JP5802496B2 - Game media counter - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium counter that accepts game media paid out from the game machine side and counts the number of the game media.

  In recent years, there have been many cases in which an illegal act on a gaming machine has an adverse effect on the business of a game shop. In gaming machines, strict measures have been taken and fraudulent acts have become difficult. Under these circumstances, a person who commits an illegal act may bring an illegal act not only to a gaming machine but also to a gaming equipment machine in a gaming store. A counter that counts the game media obtained by performing the game is aimed. Specifically, electronic components (including boards and the like) inside the counter are remodeled or replaced, and more counts than the actual count value of the game media are performed.

  Moreover, not only fraud but also troubles of the counter cannot be overlooked. Considering the number of counters installed in the amusement store, troubles occurring in the counters are frequently used, and the trouble occurrence rate increases in proportion. The contents of troubles vary, but there are mainly foreign substances mixed inside the case at the time of counting, malfunctions of internal electronic components, and breakage of parts due to aging.

  Daily countermeasures of the counter are indispensable actions for dealing with such illegal acts and troubles. However, in order to eliminate such daily inspections and troubles during sales, it is necessary to inspect the inside of the counter, but in order to carry out the inspection, it is necessary to open and close the housing. In some cases, the housing has to be disassembled, which is very time-consuming and time-consuming.

  By the way, the counting of the game balls in the counter is performed inside the housing which is not visible from the outside. That is, the game balls flow down for each of a plurality of alignment lanes, and then are detected and counted by a sensor in each alignment lane. Therefore, even if there are alignment lanes that do not count game balls (balls in the alignment lanes, sensor failures, etc.), the player cannot confirm anything from the outside, and all game balls are actually counted. I couldn't be sure about it, and there was a risk of distrust.

  As a conventional technique capable of solving such a problem, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a flow situation of a game ball being counted is photographed by photographing means, and the image is externally recorded on time. There is a game medium counting device for displaying on a display means. Further, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, a counting device is also known in which the outer wall surface of a unit is made of a transparent or translucent member so that the flow-down passage can be visually observed.

JP 2000-254339 A JP 2007-229475 A

However, in the conventional technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, an image of a game ball is displayed on the display means. However, such an image is not directly viewed inside, but is indirectly captured by a camera. It is just what is displayed. Therefore, there is a possibility that it cannot be confirmed in detail depending on the degree of image quality in order to use it for daily inspection at an amusement store.
In addition, for the player, the actual situation of the flow of the game ball is not directly observed, and there is a possibility that the anxiety cannot be eliminated only by indirect confirmation only with the photographed image.

  Further, in the conventional technique described in Patent Document 2 described above, since the outer wall surface of the unit is made of a transparent or translucent member, the inside can be visually observed through this outer wall surface. Even when there is no need for inspection, the interior is always visible. Therefore, depending on the type of the counter, there is a problem that the player can easily analyze the internal structure of the substrate and the like.

  Further, any of the conventional techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 can simply confirm the inside indirectly or directly. Therefore, even if a trouble occurs inside, it is not easy to find the place where the trouble has occurred, and it must be confirmed one by one within the visible range. There was a problem that.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the problems of the prior art as described above, and it is not necessary to open and close the casing or disassemble it at the time of inspection, and the internal structure and electronic parts can be easily confirmed. It is possible to improve the safety by discovering and responding to the cause of trouble at an early stage, and detecting unauthorized modification, and the player can determine the movement of the game ball related to counting. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game medium counter that can give a sense of security by being directly visible, and that does not worry about unnecessary analysis of the internal structure and the like.

The gist of the present invention for achieving the object described above resides in the inventions of the following items.
[1] In a gaming medium counter (20) that receives gaming media paid out from the gaming machine (10) side and counts the number of the gaming media, the slot (20a) is provided with a slot for gaming media ( 24), a bottom plate portion (25) for receiving the game medium charged in the insertion port (24), and an intake port (26) provided in the bottom plate portion (25) for taking the game medium into the housing (20a) ), A guide path that is arranged below the bottom plate portion (25) and causes the game media taken in from the intake port (26) to be aligned and flowed down, and a counting means for detecting the game media that has passed through the guide route (56) and a game media counter (20) comprising:
The bottom plate portion (25) is configured to be switchable between a transparent state in which the internal structure of the housing (20a) including the guide path is visible from the outside and a non-transparent state in which it is not visible. A game medium counter (20).

[2] The bottom plate portion (25) is made of a transparent material,
A display device (40) capable of displaying various images is provided on the bottom plate (25),
[1] The display device according to [1], further comprising display control means for controlling the image displayed on the display device (40) to switch the bottom plate (25) between a transmissive state and a non-transmissive state. Game media counter (20).

  [3] The game medium counter (20) according to [2], wherein the display control means switches the bottom plate (25) from a non-transmissive state to a transmissive state based on establishment of a predetermined condition.

  [4] The display control means can visually recognize the guide path from the non-transparent state of the bottom plate (25) when the predetermined condition is satisfied when the counting means (56) detects the game medium or starts counting. The game medium counter (20) according to [3], wherein the game medium counter (20) is switched to a transparent state within a certain range.

[5] An operating means (33) is provided for the administrator to cause the game medium counter (20) to perform a specific operation,
The specific operation includes an operation of switching the bottom plate portion (25) from a non-transmissive state to a transmissive state,
The display control means transmits the bottom plate (25) from the non-transmissive state when the predetermined condition is satisfied when the operation means (33) instructs to switch the bottom plate (25) to the transparent state. The game medium counter (20) according to [3] or [4], wherein the game medium counter (20) is switched to a state.

[6] An operation means (33) for allowing the player to perform a specific operation in the game medium counter (20) is provided.
The specific operation includes an operation of switching the bottom plate portion (25) from a non-transmissive state to a transmissive state,
The display control means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the operation means (33) instructs to switch the bottom plate portion (25) to the transmission state, and sets the bottom plate portion (25) from the non-transmission state to the transmission state. The game medium counter (20) according to [3] or [4], wherein the state is switched to a transmission state within a range in which the guide route is visible.

[7] The guide path includes a plurality of alignment lanes (53) for aligning and flowing down the game media taken in from the intake port (26) in a plurality of rows, and the counting path corresponds to each alignment lane (53). A plurality of means (56) are arranged side by side,
When an abnormality occurs in any of the plurality of alignment lanes (53), the display control means indicates the alignment lane (53) in which the abnormality has occurred on the screen (42) of the display device (40). The game media counter (20) according to [2], [3], [4], [5] or [6], characterized in that display is performed.

[8] A second display device (30) provided separately from the display device (40) provided on the bottom plate portion (25) and displaying various images;
The game medium is provided below the display device (40) provided on the bottom plate portion (25), and the game medium passes through the guide path and the counting means (56) from the intake port (26) to the outside of the housing (20a). Image input means (57) for photographing the route leading to the discharge,
The display control means displays, when an abnormality occurs in any part of the route, an index indicating the place where the abnormality has occurred on the screen (42) of the display device (40), and the image [2], [3], [4], [5], [5], [5], [5], [5], [5], [6], The game medium counter (20) according to [6] or [7].

  [9] A lighting device (58) capable of irradiating the internal structure of the housing (20a) including the guide path when the bottom plate (25) is in a transmissive state is provided inside the housing (20a). The game media counter (20) according to [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7] or [8].

The present invention operates as follows.
According to the game medium counter (20) described in [1], the bottom plate (25) of the insertion port (24) that receives the game medium is in a transparent state that is visible from the outside, so that the housing (20a ) Can be disassembled and the internal structure below the bottom plate portion (25) can be confirmed without removing the bottom plate portion (25). Therefore, it is easy to confirm the presence or absence of foreign matter that causes failure, and it becomes difficult to conduct illegal acts such as illegal modification related to counting of game media and illegal board attachment, etc. Can be prevented.

  It is also possible to make the bottom plate (25) in a non-transparent state in which the inside cannot be visually recognized from the outside. For example, the manager performs an internal inspection during business operation (a state in which the player can use with the power on). During normal times when it is not necessary, the bottom plate portion (25) can be maintained in a non-transmissive state. In such a non-transparent state, the player cannot visually recognize the internal structure below the bottom plate portion (25), so there is no concern that the substrate or the like is analyzed.

