JP4983034B2 - Game ball detector and game ball counting system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game ball detector and a game ball counting system, and more particularly to a game ball detector for counting game balls made of metal such as a ball game machine.

  Conventionally, in game machines and game ball counters that handle game balls of a ball game machine, a game ball detector (proximity switch) having a through hole is generally used as a means for detecting the passage of the game ball. Yes.

  By the way, in a game hall (pachinko hall), there is a constant situation in which illegal acts of illegally exploiting or counting game balls in a ball game machine, a game ball counter, etc. are not constantly performed. It is strongly desired to do so.

  As countermeasures, various measures have been taken as manufacturers of each ball game machine and game ball counter, or as a manufacturer of parts used for them. On the other hand, a new genre of game machine called “Parrot”, which uses the same metal ball as the game ball of the bullet ball game machine to play the revolving game, has been recognized. Has an application called a capture device counting sensor for capturing game balls. This application is configured so that a player can throw in a game ball with his / her hand in order to count and capture the number of game balls necessary for playing the game. Measures that are not taken are necessary.

  In addition, in the game ball counter (game ball counting system) installed in the pachinko hall, since it is an important performance how many game balls can be counted in a short time, usually 10 lanes or more (for example, (16 lanes or 18 lanes) game ball passages are provided, and each lane is equipped with a game ball detector.

  In such a game ball counter, since the player directly operates to count the number of acquired game balls, there is a high possibility that the game ball will be illegally exploited and more illegal than the game machine. Action measures are required.

  Furthermore, as a recent trend, the counting system for each vehicle in which the gaming ball counting system is installed for each gaming machine has become widespread, and the gaming ball counting machine in which many acquired gaming balls are installed on each island as before. No need to carry it up.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an example of a conventional game ball detector, and FIG. 2 is a time chart of an output signal waveform when a game ball is detected in the game ball detector of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming ball detector 1 conventionally includes a detection coil 11 wound around a game ball passage (through hole 300) and a high-frequency oscillation circuit (oscillation circuit) including the detection coil 11. ) 12, a detection / smoothing circuit 13 for detecting and smoothing the output signal (WF1) of the high-frequency oscillation circuit 12, a comparison circuit 14 for comparing the output signal of the detection / smoothing circuit 13 with a predetermined reference potential, and an output circuit 15 ing.

  Here, the game ball passes through the through hole 300 of the detection coil 11 around which the detection coil 11 is wound, and the oscillation state of the high-frequency oscillation circuit 12 is changed by the passage of the game ball, so that the game ball is It is determined that the signal has passed, and the output signal (S0: game ball passing signal) is output via the control unit 2. Reference numeral 20 indicates a load provided between the output S0 of the game ball detector and the high potential power source.

  Proximity switches with through-holes as described above are most often used as game ball detectors because they do not permanently deteriorate and are not susceptible to malfunctions due to the effects of dirt, ambient light, etc. Because it is the most reliable.

  When the game ball passes through the through hole 300 of the detection coil 11, the output signal WF1 of the high-frequency oscillation circuit 12 changes in inductance of the detection coil 11 and stops oscillating. The output signal WF1 of the high-frequency oscillation circuit 12 is converted into a signal WF2 smoothed by a DC level by the detection smoothing circuit 13, and the signal WF2 of the DC level is compared with the high level inversion voltage Vth1 and the low level inversion voltage Vth2 by the comparison circuit 14. The comparison result is output from the output circuit 15 as the output signal WF3 (S0).

  As shown in FIG. 2, at the time of standby when no game ball passes, the high-frequency oscillation circuit 12 is in an oscillating state, the signal WF2 after the detection smoothing process is at a high potential level, and the game ball is not detected based on the voltage level. A state signal WF3 is output.

  That is, as the game ball approaches, the oscillation amplitude of the high-frequency oscillation circuit 12 begins to decrease, and the moment when the DC level signal WF2 after the detection smoothing process falls below the level of the low inversion voltage Vth2 set in the circuit in advance. In addition, when the output WF3 is reversed to the gaming ball detection state (S0: low level “L”), and the gaming ball reaches the center of the through hole 300 of the detection coil 11, the stop state is entered.

  Furthermore, when the game ball advances through the passage and passes through the through hole 300 of the detection coil 11, the oscillation gradually starts to grow from the oscillation stop state of the high-frequency oscillation circuit, and as the game ball moves away from the detection coil. The standby oscillation state is restored. At this time, the output WF3 is inverted to the gaming ball non-detection state (S0: high level “H”) at a timing exceeding the level of the high level inversion voltage Vth1 set in the circuit in advance.

  Here, the output signal WF2 of the detection / smoothing circuit 13 is compared and discriminated by two threshold voltages (a high-level inversion voltage Vth1 and a low-level inversion voltage Vth2) in the comparison circuit 14, which is, for example, rebound or vibration of a game ball. This is because the effects of chattering and noise caused by the above are eliminated, and the detection of the game ball is performed stably and reliably.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a conventional game ball detector, and FIG. 4 is a time chart of an output signal waveform when a game ball is detected in the game ball detector of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, conventionally, the first game ball detection unit including the detection coil L1 on the inlet side 301 of the through hole 300 and the second game ball detection unit including the detection coil L2 on the outlet side 302 are two. A game ball detector with a built-in game machine detection function has been proposed.

  The game ball detector shown in FIG. 3 outputs the first game ball detection unit (the first game ball passing) that is output when the game balls (P: P1, P2, P3) pass through the through hole 300. Signal) S1 and the output of the second game ball detection unit (second game ball passage signal) S2 are checked to determine whether or not one game ball has passed in the normal direction. To do. That is, this gaming machine detector reliably recognizes the game ball even when the game balls P1 to P3 pass continuously, and recognizes the normal direction (ball passing count) and the reverse direction (ball return). Count addition and subtraction can be performed.

  Here, for example, by disposing the two detection coils L1 and L2 by a distance of about 1/4 of the diameter of the game ball P (for example, 11 mm), the first game ball detection unit in FIG. Timings at which the output S1 and the output S2 of the second game ball detection unit change are set to equal times t1, t2, t3, and t4 (t1 = t2 = t3 = t4).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 4, when the game ball P (P1) passes through the through hole 300 in the normal direction, the output S1 of the first game ball detection unit is a signal output (non-detection state of the game ball ( It changes from the low level “L” to the signal output in the detection state (high level “H”) (TP1), and after a predetermined time (t1) has elapsed, the output S2 of the second gaming ball detection unit is not the gaming ball. The signal output “L” in the detection state is changed to the signal output “H” in the detection state (TP2).

  Further, after a predetermined time (t2) has elapsed, the output S1 changes from the signal output “H” in the detection state of the gaming ball to the signal output “L” in the non-detection state (TP3), and the predetermined time (t3) has elapsed. After that, the output S2 changes from the signal output “H” in the detection state of the game ball to the signal output “L” in the non-detection state (TP4). When the game ball P (P2) passes through the through hole 300 in the normal direction continuously, the output S1 is detected from the signal output “L” in the non-detection state of the game ball after a predetermined time (t4) has passed. It changes to the signal output “H” of the state (TP1), and the same signal change is repeated.

  When the game ball P passes through the through-hole 300 in the opposite direction, the output S1 of the first game ball detection unit and the output S2 of the second game ball detection unit change in the opposite directions. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether each game ball is in the normal direction or the reverse direction, and it is possible to correctly add and subtract the counts of game balls.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the game ball detector of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the game ball detector shown in FIG. 3 includes two game ball detection units, a first game ball detection unit and a second game ball detection unit. Each game ball detection unit has the same configuration as the game ball detector shown in FIG. 1 described above. The first game ball detection unit includes a detection coil 11a (L1), a high-frequency oscillation circuit 12a, a detection smoothing circuit 13a, The comparison circuit 14a and the output circuit 15a are provided, and the second game ball detection unit includes a detection coil 11b (L2), a high-frequency oscillation circuit 12b, a detection smoothing circuit 13b, a comparison circuit 14b, and an output circuit 15b. Reference numerals 21 and 22 indicate loads provided between the outputs S1 and S2 of the first and second game ball detection units and the high potential power supply VS, respectively, and 23 indicates each ball game machine. And a CPU provided locally in the game ball counter.

