-1 is instructed to make a making operation, and the making operation is actually detected (the making mechanism 56-1: ON), and the making operation of the making mechanism 56-3 is performed. When the detection is not detected (the input mechanism 56-3: OFF) (condition 2), when the input ball detector 63 corresponding to the input mechanism 56-3 outputs a detection signal, it is determined as an error.

  In addition, for the game ball take-in process according to the selection of the minimum unit betting rate, the insertion mechanism 56-1 and the insertion mechanism 56-2 are instructed to perform the insertion operation, and the insertion operation is actually detected (the insertion mechanism 56- 1: ON and closing mechanism 56-2: ON), when the closing operation of the closing mechanism 56-3 is not detected (closing mechanism 56-3: OFF) (condition 3), the closing corresponding to the closing mechanism 56-3 When the ball detection means 63 outputs a detection signal, it is determined as an error.

(Control system error judgment and error handling)
16 to 18 show an error determination operation by the control unit 7. The control unit 7 outputs a throwing operation start control signal to the throwing mechanism 56 that causes the throwing operation of the game ball, and controls the throwing mechanism 56 and the throwing mechanism that does not perform the throwing operation until the throwing mechanism 56 is controlled. The same error determination operation is performed for the 56 and the throwing ball detection means 63 corresponding to them. When a control signal for starting the charging operation is output, an error determination operation is performed for the charging mechanism 56 that performs the charging operation, assuming that the charging operation is normal, and the charging mechanism 56 that does not perform the charging operation may be normal. Error determination operation is performed on the assumption that no closing operation is performed.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an error determination operation at a stage before instructing the start of the throwing operation, targeting the throwing mechanism 56 that performs the throwing operation and the throwing mechanism 56 that does not perform the throwing operation and the throwing ball detection means 63 corresponding thereto. is there. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the error determination operation after instructing the start of the throwing operation for the throwing mechanism 56 that performs the throwing operation and the throwing ball detecting means 63 corresponding thereto. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an error determination operation after instructing the start of the throwing operation for the throwing mechanism 56 that does not perform the throwing operation and the throwing ball detecting means 63 corresponding thereto.

  First, with reference to FIG. 16, the error determination operation at the stage before instructing the start of the charging operation will be described with reference to the charging mechanism 56 that performs the charging operation and the charging mechanism 56 that does not perform the charging operation and the corresponding ball detecting means 63 corresponding thereto. To do.

  During the game, the control unit 7 controls the effect unit 5, the variable display device, and the game state display unit 6, and does not accept pressing of the BET button 143a or the Max BET button 143b. No control signal is output for the closing operation.

  When the throwing ball detecting means 63 detects the throwing of the game ball and a throwing ball detection signal is output during the game (S01, Yes) and the throwing ball detection signal is output (S02, Yes), the first error determination determines the first error. Error processing is performed (S04). Further, when the operation detection means 66 detects the operation of the input mechanism 56 during the game (S01, Yes) and an operation detection signal is output (S03, Yes), the first error is similarly determined as the second error determination. Processing is performed (S04).

  In the first error process, error notification by the effect section 5 is controlled (FIG. 20, S31), and an error display request to the gaming state display section 6 is set (FIG. 20, S32). The game currently in progress is carried out by normal game ball take-in, and the variable display device and the game state display unit 6 during the game display display directly related to the game such as a drum. The control unit 7 does not interrupt the game and keeps the game operation of the variable display device and the game state display unit 6 and notifies only the effect unit 5 that is not directly related to the game. In the error notification of the production unit 5, the liquid crystal display displays the error occurrence, the LED lamp blinks to indicate the error occurrence, and the speaker outputs an error occurrence sound.

  When the first error processing is completed, the process returns to the initial stage of the error determination operation and restarts the error determination operation.

  In a state where the game is stopped (S01, No), the control unit 7 first determines whether or not an error display request is set (S05). If an error display request is set (S05, Yes), second error processing is performed (S06).