  As a configuration for switching the bottom plate portion (25) of the insertion port (24) from the transmissive state to the non-transmissive state, specifically, as described in [2], the bottom plate portion (25) is made of a transparent material. A display device (40) for forming and displaying various images is provided on the bottom plate (25). Here, the bottom plate portion (25) does not necessarily need to be formed entirely of a transparent material, and may be formed of a transparent material within a range where the bottom plate portion (25) is switched to a transmission state.

  Then, by controlling the image displayed on the display device (40), when the image is not displayed on the display device (40), the bottom plate portion (25) remains in the transparent state, while the display device (40). By displaying the image on the screen, it is possible to make a non-transparent state in which the image cannot be viewed through the bottom plate portion (25). By such display control of the display device (40), it is possible to easily switch the transmission state to the non-transmission state.

  According to the game medium counter (20) described in [3], the display control means switches the bottom plate (25) from the non-transmissive state to the transmissive state based on the establishment of the predetermined condition. Specifically, while in operation (when the player can be used with the power turned on), while basically maintaining the non-transparent state, switching from the non-transparent state to the transparent state based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, Thereafter, for example, the original non-transparent state may be restored after a certain period of time or based on an operation or the like. Here, depending on the contents of the predetermined condition, it is possible to switch from the non-transmission state to the transmission state due to various conditions (timing) regardless of manual or automatic.

  As the predetermined condition, specifically, as described in [4] above, if the game means is detected or the count starts by the counting means (56), the player is matched with the count of the game media. Can directly check the game medium passing through the guide path below the bottom plate portion (25).

  This allows the player to check that all the game media have passed without any abnormalities such as clogging of the game media and to recognize that normal counting has been performed. Can be given. In this case, it is not necessary to make the entire surface of the bottom plate portion (25) transparent, and it is sufficient to make it transparent within a range where at least the movement of the game medium on the guide path can be confirmed.

  In addition, it is preferable to return the bottom plate portion (25) from the transmission state to the original non-transmission state after a lapse of a fixed time after the detection of the game medium by the counting means (26) is stopped or based on some operation. As a result, a situation in which the player can unnecessarily visually recognize the internal structure can be avoided, and unauthorized modification of the game medium counter (20) can be suppressed.

  According to the game medium counter (20) described in [5] above, the manager includes operating means (33) for causing the game medium counter (20) to perform a specific operation, The operation includes an operation of switching the bottom plate portion (25) from the non-transmissive state to the transmissive state. The manager refers to a person who has appropriate authority among the store staff on the amusement store side.

  The display control means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the operation means (33) instructs to switch the bottom plate portion (25) to the transmission state, and changes the bottom plate portion (25) from the non-transmission state to the transmission state. Switch to. As a result, for example, when the internal inspection or maintenance of the game medium counter (20) is required, the administrator places the casing (20a) by making the bottom plate (25) transparent by the operating means (33). ) Without disassembling or removing the bottom plate portion (25), it is possible to directly check the state of the internal structure below the bottom plate portion (25) to confirm whether or not unauthorized modification has been performed.

  According to the game medium counter (20) described in [6] above, the game medium counter (20) includes operating means (33) for allowing the player to perform a specific operation on the game medium counter (20). The operation includes an operation of switching the bottom plate portion (25) from the non-transmissive state to the transmissive state. The operation means (33) is for a player and is different from the operation means (33) described in [5] above.

  The display control means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the player is instructed to switch the bottom plate portion (25) to the transparent state by the operating means (33), and the bottom plate portion (25) is in the non-transmissive state. To the transparent state. Here, the bottom plate portion (25) does not need to be in a transmissive state over the entire surface, and is in a transmissive state only within a range where the guide path is visible.

  The player, for example, operates the operation means (33) based on his / her own intention when counting the game medium accompanying the detection of the game medium by the counting means (56), and makes the bottom plate portion (25) transparent. be able to. As a result, it is possible to directly confirm that all the game media have passed and counted without any abnormality such as clogging of the game media. Except for the part where the guidance route can be visually recognized, it is possible to prevent unauthorized modification by making the state invisible.

  According to the game medium counter (20) described in [7], the game medium that has flowed into the guide route from the intake port (26) flows down the plurality of alignment lanes (53) that are also in the guide route. It is in a state of being aligned in a plurality of rows, and is detected and counted by the counting means (56) at the end side of each alignment lane (53). When an abnormality occurs in any of the plurality of alignment lanes (53), the display control means performs a display for indicating the alignment lane (53) where the abnormality has occurred on the screen (42) of the display device (40). .

  As a result, the cause of the abnormality can be immediately recognized and dealt with. In addition, the alignment lane (53) configured below the bottom plate portion (25) is not limited to one level, but may be configured by upper and lower levels so as to be folded back. When clogging occurs, it is difficult to recognize by simply making the bottom plate (25) transparent. Therefore, if the alignment lane (53) in which an abnormality has occurred is indicated by the above-described indicator display, the lower alignment lane (53) is abnormal even if there is no abnormality in the upper alignment lane (53) at first glance. It becomes easy to assume.

  According to the game medium counter (20) described in [8] above, the image input means (57) is provided below the display device (40) provided on the bottom plate (25). The input means (57) takes a picture of the path from the take-in port (26) through the guiding path and the counting means (56) until the game medium is discharged to the outside of the housing (20a). And when the abnormality occurs in any part of the route, the display control means performs a display for indicating the part where the abnormality has occurred on the screen (42) of the display device (40), and An image of a portion where an abnormality has been photographed by the image input means (57) is displayed on the second display device (30).

  In this way, the manager of the amusement shop opens the casing (20a) by displaying not only the display indicating the location where the abnormality has occurred but also the image obtained by photographing the location where the abnormality actually occurred. It is possible to reliably confirm the location where the abnormality occurred before. In particular, as described above, when the alignment lane (53) has two upper and lower tiers, the lower alignment lane (53) has poor visibility from the top of the bottom plate portion (25) and cannot be seen in detail. The cause of the abnormality can be investigated by photographing with the image input means (57) installed on the display and displaying it on the display device (40).

  According to the game medium counter (20) described in [9] above, the inside of the housing (20a) including the guiding path when the bottom plate portion (25) is in a transmissive state inside the housing (20a). By providing the illuminating device (58) capable of irradiating the structure, the internal structure such as the guide path under the bottom plate (25) or the display device (40) can be easily lit to make it easy to see.

  According to the game medium counter according to the present invention, it is not necessary to open / close the case or disassemble the case at the time of inspection, and it is possible to easily check the movement of the game ball, the internal structure, the electronic components, etc. The cause and fraudulent behavior can be detected and dealt with early. In addition, it is possible to give a sense of security by allowing the player to directly view the movement of the game ball related to the counting. In addition, there is no worry of extra analysis of the internal structure and the like.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing a game medium counter according to an embodiment of the present invention together with its internal structure. It is a side view which shows schematically the counting part mainly with the internal structure of the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which looked at the insertion slot of the counting part of the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention from the front upper side. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the upper part of a counting part with the internal structure among the game media counters concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the internal structure of the counting part among the game media counters concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the relative arrangement | positioning of the display apparatus in the upper and lower sides of the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention, and the internal structure located in each inside. It is a block diagram which shows roughly each control board of the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the game machine island which has installed the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the example of a display in the count standby mode of the display apparatus in the cover part of the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the case where the display apparatus in the cover part of the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention is made into the permeation | transmission state. It is a front view which shows the case where the image for a collation is displayed by making the display apparatus in the cover part of the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention into a permeation | transmission state. It is a front view which shows operation which moves the image for collation in the display apparatus in the cover part of the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the state which overlapped the image for collation on the electronic component in the display apparatus in the cover part of the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a mode that the image for collation changes in the display apparatus in the cover part of the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows an example of the error display which suggests internal abnormality in the display apparatus in the cover part of the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows another example of the error display which suggests internal abnormality in the display apparatus in the cover part of the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the case where the display apparatus in the baseplate part of the insertion port of the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention is made into a permeation | transmission state. It is a perspective view which shows another example at the time of making the display apparatus in the baseplate part of the insertion slot of the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention into a permeation | transmission state. It is a front view which shows an example of the error display which suggests internal abnormality in the display apparatus in the baseplate part of the insertion slot of the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows another example of the error display which suggests internal abnormality in the display apparatus in the baseplate part of the insertion slot of the game media counter which concerns on one embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment that represents the present invention will be described based on the drawings.
1 to 21 show an embodiment of the present invention.
The game media counter 20 according to the present embodiment is a device that is installed at a substantially central portion of the gaming machine island 1 and receives game media paid out from the gaming machine 10 and counts the number thereof. Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the gaming machine 10 is a pachinko machine that uses a game ball as a game medium, and the game medium counter 20 counts game balls.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the gaming machine island 1 includes pachinko machines arranged in parallel as a plurality of gaming machines 10 in the vicinity of the middle stage of the island frame. Between each gaming machine 10, a ball lending machine 15 that lends a gaming ball individually to the right adjacent gaming machine 10 by inserting a card or banknote is disposed. Although FIG. 9 shows an example in which the gaming machines 10 and the ball lending machines 15 are arranged in two rows in a back-to-back manner, the gaming machine island 1 is a gaming machine 10 or the like arranged in a row on one side. It does not matter.