  As described above, conventionally, two game ball detection units are provided in the through hole 300 of the game ball detector, and the signal outputs S1 and S2 of each game ball detection unit obtained by passing the game ball P are constant. The detection coils L1 and L2 are arranged at predetermined intervals so as to overlap with each other, and the passing of the game ball and the detection of the passing direction are performed based on the timing change pattern of the two signal outputs S1 and S2 due to the passing of the game ball. A technique for accurately counting game balls is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, conventionally, two optical game ball detection units are provided for a game ball passage, and when the game ball passes, the detection signal of the first game ball detection unit is output. The second game ball detection unit outputs a detection signal, and it has been proposed to prevent erroneous counting when the game ball is turned back (passed in the opposite direction) due to the timing deviation of the output time of both detection signals. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

  Further, conventionally, in order to accurately and easily detect the movement state of the game ball, the inductance component of the detection coil is used in the through-hole through which the game ball passes with respect to the passage from the game ball launching device to the game board surface. Two detection units consisting of a high-frequency oscillation circuit that oscillates and a switching circuit are provided, and the moving direction of the game ball is detected by the order of change of the output of each detection unit, and the total number of game balls supplied to the game board is detected Some have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  Conventionally, there has also been proposed a slot machine using a game ball detector that shortens the time required for taking a game ball even when using a game ball (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

  Furthermore, recently, a game ball detector that detects game balls of a plurality of passages in an integrated manner has also been proposed. For example, game balls of two passages (two sets of game ball detectors) are integrated. There has also been proposed a game ball detector that detects and converts (see, for example, Patent Document 5).

  Conventionally, as a counter that does not become a serious problem even if a ball clogging occurs in the counting passage of game balls (balls), it is usually set and receives the game balls discharged from the lower plate as a counter. There has been proposed a game ball that is returned to the sand side to cause a clogged ball and that rotates the hopper unit and receives a game ball in a ball box installed below the lower plate (see, for example, Patent Document 6).

  Further, conventionally, in order to detect fraud to the ball counting machine installed for each stand without providing a detection sensor, the accumulated number of balls obtained by integrating the number of correction balls preset in the supply signal and the ball lending signal; There has also been proposed a method in which the count signal is compared with the count signal, and when the count signal is larger, it is determined to be illegal, and in other cases it is determined to be normal (see, for example, Patent Document 7).

  Conventionally, an object is detected by a high-frequency oscillation circuit and a signal processing circuit, the output is given to a detection output holding circuit, and if there is a self-diagnosis input signal, this output is once held and oscillated after a delay time in the delay circuit Has been proposed in which an abnormality in the proximity switch (game ball detector) can be diagnosed depending on whether or not the output of the signal processing circuit is simultaneously inverted (see, for example, Patent Document 8). .

  Conventionally, when a metal body (game ball) approaches the detection unit, a first circuit for controlling an output delay time during detection until the detection signal is output after the detection unit enters a detection state, and the metal body When the sensor is separated from the detector, a second circuit that controls the non-detection output delay time from when the detector is in the non-detection state until the detection signal is output is individually formed to ensure output stability. A high-frequency oscillation proximity switch (game ball detector) that realizes responsiveness and output time securing has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 9).

  Conventionally, as a means for preventing an illegal act against a direct current 2-wire switch (game ball detection unit) for detecting a game ball, an open or closed state of a game ball output from the direct current 2-wire electronic switch An interface circuit for transmitting an output signal indicating presence / absence to a control circuit, a voltage dividing circuit for determining a threshold voltage value that varies depending on the first or second state, an output voltage value of a DC two-wire electronic switch, and voltage division A first comparison output circuit for comparing the threshold voltage value in the first or second state of the circuit, and the voltage dividing circuit in the first state or second in accordance with the output signal from the first comparison output circuit; There has been proposed an interface circuit including a switching circuit for switching to this state (for example, see Patent Document 10).

  Further, conventionally, as an interface circuit of a DC 2-wire electronic switch related to the above-mentioned Patent Document 10, an open abnormality detection circuit that detects an abnormality in an open state, a blockage abnormality detection circuit that detects an abnormality in a closed state, First output circuit that outputs at least a signal indicating whether or not a game ball is detected by synthesizing at least the output signals of the comparison output circuit, the opening abnormality detection circuit, and the blockage abnormality detection circuit, and the opening abnormality detection circuit and the blockage abnormality A second output circuit for synthesizing at least the output signals from the detection circuit and outputting a combined signal, wherein a threshold voltage value in the first state of the voltage dividing circuit is determined by a current value flowing through the voltage dividing circuit; It has been proposed (see Patent Document 11). The open abnormality detection circuit has a current smaller by a predetermined value than the output voltage value of the DC 2-wire electronic switch and the current value of the leakage current generated when the DC 2-wire electronic switch is open in the first state. A second comparison output circuit that outputs a signal indicating the presence / absence of an abnormality when the DC two-wire electronic switch is in an open state by comparing the voltage value to be a value, and the blockage abnormality detection circuit includes: By comparing the output voltage value of the DC two-wire electronic switch with a voltage value that is smaller than the residual voltage value generated when the DC two-wire electronic switch is closed, the DC two-wire electronic switch is blocked. A third comparison output circuit for outputting a signal indicating the presence or absence of abnormality in the state;

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-094638 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-089644 Japanese Patent No. 3322465 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-093592 Design Registration No. 1074357 JP-A-10-165636 JP 11-192370 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 07-037475 JP 2004-364226 A JP 2005-318357 A JP 2005-318358 A

  Conventionally, the game ball detector is assumed to be broken or broken for various reasons. However, at present, there is no means for easily confirming the broken or broken game ball detector from the control side.

  That is, in the game ball detector, since the game ball continuously passes through the through-hole, mechanical stress is continuously applied to the through-hole of the game ball detector, so that the detection coil wound around the through-hole is Disconnected and disabled as a game ball detector. Also, liquid or water enters the game ball detector, and an electrical short circuit occurs in a part of the built-in detection coil part or circuit part, so that the game machine detector becomes inoperable. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the circuit of the game ball detection function is broken due to normal noise, electrostatic noise, or the like from the outside of the game ball detector, and the game ball detector becomes inoperable.

  By the way, in the ball game machine, for example, about 10 game ball detectors are mounted per unit, and the number of game ball detectors is enormous, because there are as many game machines installed in pachinko halls. It will be something.

  However, if the game ball detector is damaged or malfunctioned, for example, if the player himself feels an abnormality while playing the game and does not contact pachinko hall employees, the abnormality will be detected. Absent.

  The game ball counter (game ball counting device) is provided with a game ball passage having 10 or more lanes. For example, a double game ball detection unit is provided, and the game ball counter is provided for each island. Therefore, even if a part of the game ball detector (game ball detection unit) breaks down, for example, the game ball counting process only results in a small result, If the hall employee does not feel any abnormality by confirming the counting result, it is difficult to confirm even that the game ball counter is abnormal.

  Further, in the game ball counting system, even if it can be confirmed that the game ball counter is abnormal, it can be determined which game ball detector (game ball detection unit) is out of order by disassembling the device itself. Thus, there is no means other than checking the operation of the game ball detector one by one.

  Furthermore, as described above, since the game ball counting system in which a game ball counter is provided for each table, a game ball counter is provided for all of the ball game machines in pachinko halls. As with ball game machines, it is impossible to constantly monitor abnormalities of all game ball counters only by human monitoring by hall employees.

  In the case of a game ball counting system in which a game ball counter is provided for each table, since a game ball counter is provided for each player, an unauthorized player can illegally play a game against each game ball counter. There is a possibility that the player performs an illegal act for exploiting the ball, or the player emotionally performs a destructive action (striking, kicking, pouring juice, etc.) in connection with winning or losing in the game. In such a case, it is difficult to take measures only by human monitoring by hall employees.

  In the present invention, in view of the problems of the conventional game ball detector described above, the game ball detector is normally connected to the counting controller and the disconnection state and the short circuit state are not generated. By constantly monitoring, the purpose is to enable immediate detection and real-time response when a game ball detector malfunctions or cheating.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a first detection coil disposed around a passage of a game ball made of metal and a first high-frequency oscillation circuit including the first detection coil are provided, a first gaming ball detection unit for outputting a first game ball passes signals to determine the passage of the game ball through the oscillation state of the first high-frequency oscillation circuit, before SL wound around a passage of the game ball arrangement A second detection coil provided at a predetermined distance from the first detection coil, and a second high-frequency oscillation circuit including the second detection coil, the oscillation of the second high-frequency oscillation circuit A game ball detector comprising: a second game ball detection unit that determines the passage of the game ball according to a state and outputs a second game ball pass signal; 1 signal output and the second game ball detection unit first The first and second gaming ball detection units are in a non-detection state in which no game ball passes and output a predetermined residual voltage value. In the detection state in which the passage of the game ball is detected, the circuit is constituted by a DC two-wire circuit through which a predetermined leakage current flows in the open state, and the first power supply line of the first game ball detection unit and the first The first power supply line of the two game ball detection units is commonly connected to the first main power supply line, and the second power supply line of the first game ball detection unit and the second power supply line of the second game ball detection unit are connected to each other. The first power supply line is connected to the second main power supply line via a load, and the first game ball detection unit includes a first switching element and a first residual voltage circuit connected in series. Output circuit, and the second game The detection unit includes a second output circuit in which a second switching element and a second residual voltage circuit are connected in series, and the first residual voltage value set by the first residual voltage circuit and the first A game ball detector is provided in which the second residual voltage value set by the two residual voltage circuits is made different .