  The error display request is set by the first error determination during the game. When the error display request is set, the game state display unit 6 is notified of an error in addition to the error notification by the effect unit 5 as the second error process after the game is finished (S42 in FIG. 21).

  When the second error process is completed, the error determination operation is continued again, and the operation of the lever 141 while the game is stopped is detected (S07).

  If the error display request is not set (S05, No), or if the error display request is set (S05, Yes) and the second error process is performed (S06), the lever 141 is stopped while the game is stopped. An operation is detected (S07). When the lever 141 is operated (S07, Yes), the error determination operation is terminated assuming that the game ball is normally taken in.

  On the other hand, when the lever 141 is not operated (S07, No) and the throwing ball detection signal is output from the throwing ball detection means 63 (S08, Yes), the first error determination is performed and the third error processing is performed. (S09).

  In S07 to S08, the BET button 143a and the Max BET button 143b are not pressed, and the control unit 7 does not output the control signal of the input mechanism 56. If a thrown ball is detected in this state, a third error process is performed because there is a risk of fraud. The third error process is an error process in the game stop state, and the effect unit 5 and the game state display unit 6 notify the error.

  Next, when the player presses the BET button 143a or the Max BET button 143b to play a game (S10, Yes), the control unit 7 outputs a control signal to perform the input operation to perform the input operation. Is started (S13).

  On the other hand, if the BET button 143a or the Max BET button 143b is not pressed (S10, No) and the operation detecting means 66 detects the input operation of the input mechanism 56 (S11, Yes), the second error determination is the third error determination. Error processing is performed (S12). This is because since the BET button 143a and the Max BET button 143b are not pressed, the control unit 7 does not output a control signal for performing the input operation of the input mechanism 56.

  After the completion of the third error processing (S09) performed after the throwing ball detection signal is output from the throwing ball detection means 63 (S08, Yes) without the operation of the lever 141 (S07, No), The error determination operation is restarted from the lever operation reception determination (S07). Further, the third error processing performed after the BET button 143a and the Max BET button 143b are not pressed (S10, No) and the operation detection means 66 detects the input operation of the input mechanism 56 (S11, Yes). After the end of (S12), the error determination operation is restarted from the lever operation reception determination (S07).

  Next, the error determination operation after instructing the start of the throwing operation will be described with reference to FIG. 17, targeting the throwing mechanism 56 that performs the throwing operation and the throwing ball detection unit 63 corresponding thereto.

  When the control unit 7 instructs the start of the making operation (S13), the making mechanism 56 instructing the start of the making operation before the operation detecting means 66 detects the making operation of the making mechanism 56 instructing the start of the making operation. When the throwing ball detection signal indicating the detection of the thrown ball is output from the throwing ball detection means 63 corresponding to (Yes in S14), the third error processing is performed as the fourth error determination (S15).

  This is because a signal indicating that a game ball has been thrown out is output even though the throwing mechanism 56 has been activated and the game ball has not been thrown into the take-in cage 57, and there is a risk of fraud.

  If the detection of the input operation of the input mechanism 56 is not made (S16, No), and a predetermined time has passed since the output of the control signal instructing the start of the input operation (S17, Yes), the third error determination is performed as the third error determination. 3 error processing is performed (S18).

  This is a case in which a throwing operation is instructed, but an operation detection signal indicating the throwing operation of the throwing mechanism 56 is not output, and a game ball is not thrown in within a predetermined time. Because.

  When the operation of the charging mechanism 56 is detected (S16, Yes), the control unit 7 counts a predetermined time (S19). This predetermined time includes a period from when the throwing mechanism 56 starts the throwing operation of the game ball waiting in the standby unit 55 to when the throwing ball 57 flows down and the game ball is detected by the thrown ball detecting means 63. The shorter the better. For example, it can be about 300 / msec.