  The gaming machine 10 is a pachinko machine that launches a game ball on a game board surface inside the front glass frame 11 and plays a game. Although not shown in the drawings, the game board surface is provided with appropriate nails for changing the fall of the game ball, various winning holes for receiving the game ball, a variable display device for variably displaying the identification information, an out port, and the like. Below the glass frame 11, there are provided an upper tray 12 for storing game balls, a lower tray 13 for receiving game balls overflowing from the upper tray 12, and a handle 14 for performing a game ball launching operation. Note that the game balls in the lower tray 13 are transferred to a ball box (not shown).

  In such a gaming machine 10, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prizes when game balls are won at various winning holes, and display games are executed on the variable display device when game balls win at the start winning hole. The identification information such as is scroll-displayed. When the display result is confirmed as a jackpot that is a predetermined specific combination of identification information (for example, “777”, etc.), a special prize state in which the big prize opening is repeatedly opened and closed a predetermined number of times is formed, and the player has a lot of A game ball can be acquired.

  In the gaming machine island 1, a top plate 2 extending horizontally over the entire length of the island is fixed immediately below the plurality of gaming machines 10 and the ball lending machine 15. A waist plate 3 is attached to the lower part of the island frame frame located on the lower side of the top plate 2, and a collection tank (not shown) for storing game balls is disposed in the lower part of the island surrounded by the waist plate 3. Has been. In addition, a display device 4 or the like for displaying game information such as the number of jackpots is provided in the upper part of the island frame frame corresponding to each gaming machine 10. A curtain plate 5 is mounted on the upper side of the display device 4, and a supply bowl (not shown) is provided in the upper stage of the island surrounded by the curtain board 5 to send game balls lifted from the lower island stage to each gaming machine 10. Etc. are arranged.

  The game media counter 20 that forms the basis of the present invention counts the number of game balls acquired by the player when the game balls in the ball box carried by the player are inserted, and outputs the count result. It is a counting machine dedicated to gaming balls. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the game medium counter 20 is installed in the almost central part of the gaming machine island 1, but the installation position of the game medium counter 20 is limited to the central part of the gaming machine island 1. In addition, for example, it can be installed at an arbitrary position predetermined as an island edge of the gaming machine island 1 or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the game medium counter 20 is divided into an upper half body portion 21 and a lower half counter portion 22, but each is surrounded by a single casing 20a. It is configured as a unit. A plurality of electronic components including various control boards and the like are disposed inside the main body portion 21, and a position on the front surface side that forms a part of the outer wall of the housing 20 a and covers the plurality of electronic components. The cover part 23 is provided in. The cover portion 23 of the present embodiment is retrofitted as a separate part from the main body side of the housing 20a, but the outer wall of the housing 20a itself is integrally formed into a shape like the cover portion 23, A part may be used as it is as a cover.

  The counting unit 22 is provided with an insertion port 24 for a player to insert a game ball. In the insertion port 24, a bottom plate unit 25 for receiving the inserted game ball is disposed. On the back side of the bottom plate portion 25, an intake port 26 for taking game balls into the housing 20a is provided. The intake port 26 is provided with a shutter 26a that can be opened and closed.

  An upper frame 27 is formed around the insertion port 24, and a box-shaped case portion 28 that accommodates a later-described spherical rail unit 52 and the like disposed inside the counting unit 22 is formed below the upper frame 27. Is provided. The upper frame 27 and the case portion 28 also form part of the outer wall of the housing 20a. 1, 3, 9, and the like, the slight differences in the external shapes of the cover part 23, the upper frame 27, and the case part 28 are merely changes in design matters.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cover portion 23 is provided with a rectangular panel display device 30 so as to occupy the most area. The display device 30 can display various images. By controlling the image displayed on the display device 30, the cover unit 23 can be switched between a transmissive state and a non-transmissive state. That is, the cover part 23 is configured to be able to switch between a transparent state in which an internal structure including a plurality of electronic components inside the housing 20a from the outside can be visually recognized and a non-transparent state in which the internal structure cannot be visually recognized. .

  The display device 30 displays an opaque image on a transparent panel, so that the display device 30 itself becomes opaque. On the other hand, the display device 30 is transparent at a portion where no image is displayed. In the present embodiment, a rectangular portion that matches the display device 30 in the cover portion 23 is cut out, and the display device 30 is integrally provided at the portion so as to be continuous with the cover portion 23 in a planar shape. . Alternatively, the display device 30 may be provided so as to overlap the front surface (or back surface) of the cover portion 23. In this case, the cover part 23 also needs to be formed of a transparent material. In any case, the display device 30 is provided as a part of the cover portion 23. The cover part 23 can be opened and closed with a key or the like for maintenance work.

  Specifically, the display device 30 corresponds to, for example, a well-known organic EL display device or liquid crystal display device. In the case of organic EL display devices, organic phosphor thin films that emit red, green, and blue light are arranged in parallel at the intersections of the anode and cathode electrodes arranged in a matrix on a transparent panel substrate. By applying a voltage between both electrodes, the three primary colors of red, green, and blue light are emitted, and full color display is possible by the additive color mixture of the three primary colors of the light.

  According to such an organic EL display device, when no image is displayed, the internal structure including the electronic components on the inside is visible through the transparent panel substrate, but some image is displayed. As a result, the part where the image is present is in a non-transparent state in which the inside is concealed. In the organic EL display device, various images can be displayed in an arbitrary range within the display area.

  A liquid crystal display device suitable for the display device 30 generally displays an image by enclosing a special liquid between two glass plates, changing the direction of liquid crystal molecules by applying a voltage, and increasing or decreasing the light transmittance. It has a structure to do. In the liquid crystal display device, unlike the organic EL display device, the liquid crystal itself does not emit light. In addition, as a display device 30 that uses liquid crystal, a so-called dimming glass that switches a liquid crystal between transparent and opaque by applying a voltage so that floating substances in the liquid crystal are in a certain direction can be used. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the display device 30, a terminal portion 31 having a predetermined width is formed along the outer periphery of the rectangle, regardless of whether it is an organic EL display device or a liquid crystal display device. Is a screen 32 that displays an image for switching the cover portion 23 from a transparent state to a non-transparent state. In addition, a card insertion / extraction port 34 for inserting or ejecting a card is provided in a lower right portion of the screen 32 of the display device 30 when viewed from the front, and one of the electronic components is provided on the inside thereof. A card unit 35 capable of reading and writing card data is provided. The cards handled by the card unit 35 will be described later.

  Furthermore, a known touch panel 33 is attached to the display device 30 so as to cover the entire screen 32, and by displaying operation buttons corresponding to the touch panel on the screen 32, an administrator or a player of the game shop can The game medium counter 20 is configured as “operation means” for performing a specific operation. Here, the operation means that can be operated by the manager of the game store and the operation means that can be operated by the player are configured separately from each other.

  That is, anyone can operate without any restriction on the touch panel 33 as an operation means that can be operated by the player. However, the touch panel 33 as an operation means that can be operated by the manager of the game store can, for example, enter a password. It is preferable to provide operation restrictions so that only those who know this password can operate. When the player operates the operation means, the screen 32 is in principle non-transparent, and it is preferable to display information necessary for the player (counting information, etc.) in addition to an image for making the non-transparent state.