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the first detection coil disposed around the passage of the game ball made of metal and the first high-frequency oscillation circuit including the first detection coil are provided, a first gaming ball detection unit for outputting a first game ball passes signals to determine the passage of the game ball through the oscillation state of the first high-frequency oscillation circuit, before SL wound around a passage of the game ball arrangement A second detection coil provided at a predetermined distance from the first detection coil, and a second high-frequency oscillation circuit including the second detection coil, the oscillation of the second high-frequency oscillation circuit A game ball detector comprising: a second game ball detection unit that determines the passage of the game ball according to a state and outputs a second game ball pass signal; 1 signal output and the second game ball detection unit first The first and second gaming ball detection units are in a non-detection state in which no game ball passes and output a predetermined residual voltage value. In the detection state in which the passage of the game ball is detected, the circuit is constituted by a DC two-wire circuit through which a predetermined leakage current flows in the open state, and the first power supply line of the first game ball detection unit and the first The first power supply line of the two game ball detection units is commonly connected to the first main power supply line, and the second power supply line of the first game ball detection unit and the second power supply line of the second game ball detection unit are connected to each other. Are connected to the second main power supply line via a load, and the game ball detector is connected to the power supply line, and the passage is based on the first and second signal outputs. Counting processing means for counting game balls passing through the road; Current detecting means for detecting that no current flows through the first and second gaming ball detection units, and detecting that no voltage is generated at both ends of the first and second gaming ball detection units. No current flows through the first and second game ball detection units by the voltage detection means and the counting control unit, or no voltage is generated at both ends of the first and second game ball detection units. There is provided a game ball counting system comprising monitoring means for constantly monitoring this.

  According to the present invention, the game ball detector is normally connected to the game ball detection unit and the counting control unit, and the game ball detector fails by constantly monitoring that no disconnection or short circuit has occurred. It is possible to provide a gaming ball detector and a gaming ball counting system that can immediately detect and respond in real time when an illegal act or the like occurs.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a game ball detector and a game ball counting system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a first embodiment of the game ball detector according to the present invention, and shows a circuit diagram of a game ball detector constituted by two game ball detection units constituted by DC two-wire electronic switches. It is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the game ball detector of the first embodiment includes two game ball detection units, a first game ball detection unit and a second game ball detection unit. The first game ball detection unit includes a detection coil 111, a high frequency oscillation circuit 121, a detection smoothing circuit 131, a comparison circuit 141, an output circuit 151, and a power supply circuit 161, and the second game ball detection unit includes a detection coil. 112, a high frequency oscillation circuit 122, a detection smoothing circuit 132, a comparison circuit 142, an output circuit 152, and a power supply circuit 162.

  The first and second game ball detection units are each configured as a DC two-wire electronic switch, and signal outputs S1 and S2 of the first and second game ball detection units are shown in FIG. As described above, power supplies VS1 and VS2 are connected to high potential power supply Vcc through loads 201 and 202, respectively.

  That is, the game ball detector of the first embodiment is the same as the game ball detector having the conventional two game ball detection units shown in FIG. 5 described above, and the signal outputs S1 and S2 of each game ball detection unit and each game. The power supply (power supply lines) VS1 and VS2 for the sphere detection unit are shared. For this purpose, the first game ball detection unit further includes a power supply circuit 161 including an NPN bipolar transistor 1611, a Zener diode 1612, and a resistor 1613. Similarly, the second game ball detection unit includes an NPN bipolar device. A power supply circuit 162 including a transistor 1621, a Zener diode 1622, and a resistor 1623 is further provided.

  Further, the output circuit 151 of the first game ball detection unit includes a transistor 1511, a resistor 1512, and a Zener diode 1513, and the first signal output S1 is extracted from the collector of the transistor 1511 via the Zener diode 1513, and similarly. The output circuit 152 of the second game ball detection unit includes a transistor 1521 and a resistor 1522, and a second signal output S2 is taken out from the collector of the transistor 1521 via the Zener diode 1523.

  Note that the detection coil 111 of the first game ball detection unit and the detection coil 121 of the second game ball detection unit have a predetermined distance (for example, the game ball P) to the passage (through hole 300) of the game ball (P). The first and second signal outputs S1 and S2 are separated by a distance of about 1/4 of a diameter of 11 mm), and have the relationship shown in FIG. 4 (t1 = t2 = t3 = t4). It is going to change.

  Assuming the above configuration, the first and second gaming ball detection units convert the oscillation states of the high-frequency oscillation circuits 121 and 122 into DC level signals by the detection smoothing circuits 131 and 132, respectively, and further compare them. The results of comparison and discrimination by the circuits 141 and 142 are output as signals (S1, S2) by the DC two-wire output circuits 151, 152. Here, the low potential side power supply (low potential side power supply line) of the two game ball detection units is shared as the GND potential.

  Table 1 below shows the relationship between the detection state of the game ball and the output operation of the game ball detection unit (electronic switch).

  In Table 1, in the case of a DC 2-wire electronic switch, it is necessary to operate the internal circuits (121 to 141, 161, 122 to 142, 162) even when the output transistors 1511 and 1521 are turned on (closed state). Therefore, the closing operation is performed with a constant constant voltage left. Therefore, in the DC two-wire electronic switch, both ends of the electronic switch are not 0 V even when the output transistor is in the ON state. As an actual circuit operation, the voltage value is determined by the residual voltage generation circuits (zener diodes) 1513 and 1523 incorporated in the output circuits 151 and 152 in FIG.

  In the DC two-wire electronic switch, even when the output transistors 1511 and 1521 are opened (off state), a consumption current for operating the internal circuit is generated, and the consumption current flows through the load of the electronic switch. It will be. Therefore, in the DC 2-wire electronic switch, no current flows (becomes 0 mA) even when the output transistor is in the OFF state. As an actual circuit operation, since the output circuits 151 and 152 are open and no current flows, other circuits (in FIG. 6, the oscillation circuits 121 and 122, the detection smoothing circuits 131 and 132, and the comparison circuits 141 and 142). The current consumption of the power supply circuits 161 and 162) is a leakage current.

  In Table 1, it is limited to the output mode of detection state → output off, non-detection state → output on, but this is an open state leakage when trying to realize with a simple circuit configuration like a game ball detector. Since it is important to minimize the current, when a DC 2-wire game ball detection unit is used as the game ball detector, it is preferable to set the detection state in which the oscillation is stopped with low current consumption to the open state. . In addition, by turning on the non-detection state, the output is reversed when the power is turned on when there is no game ball passing, so that it can be confirmed simply by turning on the power. It becomes possible.

  That is, in the case of a DC two-wire electronic switch, it is connected to the power supply Vcc via a load (201 and 202 in FIG. 7 described later), but both ends of the electronic switch coincide with 0 V (GND) and the power supply voltage (Vcc). There is no feature, and there is a feature that it is always an intermediate potential.

The first embodiment (the same applies to the second to fourth embodiments) uses the characteristics of the above-described DC two-wire electronic switch, and a current exceeding a predetermined value flows or exceeds a predetermined value. The game ball counting control is performed after monitoring that the voltage remains and confirming that the game ball detector is normal. As shown in the following table for possible abnormal phenomena, the present invention makes it possible to construct a system with high security and high reliability by enabling these monitoring operations at all times.
Table 1 shown below shows the relationship between abnormal modes and possible causes in the electronic switch.

  By the way, in this specification, the electronic switch is described only when applied to a game ball detector (game ball detection unit) of a game ball counting system. This is because it is an application that requires more careful judgment than normal signal processing in order to determine that it is an abnormality detection of a device related to (1) and that it is an event due to some intentional fraud or accident.

  In the game ball counting device, since the passing direction of the game ball is confirmed and the passage of the game ball is detected, two detection functions (game ball detection units) are paired. In an application that requires a highly reliable determination, it is possible to make a highly reliable determination by checking the presence or absence of an abnormality by comparing the two signal outputs S1 and S2.

  In Table 2 above, regarding the possible causes, if there are two game ball detection units, there is a high possibility that both two game ball detection units will be in the same abnormal state. The reliability increases by checking the signal outputs S1 and S2 while checking them.

Next, the configuration on the counting control unit side will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a counting control unit to which the game ball detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention is connected. Two systems of interfaces 261 and 262 for two game ball detection units are mounted.