  Even if the predetermined time has elapsed (S19, Yes), if the throwing ball detection means 63 does not detect a game ball (S21, No), it is determined that there is no error and the error determination operation is terminated. Thereafter, since there is no game ball to be taken in, the player is encouraged to refill the game balls, and the shortage ball taking-in process is performed.

  If the throwing ball detection means 63 detects a game ball after the predetermined time has elapsed (S19, Yes), a third error process is performed as a fifth error determination (S22).

  This is because a signal indicating that a game ball has been thrown out is output regardless of the operation of the throwing mechanism 56 and there is a risk of fraud.

  In addition, after the third error processing (S15) performed by outputting the throwing ball detection signal (S14, Yes) before detecting the throwing operation, the control signal for instructing the start of the throwing operation is displayed. The error judgment operation is restarted after output. In addition, after the third error processing (S18) in the case where the predetermined time has passed without detection of the making operation (S16, No) (S17, Yes), the control signal instructing the start of the making operation is completed. Error judgment operation is resumed after the output of. Further, after the third error process (S22) in the case where a game ball is detected (S21, Yes) after a lapse of a predetermined time from the detection of the insertion operation (S19, Yes), an instruction to start the insertion operation is given. The error determination operation is restarted after the control signal is output.

  On the other hand, when the throwing ball detection means 63 detects a game ball (S20, Yes) before the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the throwing operation (S19, No), until the predetermined time of S19 ends. (S23, No), it is determined whether or not there is again detection from the same throwing ball detection means 63 (S24).

  If the same throwing ball detection means 63 does not detect again (S24, No) and the predetermined time of S19 ends (S23, Yes), it is determined that there is no error and the error determination operation ends. Further, if the same throwing ball detection means 63 detects again within the predetermined time of S19 (S23, No) (S24, Yes), a third error process is performed as a sixth error determination (S25). The fact that there were a plurality of detections in such a short time that only one ball could pass means that some object reciprocated in front of the same throwing ball detection means 63 by an illegal act. Further, this is because there is a possibility that mechanical damage such as a failure of the throwing ball detecting means 63 has occurred in the intake flow path 57f.

  It should be noted that since the same throwing ball detection means 63 is detected in duplicate, it means an illegal act or a malfunction, so that the detection is not limited to the extremely short time that only one ball of S19 can pass. It is good also as an error. In this case, in addition to the predetermined time of S19, after detecting the game ball in S20, or after the end of the predetermined time of S19 on the premise of the detection of the game ball of S20, another time is provided for the same throwing ball detection means 63. What is necessary is just to monitor the input of the overlapped ball detection signal from.

  If the problem is solved by the third error processing, the error determination operation ends. If the game balls that have been thrown in are returned, the operation of the lever 141 is accepted and the game is started, and if the number of game balls that have been thrown is less than the number corresponding to the betting rate, Done.

  Further, the error determination operation after instructing the start of the throwing operation will be described with reference to FIG. 18, targeting the throwing mechanism 56 that does not perform the throwing operation and the throwing ball detecting means 63 corresponding thereto.

  After starting the control of the making operation (S13), the control unit 7 monitors the making mechanism 56 that does not control the making operation in addition to the making mechanism 56 that controls the making operation. When a detection signal for detecting a thrown ball is output from the throwing ball detection means 63 corresponding to the throwing mechanism 56 that does not perform the throwing operation (S25, Yes), a third error process is performed as a seventh error determination (S26).

  The controller 7 does not control the throwing operation of the throwing mechanism 56 corresponding to the throwing ball detection means 63, and there is a risk of fraud or a mechanical failure of the throwing ball detection means 63 or the intake flow path 57f. It is because there is a possibility of.