  Of course, the manager of the game store or the operation means of the player is not limited to the touch panel 33 described above, and may be configured by an input device such as a button switch or a remote controller, in addition to the display device 30. Specific operations to be performed by the game medium counter 20 by the operation means of the player or the manager of the game store will be described later. Since the configuration of the touch panel itself is already common, detailed description is omitted.

  The electronic components to be visually recognized through the display device 30 are concepts including not only individual components arranged inside the cover part 23 but also various control boards and wiring cables. Inside the display device 30 that forms a part of the cover portion 23, there are specifically a main control board 100, a display control board 200, a card unit control board 400, a power supply board 500, etc., as electronic components on opposing planes. They are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other. Details of each control board will be described later. Further, an illumination device 36 capable of irradiating the electronic component when the display device 30 is in a transmissive state is provided inside the upper portion of the cover portion 23. Specifically, the illuminating device 36 may be composed of, for example, an LED lamp.

  Further, a display device 40 having substantially the same configuration as that of the display device 30 is also provided on the bottom plate portion 25 of the insertion port 24 in the counting unit 22. However, since the inserted game ball collides with the bottom plate portion 25, a part of the bottom plate portion 25 is not cut out as in the case of the cover portion 23, so that the game ball does not directly collide with the display device 40. In addition, the display device 40 is provided along the back side of the bottom plate portion 25. The display device 40 does not necessarily overlap the entire surface of the bottom plate portion 25. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the intake port 26 is arranged due to the arrangement of the intake ports 26 in the bottom plate portion 25. 26 so as to be located in front of 26.

  The bottom plate portion 25 is inclined downward from the front toward the back side so that the game ball flows down to the intake port 26 on the back side, and from both ends toward the intake port 26 in the center on the back side. And tilted downward. Although the display device 40 may be partially bent so as to be along the back surface of the bottom plate portion 25 having such an inclined shape, the flat display device 40 is the lowest position of the bottom plate portion 25. It may be arranged substantially horizontally in front of the intake port 26. In any form, the display device 40 is still provided on the bottom plate portion 25. The bottom plate portion 25 and the display device 40 are detachable with a key or the like for work during maintenance.

  The display device 40 is configured by a known organic EL display device or liquid crystal display device, similar to the display device 30, and a duplicated description is omitted, but a terminal having a predetermined width along a rectangular outer peripheral edge. A portion 41 is formed, and the inside of the terminal portion 41 is a screen 42 that displays an image for switching the bottom plate portion 25 from a transmissive state to a non-transmissive state.

  The bottom plate portion 25 (a part) overlapping the screen 42 of the display device 40 is formed of a transparent material such as a transparent acrylic resin so that the inside can be seen through like the transmission state of the screen 42 not displaying an image. Yes. The term “transparent” as used herein refers to a property in which the transmittance of light is very high and the other side can be seen through the material. However, the transmittance is not necessarily 100% if the inside is visible. It does not matter whether it is colored and transparent or colorless and transparent.

  Similarly to the display device 30, the display device 40 can switch the bottom plate portion 25 between the transmissive state and the non-transmissive state by controlling the image displayed on the screen 42. That is, the bottom plate part 25 is configured to be switchable between a transparent state in which an internal structure including a guide path described below can be viewed from the outside and a non-transparent state in which the internal structure cannot be visually recognized. The shutter 26a for opening and closing the intake port 26 is slidably driven by a motor so as to protrude from the front side of the housing 20a toward the back side of the intake port 26, but the lower side thereof is seen through. In order to be able to do so, it is formed of a transparent material such as a transparent acrylic resin in the same manner as the bottom plate portion 25 (a part thereof).

  As shown in FIG. 2, below the bottom plate portion 25 in the insertion port 24, a ball rail unit 52 that forms a guide path for aligning and flowing the game balls taken in from the take-in port 26, and the ball rail unit 52 Counting means 56 for detecting a game ball that has passed through is provided. More specifically, a tray-shaped ball insertion base 51 that allows game balls that have fallen from the intake port 26 to flow forward is obliquely provided downward and forwardly below the intake port 26. A ball rail unit 52 is provided.

  The ball rail unit 52 forms a guiding path for aligning and flowing down the game balls after changing the flow direction of the game balls that have fallen from the front through the ball insertion base 51 to the back side. In the vicinity of the bottom of the ball rail unit 52, a plurality of alignment lanes 53 are arranged in parallel on both sides to align the game balls in a plurality of rows and flow down to the back side. Each alignment lane 53 is inclined downward from the front toward the back along the foreign matter tray 54 that forms the bottom surface of the alignment lane 53, and is set so that the game balls naturally flow down.

  While the alignment lanes 53 are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, each alignment lane 53 is partitioned by a partition plate, and the bottom of each alignment lane 53 is also formed by a partition plate. The foreign matter dropped from the gap between the partition plates is separated from the game ball and stored on the foreign matter tray 54. Each of the alignment lanes 53 allows the game balls that have flowed in from the front end side to pass through in a state where they are aligned in one row. In the upper part of each alignment lane 53 near the end, a ball leveling 55 for preventing the entry of game balls overlapping vertically is provided so as to be swingable about an eccentric shaft.

  Counting means 56 are provided on the end side of each alignment lane 53. The counting means 56 can detect the game balls passing through the part one by one. Specifically, for example, a photo sensor including a light receiving part (for example, a photodiode) and a light emitting part (for example, an LED), or a proximity sensor. And various sensors such as a magnetic sensor. Each time the counting means 56 detects the passage of one game ball, it outputs a one-pulse detection signal. The detection signal from the counting means 56 is input to a sensor board 300 (to be described later) and then processed by the main control board 100, and is used for displaying a counting result.

  Strictly speaking, each counting means 56 is integrally mounted on a sensor substrate 300 (see FIG. 8) described later, and is configured as one sensor unit 56a. The game balls counted through the sensor unit 56a are discharged into the gaming machine island 1 through a discharge port 29 (see FIG. 2) provided on the back side of the case portion 28. Although not shown in the figure, inside the gaming machine island 1, a collection basket for collecting the game balls discharged from the game medium counter 20, a tank for storing a predetermined amount of game balls flowing down the collection basket, In addition to a polishing and lifting device that lifts and lifts the game balls, a tank that stores the transferred game balls in the upper part of the island, and the above-mentioned replenishment rod that sends the game balls to each gaming machine 10 is provided. The ball is circulated and used within the gaming machine island 1.

  In the counting part 22, the internal structure located below the bottom plate part 25 of the insertion port 24 is visible from the outside through the bottom plate part 25 or the display device 40 as described above. Here, in the internal structure, the ball insertion base 51 is transparent, such as a transparent acrylic resin, like the bottom plate portion 25 (a part of the bottom plate portion 25) so that each of the alignment lanes 53 or counting means 56 on the lower side can be seen through. It is made of material. Further, an image input means 57 for photographing the internal structure of the case portion 28 is provided below the display device 40.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the image input means 57 is specifically composed of, for example, a well-known CCD camera unit, and the game ball is moved from the intake port 26 through the alignment lane 53 and the counting means 56 to the housing 20a. It is arranged at a position where it is possible to take a picture of the route leading to the outside. It is not necessary to photograph all of the routes, and in the present embodiment, the game balls that are arranged above the start end side of each alignment lane 53 and flow down each alignment lane 53 pass through the counting means 56. It is arranged so that the situation can be photographed.

  In addition, an illumination device 58 capable of irradiating an internal structure including the alignment lanes 53 when the bottom plate portion 25 is in a transmissive state is provided inside the case portion 28. The lighting device 58 in the present embodiment is provided with a pair above the outside of both ends of the ball rail unit 52 and one above the counting means 56. Each lighting device 58 is arranged in a direction in which light is irradiated to each alignment lane 53 inside the ball rail unit 52. In addition, the illumination device 58 may be configured by an LED lamp or the like, specifically, like the illumination device 36. An illumination device 58 may also be provided on the mounting substrate of the image input means 57.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the game medium counter 20 includes a main control board 100, a display control board 200, a sensor board 300, a card unit control board 400, and a power supply board 500 as control boards. The main control board 100 is a control board that controls the entire game medium counter 20. The display control board 200 is a control board that controls the display control of the display device 30 and the display device 40, the operation control of the touch panel 33, the lighting control of the LEDs of the lighting device 36 and the lighting device 58, and the sound output control.