  As the interface circuits 261 and 262, in addition to the signal discrimination circuits 271 and 272 that convert the signal outputs S1 and S2 of the game ball detection unit and transmit them to the subsequent stage, a disconnection abnormality detection circuit that confirms that some current is flowing 281 and 282 and a short circuit abnormality detection circuit 291 and 292 for confirming that the voltage at both ends of the game ball detection unit remains above a certain level. Further, the count control unit 200 includes interface circuits 261 and 262, a count processing unit 203, and an abnormal signal output unit 204.

  The disconnection abnormality detection circuit 281 (282) has a current detection method using a transistor 2811 and resistors 2812 to 2814 in order to confirm that a slight current is flowing, even if the current is 0.1 mA or less. It has a circuit configuration for detection.

  The short circuit abnormality detection circuit 291 (292) sets the threshold voltage to around 0.6 V for one diode in order to confirm that both ends of the game ball detection unit are not in the short circuit state (0 V).

  As an abnormality detection function of the game ball counting system, when an abnormality is detected by the disconnection abnormality detection circuits 281 and 282 and the short circuit abnormality detection circuits 291 and 292, a signal is sent to the abnormality signal output unit 204, While outputting an abnormal signal to the processing unit (host computer) 4, the local abnormal display device (indicator lamp) 251 and the abnormality detection sound generator (speaker) 252 are informed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the power supply voltage and the output voltage of the game ball detection unit (the input voltage of the counting control unit) in the first embodiment of the game ball detector according to the present invention. In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis indicates the power supply voltage (Vcc), and the vertical axis indicates the input voltage of the counting control unit (the signal outputs S1 (VS1) and S2 (VS2) of the game ball detection unit). In FIG. 8, reference symbol AR1 indicates a voltage range in which the input voltage S1 (S2) takes into account variations in the oscillation stop state (ball presence state) of the game ball detection unit, and AR2 indicates the input voltage S1 (S2). Shows the voltage range in consideration of the variation of the oscillation state (ballless state) of the game ball detection unit.

  As shown in FIG. 8, for example, if the input voltage S1 (S2) is higher than the disconnection detection voltage (threshold voltage Vth03) by the disconnection abnormality detection circuit 281 (282) in the counting control unit 200, a disconnection abnormality occurs. If the input voltage S1 (S2) becomes lower than the short circuit detection voltage (threshold voltage Vth04) by the short circuit abnormality detection circuit 291 (292) in the counting control unit 200, a predetermined abnormality process is performed as a short circuit abnormality.

  Here, the disconnection can be detected if a slight current flows. For example, detection of about [power supply voltage (Vcc) −0.1 V (load × detection current)] is possible regardless of the power supply voltage Vcc. In addition, as a short-circuit detection, the threshold voltage is set by one diode, so that it is set to about 0.6 V regardless of the power supply voltage Vcc.

  In any case, a characteristic is that abnormality detection can be determined stably without depending on the power supply voltage.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a modification of the first embodiment of the game ball detector according to the present invention.
The game ball detector shown in FIG. 9 includes, for example, each of the detection coils 111 and 112 in accordance with the detection coil short-circuit control signal CS0 from the CPU control circuit 230 in addition to the above-described two systems of DC two-wire game ball detection units. A detection coil short-circuit control circuit 16 for short-circuiting both ends is provided. The detection coil short-circuit control circuit 16 short-circuits both ends of the detection coils 111 and 112 according to the detection coil short-circuit control signal CS0 from the CPU 230 of the local count control unit 200 provided in the game ball counter, for example. The oscillations 121 and 122 are stopped simultaneously.

  The CPU 230 is connected to the central processing unit (hall computer) 4 via the external output unit 240, and outputs a detection coil short-circuit control signal CS0 to the detection coil short-circuit control circuit 16 in response to a control signal from the hall computer 4. If an abnormality is detected, the local indicator lamp 251 and the speaker 252 are notified and an abnormality signal is output to the hall computer 4. Note that the detection operation of the game ball detector can be performed by performing the detection coil short-circuit control signal CS0, for example, at the time of power-on before the hall starts business (before opening).

  As a result, not only can a real-time response to a malfunction or fraud in the game ball detector occur, but it can also check whether the game ball detection function of the game ball detector is operating normally. It becomes possible.

  As described above, the game ball detector according to the first embodiment has a signal output in a normal state by adopting a DC 2-wire circuit configuration in which the low potential power supply of the two game ball detection units is shared. S1 and S2 (VS1 and VS2) can be set to an intermediate potential, and by detecting the voltage levels of the signal outputs S1 and S2 on a regular basis, disconnection or short circuit abnormality can be detected.

  Also, the disconnection abnormality detection circuits 281 and 282 are configured to detect current, and by detecting an abnormality that is less than a slight current value, the disconnection abnormality detection circuits 281 and 282 malfunction due to disturbance noise or the like and the abnormality detection state is established. It can be avoided.

  Further, the short-circuit abnormality detection circuits 291 and 292 are set to a threshold voltage that is not in the short-circuit state (0 V), and the abnormality detection is performed with a voltage value of a slight voltage or less, so that the short-circuit abnormality detection circuits 291 and 292 malfunction due to disturbance noise or the like. Thus, it is possible to realize a circuit configuration that does not enter the abnormality detection state.

  Furthermore, since the two loads 201 and 202 are independently connected to the high potential power supply line (Vcc), the two game ball detection units are both destroyed by the influence (noise, fraud etc.) from the power supply line. The risk of co-destruction can be reduced. When only one of the two game ball detection units is operated, an abnormality can be easily confirmed as a counting control function.

  Also, a highly reliable abnormality detection system can be realized by determining the presence or absence of abnormality while comparing the signal outputs S1 and S2 of the two game ball detection units. In addition, by constantly monitoring disconnection abnormalities and short circuit abnormalities as a game ball counting system, it is possible to detect certain faults and fraud against game ball detectors in real time, and realize a highly reliable abnormality detection system. be able to.

  FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a counting control unit to which a game ball detector according to the second embodiment of the present invention is connected.

  The counting control unit to which the game ball detector of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is connected includes a signal discrimination circuit (interface circuit 261 (262), high inversion voltage discrimination circuit 2711 (2721), and low inversion voltage discrimination circuit 2712). (2722), threshold values of disconnection abnormality detection circuit 281 (282), short circuit abnormality detection circuit 291 (292)) are set close to the output voltage value of the game ball detection unit, and signals other than the output signal of the game ball are accepted. It shows the high security ones made difficult.

  As the game ball detector, for example, the same one as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is used, and the counting control unit 200, the abnormal signal display unit (indicator lamp 251 and speaker 252) and the central processing unit 4 are used. A game ball counting system is configured.

  In the second embodiment, as the signal discriminating circuit 271 (272), a high inversion voltage discriminating circuit 2711 and a low inversion voltage discriminating circuit 2712 are provided independently.

  The threshold voltage Vth01 of the high-order inversion voltage discriminating circuit 2711 is set by a current source 7111 and a resistor 7112 showing characteristics equivalent to the leakage current of the game ball detection unit, and the comparator 7113 outputs the threshold voltage Vth01 and the signal output S1 of the game ball detection unit. Compare and discriminate. Here, by making the value of the resistor 7112 slightly larger than the load resistor 201, a voltage drop slightly larger than that of the load resistor 201 is obtained.

  The threshold voltage Vth02 of the low-order inversion voltage determination circuit 2712 is obtained by using a Zener diode 7121 that is the same element as the residual voltage generation circuit of the game ball detection unit, that is, the Zener diode 1513 incorporated in the output circuit 151 in FIG. The voltage Vth02 is set.

  In other words, the low inversion voltage determination circuit 2712 includes a Zener diode 7121, a diode 7122, a resistor 7123, and a comparator 7124, and uses the Zener diode 7121 and the diode 7122 having the same characteristics as the Zener diode 1513 that defines the residual voltage of the game ball detection unit. By doing so, the threshold voltage is set to a voltage higher by one diode than the voltage generated by the Zener diode (1513, 7121) (a voltage slightly higher than the voltage of the signal output S1 of the game ball detection unit (one diode)). The voltage Vth02 is set.

  Further, the threshold voltage Vth03 of the disconnection abnormality detection circuit 281 is set by a current source 811 and a resistor 812 that exhibit characteristics equivalent to the leakage current of the game ball detection unit, and the comparator 813 outputs the threshold voltage Vth03 and the signal output of the game ball detection unit. S1 is compared and determined. Here, by making the value of the resistor 812 slightly smaller than the load resistor 201, a voltage drop slightly smaller than that of the load resistor 201 is obtained.

  Then, the voltage Vth04 of the short-circuit abnormality detection circuit 291 is a threshold value using a Zener diode 911 that is the same element as the Zener diode 1513 built in the output voltage circuit 151 of FIG. The voltage Vth04 is set.