  In this way, the control unit 7 assumes from the bet rate selection to the end of the game after selection of the bet rate, through the game ball take-in process according to the bet rate, the start of the game, and during the game. Various game ball take-in errors that can be made are determined based on the detection of each operation detecting means 66 and each throwing ball detecting means 63.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the error determination is performed by the control unit 7 continuously using the first to seventh error determinations as one error determination process. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the relationship of the error determination processing of FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the control unit 7 makes sure that the throwing ball detecting means 63 corresponding to the throwing mechanism 56 for which the throwing instruction has been issued is normal at each stage from the gaming machine 1 before the betting rate selection to the end of the game. It is determined whether or not to detect (S51). “Normally” means that a thrown ball is detected at an appropriate timing after the operation detection means 66 has detected at an appropriate timing. That is, the first to fifth error determinations are performed on the input mechanism 56 instructed to input (corresponding to S01 to S22). If the throwing ball detection means 63 corresponding to the throwing mechanism 56 for which the throwing instruction has been issued does not detect normally (No in S51), one of the first to third error processing is performed.

  Further, even if the throwing ball detecting means 63 corresponding to the throwing mechanism 56 for which the throwing instruction has been issued normally detects (S51, Yes), it corresponds to the throwing mechanism 56 for which the throwing operation has not been detected and the throwing operation has not been detected. It is determined whether there is a detection signal output from the throwing ball detection means 63 (S52). If a detection signal is output from this throwing ball detection means 63 (S52, Yes), a third error process is performed.

  Furthermore, even if there is no output of a detection signal from the throwing ball detection means 63 corresponding to the throwing mechanism 56 for which the throwing operation is not detected (S52, No), the throwing ball detection means 63 corresponding to the throwing mechanism 56 for which the throwing instruction has been issued. If the detection by is performed a plurality of times for one charging operation (S53, Yes), the third error processing is performed.

  Note that the processes of S51 and S52 may be sequentially performed in parallel after the control signal for the closing operation is output, or may be processed in parallel. The processes of S52 and S53 can be exchanged before and after the order.

  Next, FIGS. 20 and 21 show an error processing operation by the control unit 7 and an error processing operation by the control unit 7. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an operation related to the first error processing, and FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an operation related to the second and third error processing.

  As shown in FIG. 20, in the first error process, the game state display unit 6 does not notify the error in order to continue the game that is currently in progress. The control unit 7 controls error notification of the rendering unit 5 (S31) and sets an error display request (S32).

  In the error notification control of the rendering unit 5, an error notification command is sent from the main CPU 7 a to the sub CPU 7 b, and the sub CPU 7 b that receives the error notification command controls the rendering unit 5. The sub CPU 7b displays the error display image on the liquid crystal display according to the error display image and the power supply timing chart stored in advance, causes the LED lamp to supply power from the power supply device, blinks to notify the error, and from the speaker. Outputs an error notification sound. In the error display request set, an error display request storage area is secured in the RAM, and a code indicating the error display request is stored in the area.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the second error processing is performed after the game is stopped by making an error notification during the game by the rendering unit 5, the game is stopped, and the error display request is an error on the RAM. If stored in the display storage area, the game state display unit 6 is notified of an error (S42). For example, an error is displayed on a display portion of the gaming state display unit 6 that displays information according to the situation as appropriate. The main CPU 7a displays a character string indicating an error on the 7SEG and notifies the error by supplying power from the power supply device to the LED lamp in accordance with the 7SEG switch-on / off combination and the power supply timing chart stored in advance. Make it blink.

  An operator such as a store clerk in the game store inspects the inside of the gaming machine 1 and removes the cause of the error by the error notification of the effect unit 5 and the game state display unit 6. In order to remove the cause of the error and restart the game, the error cancel switch 146 is pressed by the operator.

  When the error release switch 146 is pressed (S43, Yes), the control unit 7 determines whether or not the error factor has been solved (S44). In this determination, the control unit 7 confirms whether or not signals are output from the operation detection unit 66 and the throwing ball detection unit 63. If no signal is output, it is determined that the error factor has been solved (S44, Yes). Whether or not the error factor has been resolved is determined every time the error cancel switch 146 is pressed unless it is determined that the error factor has been resolved.