  The main control board 100 is a well-known board having a CPU 101, a built-in control RAM 102, a control ROM 103, and the like. The CPU 101 performs various calculations and controls, and the built-in control RAM 102 includes a work area of the CPU 101 including a storage area such as various counters. Further, the control ROM 103 stores programs, data, and the like related to various arithmetic and control processes. Further, the CPU 101 is connected to a hall computer (not shown) via an external input / output terminal, and is connected to a network constructed in the amusement store via this hall computer.

  Specifically, the main control board 100 has, for example, a card unit control function. This control function inputs / outputs a control signal to / from the card unit control board 400 and processes a card for specifying a membership card or a game ball count result. The membership card stores an ID for identifying the player and the number of game balls (stored balls) deposited in advance, and performs processing for reading out these pieces of information when the membership card is inserted into the card unit 35. Information stored in the membership card is stored and managed by the hall computer.

  A card for specifying the counting result of game balls is generally referred to as a visitor card and is mainly used by general players who do not have a membership card. A plurality of visitor cards are stocked in the card unit 35, and the card unit 35 has a function of storing a count result of the game balls in the visitor card and issuing a ticket. It should be noted that not only the card unit 35 but also a receipt ticketing machine (printer: not shown) may be combined to have a function of issuing a game ball counting result with a receipt.

  The main control board 100 has, as other main control functions, a function for controlling the operation of each device connected via the display control board 200, and a function for controlling the operation of the shutter 26a for opening and closing the intake port 26. Etc. Here, regarding the control of the operation of the image input means 57 which is one of the devices, the photographing, recording and stop of the image input means 57 are controlled based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. Further, regarding the control of the operation of the shutter 26a, a motor that opens and closes the shutter 26a is driven to open the intake 26 when the number of game balls can be counted.

  The sensor substrate 300 is a well-known one having a CPU 301, a built-in control RAM 302, a control ROM 303, and the like. The sensor substrate 300 has a game ball counting control function and the like as specific control. The counting control function is to execute a process of inputting the detection signals output from the counting means 56 via an internal input circuit and totaling the individual detection signals. As shown in FIG. 8, the counting means 56 is also provided with a sensor for detecting an illegal count.

  The count control function counts the number of game balls thrown into the slot 24 and outputs the count result to the main control board 100. The hall computer has a storage area for the number of balls stored based on the ID of the membership card, and each time a game ball is counted by the sensor board 300, the counting result is sent to the hall via the main control board 100. It is also transmitted to the computer and accumulated and stored as the number of stored balls in the storage area.

  The display control board 200 is a well-known one having a CPU 201, an internal control RAM 202, an external control RAM 203, a control ROM 204, a VDP 205, an image data ROM 206, a SOUND DSP 207, an audio data ROM 208, an LED control circuit 209, and the like. The CPU 201 receives a display control signal from the main control board 100 through an input / output interface. Based on this input information, the display control of the display device 30 and the display device 40, the input control of the touch panel 33, the illumination device 36 and the illumination device 58 are controlled. LED lighting control and audio output control are executed in accordance with the program procedure stored in the control ROM 204 or the like.

  The VDP 205 performs display control in the display device 30 and the display device 40 based on a display control signal from the main control board 100, and the CPU 201 gives a specific instruction to the VDP 205 based on the display control signal. The VDP 205 obtains image data in the image data ROM 206 in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 201, generates a specific video signal, and outputs it to the display device 30 and the display device 40. The VDP 205 has a built-in VRAM that temporarily stores the generated image data. Note that image data related to the display contents of the display device 30 and the display device 40 is stored in the image data ROM 206.

  The VDP 205 also has a function of processing an image associated with photographing by the image input unit 57. That is, it is set so that a video input signal accompanying photographing by the image input means 57 is sent to the VDP 205 via the interface. The VDP 205 stores image data obtained by processing the video input signal in the VRAM. The VDP 205 has a function of outputting and displaying the image data on the display device 30 and the display device 40 in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 201.

  The LED control circuit 209 controls lighting of the LEDs of the lighting device 36 and the lighting device 58. The LED control circuit 209 performs turning on / off of the LED for each LED board by performing energization control on each LED board according to the control of the CPU 201.

  Specifically, for example, the LED control circuit 209 turns on the lighting device 36 when the display device 30 changes to transparent (image non-display) and the cover portion 23 is in a transmissive state. When the display device 40 changes to transparent (images are not displayed) and the bottom plate portion 25 is in a transmissive state, the lighting device 58 is turned on.

  Furthermore, the SOUNDDSP 207 controls audio output. The CPU 201 outputs a control signal to the SOUNDDSP 207 in order to cause a speaker installed in the game medium counter 20 to output a specific sound. The SOUNDDSP 207 obtains audio data in the audio data ROM 208 in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 201, generates a specific audio signal, and outputs it to the speaker.

  Such a display control board 200 has a function of processing input signals relating to various operations from the touch panel 33 provided on the display device 30 and controls images displayed on the display device 30 and the display device 40. Thus, the cover unit 23 and the bottom plate unit 25 function as “display control means” that controls switching between the transmissive state and the non-transmissive state. Such display control means executes control for switching the cover portion 23 (more precisely, the display device 30 itself) from the normal non-transmissive state to the transmissive state based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. Further, the display control means executes control for switching the bottom plate portion 25 (more precisely, the display device 40 itself) from the normal non-transmissive state to the transmissive state based on the establishment of another predetermined condition.

  Specifically, for example, the display control means sets the predetermined condition to be satisfied when the manager of the game shop instructs the touch panel 33 to switch the cover part 23 to the transparent state. It is set to switch from the transparent state to the transparent state. Here, the operation using the touch panel 33 is classified into an operation performed by the administrator of the game store and an operation performed by the player by password input or the like as described above. Note that other specific display contents of the display device 30 by the display control means will be described in detail later.

  Further, the display control means is specifically configured to transmit the bottom plate portion 25 based on the operation of the touch panel 33 when a game ball is detected by the counting means 56 or when counting is started, or when an administrator or a player of the game shop operates. When the switching to the state is instructed, the bottom plate portion 25 is set to be switched from the non-transmissive state to the transmissive state as the establishment of the different predetermined condition. Details of such switching and specific display contents on the display device 40 accompanying this switching will be described later.

Hereinafter, the operation of the above-described embodiment will be described.
In FIG. 9, when a player starts playing a game, if a card or banknote is inserted into the ball lending machine 15 and an amount is designated, game balls corresponding to the amount are paid out to the upper tray 12 through the nozzle. In the gaming machine 10, the game balls in the upper tray 12 are launched one by one on the game board surface by rotating the handle 14. When the game balls win various winning holes, a predetermined number of game balls determined for each winning hole are paid out to the upper tray 12 as a prize.

  When the upper receiving tray 12 is filled with game balls, the player can move the game balls in the upper receiving tray 12 to the lower receiving tray 13 by operating the ball release lever on the upper receiving tray 12. Furthermore, when the lower tray 13 is also filled with game balls, the player can move the game balls in the lower tray 13 to a ball box (not shown) by operating a ball release lever on the lower tray 13. The game balls acquired by the player from the gaming machine 10 are counted by a gaming medium counter 20 in the center of the gaming machine island 1.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the display device 30 in the cover 23 of the game medium counter 20 includes the characters “Can be counted” as shown in FIG. 10 during operation (when the player can be used with the power on). An image is displayed (waiting for counting mode). Such a display guides the player or calls attention. In this way, during normal times when the manager of the game shop does not need to perform internal inspection during business, the cover 23 can be maintained in a non-transparent state by displaying an image that makes the inside transparent on the display device 30. . In such a non-transparent state, the player cannot visually recognize the inside of the cover part 23, so there is no concern that the internal structure of the board or the like inside is analyzed. The display device 30 may display guidance for counting operations for players, inspection guidance for managers of gaming stores, and the like.