  In other words, the short circuit abnormality detection circuit 291 includes a Zener diode 911, resistors 912 to 914, and a comparator 915, and a voltage generated by the Zener diode 911 having the same characteristics as the Zener diode 1513 that defines the residual voltage of the game ball detection unit is resistance. By dividing the voltage by 913 and 914, a voltage slightly lower than the voltage of the signal output S1 of the game ball detection unit is set as the threshold voltage Vth04.

  The threshold voltages Vth01 to Vth04 described above are set by receiving a voltage supply from the power supply connected to the game ball detector via a load. Therefore, even if the power supply voltage fluctuates, it matches the fluctuation. Since each threshold voltage is set to a predetermined value, a very stable circuit can be realized. The same setting is applied to the interface circuit 262.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output voltage of the game ball detection unit and the power supply voltage in the second embodiment of the game ball detector according to the present invention. In FIG. 11, the horizontal axis indicates the power supply voltage (Vcc), the vertical axis indicates the input voltage (the voltage of the signal outputs S1 and S2 of the game ball detection unit), and the threshold voltages Vth01 to Vth04 in the count control unit 200 described above. Is shown.

  By setting these threshold voltages Vth01 to Vth04, when the fluctuation range of the signal outputs S1 and S2 of the game ball detection unit is exceeded, it is detected as an abnormal state, and the inversion operation of the signal outputs S1 and S2 exceeds a specified value. If it does not change, it will not be accepted as a signal output, so the high-security counting control unit 200 is configured.

  In addition, by making the leakage current value or residual voltage value of the game ball detector itself different between the two systems of game ball detection units by the following method, it becomes more difficult to be targeted for fraud. Can be further improved.

  Furthermore, by changing the number of turns of the coil of the LC resonance circuit or the capacitance value of the capacitor in the high-frequency oscillation circuit of the two game ball detection units built in the game ball detector, the leakage current in the two game ball detection units And the threshold value of the high-order inversion voltage and the threshold value of disconnection abnormality detection corresponding to each leakage current can be set as the count control unit.

  Also, by making the Zener voltage of the Zener diode that becomes the residual voltage generation circuit of the two systems of game ball detection units built in the game ball detector different, the residual voltage in the two systems of game ball detection units is made different, As a count control unit, a threshold value of a low level reversal voltage and a threshold value of short circuit abnormality detection corresponding to each residual voltage can be set.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the threshold voltage of the interface circuits 261 and 262 of the counting control unit 200 can be set according to the circuit configuration and circuit characteristics of the game ball detector. Even if the threshold voltage close to the signal output of the device is set, a stable operation can be performed without malfunction due to, for example, disturbance noise.

  Further, since the signal outputs S1 and S2 of the game ball detecting unit deviate from the set fluctuation range, it is detected as an abnormal state, or the signal outputs S1 and S2 cannot be received. It is possible to realize a count control system with high reliability and a count control unit with very high security. As a result, when a detector other than the target game ball detector (another model, an illegally modified game ball detector, or the like) is mounted, an abnormal state is detected, or the signal outputs S1, S2 This makes it difficult to be subject to fraudulent acts.

  Furthermore, by making the leakage current or residual voltage of the two game ball detection units different and realizing the interface circuit of the counting control unit corresponding to it, it becomes even more difficult to realize fraud and increase security. Can do.

  FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing a third embodiment of the game ball detector according to the present invention, which is a game ball detector having two systems of game ball detection units, in which the oscillation frequency and leakage current of the high-frequency oscillation circuit are measured. The value and the value of the residual voltage are set to be different to further improve the security.

  As is clear from the comparison between FIG. 12 and FIG. 6 described above, the game ball detector of the third embodiment is the same as the output of the first game ball detection unit in the game ball detector of the first embodiment described above. The DC bias drive system of the circuit 151 and the high-frequency oscillation circuit 122 of the second game ball detection unit is modified.

  That is, in the first embodiment described above, both the oscillation frequency, the leakage current value, and the residual voltage value of the high-frequency oscillation circuits 121 and 122 in the first game ball detection unit and the second game ball detection unit are set. In contrast, in the third embodiment, for example, the frequency of the signal output S1 of the first game ball detection unit is a low frequency of about 600 KHz, the residual voltage value is large, and the leakage current is set. Different settings are made so that the value decreases and the frequency of the signal output S2 of the second gaming ball detection unit is high at a high frequency of about 1800 KHz and the residual voltage value is small and the leakage current value is large. Yes.

  Therefore, the high level inversion voltage (Vth01) and the low level inversion voltage (Vth02) of the interface circuit in the count control unit 200 must be determined with different threshold values. Security can be improved.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12, the high-frequency oscillation circuit 121 of the first game ball detection unit whose oscillation frequency is set to a low frequency includes a PNP-type bipolar transistor 1211, 1212, a current source 1213, capacitors 1214, 1215, In addition, the resistors 1216 to 1218 are provided, for example, the number of turns of the detection coil 111 is large, the reactance is large, the combined capacitance by the capacitors 1214 and 1215 is greatly adjusted, and the resonance frequency of the LC is set low. In this case, the value of the sensitivity adjustment resistor 1218 is set to be relatively large, and the bias of the high-frequency oscillation circuit 121 is inevitably set to be small. Specifically, when the resonance frequency is about 600 KHz, the resistor 1218 is set to 3.3 kΩ, and the driving bias current (current flowing through the current source 1213) I0 of the detection coil 111 is set to about 0.4 mA.

  Note that the transistors 1211 and 1212 constitute a constant current mirror circuit (current mirror circuit), and the collector current values of the two transistors substantially coincide with each other. Therefore, the detection coil 111 is biased with a current value equal to the current I0 on the transistor 1212 side. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the high frequency oscillation circuit 122 of the second game ball detection unit whose oscillation frequency is set to a high frequency includes PNP bipolar transistors 1221 and 1222, current sources 1223a and 1223b, capacitors 1224, and so on. 1225 and resistors 1226-1228, for example, the number of turns of the detection coil 112 is small, the reactance is small, the combined capacitance by the capacitors 1224 and 1225 is adjusted small, and the resonance frequency of the LC is set high. In this case, the value of the sensitivity adjustment resistor 1218 is set to be relatively small, and the detection coil 112 needs to be driven with a reasonably large bias in order to ensure a gaming ball detection performance equivalent to the setting of a low frequency. . Specifically, when the resonance frequency is about 1800 KHz, the resistance 1228 is 0.75 kΩ, and the driving bias current of the detection coil 112 (the sum of the current I1 flowing through the current source 1223a and the current I2 flowing through the current source 1223b) I1 + I2 is 1. It is set to about 2 mA.

  In the above, the current sources 1213; 1223a and 1223b to be used are set when the currents I0 and I1 flowing through the current sources 1213 and 1223a are approximately the same value of 0.4 mA, and the current I2 flowing through the current source 1223b is set at a high frequency. A value of about 0.8 mA is assumed.

  Thus, when different oscillation frequencies are used in the high-frequency oscillation circuits 121 and 122 of the two game ball detection units, the leakage current is inevitably different, the leakage current is small at a low frequency setting, and the frequency setting is high. Then, the leakage current tends to increase. The signal output S1 of the first game ball detection unit in FIG. 12 is that the control currents of the transistors 1211 and 1212 are 0.4 mA, respectively, and the latter stage (detection / smoothing circuit 131, comparison circuit 141, and power supply circuit 161) during the opening operation. Assuming that the total current is 0.1 mA, the leakage current is about 0.4 mA + 0.4 mA + 0.1 mA = 0.9 mA, and the bias current of the detection coil 112 is 1 in the signal output S2 of the second game ball detection unit. Since the current increases to 2 mA, the leakage current is about 2.5 mA.

  On the other hand, with respect to the residual voltage, when the signal output S1 of the first game ball detection unit is in the standby state, the transistor 1511 is in the on state, and the Zener diode 1513 and the three diodes 1514 to 1516 are forwardly dropped at the output terminal. A residual voltage defined by the voltage is generated. Here, if the potential of the Zener diode 1513 is 5V, the residual voltage value in the signal output S1 of the first game ball detection unit is set to about 6.8V. Further, the residual voltage value at the signal output S2 of the second game ball detection unit is defined by the Zener diode 1523. If the potential of the Zener diode 1523 is 5V, the residual voltage value is set to about 5V as it is.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the power supply voltage dependency of the game ball detector of FIG. 12, and the applied voltage (power supply voltage) of the game ball detector and the output voltage (S1, S2) of each detection unit. Showing the relationship. It is assumed that the same constant resistance load RL (201, 202) is connected to the signal outputs S1, S2 of the two game ball detection units.

  As a whole, the signal output S2 of the second game ball detection unit exists at a position slid downward in the signal output S1 of the first game ball detection unit.

  In the standby state, the signal outputs S1 and S2 are both determined by the constant voltage element and are substantially parallel to the horizontal axis, the signal output S2 is governed by the characteristics of the Zener diode, and the signal output S1 is the order of the diode. It is positioned above it by a directional drop voltage (3 × Vd).