  If it is determined that the error factor has been solved (S44, Yes), the control unit 7 stops the control related to the error process of the rendering unit 5 to end the error notification (S45), and the error of the gaming state display unit 6 The control relating to the processing is stopped and the error display is terminated (S46).

  In the third error process, error notification of the rendering unit 5 is controlled (S41), and then S42 to S46 are performed.

  When the error processing based on the first to fifth error determinations is completed, the operation returns to the error determination operation. While the error processing is continued, signals from the BET button 143a, the Max BET button 143b, and the lever 141 are not accepted and no corresponding response is made. That is, when the control unit 7 determines an error and shifts to the second and third error processing, the game during that time is stopped.

  If no error is detected in the error determination process that is performed again after the first error determination operation or the error process by the first to fifth error determinations, the process proceeds to a game ball addition process. If the number of game balls thrown is less than the number of balls corresponding to the betting rate, an insufficient ball taking-in process is performed, and if it is determined that a game ball corresponding to the betting rate has been taken in, the operation of the lever 141 is awaited. The game is started with the operation of 141.

  In addition, when the error processing based on the sixth and seventh error determinations is completed, the control unit 7 ends the error determination operation and performs a game ball addition process. As a result of the addition process, if game balls having more than the number of balls corresponding to the betting rate have been captured, excessively captured game balls are stored and stored. When it is determined that a game ball corresponding to the betting rate has been taken in, the operation of the lever 141 is awaited, and the game is started by the operation of the lever 141. If the number of game balls that have been inserted is less than the number of balls corresponding to the betting rate, a process of taking in insufficient balls is performed. If a shortage occurs, the game balls taken in by the throwing mechanism 56, which should have not been thrown in, or a plurality of game balls flowing down the same take-in flow path 57f are taken in without being stored and stored. It may be counted as a game ball.

  If the error processing cannot be completed and the game machine 1 is reset or powered off by a store clerk or the like, the game machine 1 is restarted, and the process does not return to the error determination operation or the game ball addition process. Even if the error process is completed, if the game machine 1 is reset or powered off by a store clerk or the like, the game machine 1 is restarted, and the process does not return to the error determination operation or the game ball addition process. If the gaming ball take-in device 50 is actually defective or illegal, it may be reset or turned off.

(Function and effect)
Thus, in this gaming machine 1, whether or not the throwing mechanism 56 is controlled and the throwing ball is detected by detecting the throwing operation of the throwing mechanism 56 and detecting the game ball flowing down the take-in basket. Based on the presence / absence of the detection of the throwing-in operation, an error in taking in the game ball is determined and error processing is performed. As a result, a failure due to a failure or abnormality of the input mechanism 56 can be detected and error processing can be performed. In addition, it is possible to detect a fraudulent act that artificially operates the throwing mechanism 56 under non-control of the throwing mechanism 56 or a misconduct that misrecognizes that a game ball has been thrown.

  As the operation detection means 66, there are a locking piece 56i protruding from the making mechanism 56 and a photo sensor 65 in which the locking piece 56i comes close when the making mechanism 56 is turned on. It is sufficient to provide one operation detecting means 66 for each input mechanism 56 by detecting the operation of the input mechanism 56 by the detection of the sensor 65.

  In the error determination, even when the control unit 7 issues a throw start instruction, if the throw ball detecting means 63 is detected before the operation detecting means 66 is detected, it is determined that an error has occurred. Even when the control unit 7 gives an instruction to start throwing, it is determined that there is an error if the throwing ball detecting means 63 is detected after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection by the operation detecting means 66. For an illegal act such as pushing an object detected by the throwing ball detection means 63 from the outside of the gaming machine 1 and causing the throwing ball detection means 63 to detect the object when the BET button 143a is pressed, the throwing ball detection means Since the timing at which the object is detected by 63 becomes severe, the possibility of detecting this fraud increases.