  On the other hand, when an internal inspection or maintenance of the game medium counter 20 is necessary, the manager of the game store, for example, through a password input that is unknown to the player, the touch panel on the screen of the game medium counter 20 By performing a specific operation with the cover 33, the cover unit 23 (more precisely, the display device 30 itself) can be switched from the non-transmissive state to the transmissive state. When the display control means realized by the display control board 200 shown in FIG. 8 instructs the touch panel 33 to switch the cover portion 23 to the transparent state, this is established as a predetermined condition, and the cover portion 23 is not transparent. The state is switched to the transmission state.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, by not displaying an image on the display device 30, the cover part 23 enters a transparent state in which the internal structure of the housing 20a can be visually recognized (visual inspection mode). Thereby, the internal structure of the housing 20a can be visually recognized without opening or removing the cover portion 23. Therefore, it is possible to easily check whether there is any unauthorized modification or abnormality of the electronic components such as the control boards 100, 200, 400, 500, etc. inside the game medium counter 20, and early detection of the cause of the trouble and improvement of security. Can contribute.

  When the cover part 23 is in the transmissive state, if the lighting device 36 is turned on as described above, each electronic component under the display device 30 can be brightly illuminated for easy viewing. The lighting device 36 may be turned on by an operation using the touch panel 33, or may be controlled by the display control board 200 so that it automatically turns on when the cover 23 is in the transmissive state. . In order to return the cover unit 23 from the transparent state to the original non-transparent state, an operation using the touch panel 33 may be performed. For example, when the operation of the touch panel 33 is not detected for a predetermined time, the cover unit 23 is automatically turned off. You may make it return to a permeation | transmission state.

  Further, when the cover control unit 23 is in the transmissive state by the display control unit, a specific electronic component instructed from among a plurality of electronic components that can be seen through based on the operation of the touch panel 33 is displayed on the screen of the display device 30. In addition to displaying an index on the screen 32, control is also performed so that a matching image to be compared with the specific electronic component is also displayed on the screen 32. Thereby, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not the specific electronic component to be confirmed is normal.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the power supply board 500 is specified, the power supply board 500 is displayed on the screen 32 and a matching image 510 compared with the power supply board 500 is displayed. Is also displayed on the screen 32. Here, the “indicating display” may be any display that makes the power supply board 500 under the display device 30 more conspicuous than other electronic components. For example, the display blinks so as to outline the outline of the power supply board 500. It is conceivable to display a frame-shaped image. Further, in FIG. 12, parts other than the power supply board 500 can be seen through, but parts other than the power supply board 500 may be displayed and concealed.

  The verification image 510 is an image that schematically represents an electronic component to be confirmed, and may be displayed side by side at a position near the electronic component to be confirmed. Thereby, it can be easily confirmed whether there is a difference between the component arrangement displayed on the verification image 510 and the actual component arrangement on the power supply substrate 500. Further, the display area other than the display area where the power supply substrate 500 to be confirmed can be visually recognized and the verification image 510 are displayed in a translucent manner, so that misidentification at the time of verification can be alleviated.

  Furthermore, the display position of the verification image 510 on the screen 32 of the display device 30 is not limited to a predetermined initial position, and can be moved to a position that can be arbitrarily confirmed by operating the touch panel 33. It is set to be possible. As shown in FIG. 13, the user can move the finger by touching the matching image 510 and moving the finger as it is. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, a verification image 510 can be superimposed on the power supply substrate 500 under the display device 30 and compared as it is to confirm correctness. The degree of superposition here can be arbitrarily adjusted by moving the verification image 510.

  In FIG. 14, the collation image 510 is transmitted so that the difference between the parts of the actual power supply substrate 500 below can be confirmed, but the collation image 510 is flashed without being transmitted. Display control may be performed as described above. In such a case, it can be easily confirmed by the afterimage effect. The blinking speed here may be arbitrarily changed by operating the touch panel 33. Furthermore, the size of the verification image 510 can be arbitrarily changed if the operation means 33 can be enlarged or reduced. Note that only a part of the verification image 510 may be enlarged or reduced.

  Further, when the verification image 510 is displayed on the power supply board 500 in an overlapping manner, as shown in FIG. 15, the confirmed place on the power supply board 500 with respect to the power supply board 500 (the white portion in the figure). It is good to display so that the corresponding location may be adjacent in the image 510 for collation near. In the verification image 510, there is a white portion where a part of the power supply substrate 500 below can be seen as it is, and the white portion is moved so as to be sequentially shifted in one direction (from left to right in the drawing). On the other hand, it is preferable to adjust so that a part of the verification image 510 corresponding to the confirmation portion appears immediately to the confirmation portion of the power supply substrate 500 that appears in the white portion.

  In FIG. 15, not only a part corresponding to the confirmation part of the power supply substrate 500 but also a part corresponding to another part of the verification image 510 is displayed, but a part corresponding to the other part is simply displayed. It may be a hidden display. 12 to 15, the case where the power supply substrate 500 is specified as the confirmation target has been described. Of course, another electronic component can also be selected as the confirmation target by operating the touch panel 33.

  In addition, when an abnormality occurs in any part of the plurality of electronic components, the display control unit performs display that displays the specific electronic component in which the abnormality has occurred on the screen 32 of the display device 30. It is set (error occurrence mode). As a result, it is possible to quickly cope with the abnormality by simply checking the electronic component of the part indicated by the indicator without looking around all the electronic components of each part in pursuit of the cause of the abnormality.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, when an abnormality occurs in the internal card unit 35, a message including an error code or the like notifying that is displayed on the screen 32 of the display device 30. In addition, the location where the card unit 35 is present may be lit or blinked locally or the color may be changed so that the location where the abnormality has occurred can be identified at a glance.

  In this case, the cover unit 23 does not necessarily need to be in a transparent state, and on the screen 32, details of the abnormality, a message of a countermeasure, and the like may be displayed based on the operation of the touch panel 33. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17, a part of the screen 32 of the display device 30 that overlaps with a location where an abnormality has occurred may be in a transparent state, and then the part may be lit or blinked or the color may be changed.

  In addition, when the touch panel 33 on the electronic component to be inspected is touched when the cover unit 23 is in the transparent state, the display control means performs a display for confirming the operation status of the electronic component as the internal function inspection mode. It may be set to. Specifically, for example, when there is a receipt paper, a card storage, or the like, the remaining amount of the receipt paper or the card can be displayed by touching the touch panel 33 near the top. This makes it possible to easily replace the consumables.

  The player can put the game balls acquired from the game machine 10 into the ball box and carry them to the game medium counter 20, and count the game balls with the game medium counter 20. At this time, if there is a membership card, the card unit control board 400 and the main control board 100 execute processing for inserting the card into the card insertion / extraction port 34 and reading out necessary data. As shown in FIG. 10, in the counting standby mode, the shutter 26a is in an open state. For example, when the player stands in front of the game medium counter 20, the shutter 26a may be automatically opened by sensing with a sensor or the like.

  The game balls thrown into the slot 24 are taken into the inside from the open slot 26, flow down on the ball slot base 51, and fall from the front edge to the alignment lanes 53 in the ball rail unit 52. Then, the flow direction is changed and the alignment lanes 53 pass through the alignment lanes 53 while being aligned in one row. The game balls passing through the alignment lanes 53 are sequentially counted by the counting means 56 on the end side. Here, each counting means 56 issues a detection signal each time it detects one game ball. The detection signals output from the counting means 56 are input to the CPU 301 of the sensor substrate 300 shown in FIG. 8 and counted.

  The counting result of game balls may be displayed on the display device 30 under the control of the display control board 200 after being output to the main control board 100. The counting result here is also transmitted to the hall computer via the external input / output terminal, and is accumulated and updated at any time with the number of balls held associated with the ID of the member card owned by the player. Note that the game ball that has passed through the sensor unit 56a with the counting means 56 is discharged into the gaming machine island 1 through a discharge port 29 (see FIG. 2) provided on the back side of the case portion 28.

  A display device 40 is provided on the bottom plate portion 25 of the insertion port 24 into which a game ball is inserted. When the game medium counter 20 is in the counting standby mode, the display control means makes the display device 40 opaque (displaying images). In a non-transparent state. In FIG. 4, the entire screen 42 of the display device 40 is in a non-transmissive state (portion indicated by hatching in the drawing). In such a non-transparent state, the player cannot visually recognize the internal structure below the bottom plate portion 25, so there is no concern that the alignment lane 53, the sensor unit 56a, and the like are analyzed.