  On the other hand, at the time of detection, the signal outputs S1 and S2 are in parallel with the characteristics of the power supply voltage Vcc. For example, the output signal S1 is slid by RL × 0.9 mA, and further the output signal is RL × 2I2 below. S2 is located.

  FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram showing a counting control unit to which a game ball detector according to the third embodiment of the present invention is connected.

  The counting control unit 200 is applied with the above-described game ball detector shown in FIG. 12, and the interface circuit 261 corresponding to the signal output S1 of the first game ball detection unit and the signal output S2 of the second game ball detection unit are used. A corresponding interface circuit 262, a counting processing unit 203, and an abnormal signal output unit 204 are provided.

  The constant voltage source and the constant current source existing in the threshold setting unit in each interface circuit 261, 262 have the same characteristics as those in FIG. 12, and pursue the improvement of the setting accuracy and the narrowing of the conformity determination range. is doing. The count processing unit 203 and the abnormal signal output unit 204 (251, 252) are the same as those in the second embodiment described with reference to FIG.

Hereinafter, specific examples of threshold setting of the interface circuits 261 and 262 will be described.
1) The disconnection abnormality detection circuit 281 discriminates the upper limit of the output at the time of the opening operation by the output signal S1 of the first game ball detection unit. The threshold value is V1 = Vcc−Rb × I0. Specifically, Rb is 680Ω, I0 is 0.4 mA, and the threshold value is Vcc−0.27 mV.

  2) When the output signal S1 of the first game ball detection unit is open, V2 = Vcc−RL1 × IL01. Specifically, RL1 is 680Ω, the leakage current value is 0.9 mA, and Vcc−0. There is some variation around .61 mV.

  3) The high-level reversal voltage determination circuit 2711 discriminates the lower limit of the output at the time of the opening operation by the signal output S1 of the first game ball detection unit. The threshold value is V3 = Vcc−Ra × I0. Specifically, Ra is 2.4 kΩ, I0 is 0.4 mA, and the threshold value is Vcc−0.96 mV.

  4) In the disconnection abnormality detection circuit 282, the signal output S2 of the second game ball detection unit discriminates the upper limit of the output during the opening operation. The threshold value is V4 = Vcc−Rd × (I1 + I2). Specifically, Rd is 1.1 kΩ, I1 + I2 is 1.2 mA, and the threshold value is Vcc−1.32 mV.

  5) When the signal output S2 of the first game ball detection unit is in the opening operation, V5 = Vcc−RL2 × IL02. Specifically, RL2 is 680Ω, the leakage current is 2.5 mA, and Vcc−1. There will be some variation around 70 mV.

  6) The high level reversal voltage determination circuit 2721 discriminates the lower limit of the output at the time of the opening operation by the signal output S2 of the second game ball detection unit. The threshold value is V6 = Vcc−Rc × (I1 + I2). Specifically, Rc is 1.8 kΩ, I1 + I2 is 1.2 mA, and the threshold value is Vcc−2.16 mV.

  7) The lower reversal voltage determination circuit 2712 discriminates the upper limit of the output during the closing operation by the signal output S1 of the first game ball detection unit. The threshold is V7 = Vzd + 4 × Vd. Specifically, Vzd (the Zener voltage of the Zener diode ZD) is 5 V, Vd (the forward voltage drop of the diode D) is 0.6 V, and the threshold is 7.4 V. .

  8) When the signal output S1 of the first game ball detection unit is in the closing operation, V8 = Vzd + 3 × Vd. Specifically, Vzd is 5V, Vd is 0.6V, and varies to some extent around 6.8V. Will have.

  9) The short circuit abnormality detection circuit 291 discriminates the lower limit of the output during the closing operation of the signal output S1 of the first gaming ball detection unit. The threshold value is V9 = Vzd + 2 × Vd. Specifically, Vzd is 5V, Vd is 0.6V, and the threshold value is 6.2V.

  10) The lower inversion voltage determination circuit 2722 discriminates the upper limit of the output during the closing operation of the signal output S2 of the second gaming ball detection unit. The threshold value is V10 = Vzd + Vd. Specifically, Vzd is 5V, Vd is 0.6V, and the threshold value is 5.6V.

  11) When the signal output S2 of the second game ball detection unit is in the opening operation, V11 = Vzd, and there is some variation around 5.0V.

  12) The short circuit abnormality detection circuit 292 discriminates the lower limit of the output during the closing operation of the signal output S2 of the second gaming ball detection unit. The threshold value is V12 = Vzd × Rf / (Re + Rf). Specifically, Vzd is 5 V, Re is 1.5 kΩ, Rf is 11 kΩ, and the threshold value is 4.4 V.

  Therefore, as an example, V1 = Vcc−0.27 mV, V2 = Vcc−0.61 mV, V3 = Vcc−0.96 mV, V4 = Vcc−1.32 mV, V5 = Vcc−1.70 mV, V6 = Vcc -2.16 mV, V7 = 7.4V, V8 = 6.8V, V9 = 6.2V, V10 = 5.6V, V11 = 5.0V, V12 = 4.4V.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the power supply voltage dependency of the third embodiment of the game ball detector according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 15, reference numeral G1 is a power supply voltage Vcc, G2 to G4 are voltages related to the signal output S1 of the first game ball detection unit at the time of game ball detection, and G5 to G7 are second game ball detection at the time of game ball detection. The voltage related to the signal output S2 of the unit, G8 to G10 are voltages related to the signal output S1 of the first game ball detection unit when the game ball is not detected (standby), and G11 to G13 are the second game ball detection unit when waiting. The voltage relating to the signal output S2 is shown.

  That is, the reference symbol G2 is a disconnection abnormality determination voltage V1 of the signal output S1, G3 is a range V2 in which the signal output S1 of the first game ball detection unit exists at the time of detection of the game ball, and G4 is a high inverted voltage V3 of the signal output S1. Reference numeral G5 is a disconnection abnormality determination voltage V4 of the signal output S2, and G6 is a range V5 and G7 in which the signal output S2 of the second gaming ball detection unit exists at the time of detecting the gaming ball is a high level of the signal output S2. An inversion voltage V6 is shown.

  Further, reference sign G8 indicates a low inversion voltage V7 of the signal output S1, G9 indicates a range V8 in which the signal output S1 of the first gaming ball detection unit exists during standby, and G10 indicates a short circuit abnormality determination voltage V9 of the signal output S1. In addition, the reference symbol G11 is the low level inversion voltage V10 of the signal output S2, G11 is the range V11 in which the signal output S2 of the second gaming ball detection unit is in standby, and G12 is the short circuit abnormality determination voltage V12 of the signal output S2. Show.

  In this way, by providing the signal outputs S1 and S2 of the two game ball detection units constituting the game ball detector and the determination areas by the corresponding interface circuits 261 and 262 independently to have different output characteristics. When the signal outputs S1 and S2 are erroneously connected, the interface circuits 261 and 262 are deactivated, and an abnormality can be detected. Further, by making the current values I0, I1, I2 and the Zener voltage (Vzd) of the Zener diode ZD and the forward voltage (Vd) of the diode D in FIGS. Setting that can be narrowed to the limit is possible.

  In FIG. 15, some overlap is observed in the region where the applied power supply voltage Vcc is low. However, if the specification is limited by the range of the power supply voltage used by the game ball detector (game ball detection unit), that is, the overlap occurs. What is necessary is just not to use the low voltage side which exists.

  Thus, according to the third embodiment, the accuracy of detection characteristics can be improved by setting the two game ball detection units to different frequencies. For example, in the game ball detector having the configuration shown in FIG. 12, since two coils are arranged adjacent to each other, the detection accuracy may be lowered due to a harmful effect peculiar to a high-frequency oscillation circuit such as mutual interference or inductive coupling. However, these adverse effects are prominent when the frequencies of the two game ball detection units coincide with each other, and the phenomenon that the oscillation does not stop (is not detected) even when the game ball passes due to the influence of the adjacent oscillation frequency occurs. To do. Therefore, such troubles can be avoided by making the frequencies of the two game ball detection units different (the oscillation frequency of the high-frequency oscillation circuit).

  According to the third embodiment, it is possible to further improve security by making the leakage current and residual voltage of the two game ball detection units different from each other as compared with the second embodiment described above. become. The signal output S1 of the first game ball detection unit and the determination area of the first interface circuit 261, and the signal output S2 of the second game ball detection unit and the determination area of the second interface circuit 262 are respectively Matching independently, and constantly monitoring the output characteristics when passing the game ball at an independent determination level, for example, it is virtually impossible to cheat such as replacing the game ball detector with another one .

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the game ball detector according to the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned accident detection function such as disconnection or short circuit of the game ball detector, this is detected when the connection mechanism (connector) of the game ball detector is intentionally detached for an unauthorized purpose. This function is provided.