  In the error determination, a game ball take-in error may be determined when detection by the same thrown ball detecting means is performed a plurality of times per throwing operation. In the fraudulent act of detecting the thrown ball by impersonating the pushed object as a game ball, the object repeatedly passes in front of the same thrown ball detection means due to an operation error of the pushed object or a pulling back operation of the pushed object. There is a case. From such knowledge, the detection accuracy of fraudulent acts can be increased by the configuration.

  In addition, if there is a detection by the throwing ball detecting means corresponding to the throwing means for which the throwing operation is not controlled or the throwing means for which the throwing operation is not detected, a game ball take-in error is determined and error processing is performed. Also good. As a result, it is possible to quickly detect and deal with fraud and malfunctions around the throwing ball detection means, such as illegal acts on the throwing ball detection means, abnormalities in the throwing ball detection means, or mechanical damage to the take-in cage. Become.

  When an error is detected, during the game, the effecting unit 5 that produces the game is notified of the error, and when not in the game, the error display of the effecting unit 5 and the error display on the gaming state display unit 6 are displayed. Even if an error occurs, it is possible to promptly notify the error without stopping the current game.

  The sheath member 56a is arranged facing the standby path 55 so that the inner peripheral surface of the arch faces the standby path 55. The locking piece 56i of the operation detecting means 66 protrudes from the arch inner peripheral surface facing the standby path 55 from the arch outer peripheral surface on the back side, and the photo sensor 65 is on the substrate 58b on the arch outer peripheral surface side of the sheath member 56a. It is arranged. Thus, even if an object that can be detected by the photosensor 65 is inserted into the standby path 55 that communicates from the outside of the gaming machine 1, the locking piece 56i and the photosensor 65 are sandwiched between the sheath member 56a and the object. Is located behind the inserted space, the inserted object is blocked by the sheath member 56a and cannot approach the photosensor 65. Accordingly, it is difficult to perform an illegal act that misidentifies the operation of the input mechanism 56.

  In this embodiment, the latching solenoid 56d is provided in the closing mechanism 56. However, a gear motor may be provided as long as the transmission arm 56g can be pushed and pulled. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the gaming ball take-in device 50 equipped with the making mechanism 56 having the gear motor 56k as viewed from the side opposite to the side surface 51c. FIG. 23 is a view for explaining the movement of the throwing mechanism 56 provided with the gear motor 56k, and is a cross-sectional view of the gaming ball take-in device 50 viewed from the side opposite to the side surface 51c.

  As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the making mechanism 56 includes a gear motor 56k. The mounting position of the gear motor 56k is the same position as that of the latching solenoid 56d, and the motor shaft is arranged along the extending direction of the standby path 55.

  The gear motor 56k has a spur gear 56m at the tip of the motor shaft. One end of the swing arm 56n is linked to the tip of the motor shaft. The swing arm 56n is disposed so as to be orthogonal to the extending direction of the standby path 55, and the other end of the swing arm 56n is linked to the tip of the transmission arm 56g. A spur gear 56p is fixed at a position linked to the tip of the motor shaft of the swing arm 56n, and the spur gear 56p and the spur gear 56m are engaged with each other. When the spur gear 56m of the gear motor 56k rotates, the spur gear 56p of the swing arm 56n rotates around the motor shaft while meshing.

  In the making mechanism 56 including the gear motor 56k, when the spur gear 56p of the swing arm 56n stops at a position farthest from the standby path 55, the sheath member 56a can accommodate the game ball with the opening surface facing the standby path 55. To rest. When the spur gear 56m of the gear motor 56k is rotated halfway so that the spur gear 56p of the swing arm 56n is located at a position farthest from the standby path 55, the distance between the motor axis and the center of the spur gear 56p is increased. Therefore, the swing arm 56n is pulled in the direction opposite to the standby path 55 and stops. Then, the distal end of the transmission arm 56g is also pulled and stopped in the direction of the take-in rod 57, and the sheath member 56a is pushed in the direction opposite to the take-in rod 57, and is stationary with the opening surface facing the standby path 55. To do.