  On the other hand, the display control means switches the bottom plate portion 25 (more precisely, the display device 40 itself) of the game medium counter 20 from the non-transmissive state to the transmissive state based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. Thereby, the internal structure below the bottom plate portion 25 can be confirmed without disassembling the casing 20a or removing the bottom plate portion 25. Therefore, it is easy to confirm the presence or absence of foreign matter that causes failure, and it becomes difficult to conduct illegal acts such as illegal modification related to the counting of game balls and illegal board attachment, etc. Can be prevented.

  As the predetermined condition, specifically, for example, when the game ball is detected by the counting means 56, the player moves the ball rail unit 52 below the bottom plate portion 25 at the start of counting the game balls. It can be confirmed by directly watching the game balls passing through the inside, particularly the alignment lane 53. Here, as shown in FIG. 18, the bottom plate portion 25 can be switched to the transmissive state in a range over the entire screen 42 of the display device 40. Of course, it is not always necessary to make the entire screen 42 of the display device 40 transparent, and as shown in FIG. 19, only the range in which the alignment lane 53 can be visually recognized (the white area in the figure) may be made transparent.

  Whatever the transmission state, the player can directly see the process of the game ball flowing down the alignment lane 53 passing through the counting means 56. Thereby, the player can confirm in real time that all the game balls have been counted without any abnormality such as clogging of the game balls and that all the counting means 56 are operating. Therefore, the player can be given a sense of trust and security. Note that when the game balls are detected by the counting means 56, the timing is actually slow after the first game ball has passed, but the player has already passed all the number of game balls. You can get a sense of security by seeing it.

  The display control means returns the bottom plate portion 25 from the transmission state to the original non-transmission state after a lapse of a certain time (for example, 5 seconds) after the detection of the game ball by the counting means 56 is interrupted. Specifically, for example, each time the game ball is detected by the counting means 56, a predetermined time is set. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the player can unnecessarily visually recognize the inside of the bottom plate portion 25 except for counting by returning to the non-transparent state after 5 seconds from the last passed game ball. It is also possible to confirm the passage of the game ball taken in late.

  Further, the player may be able to perform an operation of switching the bottom plate portion 25 from the non-transmissive state to the transmissive state by the touch panel 33 or another operation means. In such a case, it may be set so that the bottom plate portion 25 is switched from the non-transmissive state to the transmissive state, assuming that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the player instructs to switch the bottom plate portion 25 to the transparent state.

  Thereby, the player can appropriately make the bottom plate portion 25 in a transparent state based on his / her intention. For example, when counting game balls, all the game balls are displayed without any abnormalities such as game ball clogging. It is possible to confirm by directly seeing how it passed and counted. Here, the bottom plate portion 25 does not need to be in a transmissive state over the entire screen 42 of the display device 40, and may be in a transmissive state only within a range where the alignment lane 53 is visible as shown in FIG.

  In addition, the manager of the game store can also perform an operation of switching the bottom plate portion 25 from the non-transmissive state to the transmissive state by the touch panel 33 or another operation means in addition to the above-described operation by the player (visual inspection mode). ). In such a case, the control is performed so that the bottom plate portion 25 is switched from the non-transmissive state to the transmissive state, assuming that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the administrator instructs to switch the bottom plate portion 25 to the transmissive state.

  As a result, the manager of the game store makes the bottom plate 25 transparent by operating the touch panel 33 or the like when the internal inspection or maintenance of the counting unit 22 of the game medium counter 20 is necessary. By directly looking at the internal structure below the bottom plate portion 25 without disassembling the body 20a or removing the bottom plate portion 25, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not unauthorized modification has been performed. Here, it is preferable that the bottom plate portion 25 be in a transmissive state over the entire screen 42 of the display device 40 as shown in FIG.

  In addition, regardless of which predetermined condition is used, when the bottom plate 25 is in the transmissive state, if the lighting device 58 is turned on as described above, each electronic component under the bottom plate 25 is also brightened. It can be easy to see in the light. The lighting device 58 may be turned on by an operation using the touch panel 33, or may be controlled by the display control board 200 so that it automatically turns on when the cover portion 23 is in the transmissive state. . The lighting device 58 may be turned off in synchronization with the timing at which the bottom plate portion 25 returns to the original non-transmissive state.

  In addition, the display control means is configured to display on the display device 40, as in the case of the display device 30, so that a location where an abnormality has occurred is indicated on the screen 42 of the display device 40 (error). Occurrence mode). That is, in the display device 40, when an abnormality occurs in any of the alignment lanes 53 below the display device 40, the display device 40 is set to display the specific alignment lane 53 in which the abnormality has occurred on the screen 42. (Error occurrence mode). As a result, the cause of the abnormality can be immediately recognized and dealt with.

  In the present embodiment, the alignment lane 53 arranged under the bottom plate portion 25 is one stage. However, for example, when the alignment lane is configured to be folded back and forth, the abnormality is particularly easily detected. The generated alignment lane 53 can be specified. That is, in the case where the alignment lane has two upper and lower lanes, even if a ball clogging occurs in the lower alignment lane, it is difficult to recognize only by making the bottom plate part 25 transparent, but the alignment in which an abnormality has occurred due to the display indicated by the above-mentioned index If the lane 53 is indexed, it is easy to assume that there is an abnormality in the lower alignment lane even if there is no abnormality in the upper alignment lane.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, an abnormality has occurred when the alignment lane 53 of the screen 42 of the display device 40 is transparent in a visible range (outlined portion in the figure). It is preferable to index the location immediately above the alignment lane 53 so that the location where an abnormality has occurred can be distinguished at a glance by locally lighting or blinking or changing the color. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 21, it may be displayed so as to be transparent so that only the portion directly above the alignment lane 53 where the abnormality has occurred can be visually recognized, and the other portion is hidden.

  Further, when the display control means displays the alignment lane 53 in which an abnormality has occurred on the screen 42 of the display device 40, an abnormality photographed by the image input means 57 has occurred accordingly. You may set so that the image of a location may be displayed on the display apparatus 30 instead of the display apparatus 40. FIG. The display device 30 here corresponds to a “second display device” provided separately from the display device 40. It should be noted that the target of the index or photographing is not limited to each alignment lane 53, and the game ball is placed outside the housing 20a from the intake port 26 of the insertion port 24 through the alignment lane 53 and the counting means 56. Any part of the route leading to the discharge may be assumed.

  In this way, not only the display indicating the location where the abnormality has occurred on the display device 40 but also the image of the location where the abnormality actually occurred is displayed on the display device 30 together, thereby managing the amusement store. The person can surely confirm the location where the abnormality has occurred before opening the bottom plate portion 25. In particular, as described above, when the alignment lanes 53 are configured in two upper and lower stages, the lower alignment lane has poor visibility from the top of the bottom plate portion 25 and cannot be seen in detail, but the image input means 57 takes a picture and displays it. By displaying it on 30, the cause of the abnormality can be easily pursued.

  By the way, regarding the display of the image photographed by the image input means 57, it is set not to be accompanied by the above-described indicator of the location where the abnormality has occurred, but to be displayed on the display device 30 as needed when other predetermined conditions are established. It doesn't matter. Specifically, for example, similarly to the timing of switching the bottom plate portion 25 to the transmission state, when the game ball is detected by the counting means 56 or when the counting starts, or even when the bottom plate portion 25 is in the transmission state, When a large number of game balls are thrown into 24 and are filled with game balls and the respective alignment lanes 53 cannot be seen, the image input means 57 is operated based on the operation of the touch panel 33 by the manager of the game store or the player. It is preferable to start photographing and display the photographed image at an appropriate position on the screen 32 of the display device 30 in a range that does not interfere with other displays.

  More specifically, when the counting means 56 detects the game ball or starts counting, when the detection signal from the counting means 56 is input to the main control board 100 via the sensor board 300, the main control board 100 Based on the control signal, the image input means 57 is actuated to photograph the inside of the counting unit 22. The image photographed by the image input means 57 is processed by the display control board 200 and then displayed on the display device 30 at the same time. Here, for example, if an image of game balls that flow down the respective alignment lanes 53 and reach the counting means 56 is displayed together with the counting results of the game balls counted by the sensor substrate 300, the player can visually recognize the game Anxiety and distrust that the ball is not actually counted can be resolved.