  As is apparent from the comparison between FIG. 16 and FIG. 10 described above, in the fourth embodiment, the abnormal signal output unit 204 causes the first game ball detection unit to be added to the normal accident detection OR circuit 2041. The outputs of the disconnection abnormality detection circuits 281 and 282 on the side (S1 side) and the second game ball detection unit side (S2 side) are input to the 2-input AND circuit 2042, and the output is the OR circuit 2041 in operation. A function to output to the outside of the counting control unit by another route is added. Different output patterns are executed when the alarm function is driven by the output signal Va2 of the AND circuit 2042 and when the alarm function is driven by the output signal Va1 when the OR circuit 2041 is driven. Specifically, for example, local notification is performed by changing the display pattern of the display 251 or the notification sound from the speaker 252, or an abnormality signal that can determine the content of the abnormality is transmitted to the host computer 4.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the operation state of the connector detachment signal in the game ball detector of FIG. 16, and the operation of the output signal Va2 of the AND circuit 2042 together with the signal outputs S1 and S2 of the two game ball detection units. It shows the state.

  As shown in FIG. 17, when the signal outputs S1 and S2 simultaneously exceed the disconnection abnormality detection voltage (threshold), the output signal Va2 of the AND circuit 2042 operates. Such a case where two game ball detection units that have normally detected a game ball suddenly have a simultaneous disconnection output is unlikely to be an equipment failure due to life or operational durability, and clearly It can be judged as an event.

  For example, in the past, illegal acts such as bringing in a different type of game ball detector that can operate the output as desired and replacing it with a regular system game ball detector have been accepted. The output signal Va2 of the AND circuit 2042 in FIG. 17 changes to the high level “H” at the moment when the connector is removed to replace the device (when the connector is detached).

  As described above, the fourth embodiment is effective when it is desired to distinguish between accident detection with contingency and obvious human trouble among events recognized by the abnormal signal output unit 204. In fact, for example, if fraudulent activity is detected in a game hall, there may be danger to the employees of the hall. Therefore, the output transmission method may be changed depending on the occurrence of a certain degree of malfunction, or individual measures may be taken. It becomes possible.

  18 is a perspective view showing an example of a game ball detector (part) in which two sets of game ball detectors are integrated, and FIG. 19 is a part of a game ball counter using the game ball detector of FIG. FIG.

  The game ball detector 3000 shown in FIG. 18 is provided with two sets (two lanes) of game ball detectors (game ball detection units) each having two game ball detection units, each having two detection coils. The through holes 3001 and 3002 are arranged by being shifted by a predetermined distance.

  Here, two detection coils are provided in the through hole 3001, and two detection coils are also provided in the through hole 3002. The four high-frequency oscillation circuits including these four detection coils are different from each other. It is configured to oscillate at a frequency so as to reduce mutual interference. Reference numerals S11, S12 and S21, S22 indicate signal outputs of the game ball detection unit, respectively, and reference numerals CS1 and CS2 indicate detection coil short-circuit control signals.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the game ball detector 3000 shown in FIG. 18 is applied to count the game balls in the two lanes 1001 in the game ball counter 1000, for example. Actually, for example, since the game ball detectors installed on each island are 16 or 18 lanes, 8 or 9 game ball detectors 3000 shown in FIG. 18 are provided. Further, in the case where a game ball counter is provided in each ball game machine, for example, two game ball detectors 3000 shown in FIG. 18 are provided, and the game balls for each unit are counted by four lanes.

  This not only responds in real time when a game ball detector malfunctions or cheating, but also checks whether the game ball detector function of the game ball detector is operating normally. It becomes possible.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of the game management system.
As shown in FIG. 20, the hall computer 4 is connected to each ball game machine 550, a unit 551, a machine 552, a game ball counter 500, a game ball counter 600 and the like via the network 8. It is connected to.

  Each bullet ball game machine 550 (base unit 551) is provided with an abnormality display device (indicator light) 25 and an abnormality detection sound generation device (speaker) 26, for example, a table equipped with the game ball detector of FIG. When the abnormality is detected by the count control unit 520 (2) by short-circuiting the detection coil of the game ball detector 510 (3000) in the game ball counter 500 and performing the above-described operation check, or each interface circuit When an abnormality is detected by the above, an abnormality is displayed on the indicator lamp 25, an alarm sound is generated from the speaker 26, and an abnormality signal is output to the hall computer 4. Note that the game ball counter 500 for each table includes, for example, one (two lanes) or two (four lanes) game ball detectors 3000 capable of detecting two lanes as shown in FIG. The game balls can be counted at the location of the gaming machine 550.

  The game ball counter 600 is capable of, for example, high-speed counting of game balls provided on each island where a plurality of ball game machines 550 are grouped, or on a place such as a counter. The game ball counter 600 is also connected to the hall computer 4 via the network 8. The game ball detector 610 in the game ball counter 600 includes a plurality of game ball detectors 3000 (for example, eight (16 lanes) or nine (18 lanes)) capable of detecting the two lane game balls shown in FIG. A large number of game balls can be counted in a short time.

  Also for the gaming ball counter 600 capable of such high-speed counting, when an abnormality is detected by the counting control unit 620 (2), for example, the number of gaming balls counted during normal operation is displayed. A display device (for example, a multi-digit 7-segment display for displaying numbers) 630 is used to identify a game ball detector in which an abnormality has occurred, and to transmit the abnormality signal to the hall computer 4. ing. The abnormality display means and the like can be appropriately designed by applying various known techniques.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of a game hall to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 22 is a diagram showing one island in the game hall of FIG. 21, and FIG. 23 is an island of FIG. It is a figure showing roughly an example of one bullet ball game machine in.

  As shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, a plurality of ball game machines 550 are arranged separately for each island 72 in the game hall (pachinko hall). For example, one high-speed count is possible for each island 72. A game ball counter (island counter) 600 is provided, and as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, each ball game machine 550 is provided with a game ball counter 500 for each ball, It is connected to the computer 4 via a network (8). Note that the gaming ball counter 600 capable of high-speed counting may be installed in another place such as the counter 71, for example.

  The present invention is applied to a game ball detector for detecting a game ball made of metal, for example, a game ball counter provided for each island, a game ball counter for each table provided for each ball game machine, or a game It can be widely applied to a game ball counting system of a hall.

It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of an example of the conventional game ball detector. It is a time chart of the output signal waveform at the time of game ball detection in the game ball detector of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of the conventional game ball detector. It is a time chart of the output signal waveform at the time of game ball detection in the game ball detector of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the game ball detector of FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a first embodiment of a game ball detector according to the present invention. FIG. It is a circuit diagram which shows the count control part to which the game ball detector of 1st Example of this invention is connected. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the output voltage and power supply voltage of a game ball detection unit in 1st Example of the game ball detector which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the modification of 1st Example of the game ball detector which concerns on this invention. It is a circuit diagram which shows the count control part to which the game ball detector of 2nd Example of this invention is connected. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the output voltage and power supply voltage of a game ball detection unit in 2nd Example of the game ball detector which concerns on this invention. It is a circuit diagram which shows 3rd Example of the game ball detector which concerns on this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the power supply voltage dependence of the game ball detector of FIG. It is a circuit diagram which shows the count control part to which the game ball detector of 3rd Example of this invention is connected. It is a figure for demonstrating the power supply voltage dependence of 3rd Example of the game ball detector which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows 4th Example of the game ball detector which concerns on this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation | movement condition of the connector removal | desorption signal in the game ball detector of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the game ball detector (component) which integrated two sets of game ball detectors. It is a figure which shows a part of game ball counter using the game ball detector of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the whole structure of a game management system. It is a figure which shows roughly the whole structure of the game hall to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows one island in the game hall of FIG. It is a figure which shows roughly an example of one bullet ball game machine in the island of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1: 3000 gaming ball detector 2 control unit (counting control unit: local)
4 Central processing unit (hall computer)
8 Network 11; 11a, 11b; 111, 112; L1, L2 Detection coil 12; 12a, 12b; 121, 122 High-frequency oscillation circuit (oscillation circuit)
13; 13a, 13b; 131, 132 Detection smoothing circuit 14; 14a, 14b; 141, 142 Comparison circuit 15; 15a, 15b; 151, 152 Output circuit 16 Detection coil short-circuit control circuit 20; 21, 22; 201, 202 Load (resistance)
23 CPU
71 Counter 72 Island 203 Counting processing unit 204 Abnormal signal output unit 240 External output unit 251 Abnormal display device (indicator)
252 Sound generator when anomaly is detected (speaker)
261,262 Interface circuit 271,272 Signal discriminating circuit 281,282 Disconnection abnormality detection circuit 291,292 Short circuit abnormality detection circuit 300; 3001, 3002 Through-hole 500 Each game ball counter 550 Ball game machine 551 units Between units 552 Machine 600 game ball counter (game ball counter with island)
2711, 2721 High inversion voltage discrimination circuit 2712, 2722 Low inversion voltage discrimination circuit CS0; CS1, CS2 Detection coil short-circuit control signal VS, Vcc Power supply voltage P; P1-P3 Game ball S0; S1, S2; S11, S12; S22 Signal output