  When the game ball is thrown into the take-in cage 57, the gear motor 56k is driven, and the spur gear 56m of the gear motor 56k is half-turned so that the spur gear 56p of the swing arm 56n comes to the position closest to the standby path 55. Rotate to rest. When the spur gear 56m of the gear motor 56k is rotated halfway to displace the spur gear 56p of the swing arm 56n to a position closest to the standby path 55, the swing arm 56n is moved between the motor axis and the center of the spur gear 56p. It is pushed in the direction approaching the waiting path 55 by the distance. Then, the distal end of the transmission arm 56g is also pushed in the direction opposite to the capture rod 57, and the sheath member 56a moves so that the opening surface is directed toward the capture rod 57. During the movement of the sheath member 56 a, the game ball accommodated in the sheath member 56 a is released toward the take-in cage 57.

  Further, for example, a latching rotary solenoid or a rotary motor may be employed instead of the gear motor 56k or the latching solenoid 56d. A rotary motor is a motor in which the tip of a motor shaft rotates around a motor axis. Even when the gear motor 56k, the latching rotary solenoid, or the rotary motor is mounted, as in the case where the latching solenoid 56d is mounted, the sheath member 56a is turned on and the stationary position of the sheath member 56a is firmly held. It is possible to obtain an effect such as

(Appendix)
It has a throwing means, a locking piece as a projection, and a photo sensor, which are arranged in a case of the game ball take-in device,
The charging means has an arch shape and is arranged so as to cover the standby path with the arch shape inner peripheral surface,
The locking piece and the photosensor are arranged outside the space surrounded by the arch-shaped feeding means and the standby path;
It is characterized by.

It is a figure which shows the front panel of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the back surface of a front frame. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of a game ball taking-in apparatus. It is the perspective view of the internal structure seen from the attachment surface side of the game ball taking-in apparatus. It is the perspective view of the internal structure seen from the surface on the opposite side of the attachment surface of a game ball taking-in apparatus. It is sectional drawing seen from the surface opposite to the side surface of a game ball taking-in apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view of a game ball taking-in apparatus. It is a figure which shows the state in which the game ball is flowing in the game ball taking-in apparatus, and is the perspective view seen from the opposite side of the take-in basket. It is a figure which shows the time of injection | pouring of the game ball of a game ball taking-in apparatus, and is sectional drawing which looked at the middle position of the waiting path from the long side direction. It is a figure which shows after insertion of the game ball of the game ball taking-in apparatus, and is a perspective view seen from the take-in basket side. It is a figure which shows the state which flowed down the game ball which is less than the number of units to the take-in basket, and is the perspective view which looked at the game ball take-in device from the flow lower surface side of the take-in bowl. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the game ball taking-in apparatus is performing the short ball replenishment operation | movement. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of a gaming machine. It is a table which shows the combination or the input timing of the presence or absence of a control signal judged as an error, a making detection signal, and an operation detection signal. It is a table which shows the combination of the presence or absence of the making detection signal judged as an error in the mutual relationship of each making mechanism and the presence or absence of the operation detecting signal. 5 is a flowchart showing an error determination operation in a previous stage for instructing the start of a charging operation, targeting a charging mechanism that performs a charging operation and a charging mechanism that does not perform a charging operation, and a corresponding throwing ball detection unit. It is a flowchart which shows the error judgment operation | movement after instruct | indicating the start of throwing-in operation | movement for the throwing mechanism and throwing ball detection means corresponding to this as a target. It is a flowchart which shows the error judgment operation | movement after instruct | indicating the start of injection | throwing-in operation | movement for the throwing mechanism which does not perform throwing-in operation, and the throwing ball detection means corresponding to this. 19 is a flowchart showing the error determination operation shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 as a series of error determination operations. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which concerns on a 1st error process. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which concerns on the 2nd and 3rd error processing. It is sectional drawing which shows the game ball taking-in apparatus carrying the injection | throwing-in mechanism provided with the gear motor. It is a figure which shows a motion of the injection | throwing-in mechanism provided with the gear motor.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Outer frame 3 Middle frame 4 Front frame 5 Direction part 6 Game state display part 7 Control part 7a Main CPU
7b Sub CPU
12 Hinge part 13 Window part 14 Operation part 141 Lever 142 Stop button 143a BET button 143b Max BET button 144 Switching button 145 Settlement button 146 Error release switch 15 Ball tray 16 Lower dish 17 Locking device 20 Stay 21 First reinforcing member 22 First 2 Reinforcing member 23 Discharge port 24 Mechanism side outflow path 50 Game ball take-in device 51 Case 51a Mounting surface 51b Upper surface 51c Side surface 52 Ball release lever 53 Connector insertion port 54 Inlet port 55 Standby path 56 Input mechanism 56-1 First Feeding mechanism 56-2 Second feeding mechanism 56-3 Third feeding mechanism 56a Sheath member 56b Hinge part 56c Shaft 56d Latching solenoid 56e Sheet metal 56f Plunger 56g Transmission arm 56h Flange part 56i Locking piece 56j Hinge part 56k gear motor 56m spur gear 56n swinging arm 56p spur gear 57 intake rod 57a flow bottom surface 57b opening 57c barrier 57d partition wall 57e notch 57f intake passage 57g through hole 58a, 58b substrate 60a, 60b connector 61 connector 62 intermediate frame 62a Connector housing portion 62b Flange portion 62c Arm 62d Through hole 62e Long hole 63 Throwing ball detecting means 63a Light emitting portion 63b Light receiving portion 64 Connector 65 Photo sensor 66 Operation detecting means