  In addition, a function may be added to the display control board 200 for identifying whether the game ball is a genuine game ball based on the image input from the image input means 57. For example, as a simple method for detecting a game ball, movement is based on the difference between the input image when the game ball flows and the background image, based on the data of the background image (image without the game ball flowing). An object (game ball) can be detected. In addition, a method is known in which the correlation coefficient is obtained in the remaining portion with the moving object region as an exceptional value (robust correlation).

  Further, as a detection method as a game ball, a method of recognizing a game ball by combining edge detection and shape verification (pattern verification) is also known. Here, in edge detection, a part where the brightness of an image changes sharply (more discontinuously in terms of form) is identified and imaged as an outline (edge) of a game ball. It is determined whether or not the shape of the image is the same as that of the game ball, and if it is the same, the game ball is determined.

  Further, when the display control board 200 determines that the game ball is genuine, the detection of the game ball by the counting means 56 is validated. On the other hand, when the display control board 200 does not determine that the game ball is authentic, the detection of the game ball by the counting means 56 may be invalidated. As a result, it is possible to prevent an illegal act such as operating the counting means 56 by inserting a foreign object.

  When the detection of the game ball by the counting means 56 is invalidated, it is preferable to determine that an abnormality has occurred and notify that fact. As a result, fraud can be detected earlier and prevented in advance. In addition, as a specific notification means, a warning may be displayed on the display device 30, but by using a voice output device that individually communicates with employees in a game store, so-called income, Without giving discomfort to other players, fraudsters can be found secretly and dealt with quickly.

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention can be modified or added without departing from the scope of the present invention. Included in the invention. For example, in the embodiment described above, the gaming equipment machine has been described as a gaming medium counter that counts gaming balls that are gaming media, but it can also be applied to a medal counting machine that counts medals that are gaming media. it can.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the display apparatus 30 was provided only in the front side among the cover parts 23, the internal structure can also be visually recognized from the side by providing the display apparatus 30 also in the side surface side of the cover part 23. You may comprise as follows. In addition, although only one image input unit 57 is provided inside the counting unit 22, a plurality of image input units 57 may be provided so that the inside can be photographed from different angles.

  In addition, as a “specific operation” to be performed by the game medium counter 20 using the touch panel 33 as an operation means that can be operated by a game store manager, an operation of switching the cover unit 23 from a non-transparent state to a transparent state, In addition to the operation of switching the bottom plate portion 25 from the non-transmissive state to the transmissive state, the display control means described above causes the display device 30 to display various displays related to the visual inspection mode, the error occurrence mode, and the internal function inspection mode. Various other operations are included, such as an operation of turning on or off the illumination device 36 and the illumination device 58, and an operation of causing the image input means 57 to take a picture.

  Similarly, as the “specific operation” that the game medium counter 20 performs with the touch panel 33 as an operation means that can be operated by the player, in addition to the operation of switching the bottom plate portion 25 from the non-transparent state to the transparent state, Various other operations such as an operation for turning on or off the lighting device 58, an operation for causing the image input means 57 to shoot under predetermined conditions, and an operation for displaying information necessary for the player (counting information, etc.) on the display device 30. It is included.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, with respect to the cover portion 23 of the main body portion 21 and the bottom plate portion 25 of the counting portion 22, a display device 30 is provided in such a portion, and an image is displayed on the display device 30, so Although it is configured to switch to the non-transmission state, it may be configured to switch to the transmission state or the non-transmission state by a mechanical mechanism, for example.

  Specifically, for example, a plurality of blind shutters or a single movable shutter are provided inside a portion formed of a transparent material, and these shutters are used as driving sources such as solenoids and motors. It is conceivable that the shutter is opened and closed by performing drive control using the, and the transmission state is set when the shutter is opened and the non-transmission state is set when the shutter is closed.

  A gaming medium counter according to the present invention includes a slot provided in a housing and into which a game ball is thrown, a bottom plate portion that receives the gaming ball thrown in the slot, and a gaming ball provided in the bottom plate portion. A take-in port to be taken into the interior, a guide path arranged below the bottom plate portion to allow the game balls taken in from the take-in port to align and flow down, and a counting means for detecting the game balls that have passed through the guide path; The present invention can be applied to a game medium counter installed on a gaming machine island.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine island 10 ... Game machine 15 ... Ball lending machine 20 ... Game medium counter 20a ... Case 21 ... Main-body part 22 ... Counting part 23 ... Cover part 24 ... Input port 25 ... Bottom plate part 26 ... Intake port 26a ... Shutter 27 ... Upper frame 28 ... Case portion 29 ... Discharge port 30 ... Display device 31 ... Terminal portion 32 ... Screen 33 ... Touch panel 34 ... Card insertion / extraction port 35 ... Card unit 36 ... Lighting device 40 ... Display device 41 ... Terminal portion 42 ... Screen 51 ... Ball throwing base 52 ... Ball rail unit 53 ... Alignment lane 55 ... Ball leveling 56 ... Counting means 56a ... Sensor unit 57 ... Image input means 58 ... Illuminating device 100 ... Main control board 200 ... Display control board 300 ... Sensor board 400 ... Card unit control board 500 ... Power supply board 510 ... Verification image

Claims (9)

A game medium counter that receives game media paid out from the gaming machine side and counts the number of the game media, and receives an insertion port provided in the housing and into which the game media is input, and a game medium input to the input port A bottom plate portion, a take-in port provided in the bottom plate portion for taking game media into the housing, and a guide path arranged below the bottom plate portion to allow the game media taken from the take-in port to be aligned and flow down, A game medium counter having counting means for detecting the game medium that has passed through the guide path,
A game medium counter characterized in that the bottom plate portion is configured to be switchable between a transparent state in which the internal structure of the housing including the guide path can be visually recognized and a non-visible state incapable of being visually recognized from the outside. . The bottom plate portion is formed of a transparent material,
A display device capable of displaying various images is provided on the bottom plate,
2. The game medium counter according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for controlling to switch the bottom plate portion between a transmissive state and a non-transmissive state by controlling an image displayed on the display device.   3. The game medium counter according to claim 2, wherein the display control means switches the bottom plate portion from a non-transmissive state to a transmissive state based on establishment of a predetermined condition.   The display control means switches the bottom plate portion from a non-transmissive state to a transmissive state within a range where the guide path is visible, with the predetermined condition being satisfied when the game medium is detected by the counting means or at the start of counting. The game medium counter according to claim 3, wherein The manager has an operation means for causing the game medium counter to perform a specific operation,
The specific operation includes an operation of switching the bottom plate portion from a non-transmissive state to a transmissive state,
The display control means switches the bottom plate portion from a non-transmissive state to a transmissive state, assuming that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the operation means instructs to switch the bottom plate portion to the transparent state. Item 5. A game medium counter according to Item 3 or 4. The player has operation means for causing the game medium counter to perform a specific operation,
The specific operation includes an operation of switching the bottom plate portion from a non-transmissive state to a transmissive state,
The display control means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the operation means instructs switching to the transmission state of the bottom plate portion, and transmits the bottom plate portion from the non-transmission state within a range where the guide path is visible. The game medium counter according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the game medium counter is switched to a state. The guide path includes a plurality of alignment lanes for aligning and flowing down the game media taken in from the intake port in a plurality of rows, and a plurality of the counting means are arranged in parallel corresponding to each alignment lane,
3. The display control unit according to claim 2, wherein when an abnormality occurs in any of the plurality of alignment lanes, the display control unit displays the alignment lane in which the abnormality has occurred on the screen of the display device. , 3, 4, 5 or 6. A second display device that is provided separately from the display device provided on the bottom plate portion and displays various images;
An image input means that is provided below the display device provided on the bottom plate portion, and that captures a path from the intake port through which the game medium is discharged to the outside of the housing through the guide path and the counting means; With
The display control means, when an abnormality occurs in any part of the route, displays the position where the abnormality has occurred on the screen of the display device and is photographed by the image input means The game media counter according to claim 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein an image of a place where an abnormality has occurred is displayed on the second display device.   The lighting device capable of irradiating the internal structure of the housing including the guide path when the bottom plate portion is in a transmissive state inside the housing. The game medium counter according to 5, 6, 7 or 8.

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