Claims (16)

A first detection coil wound around a passage of a game ball made of metal and a first high-frequency oscillation circuit including the first detection coil, and the first high-frequency oscillation circuit according to the oscillation state of the first high-frequency oscillation circuit A first game ball detection unit that determines the passage of the game ball and outputs a first game ball passage signal;
Is arranged by winding the passage before Symbol game ball, the second high-frequency oscillation circuit comprising a second detection detection coil of the coil and the second which are provided at the first detection coil and a predetermined distance A game ball detector comprising: a second game ball detection unit that determines a passage of the game ball according to an oscillation state of the second high-frequency oscillation circuit and outputs a second game ball passage signal. And
The first signal output of the first game ball detection unit and the second signal output of the second game ball detection unit have a certain time overlap,
Each of the first and second game ball detection units is in a non-detection state where no game ball passes and is in a closed state, outputs a predetermined residual voltage value, and detects a passage of the game ball. Then, it is composed of a direct current 2-wire circuit in which a predetermined leakage current flows in an open state,
The first power supply line of the first game ball detection unit and the first power supply line of the second game ball detection unit are commonly connected to a first main power supply line, and the first game ball detection unit And the second power line of the second gaming ball detection unit are connected to the second main power line via a load, respectively .
The first game ball detection unit includes a first output circuit in which a first switching element and a first residual voltage circuit are connected in series, and
The second game ball detection unit includes a second output circuit in which a second switching element and a second residual voltage circuit are connected in series,
A game ball detector, wherein a first residual voltage value set by the first residual voltage circuit is different from a second residual voltage value set by the second residual voltage circuit . The game ball detector according to claim 1,
Each of the first and second high-frequency oscillation circuits includes an LC resonance circuit,
The first high-frequency oscillation circuit differs in the number of turns of the coil or the capacitance value of the capacitor of the second high-frequency oscillation circuit from that of the LC resonance circuit, so that the leakage current of the first and second game ball detection units is different. A game ball detector, characterized by having different. A first detection coil wound around a passage of a game ball made of metal and a first high-frequency oscillation circuit including the first detection coil, and the first high-frequency oscillation circuit according to the oscillation state of the first high-frequency oscillation circuit A first game ball detection unit that determines the passage of the game ball and outputs a first game ball passage signal;
A second detection coil disposed around a predetermined path from the first detection coil, and a second high-frequency oscillation circuit including the second detection coil. A game ball detector comprising: a second game ball detection unit that determines a passage of the game ball according to an oscillation state of the second high-frequency oscillation circuit and outputs a second game ball passage signal. ,
The first signal output of the first game ball detection unit and the second signal output of the second game ball detection unit have a certain time overlap,
Each of the first and second game ball detection units is in a non-detection state where no game ball passes and is in a closed state, outputs a predetermined residual voltage value, and detects a passage of the game ball. Then, it is composed of a direct current 2-wire circuit in which a predetermined leakage current flows in an open state,
The first power supply line of the first game ball detection unit and the first power supply line of the second game ball detection unit are commonly connected to a first main power supply line, and the first game ball detection unit the second power supply line and the second power supply line of the second game ball detection unit includes a Yu Technical sphere detector coupled to the second main power supply line through respective loads,
The game ball detector is connected, and based on the first and second signal outputs, counting processing means for counting game balls passing through the passage,
Current detection means for detecting that no current flows through the first and second game ball detection units;
Voltage detecting means for detecting that no voltage is generated at both ends of the first and second gaming ball detection units;
It is constantly determined that no current flows through the first and second gaming ball detection units by the counting control unit, or that no voltage is generated at both ends of the first and second gaming ball detection units. A game ball counting system comprising: monitoring means for monitoring. 4. The game ball counting system according to claim 3 , wherein the current detection means is
A first disconnection abnormality detection circuit for detecting a disconnection abnormality from a current in a signal output of the first game ball detection unit; and a second for detecting a disconnection abnormality from a current in a signal output of the second game ball detection unit. A game ball counting system comprising: a disconnection abnormality detection circuit. The game ball counting system according to claim 4 , further comprising:
A game ball comprising: an AND circuit that receives the output of the first disconnection abnormality detection circuit and the output of the second disconnection abnormality detection circuit and detects attachment / detachment of a connection mechanism of the game ball detector. Counting system. The game ball counting system according to claim 4 or 5 ,
A game ball counting system, wherein the current detection characteristics of the first disconnection abnormality detection circuit and the second disconnection abnormality detection circuit are different. The game ball counting system according to claim 3 , wherein the voltage detecting means is
A first short-circuit abnormality detection circuit that detects a short-circuit abnormality from the voltage at both ends of the first game ball detection unit, and a second short-circuit abnormality that detects a short-circuit abnormality from the voltage at both ends of the second game ball detection unit A game ball counting system comprising: a detection circuit; The game ball counting system according to claim 7 ,
A game ball counting system, wherein the first short-circuit abnormality detection circuit and the second short-circuit abnormality detection circuit have different voltage detection characteristics. The game ball counting system according to claim 7 or 8 ,
A game in which the Zener diodes provided in the first and second short circuit abnormality detection circuits have the same characteristics as the Zener diodes provided in the first and second game ball detection units. Sphere counting system. The game ball counting system according to any one of claims 3 to 9 ,
The counting control unit is a comparison circuit for comparing and determining the output operations of the first and second gaming ball detection units, a high-level inversion voltage determination circuit for comparing and determining high-level inversion, and a low-level inversion for comparing and determining low-level inversion It has two independent circuits for voltage discrimination circuit,
The threshold value of the high-order inversion voltage determination circuit is a voltage value determined by a voltage drop of a load when the current is a predetermined value larger than the leakage current of the first and second game ball detection units
The threshold value of the lower inversion voltage determination circuit is a voltage value that is larger by a predetermined value than the residual voltage of the first and second game ball detection units,
The threshold value of the high level inversion voltage discrimination circuit and the threshold level of the low level inversion voltage discrimination circuit are set to a current source having the same characteristics as the leakage current, a voltage source having the same characteristics as the residual voltage, or the current source and the A game ball counting system comprising a combination of voltage sources. The game ball counting system according to claim 10 ,
The high reversal voltage determination circuit compares the signal output of the first gaming ball detection unit with a first high reversal voltage determination circuit that compares and determines the signal output of the first gaming ball detection unit. A high inversion voltage discrimination circuit of
The lower reversal voltage determination circuit compares the signal output of the first game ball detection unit with the first lower reversal voltage determination circuit for comparing and determining the signal output of the first game ball detection unit. And a low and high inversion voltage discrimination circuit. The game ball counting system according to claim 11 ,
Different set values of the first high inversion voltage discrimination circuit and the second high inversion voltage discrimination circuit, and
A game ball counting system characterized in that set values of the first low level inversion voltage discrimination circuit and the second low level inversion voltage discrimination circuit are made different. The game ball counting system according to claim 11 or 12 ,
The Zener diodes provided in the first and second low inversion voltage determination circuits have the same characteristics as the Zener diodes provided in the first and second gaming ball detection units. Game ball counting system. The game ball counting system according to any one of claims 10 to 13 ,
Each of the high-frequency oscillation circuits includes an LC resonance circuit,
The leakage currents of the first and second gaming ball detection units are made different by making the number of turns of the coils or the capacitance value of the capacitors of the LC resonance circuits of the first and second gaming ball detection units different. A game ball counting system characterized by that. The game ball counting system according to claim 14 ,
A switching element and a residual voltage circuit are connected in series to the output circuits of the first and second gaming ball detection units, respectively.
By making the residual voltage values set by the respective residual voltage circuits different, the residual voltage values of the first and second gaming ball detection units are made different, and
A gaming ball counting system, wherein a threshold value of the comparison circuit of the counting control unit is made different according to output voltage values of the first and second gaming ball detection units. The game ball counting system according to any one of claims 3 to 15 ,
Provided with a function to output an alarm or signal whether there is an abnormality in the mounted game ball detector,
In parallel with the counting process of the gaming balls, the counting control unit does not cause a current exceeding a predetermined value to flow through the first and second gaming ball detection units, or the first and second gaming balls are detected. Monitor that there is no abnormality that the voltage value more than the predetermined value does not occur at both ends of the unit,
When detecting an abnormality, the control unit outputs an abnormality notification or an abnormality signal from the control unit.

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