Claims (5)

A gaming machine that takes a game ball as a unit of a betting rate and pays a number of game balls according to the game result,
A waiting path for waiting for game balls;
A take-in bowl into which game balls on the waiting path are thrown in,
A detected portion made of a protrusion-shaped locking piece, which is allowed to flow into the standby path and allows the game ball to flow in, and is inserted into the take-in cage and part of it remains on the standby path. Throwing means movable between an inflow blocking position for blocking the inflow of the sphere ,
Throw-in ball detecting means for detecting a game ball flowing down the take-in cage;
An operation detection means for detecting the input operation of the input means;
Input control means for controlling the input operation of the input means;
An error judging means for judging a game ball take-in error based on the presence / absence of control of the throwing control means, the presence / absence of detection of the throwing ball detecting means, and the presence / absence of detection of the operation detecting means;
Error processing means for processing an error when the error determination means determines an error;
An edge of the movement restricting hole that has a movement restricting hole through which the engaging piece is inserted and is capable of abutting the engaging piece so as not to move the input means that has been operated to move further from the inflow prevention position. A frame formed with,
With
The operation detecting means includes a sensor that detects the closing operation of the closing means by detecting the proximity of the locking piece ,
The locking piece is located at a position not detected by the sensor when the input means is moved to the inflowable position, and is detected by the sensor when the input means is moved to the inflow prevention position. A gaming machine characterized by being positioned . The error determining means determines that there is a game ball take-in error if there is detection by the throwing ball detecting means before detection by the operation detecting means;
The gaming machine according to claim 1. The error determining means determines that there is a game ball take-in error when the throwing ball detecting means is detected after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection of the operation detecting means;
The gaming machine according to claim 1. A directing department that directs the game;
A game state display unit for displaying a game state;
Further comprising
The error processing means, as the error processing, causes the effect unit to notify an error during a game, and causes the game state display unit to display an error together with an error notification by the effect unit when not playing.
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein A plurality of the throwing ball detection means are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with each game ball waiting on the waiting path,
The error determining means determines that a game ball taking-in error is detected when the same throwing ball detecting means is detected a plurality of times per throwing operation;
The gaming machine according to claim 1.

Images